There are some fabulous beaches in Cagliari. I was born and raised in Cagliari, and this is where I live. The capital of Sardinia is more than just a hub for arts, culture, history, and gastronomic delights. Cagliari is home to some truly stunning beaches. If you’re looking for the best beaches in Cagliari, look no further than this guide.
As a local, I always find that Cagliari is one of the most underrated beachside Mediterranean destinations. Since Cagliari is in the south of Sardinia, there are plenty of beaches to explore.
We locals never miss a chance to visit one of the beaches in Cagliari, regardless of the season. We go there to sunbathe and swim in the summer, to run and bike during the fall, winter, and spring, or for a stroll any time the sun is out.
If you are basing yourself in Cagliari to explore south Sardinia, you’ll be glad to know there are incredible beaches in town, and many others near Cagliari that you can reach with a short drive. Here, I am ready to share my recommendations for the best beaches in Cagliari and nearby.
How I selected the beaches for this post: The beaches in this post are all either in Cagliari, and can be reached with a quick bus ride from the city center, or a quick drive away (no more than a 45-minute drive). Anything beyond that did not make my list, and while many beaches in South Sardinia can be visited on a day trip from Cagliari, I would not qualify them as “near” the city.
Map of Beaches In And Near Cagliari
As I have said before, there are some beautiful beaches in Cagliari, and others that you can reach on an easy drive from the city. For ease, I have created a map of the best Cagliari beaches so that you can find one near you more easily.
How to use this beaches in Cagliari map: This map points out the locals’ favorite beaches in Cagliari and near the city. To enlarge it, use your computer mouse on desktop or laptop. You can also use your fingers on your smartphone. To save the map to your Google Maps account, click on the star next to the title. You can then view the saved map by clicking on “Your saved maps” in your Google Maps. For a larger version, click on “view larger map” in the top right corner of the screen.
Now, let’s finally discover the best beaches in Cagliari and near the city.
Best Beaches In And Near Cagliari (Quick Guide)
No time to read the entire post? Here’s a quick overview that will help you decide where to go:
- Best beach in Cagliari – Poetto
- Best small beach in Cagliari – Calamosca
- Best beach near Cagliari for snorkeling – Cala Regina
- Best beach near Cagliari for families – Nora
- Best beach near Cagliari for clear water – Mari Pintau
- Best beaches for a longer day trip – Porto Giunco, Punta Molentis, Su Giudeu
Beaches In Cagliari (Bus/Bike/Short Taxi Ride)
The following beaches are inside Cagliari. You can easily get there by public transportation, by bike, or with a short taxi ride.
Poetto Beach
- Location: Cagliari
- Distance from Cagliari: a quick bus ride from the center of town
- Best for: all travelers
- Good to know: it’s the best-equipped beach in Cagliari
Poetto Beach is a favorite among locals, who visit year-round. Although it may not be the most distinctive beach in Sardinia, it’s still an amazing urban beach. With 8 kilometers (roughly 5 miles) of soft, fine sand, Poetto Beach covers a lengthy stretch of shoreline from Sella del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle) to Quartu Sant’Elena, Cagliari’s neighboring city.
Directly behind Poetto lies the Parco Molentargius, one of Cagliari’s most famous parks, and a beautiful oasis to spot pink flamingos and other rare birds. All along Poetto, you’ll find a biking and running path where locals exercise year-round. Poetto has good surfing swells in the winter months, especially on windy days or right after a storm blows through.
Moreover, Poetto has clear and shallow waters, so families traveling with small children love Poetto Beach.
Poetto is a well-equipped beach. Services you will find along the beach include:
- umbrellas and sunbed rental
- kayak, pedal boat, and small boat rentals
- beach bars and small restaurants
- showers and bathrooms
- water fountains along the beach
- stations to charge your phone
- lifeguards and parking (paid and free)
- bus stops along the beach
- various beach-front hotels
Poetto is also one of the (many) dog-friendly beaches in Sardinia. For all these reasons, this is the most popular beach in Cagliari, and it gets super crowded in the hot summer months.
Local tip: Poetto looks amazing on strong Mistral days; however, the sand flies everywhere. It looks less amazing when the southern winds blow. For a more sheltered beach, you may want to go to Calamosca nearby, or drive to Nora Beach outside of Cagliari.
Good to know: Many locals head to Poetto in the evening, when the temperature drops and beach bars start filling up. In the summer months, this is one of the main nightlife hubs in the city.
How to get to Poetto Beach
You can easily get to Poetto Beach by public transport from the center of Cagliari. Take any P bus from the city center (Piazza Matteotti or Via Roma). The bus will make multiple stops along the beach. I recommend getting off at the sixth stop, or at the next one at Ospedale Marino, for a less crowded spot.
Check out my complete guide to Poetto for more information about Cagliari’s favorite beach.
Calamosca Beach
- Location: Cagliari
- Distance from Cagliari: quick bus ride
- Best for: all travelers
- Good to know: it can get quite rowdy when it’s crowded
This is a small cove with two promontories guarding it on either side. To the west, you’ll see the renowned Sella del Diavolo mountain. On the eastern side is Capo Sant’Elia, which has a gloriously antiquated lighthouse.
Lauded for its powdery white sand – almost as soft and white as baker’s flour – juxtaposed with transparent aquamarine waters, Calamosca is sheltered from the winds. The water is typically calm and shallow, so if you are looking for the ideal swimming spot in Cagliari, this is it.
Directly on Calamosca Beach lies an old hotel (I don’t recommend staying there) and a beach club / restaurant / aperitivo place locals love, called “Le Terrazze”.
Calamosca is a good spot for families with children. It’s also an equipped beach. Here are some of the services you can find:
- beach club (Le Terrazze) where to rent sunbeds and umbrellas
- restaurant
- kiosk for drinks, gelato, snacks
- bathrooms (at the beach club)
Local tip: By following the road to the left of the parking lot, you will come to the trailhead of Sella del Diavolo. It’s an easy hike that takes about two hours round trip. From the top, you can enjoy views of the Gulf of Cagliari, Molentargius Park, and Poetto Beach. You’ll need hiking shoes.
How to get to Calamosca
To get to Calamosca beach, hop on bus 5-11 from the center of Cagliari. There are bus stops along Via Roma.
Spiaggia dello Stabulario
- Location: Cagliari
- Distance from Cagliari: quick drive from the city center
- Best for: snorkeling
- Good to know: it’s not easy to access (drive + stairs)
The Spiaggia dello Stabulario is a small rocky cove in the Calamosca area of Cagliari, below the former municipal stabulario site now associated with La Paillote. It is not a standard sandy city beach like Poetto, and it definitely isn’t a family beach.
Indeed, the cove is not kid-friendly. Access is difficult via a staircase; the shoreline is small and uneven, made of large pebbles, and the area is more suitable for adults comfortable with rocks, diving, or swimming in deeper water.
Spiaggia dello Stabulario is not an equipped beach in the usual sense. The main reference point here is La Paillote, which operates as a restaurant, beach club, and sea-view terrace above the cove rather than as a classic large beach establishment on an open sandy shore.
Good to know: La Paillote is one of the most romantic restaurants in Cagliari. It only operates during the summer season.
How to get to Spiaggia dello Stabulario
From central Cagliari, drive toward Calamosca beach. Once there, turn left and follow the road until the end (park where you can). You reach the area by car easily, but the cove itself is not a straightforward beach access point like Poetto: there’s a staircase to access the beach, via La Paillote restaurant / beach club. The practical landmark to look for is La Paillote.
Cala Fighera Beach
- Location: Cagliari
- Distance from Cagliari: it’s in the city, but access is best by car + short hike
- Best for: nature lovers
- Good to know: it’s a local nudist spot
This is one of my favorite beaches in Cagliari. It is a small, rock-ridden cove devoid of sand. There are soft stones and minuscule pebbles; however, there is no soft sand. That means sitting on a sunbed or chair is much more comfortable than tossing down a beach towel.
Since Cala Fighera is a cove, it is protected from the wind and it has crystal-clear waters. Plus, the rocks in Cala Fighera make it an incredible spot for marine life. The beach is also gay-friendly and one of the unofficial nudist-friendly beaches in Sardinia. For this reason, it’s not exactly a family-friendly spot.
The beach is not equipped at all. You will need to carry with you whatever you need for your day – food, water, and shade.
How to get to Cala Fighera
Unfortunately, public transportation doesn’t go to Cala Fighera. To get there, follow the instructions for Spiaggia dello Stabulario. Right behind the buildings, there’s the trailhead that leads to Cala Fighera. It’s a short hike to get there, but nevertheless a hike. Make sure to wear shoes.
Cala Bernat
- Location: Cagliari
- Distance from Cagliari: close to the city center
- Best for: a quick swim
- Good to know: there are no facilities at all
Cala Bernat is a small hidden cove in the Sant’Elia area of Cagliari, below the headland with the Torre del Prezzemolo and not far from the Fortino di Sant’Ignazio, one of the many hidden gems in Cagliari. It is a tiny natural cove with light sand, pebbles, rocks, and very clear water.
Though local families go there with children, I would not say this is necessarily a family-friendly spot. Access is difficult, the shoreline is small and uneven, and it is better suited to confident swimmers.
Cala Bernat is not an equipped beach. There are no beach facilities on the cove itself – nothing like umbrella and sunbed rentals, or a kiosk for food and drinks. Go prepared. More than anything else, this is a quiet spot where locals go for swimming.
How to get to Cala Bernat
You can get close to Cala Bernat by public transport, but you will have to walk the final stretch to get there. From the center of Cagliari you can take bus n. 6 toward the Sant’Elia area. Get off at Schiavazzi, near the Lazzaretto of Cagliari. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the beach.
Sant’Elia Beach
- Location: Cagliari
- Distance from Cagliari: close to the city center
- Best for: a quick swim
- Good to know: no services at all at the beach
Sant’Elia beach is one of the least frequented beaches in Cagliari – it definitely isn’t a touristy spot. That doesn’t mean that the beach is positively lovely; it just means it’s a little more private, exclusive, and intimate.
You’ll find this quaint beach close to the Sant’Elia stadium, by the Levanta del Porto pier. It has fine, white sand and clear, turquoise waters, but it is very narrow.
This is not an equipped beach, and it isn’t the most scenic beach in town. Nevertheless, it’s a nice spot for a quick swim. There are no lifeguards on duty and no kiosks, vendors, or restaurants— all of which contributes to the seclusion.
Local tip: Quite close to Sant’Elia beach is the Torre del Prezzemolo tower, built on a rocky outcrop over the sea. You can also walk to the Fortino di Sant’Ignazio, a military structure built on the hill of Sant’Elia. Dating from 1792, you can get to Fortino di Sant’Ignazio from Viale Calamosca, which is right on the way to Calamosca Beach.
How to get to Sant’Elia beach
The fastest, headache-free way to get to Sant’Elia beach is by car. Otherwise, take bus n. 6 toward the Sant’Elia area. Get off at Schiavazzi, near the Lazzaretto of Cagliari. From there, head towards Ristorante Lo Scoglio. Sant’Elia beach lies just after that restaurant. There is a small parking lot too.
Coves behind the Devil’s Saddle
- Location: Cagliari
- Distance from Cagliari: within the city limits
- Best for: snorkeling
- Good to know: only accessible by kayak, SUP or boat
Sella del Diavolo is one of the most famous landmarks in Cagliari, a promontory that offers astonishing views. If you don’t feel like hiking to the top, you can always paddle through the cerulean waters around this iconic landmark.
The coves behind the Sella del Diavolo lie below steep limestone cliffs and are mostly hidden from land. The shoreline is a gorgeous mix of rock and sand, and the water is super shallow in some spots.
If children are comfortable swimming and happy spending time on a boat, visiting the coves is a nice family activity.
The area is one of the best snorkeling spots in Cagliari. The rocky seabed, clear water, and small fish make it a good place to explore with a mask and snorkel.
Let me be clear: these are not equipped beaches, and you can’t get there on foot. Access is only possible from the sea, usually by:
- kayak
- stand-up paddleboard (SUP)
- small boat
How to get there
From Poetto Beach or Marina Piccola harbor, you can rent a kayak or SUP to reach the coves. You can also join a guided boat tour from Cagliari’s harbor. Below are my recommendations:
- Kayak tour at the Devil’s Saddle – Perfect for outdoorsy types, you’ll kayak from Poetto beach and hit all the small coves behind the Sella del Diavolo, and go all the way to Calamosca and beyond. The round-trip tour lasts about 4 hours.
- Cagliari boat tour – A fantastic tour to enjoy the beauty of Cagliari’s coastline and the Devil’s Saddle.
My post, Best Boat Tours In Cagliari, will guide you to pick the perfect boat tour for your needs.
Best Beaches Near Cagliari (For Snorkeling)
Let me be clear: there are essentially no good beaches near Cagliari without a car. If you want to visit a beach that’s out of the city limits, you will need to rent a car for the day.
Cala Regina Beach
- Location: Quartu Sant’Elena
- Distance from Cagliari: 40 minutes
- Best for: snorkeling
- Good to know: it’s uncomfortable: bring a chair
Situated less than a brief 40-minute drive from the center of Cagliari, Cala Regina just happens to be one of the best beaches near Cagliari. It is located in “Terramala,” which is in the municipality of Quartu Sant’Elena.
Cala Regina is a small cove dominated by a Spanish watchtower, which we refer to as the Cala Regina tower. You’re welcome to walk up to the tower to take in the sweeping views.
Since Cala Regina is a cove, it’s protected from the wind. It’s one of the best beaches in Cagliari to head to when the mistral winds are strong. Moreover, surrounding the cove, there’s Mediterranean vegetation, like eucalyptus and pine trees.
Be aware that Cala Regina has an initially shallow seabed that almost immediately dives into deep water. That makes it a great snorkeling spot with abundant marine life, but not the best for small children. Also, because it’s a rocky/pebbly cove, this isn’t exactly a comfortable spot.
Finally, there aren’t any facilities at Cala Regina: there are no lifeguards on duty and no restaurants, vendors, or kiosks, so make sure you bring whatever you need with you— plenty of water and snacks.
How to get there from Cagliari
From the center of Cagliari, drive along the entirety of Poetto Beach and turn onto SP17 – the panoramic road to Villasimius. Keep your eyes peeled for a sign on the right that directs you towards Cala Regina.
Mari Pintau Beach
- Location: Quartu Sant’Elena
- Distance from Cagliari: 40 minutes
- Best for: all travelers
- Good to know: there’s no official parking space. Locals park along the main road, but car parked on windy spots may get a fine.
In Sardinian, the name Mari Pintau translates to “the painted sea.” Mari Pintau Beach has truly earned its name; it’s one of the most stunning beaches in Cagliari – and all of Sardinia. The water here is the color of gemstones— jade, emerald, turquoise, aquamarine, and topaz.
Mostly frequented by locals (since it sits outside of the Cagliari city limits), you’ll rarely encounter more than the occasional tourist here.
Beware, this is a very popular beach so it can get quite crowded. Plan to arrive early if you are visiting in the peak season (and at weekends) to secure a good spot at the beach, and good parking space along the main road.
Mari Pintau is a pebbly beach, so make sure to bring a chair with you or rent a sunbed from the beach club on the shoreline. Because of that, some may suggest it’s not a kid-friendly beach. However, local children are notoriously fond of the water and love swimming – if yours are the same, this is a great beach for them. But beware, there’s no sand to play with.
The seabed in Mari Pintau is shallow, and the pebbles give way to soft sands in the water.
Mari Pintau is an equipped beach. In the summer, you may find:
- a small beach bar on the trail that leads to the beach
- a beach club that offers umbrella and sunbed rentals
- toilets and showers (paid)
- lifeguard on duty
Good to know: Like Cala Fighera, Mari Pintau is another gay-friendly and nudist-friendly beach in Cagliari. Personally, I’ve never really noticed any nudist beachgoers as they tend to isolate themselves pretty far to the right corner of the beach. Wondering about other gay-friendly beaches in Italy? Visit Nomadic Boys’ post about the best gay-friendly beaches in Italy.
How to get there from Cagliari
Mari Pintau is just a little farther down the same road that goes to Cala Regina on the SP17. Continue on the road past Cala Regina, and the sign for Mari Pintau will pop up on the right side. There’s no real parking lot, so just park along the road near the head of the trail that will lead you down to the beach.
Best Beaches Near Cagliari For Families
Nora Beach
- Location: Pula
- Distance from Cagliari: 45 minutes
- Best for: families
- Good to know: the nearby archaeological site is worth visiting
The beach in Nora is one of the best beaches near Cagliari. It’s a small beach very close to the renowned Nora archeological site, one of the most famous archaeological sites in Sardinia, near the small town of Pula. On one side of the beach, there is a rocky outcropping where you can see the Coltellazzo Spanish tower.
Directly on Nora Beach there’s the Church of Sant’Efisio, one of the prettiest churches in south Sardinia, and a popular place for summer weddings, where the statue of Sant’Efisio is taken during the Sant’Efisio celebrations at the beginning of May. You may even come across a wedding there during the summer months.
Also, right behind Nora Beach is a little lagoon that pink flamingos regularly frequent, and where Fradis Minoris, one of Sardinia’s Michelin-starred restaurants, is located.
Since Nora is well-protected from the wind, it’s a great beach to go to when the Mistral winds are strong in Cagliari. At the back of one side of the beach, there’s a beautiful pine forest that’s a perfect place to find some shade in the hottest hours of the day.
This is a truly family-friendly beach, popular with local families. The seabed slopes gently and the water usually stays calm because the bay is partly sheltered from the wind.
Nora is a fully equipped beach. During the summer you can usually find:
- a small beach bar and restaurant
- umbrella and sunbed rentals
- kayak and paddleboard rentals
- restrooms
- lifeguard on duty
- a couple of large (paid) parking lots
How to get there from Cagliari
From Cagliari, drive along SS195 heading towards Pula. Take the first exit for Pula and follow the signs to Nora, and then continue to the parking lot.
Beaches Worth A Longer Drive
The following beaches are between one and 1.5 hours’ drive from Cagliari. You will need a car to get there. While I wouldn’t include them among the beaches near Cagliari, they can still be visited on a day trip from the capital city if you have a car.
You can also read my guide to the Most Beautiful Beaches In South Sardinia for more options.
I recommend Discover Cars to find your rental car in Cagliari. It’s what I use anywhere I travel. My guide, Tips For Renting A Car In Cagliari, will help you select the best car for your needs.
Su Giudeu
- Location: Chia
- Distance from Cagliari: one hour
- Best for: all travelers
- Good to know: the sand dunes are protected
Su Giudeu is one of the most beautiful beaches in Chia, on the southwest coast of Sardinia, in the municipality of Domus de Maria. It’s a favorite of tourists, as well as locals from Cagliari (and that would include me), who enjoy spending time there in the summer season.
It’s a gorgeous, wide stretch of golden sand with beautiful (and protected) sand dunes, shallow water, and a small rocky islet just offshore that can be reached on foot (an easy walk in the water) and explored easily (as long as you have rock shoes).
The beach is very kid-friendly. The seabed slopes gently, so the water stays shallow for several meters. On calm days, it feels almost like a natural pool, which makes swimming easier for children. Behind the beach, there’s the Stagno di Spartivento lagoon, one of the spots in Sardinia where you can see pink flamingos.
Su Giudeu is also an equipped beach. Facilities include:
- beach bars and small restaurants
- sunbed and umbrella rentals
- pedal boat and kayak rentals
- restrooms and showers (paid, by the parking lot)
- parking areas (paid)
Even in high season, the beach feels spacious thanks to its wide shoreline. It’s a safe beach to go if you want to make sure to find a place where you can comfortably place your umbrella.
How to get there from Cagliari
From Cagliari, drive west on SS195 Sulcitana toward Pula and Chia. After passing Chia, follow the signs for Su Giudeu. You will find several paid parking areas, with short paths leading to the beach (some also accessible).
Local tip: Never remove any sand, shells, or rocks from any beach in Sardinia – or in the world, and don’t walk on the sand dunes. They are protected throughout the island. Want to know why? Click here.
Cala Cipolla
- Location: Chia
- Distance from Cagliari: one hour
- Best for: group of friends, nature lovers
- Good to know: it can get terribly crowded, but it’s nicely sheltered from the wind
Cala Cipolla Beach is a small cove on the Chia coast in the municipality of Domus de Maria, in southwest Sardinia. It is located just past the famous Capo Spartivento headland, and is surrounded by granite rocks and Mediterranean scrub.
The beach is mostly kid-friendly. The cove is naturally sheltered from wind (a much better choice than the nearby Su Giudeu on windy days), and the water is usually calm. The seabed remains sandy and shallow near the shore, which helps younger swimmers.
However, the beach is small, and access involves a short walk, so it may feel less practical with strollers or large beach gear.
Cala Cipolla is only partially equipped. Facilities are limited, especially compared with other beaches in Chia nearby. You will find:
- a small seasonal beach bar
- sunbed rental (in summer)
- a chemical toilet
- parking area by Su Giudeu Beach
Despite the lack of facilities, this is an extremely popular beach with locals and tourists, which means it’s often crowded (especially in the peak summer months like August). If you are visiting with children, the nearby Su Giudeu may be a better choice.
How to get there from Cagliari
From Cagliari, drive west along SS195 Sulcitana toward Pula and Chia. Continue past Chia and follow the signs toward Capo Spartivento. You’ll have to use the last parking lot that gives you access to Su Giudeu Beach, and from there walk about 10 minutes along a coastal path to reach Cala Cipolla.
Tuerredda
- Location: Teulada
- Distance from Cagliari: one hour
- Best for: all travelers
- Good to know: it’s a protected beach, but it can’t be booked in advance
Tuerredda Beach is located on the southwest coast of Sardinia, in the municipality of Teulada, between Capo Spartivento and Capo Malfatano. The beach forms a curved bay and features fine sand and clear, calm water. A small islet just offshore can be reached by swimming (though it’s best not to attempt this on windy days) or kayaking.
This is a kid-friendly beach. The seabed slopes gently, and the bay is usually sheltered from the wind, so the sea is typically calm and easy for swimming.
Tuerredda is also an equipped beach, with two beach clubs and services including:
- sunbeds and umbrella rentals
- cafés and snack bars
- kayak, pedal boat, and small boat rentals
- toilets, showers, and restrooms by the beach clubs
- lifeguards and parking nearby
However, it is also a protected beach with limited access. During the summer season, only about 1,100 visitors per day are allowed on the beach to protect its delicate environment. Of these, roughly 729 spots are on the free beach, while the rest belong to the equipped beach clubs.
The beach can’t be booked – which means that if you want to go to the free beach, you need to arrive super early. Otherwise, you can book sunbeds and umbrellas at the beach clubs and arrive a bit more comfortably.
How to get there from Cagliari
From Cagliari, drive west along SS195 Sulcitana toward Pula and Chia. After passing Chia, continue toward Teulada and follow the signs for Tuerredda. There is a paid parking area located just behind the beach.
Solanas
- Location: Solanas
- Distance from Cagliari: one hour
- Best for: families
- Good to know: it’s a good spot on windy days
Solanas is located on the southeast coast of Sardinia, near the small seaside village of Solanas, part of the municipality of Sinnai (Cagliari metropolitan area). The beach forms a wide, curved bay with golden sand and clear water. It’s set between two rocky headlands that help shelter the bay from strong winds.
The beach is kid-friendly. The seabed slopes gradually, and the water stays shallow close to shore. It is a long and spacious beach, so families usually find room even in summer.
Solanas is an equipped beach with several facilities. Located on the beach, you will find:
- beach bars and small restaurants
- sunbed and umbrella rentals
- kayak and paddleboard rentals
- restrooms
- lifeguard service and a parking area
How to get there from Cagliari
From Cagliari, you can either take the SP17 coastal road toward Villasimius (one of the most scenic roads in Sardinia), or take the SS554, then the new SS125, and exit at Solanas. The coastal road is longer and windier, but there are several viewpoints along the way. The views of the beach as you approach from the coastal road are stunning.
Once you reach Solanas village, parking areas are located directly behind the beach.
Porto Giunco
- Location: Villasimius
- Distance from Cagliari: one hour and 15 minutes
- Best for: all travelers
- Good to know: walk away from the trails leading to the beach for more space
Porto Giunco Beach is located south of Villasimius, on Sardinia’s southeast coast. The beach is a long strip of incredibly fine white sand between the sea and the Stagno di Notteri lagoon (an oasis where pink flamingos live).
Behind it rises the historic Torre di Porto Giunco, a Spanish coastal watchtower overlooking the bay that can be reached via an easy hike (you will need shoes). The trailhead is located at the very end of the large parking lot.
This is one of the most kid-friendly beaches in the area. The seabed slopes gently, and the water stays shallow for several meters, making it easier for children to swim. They also love playing with the powdery sand. The bay is often calm, and the wide shoreline leaves plenty of space for families.
Porto Giunco is an equipped beach with several services during the main season:
- beach clubs with sunbeds and umbrellas
- beach bars and small restaurants
- kayak, paddleboard, and pedal boat rentals
- restrooms
- lifeguard service and nearby (paid) parking
Local tip: For more space, try to walk away from the paths that lead to the beach from the parking lot.
How to get there from Cagliari
From Cagliari, drive along the SS125 towards Costa Rei. Take the first exit to Costa Rei and follow the signs to Costa Rei. Once you get to the intersection by the small bridge, turn right towards Villasimius.
Once in Villasimius, follow the signs for Porto Giunco and Stagno di Notteri. There are several paid parking areas between the lagoon and the beach, with short walking paths leading to the sand.
Punta Molentis
- Location: Villasimius
- Distance from Cagliari: one hour and 15 minutes
- Best for: all travelers
- Good to know: it’s a protected beach that requires advanced bookings
Punta Molentis Beach is located north of Villasimius, inside the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area on Sardinia’s southeast coast. The beach forms a small curved cove with fine pale sand, clear water, and large granite rocks around the bay.
This is one of the most kid-friendly beaches in Villasimius, where the seabed slopes gradually and the water is very shallow, making swimming easier for children. The bay is also sheltered from the wind, so the sea is usually calm even when other beaches along the coast have choppy waters.
Punta Molentis is an equipped beach, though facilities are somewhat limited. Here’s what you will find:
- a main beach kiosk serving drinks and light meals
- a kiosk on the way to the beach
- restrooms near the main access point
- umbrella and sunbed rentals
- boat and zodiac excursions departing from the beach
- paid parking
- lifeguard on duty
Another thing to keep in mind is that this is a protected beach with limited access. Only about 600 visitors per day and around 200 cars are allowed to enter, and visits must be booked in advance via the website of the Comune di Villasimius. Upon booking, you’ll have to indicate your car plate and the number of visitors, and pay a small fee for each visitor (plus the parking fee).
How to get there from Cagliari
From Cagliari, drive along the SS125 towards Costa Rei. Take the first exit to Costa Rei and follow the signs to Costa Rei. Once you get to the intersection after the tiny bridge, continue straight towards Costa Rei, then follow the signs to Cala Sinzias.
Continue driving along the panoramic road. The (dirt) road to Punta Molentis will be on your right, and it’s a sharp turn. Once you get to the parking lot, it’s a 10-minute walk to the beach.
Cala Pira
- Location: Costa Rei
- Distance from Cagliari: one hour and 10 minutes
- Best for: families
- Good to know: occasionally, dolphins can be spotted from the shore
Cala Pira Beach is located on the southeast coast of Sardinia, in the municipality of Castiadas and close to Costa Rei. The beach forms a small bay of golden sand and clear water, bordered by low dunes and Mediterranean scrub. At the northern end, there’s a Spanish watchtower that was built in the 17th century to monitor the coastline.
This is a fairly family-friendly beach. The seabed slopes gently, and the water is quite shallow close to shore, which makes it suitable for children and casual swimmers. It’s also one of the best snorkeling spots in southern Sardinia. The bay is partly protected by rocky headlands, so the sea is calm even on windy days.
Cala Pira is a partially equipped beach. There are some simple but useful facilities during the summer season:
- a small beach bar and a simple restaurant
- sunbed and umbrella rentals
- kayak and paddleboard rentals
- restrooms
- lifeguards
- paid parking near the entrance
Good to know: This is a fairly small beach that can get incredibly crowded in the summer months. Plan to be there early to find a good spot at the beach.
How to get there from Cagliari
From Cagliari, drive east along the SS125 Var toward Muravera. Take the first exit to Costa Rei and follow the signs to Costa Rei. Once you get to the first intersection (by the tiny bridge), go straight.
At the next intersection, turn right onto the main road following signs for Cala Pira near Castiadas. The road leads to a parking area behind the beach. There’s a short walk across the dunes to reach the sand.
Local tip: The parking area by Cala Pira gets packed in the summer. Never leave your car on the side of the road or outside the parking area. Local police patrol the area and fine any car that’s not parked appropriately.
Cala di Monte Turno
- Location: Costa Rei
- Distance from Cagliari: one hour
- Best for: all travelers
- Good to know: it’s more sheltered from the wind compared to other nearby beaches
Cala di Monte Turno Beach is located on the southeast coast of Sardinia in the municipality of Castiadas, not far from Costa Rei, one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in South Sardinia. The beach forms a wide curved bay with golden sand and clear turquoise water, framed by low rocky headlands and Mediterranean vegetation.
While small, this is a fairly family-friendly beach. The seabed slopes gradually, and the water remains shallow close to the shore, so children can play and swim safely. The bay is naturally sheltered, so the sea is typically calm compared with more exposed beaches nearby, such as the main beach in Costa Rei.
Cala di Monte Turno is a partially equipped beach. Here are some of the services you can find during the summer season:
- a beach bar and restaurant (it’s called Iki Beach, and it’s super nice)
- sunbed and umbrella rentals
- kayak and paddleboard rentals
- restrooms
- parking area near the beach
- lifeguard on duty
Good to know: Cala di Monte Turno is small but very popular, so it can get quite crowded in the peak summer months.
How to get there from Cagliari
From Cagliari, drive east along the SS125 Var toward Muravera. Take the first exit to Costa Rei and follow the signs to Costa Rei. Once you get to the tiny bridge, continue straight. Turn left at the intersection, following the signs to Costa Rei again.
Turn off the main road following signs for Cala Monte Turno – access will be on your right. The parking area is just behind the beach. There’s a short trail that goes to the beach.
Scoglio di Peppino / Santa Giusta
- Location: Costa Rei
- Distance from Cagliari: one hour and 10 minutes
- Best for: snorkeling
- Good to know: it gets extremely crowded – Santa Giusta is a better spot for more space
Santa Giusta Beach, often called Scoglio di Peppino, is located in Costa Rei, part of the municipality of Muravera, on Sardinia’s southeast coast. The beach is known for its pale sand and the large flat rock formation just offshore called Scoglio di Peppino, which rises from the shallow turquoise water. It’s a fantastic spot to take in the views of the coast and for snorkeling.
It’s a kid-friendly beach, since the seabed slopes gently and the water remains shallow for a long stretch, often forming natural sandbars. Children can walk far into the sea while still standing, which makes swimming easier and safer – plus it’s a nicely sheltered spot.
The only services in the area are for the guests of the two large resorts, but if you walk further along the beach, you will find some kiosks for food and drinks. Otherwise, it’s fairly limited:
- lifeguard on duty
- large parking area by the beach
Local tip: The free beach stretch where the Scoglio di Peppino is located is really small and gets overwhelmingly crowded, because there are two large resorts in the area. On the other side of the rock formations, Santa Giusta Beach is much quieter.
How to get there from Cagliari
From Cagliari, drive east along the scenic SS125 Var toward Muravera. Take the first exit to Costa Rei and follow the signs to Costa Rei. The road to Santa Giusta Beach will be on your right. The (paid) parking lot is located behind the beach, and there’s a short trail from there to the beach.
A Note on Beaches That Aren’t Near Cagliari
Some guides I have come across include beaches from the Gulf of Orosei among the beaches near Cagliari. In reality, those beaches are more than two hours away and cannot be visited on a practical day trip from Cagliari.
To give you a realistic picture: the closest access point to the Baunei Coast from Cagliari is Santa Maria Navarrese, which is a 2-hour drive with no traffic. From there, it’s either a boat trip or a strenuous 2-hour hike (minimum) from the Golgo Plateau to reach the nearest beach. I fail to see why anyone would suggest that these are beaches near Cagliari.
Local tip: If you wish to visit the beaches of the Gulf of Orosei (Cala Luna, Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu, Cala Biriala, and Cala Sisine among others), you should use Cala Gonone or Santa Maria Navarrese as your base, and either hop on a boat tour from there or embark on a hike from the Golgo Plateau.
FAQs on Beaches In Cagliari
Yes. There are some lovely beaches in Cagliari. Poetto Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the Mediterranean, with 8 km (almost 5 miles) of sand, clear water, and many beach clubs. Cagliari also has smaller coves like Calamosca Beach and the rocky inlets around Sella del Diavolo, popular for swimming and snorkeling.
The closest beaches in Cagliari are minutes from the city center. Poetto Beach is about 10 minutes by car or bus. Calamosca Beach is around 15 minutes away. Larger beaches in the Villasimius and Costa Rei areas are roughly 1 hour from Cagliari.
Of course. You can swim easily in Poetto Beach, the main beach of Cagliari, known for its clear, shallow water. Smaller coves like Calamosca Beach and the coves around Sella del Diavolo are also popular local spots for swimming and snorkeling.
No — apart from Poetto and Calamosca, which are within the city limits, virtually all the best beaches near Cagliari require a car. Public transportation options outside the city are limited.
Final Remarks on Cagliari Beaches
There are some fantastic beaches in Cagliari. This is one of the few Mediterranean cities where good beaches are part of everyday life. Just minutes from the center, Poetto Beach offers a long stretch of sand, clear water, and easy access by bus or bike. Nearby Calamosca Beach is smaller and more sheltered, popular for a quick swim close to town.
On top of that, there are many beautiful beaches near Cagliari, a quick drive away. Along the coastal road toward Villasimius, you’ll find clear-water spots such as Mari Pintau and Cala Regina. Heading southwest, Nora Beach offers calm water next to one of Sardinia’s most important archaeological sites.
The variety is what makes Cagliari beaches special. Sandy city beaches, quiet coves, and scenic bays are all within easy reach, often a quick bus ride from the city center.
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Claudia Tavani
Claudia Tavani was born and raised in Sardinia, and after moving between the United States and the United Kingdom, she's now back living in her hometown, Cagliari. She's a travel blogger and certified travel designer who loves planning trips and publishing guides, travel tips, and packing lists so that you don't have to. Owner of Strictly Sardinia, cat mom to Minnie. Loves pizza, hiking, archeology, cities, beaches, swimming, and running. Hates peppers.