One of the most beautiful coves in northern Sardinia, at Costa Paradiso (Trinità d’Agultu): from the car park you walk down in about 10 minutes, or you can arrive by sea. Red granite rocks, turquoise water, no facilities. In high season the car park fills up early: arrive in the morning.
A former mining village, now an open-air museum, near Alghero – one of the most distinctive places in all of Sardinia. The beach is beautiful, the water crystal clear, and the atmosphere of the former mine adds a surreal touch that other tourists don't expect.
A long sandy beach between dunes and junipers, in the municipality of Aglientu. About 20 minutes from Santa Teresa di Gallura but far less busy. Shallow water and very fine sand — perfect for children.
Porto Pollo is the Mecca of kitesurfing and windsurfing in the Mediterranean — the wind channelled between Sardinia and Corsica creates unique conditions. But the beach is also beautiful for those who don't do water sports: fine sand, clear water, no limited access.
While Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu (by reservation in summer) are on everyone's lips, Cala d’Ambra – just a short walk from the centre of San Teodoro – stays more low-key: small, pale sand, clear water. You can walk there from the village: go early in the morning.
In the Gulf of Orosei, while everyone heads to the coves by boat, Cala Liberotto can be reached directly by car. Water of the same quality as the most famous spots in the gulf, with facilities and parking. The smart choice if you love the Gulf of Orosei without the excursions.
About 3 km from Cala Gonone: you drive along a narrow road to the car park, then a short flight of steps leads down to the beach. Far less crowded than the coves reached by boat, but with the same water quality as the Gulf of Orosei. Great for anyone who wants the best without organising an excursion.
The favourite beach of the Olbia locals — fine sand, shallow water, full facilities, 10 minutes from the centre. It's not in the tourist guides and has no international fame, but it has everything for a perfect day.
The fishing village on the red rock is one of the most photogenic in Sardinia. The beaches around the village — reachable on foot — are still little visited by the big tourist flows. A view of the red islet from the crystal-clear water.
A 12 km-long beach backed by pine forest, 20 minutes from Sassari. It's the beach of the people of Sassari — it's not on the tourist trail, but it offers clean sea, parking and facilities along a stretch so long that it's enjoyable even at the weekend.
We've been in northern Sardinia since 2011: write to us and we'll tell you which of these beaches are closest to the home you choose.
From October to May these beaches are almost deserted: perfect for walking, photography and, on the mild days of October, even a swim. Choose according to the wind: with the mistral head for the east coast (Cala Liberotto, Cala Fuili, Cala d’Ambra); with the sirocco, the north-west coast (Argentiera, Platamona).
