A small town in winter, a busy tourist hotspot in summer — this is Villasimius, one of the most popular holiday destinations in southern Sardinia.
There is plenty to do in and around Villasimius, from hiking and boat trips to simply spending long days by the sea. You could easily try a different beach every day of your trip and still not see them all.
The beaches in Villasimius are the main reason people come. You’ll find long stretches of sand with shallow water, as well as smaller coves — all with clear water and typical Mediterranean scenery.
Everything is within a short distance (though renting a car will make your life significantly easier), and the town has everything you need for a comfortable stay, which makes it an easy place to base yourself.
I know this area well. Villasimius is an easy day trip from Cagliari, and it’s just next to Costa Rei, where I’ve been spending my summers since I was a child. Over the years, I’ve explored Villasimius beaches countless times, in different seasons and conditions.
This guide is for you if you want to understand which beaches in Villasimius are actually worth your time, how they differ from each other, and how to pick the right one based on your travel style.
Curious to discover the best Villasimius beaches? Keep reading.
Staying in Villasimius? My Guide To Villasimius includes ideas on activities, accommodation and restaurants.
If you are traveling to south Sardinia in the summer, my post, The Best Beaches In South Sardinia, will show you a selection of further beaches you should check out during your trip.
Quick Answer: Best Beaches in Villasimius
If you don’t want to read the full guide, here are the best beaches in Villasimius based on what you’re looking for:
| Beach | Best for | Services | Need to book? | My take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porto Giunco | First-timers, families | Yes | No | The best all-round beach |
| Punta Molentis | Scenery, snorkeling | Yes | Yes (June to September) | The most beautiful, but plan ahead |
| Simius | Easy beach near town | Yes | No | The easiest option |
| Campulongu | Families, sunset | Some | No | Relaxed and less chaotic |
| Porto Sa Ruxi | Coves, snorkeling | Limited | Yes (June to September) | Great if you want something quieter |
| Cala Caterina | Small coves | Limited | No | Best early morning |
| Campus | Families, shallow water | Yes | No | Practical and spacious |
| Timi Ama | Calm water, comfort | Yes | No | Easy, similar to Porto Giunco |
| Spiaggia del Riso | Close to the marina | Yes | No | Nice, convenient, skip it if you have limited time |
Short on time?
- Go to Porto Giunco if it’s your first time
- Choose Punta Molentis if you want the most scenic beach
- Pick Simius if you want something easy and stress-free
How To Choose The Right Villasimius Beach
The beaches in Villasimius vary a lot, and choosing the right one makes a big difference.
Distances in Villasimius are fairly short, but access, crowds, and layout vary a lot. Here’s how to pick the right one.
- If you want the classic Sardinia beach → go to Porto Giunco: Long, sandy, shallow, and easy. The safest choice if it’s your first time in the area.
- If you care about scenery and photos → pick Punta Molentis: The most beautiful, but also the most regulated. Go early and book a spot in advance in the summer.
- If you don’t want to deal with logistics → Simius or Porto Giunco: Simius is close to town, and both have easy access, full services. Simple and reliable.
- If you prefer smaller coves → Porto Sa Ruxi or Cala Caterina: More intimate, better for snorkeling, but less spacious.
- If you are traveling with kids → Campus or Porto Giunco: Shallow water, easy access, and enough space to move around.
- If you want something less crowded → Campulongu, Cava Usai or Piscadeddus: Still popular, but usually more relaxed than Porto Giunco. Cava Usai and Piscadeddus aren’t as crowded.
The Best Beaches In Villasimius
Porto Giunco
One of the best beaches in Villasimius for families with kids, Porto Giunco beach has it all: shallow waters safe for swimming, soft sand excellent for playing, and lots of space to run back and forth, since it’s one of the longest beaches in the area.
Of course, everything is immersed in the amazing Sardinian nature, and the pristine, turquoise water completing the scenery will have you wow many times.
The majority of visitors usually stop at the sides of the beach (they are easier to access and closer to the parking lot) making them quite crowded. If you prefer having a bit more space, walk towards the center of Porto Giunco Beach.
The beach is nicely serviced with beach clubs where you can rent umbrellas and sun-beds, kiosks where you can get food and drinks, and you will find showers and toilets. They even have places where you can rent SUP and kayaks.
An easy trail starting at the very end of the parking lot will take you to a panoramic point where an Aragonese Watchtower from the 17th century is located. The view from up there are absolutely breathtaking.
What to expect
- easy access and (paid) parking (but it fills up early)
- beach clubs, rentals, and kiosks
- long beach, but crowded in peak season
- shallow, calm water
Local tip
Most people stop near the first access points. Walk a bit and you’ll find more space, even in summer.
My post, A Short Guide To Porto Giunco, shares more information about this beach.
Spiaggia del Riso
This beach takes its name from its unusual sand, made up of small, rice-shaped grains that give it a different look and texture compared to other beaches in Villasimius.
Spiaggia del Riso is located right by the marina and within easy reach of the town, which makes it one of the most convenient Villasimius beaches. The water is generally calm and shallow, so it’s a good beach to spend your time if you have kids and for a quick, relaxed swim without much planning.
That said, the setting is less scenic than beaches like Porto Giunco or Punta Molentis, and the proximity to the port means it doesn’t have the same “wild” feel.
What to expect
- easy access, even on foot from town
- beach clubs, kiosks, and rentals
- calm, shallow water
Local tip
Good option if you want a quick beach stop without driving — but if you’re in Villasimius for the first time, prioritize other beaches first.
Campulongu
This is a long, sandy beach just south of Spiaggia del Riso, with fine, light-colored sand and a wide, open feel. The water at Campulongu is shallow for quite a stretch, which means it’s a suitable for families. However, parts of the seabed are rocky, especially toward the edges — worth keeping in mind if you plan to swim or snorkel.
With several Villasimius hotels nearby, it’s one of the more popular beaches in Villasimius, but it usually feels more relaxed than Porto Giunco, even in summer. The space helps, and it’s easier to find a quieter spot if you walk a bit.
What to expect
- easy access and parking
- beach clubs and a couple of places to eat
- plenty of space, even when busy
Local tip
Stay for sunset if you can — this is one of the best beaches in Villasimius to watch the light change at the end of the day.
Punta Molentis
Another beach of the Protected Marine Area of Capo Carbonara, Punta Molentis got its name from the donkey (molenti, in Sardinian) that was used to transport the granite extracted from the nearby mines.
This is one of my favorite beaches in Sardinia, and not a summer goes by without a visit – in fact, I often go even in the off season, because it’s so pretty.
The beach is actually made of two small coves and is slowly receding because of erosion and careless tourism practices.
For this reason, Villasimius municipality has decided to cap the number of daily visitors to Punta Molentis to no more than 290 per day: 190 can arrive by land (car or motorbike) and pay for the parking spot, and 100 can arrive by boat. They all have to pay a small fee.
Once at the beach, you will find a lovely kiosk where you can buy food and drinks directly on the beach, on its northern side, and a smaller one closer to the parking lot which is a 10-minute walk from the beach. Toilets are on the hill right behind the beach.
Since the new 2026 regulations came into effect, access to Punta Molentis is no longer managed through advanced reservations. Entry is now on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you want to spend the day there, you should arrive as early as possible.
There are also new restrictions on beach equipment: only one umbrella per family group is allowed.
Boat tours of the coast, nearby beaches and islands (Isola dei Cavoli) depart regularly directly from the beach (no need to book in advance).
Make sure to walk up the hill behind the kiosk to get stunning views from above. The best light for photos is between 12:00 and 2:00 pm.
What to expect
- limited daily access in summer (no booking allowed)
- small beach, fills up quickly
- some good services
- very clear water, great for snorkeling
Local tip
A practical way to secure a spot at Punta Molentis is to reserve umbrellas and sun loungers at Chiosco I Due Mari. Reservations can be made by phone or WhatsApp at +39 393 407 7632.
My post The Best Guide To Punta Molentis shares even more information that will help you make the most of this stunning cove.
Simius
This is the main beach of Villasimius, inside the Protected Marine Area of Capo Carbonara, and one of the easiest to access, just a short distance from the town.
Simius a long stretch of soft sand with shallow, clear water, which makes it a very good option for families and anyone looking for a straightforward beach day. Because of its size and layout, it can handle large numbers of visitors, though it still gets busy in peak season.
It’s also one of the most active beaches in the area, with plenty of opportunities for water sports (and spots where you can rent kayaks, SUPs etc). Just behind it, the Notteri pond is worth a quick look, especially outside the summer months when pink flamingos are easier to spot.
What to expect
- very easy access and parking
- beach clubs, rentals, and water sports
- long shoreline, but busy in summer
Local tip
If you want something easy and don’t feel like planning, this is the safest choice — but for a more scenic setting, head elsewhere.
Timi Ama
This beach is located just next to Porto Giunco, surrounded by Mediterranean maquis, but feels more enclosed, with some of the most famous beach resorts in Sardinia right behind it and a slightly more low-key atmosphere.
The setting is very protected, and the water is usually calm and shallow, which makes it a comfortable option for a relaxed beach day. It’s not as wide or open as nearby beaches, but it feels more controlled and less exposed.
Because of the nearby hotels, part of the beach is organized with beach clubs and other services, and it’s a bit smaller compared to other beaches in Villasimius.
What to expect
- calm, shallow water
- beach clubs and resort services
- smaller beach
Local tip
Good choice if you want comfort and calm water — but if you’re after a more natural setting, Porto Giunco next door is the better pick.
Porto Sa Ruxi
A small, nice beach made of fine sand and pebbles, part of the Protected Marine Area of Capo Carbonara, Porto Sa Ruxi is actually a bit outside Villasimius. The name means “port of the (female) donkey”. The water at this beach is crystal-clear, and the seabed will offer you some incredible snorkeling experiences.
Sunsets in Porto Sa Ruxi are especially stunning.
Access to Porto Sa Ruxi is limited to 450 persons per day and there is a small fee to pay to access this beach. To reserve your spot at Porto Sa Ruxi, you have to visit the official website of the Comune di Villasimius. You will have to specify your plate number and how many visitors are traveling with you.
Make sure to arrive there extra early to get a spot and bring whatever you need for the day – though you will find a kiosk hidden in the vegetation that serves food and drinks (and that has bathrooms) and a very small beach club.
What to expect
- limited access in the summer (booking required)
- small coves rather than one long beach
- very clear water, good for snorkeling
- minimal services
Local tip
It’s a better choice than Punta Molentis if you want something scenic but slightly less crowded — just be ready to book.
Cala Caterina
Cala Caterina is made up of two small coves right next to each other, each with a slightly different feel.
One has soft, light-colored sand and is more protected, so the water is usually calm. The other is rockier and more exposed to the wind, but much better for snorkeling thanks to the clear water and the seabed.
The setting is one of the nicest in Villasimius, with granite rocks, clear water, and Mediterranean vegetation all around. It’s smaller than the main beaches, so it fills up quickly in summer, especially from mid-morning onwards.
What to expect
- small coves with limited space
- no real services
- excellent water clarity
Local tip
Go early if you want a spot on the sand — or head to the rocky side if you’re there mainly to swim and snorkel.
Cala Santo Stefano
Cala Santo Stefano is a small cove along the coast near Villasimius, with a mix of sand and rocks and very clear water.
It’s much smaller than the main beaches in Villasimius, and it doesn’t have the same visual impact as places like Porto Giunco or Punta Molentis, but it can be a good alternative if you want something quieter. The seabed becomes rocky quite quickly, which makes it better for swimming and snorkeling than for simply lying on the sand.
It’s not the easiest beach to access, and there are no real services, so it works best if you don’t mind keeping things simple.
What to expect
- small cove with limited space
- mix of sand and rocks
- no services
- clear water, good for snorkeling
Local tip
Better as a short stop than a full beach day — come for a swim, then move on to one of the larger beaches nearby.
Campus
This is a long, sandy beach just outside Villasimius, and one of the easiest beaches in Villasimius if you want to spend a full day by the sea.
The water at Campus is shallow and usually calm, which makes it a good beach option for families and less confident swimmers. You’ll often see fish close to the shore, especially in the morning when the water is clearer.
This is also one of the most sheltered beaches in Villasimius, so it’s a reliable choice when other beaches are affected by the wind. For that reason, it tends to get busy in summer, particularly from late morning onwards.
What to expect
- easy access and parking
- beach clubs, rentals, and places to eat
- plenty of space, even when busy
Local tip
If it’s a windy day and other beaches look rough, come here — the sea is often noticeably calmer.
Cava Usai
This is a small, rocky beach just outside Villasimius. While its scenery is certainly stunning, Cava Usai not the most comfortable beach in Villasimius. The coastline here is made of smooth granite rocks rather than sand, and the water is incredibly clear, making it one of the best spots for snorkeling in Southern Sardinia.
There are no real services and no shade – so you will need to pack some food, water, snacks and carry an umbrella. Access is a bit uneven and requires a bit of a hike, so it’s not ideal for families or anyone looking for an easy beach day. On the other hand, it tends to be quieter than the main beaches, even in August – it’s easily one of the most secluded beaches in Sardinia.
If you enjoy swimming in clear water and don’t mind a bit of scrambling over rocks, it’s worth the effort — just don’t expect a classic beach setup or fancy beach clubs.
What to expect
- rocky coastline, not a sandy beach
- no services at all
- very clear water
- uneven access
Local tip
Bring proper shoes. Best as a short stop for a swim or snorkeling, not for a full beach day.
Piscadeddus
This is a small, hidden cove along the coastal road between Villasimius and Costa Rei. Piscadeddus s not a traditional beach, but a mix of rocks and small patches of sand, with deep, clear water that’s ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Access requires a bit more effort —you’ll need to park along the road and walk down a short path (make sure to wear shoes for that) —so it never gets as crowded as the main Villasimius beaches. There are no services at all, so come prepared with everything you may need for your day: an umbrella for shade, food, and water.
It’s a good stop if you’re exploring the coastline by car (remember, this is one of the most scenic drives in Sardinia) and want somewhere quieter for a swim, rather than a classic beach day.
What to expect
- small cove with rocks and some sand
- no services
- clear, deeper water
- short walk to access
Local tip
Good stop if you’re driving along the coast. Come prepared and don’t expect any comforts.
Cala Burroni
This is not a classic sandy beach, but a rocky stretch of coastline with small coves and very clear water.
This is one of the least “beachy” spots in Villasimius, but also one of the best for snorkeling ones thanks to the rocky seabed and the water clarity. It tends to stay quieter than the main beaches, partly because there’s not much sand and no facilities.
Access is straightforward if you’re driving along the coastal road, but you’ll need to be comfortable moving around rocks rather than settling on a sandy shore.
What to expect
- rocky coastline, no real sandy areas
- no services at all
- excellent water clarity
- good for snorkeling
Local tip
Bring water shoes and keep it for a quick swim — this is not the place to spend the whole day unless you specifically want to snorkel.
Is Traias
You will find Is Traias Beach just north of Simius. This small sandy beach is often overlooked by travelers, beloved by locals, and surprisingly pleasant. It is located in a sheltered bay, with calm, shallow water that makes it a good option for families or anyone who prefers quieter conditions.
The beach is smaller than nearby Simius and Porto Giunco, so it can fill up quickly in peak season, especially late in the morning. There are usually some basic services, such as a kiosk in the summer, but nothing extensive.
It’s a good alternative if you find Simius too crowded and don’t want to drive far. I recommend arriving early: it’s one of the more relaxed options close to town.
What to expect
- small sandy bay
- shallow, calm water
- limited services
- fills up quickly
Local tip
Arrive early — it’s a good alternative to Simius, but there’s much less space.
Guided Tours Of Villasimius Beaches
Of course you should plan to spend a few days in Villasimius to make the most of its many beaches, and plan to rent a car to easily access them all during your trip. However, if you don’t wish to rent a car and if you don’t have enough time to spend a few nights in Villasimius, you can still enjoy the beaches on a day trip from Cagliari.
There are even guided tours that take you to the area. Here are my favorite ones:
I recommend this guided tour from Cagliari that stops at the best beaches in Villasimius also goes to Costa Rei. You will travel by private van and have a live guide.
This other day trip from Cagliari is perfect if you want to visit Porto Giunco and then head to Cala Sinzias, a nice beach closer to Costa Rei.
If you are already in Villasimius, consider this exclusive catamaran tour that departs from Villasimius and visits the best beaches in the area.
FAQs on Villasimius Beaches
Porto Giunco is the best all-round beach in Villasimius. It has shallow turquoise water, soft sand, services, parking, and the famous tower viewpoint. If you want the most scenic beach and do not mind planning ahead, Punta Molentis is the stronger choice.
I recommend renting a car in Cagliari if you want to visit several Villasimius beaches in one trip. Simius, Spiaggia del Riso, and some beaches close to town are easier to reach, but places like Porto Sa Ruxi, Punta Molentis, and Campus are much easier to reach if you have a car.
Punta Molentis and Porto Sa Ruxi have visitor limits from May to September, and booking is required. Rules can change, so always check the official Villasimius booking site before going.
Porto Giunco, Simius, Campus, and Timi Ama are the best Villasimius beaches for families because they have shallow water, easier access, and services nearby.
Punta Molentis, Porto Sa Ruxi, Cala Caterina, and Cava Usai are among the best beaches in Villasimius for snorkeling, especially near the rocks.
The best time to visit the beaches in Villasimius is from late spring to early October. June and September are ideal, with warm weather and fewer crowds. July and August are the busiest months, when beaches get crowded.
Most beaches in Villasimius are free to access. You only pay for parking, sunbeds, or umbrellas if you choose to rent them. Punta Molentis and Porto Sa Ruxi require a paid reservation in peak season due to visitor limits.
Simius is the easiest beach to reach in Villasimius. It’s close to the town, with straightforward access, parking, and full services, making it a good option if you don’t want to plan much.
No beach in Villasimius is truly quiet in July and August, but Campulongu, Cala Caterina, and smaller coves like Cala Santo Stefano tend to feel less crowded than Porto Giunco or Simius, especially if you arrive early.
Final Considerations
As you can see, there is no single “best” beach in Villasimius — it really depends on what you’re looking for.
If it’s your first time in this part of Sardinia, Porto Giunco is the easiest choice. But if you want something more scenic and don’t mind planning ahead, Punta Molentis is hard to beat. Finally, if you prefer something simple and close to town, Simius works every time.
The key is not to try to see everything in one day (it’s impossible), but to pick one or two beaches that match your travel style and enjoy them properly. Distances are fairly short, but access, crowds, and conditions can vary a lot, especially in summer.
If you can, start your day early — it makes a bigger difference than which beach you choose.
Whichever beach you pick, you’ll find clear water, beautiful scenery, and some of the best beaches in Sardinia.
Recommended Readings
Further Readings
For more information about Villasimius, check out these posts:
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All the beaches in Villasimius have clear waters. The calmness depends on the wind so you will have to see when you are there. In general, Punta Molentis is the most sheltered.
Hi love your articles! I’m going there is July. Can you help me decide on the 2 prettiest beaches with the clearest calmest water? There are so many I’m feeling overwhelmed!
thanks!