The entire area of Costa Smeralda is known for its gorgeous beaches and small coves and it is a popular – and rather expensive – summer holiday destination for Italian and international travelers alike. Close to Porto Cervo, Capriccioli is easily accessed and is a great combination of a well serviced beach in a completely natural setting.
If you are traveling around northwestern Sardinia, basing yourself in Costa Smeralda or just passing through on your way to other destinations in the region, and want to stop at just one beach to see what glam is all about, plan to spend a day or even just a couple of hours in Capriccioli.
Since I have been many times – including recently, I thought I’d share everything I know with you. In this guide, you will find useful information about Capriccioli Beach, including how to get there and the best nearby beaches.
Make sure to also read my post 8 Best Beaches In Costa Smeralda.
Table of Contents
What You Must Know About Capriccioli Beach
Capriccioli Beach
Capriccioli is located south of Porto Cervo, just 2 km (1.25 miles) southwest of Principe Beach, another very famous beach in Costa Smeralda. This small strip of very white fine sand is surrounded by thick Mediterranean vegetation – pine trees, juniper, etc – which offer great protection from the wind.
Water at Capriccioli is actually quite shallow, not to mention incredibly transparent – which means it is an ideal place for families with children, who can play safely here. The transparent waters are ideal for snorkeling too.
The beach is free to access (but you’ll have to pay rather dearly for the parking lot!) so if you bring your own food, drinks and umbrella you don’t have to pay to visit. Otherwise, you will find that Capriccioli is actually well serviced, with a lifeguard on duty, a kiosk that rents umbrellas and loungers, but if you want to rent one it’s best to actually book it in advance as they get sold out quickly – even more during Saturdays and Sundays.
Right by the short trail from where you can access the beach you will find a café where you can have a sandwich, salads, drinks and even quick meals at reasonable prices (considering you are in Costa Smeralda, after all). There even is a pier where you can stop by with your zodiac if you want – it’s just a hop-on or drop-off place though.
There actually are two coves in Capriccioli – the northernmost one is the longest and for some reason also the most popular, so generally even more crowded. This is a popular beach, so don’t expect to have it to yourself if you visit in the summer months (between June and September) and especially at the weekend, and plan to get there early in the morning to find a spot to place your umbrella.
How to behave at Capriccioli Beach
Make sure to follow some simple rules of behavior when visiting Capriccioli beach. These are meant to make sure the delicate environment is respected and that you and other visitors all have an enjoyable time.
DON’T TAKE SAND – taking sand, pebbles, shells and anything else from the beach is forbidden in Sardinia. If you get caught you’ll be fined. Likewise, do not take marine stars or jellyfish or any other marine life out of the water. They are protected and doing that is forbidden. Read more about it here.
DON’T LITTER – you will find garbage bins on the trail to the beach, and even if you can’t see them, that is no excuse to abandon your trash. Remember we are quite strict when it comes to recycling in Sardinia, too.
AVOID BALL GAMES – Capriccioli can get very crowded during the summer months, and you may feel like you are literally stacked on top of your neighbors. Given the circumstances, ball games (including matkot) are not advised. It’s very easy to disturb others and to even hit them when space is so limited!
How to get to Capriccioli
There are no buses to Capriccioli, so the only way you have to get there will be by car, motorbike or bike – the area is actually quite trafficked and hilly, and it can get very hot in the summer months so I don’t recommend going there by bike.
Capriccioli is about 15 minutes drive south of Porto Cervo. You’ll have to follow SP59 until a large roundabout in the area of Abbiadori and from there take SP94 and finally SP160.
Once you get to Capriccioli, there are several places where you can park your car – two are closer to the beach and have a barrier, and usually are the first to get full. Then there are some more along the way. Parking your car is actually quite expensive, too – expect to pay up to €20 for a day.
Other nearby beaches
There is no shortage of beaches near Capriccioli – this is the Costa Smeralda after all! Here are some you may want to visit instead of going to Capriccioli:
SPIAGGIA DEL PRINCIPE – Named after the founder of the Costa Smeralda, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, this gorgeous small beach has fine, clean, beautiful sand and pink granite rocks, and incredibly clear, shallow waters.
ROMAZZINO – A bit quieter compared to other beaches in Costa Smeralda (but never expect a deserted beach here!), it has shallow, clear waters and fine white sand. It’s a nice equipped beach.
LISCIA RUJA – One of the largest beaches in Costa Smeralda, it’s the one where you are most likely to find a spot in case all others are packed. It has fine sand and clear waters, as all other beaches in Costa Smeralda.
Where to stay nearby
Most people visiting the Costa Smeralda beaches base themselves in either Porto Cervo or Porto Rotondo – but most places to stay there are quite expensive and to get a good deal you’ll have to book well in advance.
A cheaper alternative would be to stay in Arzachena, the main town in the area and the closest to the Costa Smeralda beaches, or in Olbia, which isn’t as charming but has a large selection of accommodation options and restaurants.
You should also read my post 10 Fabulous Costa Smeralda Hotels For The Perfect Holiday.
Further Readings
If you are planning a trip to Costa Smeralda, these other posts will be useful:
- The Best Guide To Costa Smeralda
- A Guide To San Pantaleo, Sardinia: 6 Best Things To Know
- Renting A Car In Olbia: 7 Best Tips To Rent A Car In Olbia
- A Short Guide To Arzachena, Sardinia
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