14 Best Nudist Beaches In Sardinia

Are there nudist beaches in Sardinia?

You may think that there aren’t many nudist beaches in Sardinia (at least compared to the sheer number of beaches we have here). However, you may be impressed to know that Sardinia is the Italian region with the highest number of legally recognized nudist beaches.

Indeed we have some of the best nudist beaches in Europe on the island.

This means that if you have a passion for skinny dipping and want to sunbathe in your birthday suit, you will find something on the island – especially since I am here to tell you where to go!

Nudist beaches are becoming a trend as of late. People wanting to enjoy some chilled time under the sun, without the bother of wearing clothes or a swimming suit are growing in numbers and demanding some rules to have their spots granted.

It is currently forbidden, in Italy, to be naked under any circumstance when in a public place. A big portion of the nudist beaches are just secluded spaces where nudists gather. However, if someone were to file a report to the police, nudists would be forced to leave.

The problem with nudist beaches is, in fact, that there is no proper Italian law defining where and how it is allowed to stay without risking a fine.

There are some regional regulations and sentences (year 2000) from the Italian Corte di Cassazione (sentences 1765 and 3557) saying that not allowing some private and safe spaces for nudists is discriminating, but the law stops at that.

For what concerns Sardinia, Regional Law 16 of July 18th, 2017 ensures that nudists have a few beaches and coves where they can relax without complain from other beach-goers.

Other than the legally recognized Sardinia nudist beaches, there are some other spots where nudism is not legally allowed. However, it has been practiced for so long that it has become a custom, and nobody ever reports anyone.

Map Of Nudist Beaches In Sardinia

Are you wondering where the naturist beaches in Sardinia are located? I have created a map for you to see.

I wish to stress that this map includes the legally recognized tourist beaches as well as the tolerated ones. If you decide to opt for a tolerated nudist beach, use your common sense to decide whether it’s ok to strip down or it’s best not to.

How to use this Sardinia nudist beaches map: This map points out the beaches where nudism is legal and where it is tolerated (see the descriptions below for more information). Use your mouse on desktop or laptop, or your fingers on your smartphone, to enlarge the map as you wish. By clicking on the star next to the title in the map, you’ll be able to save it into your Google Maps account. You can then see it on your smartphone or computer by clicking on “Your saved maps” in your Google Maps. “View larger map” in the top right corner will help you see the map in a larger screen.

Legal Nudist Beaches In Sardinia

Let’s first see the legal nudist beaches in Sardinia. There are currently seven.

Is Canaleddus (Quartu Sant’Elena)

Is Canaleddus is the newest addition to the list of legally recognized nudist beaches in Sardinia. It’s a pristine beach with incredibly clear waters, backed by a nice pine forest where you can find shade and with a promontory to its northern side where you can walk to take beautiful photos.

Is Canaleddus is also a dog friendly beach, in case you are traveling with your dog.

The beach is made of pebbles, so it’s not very comfortable to lay there. Make sure you bring a chair as it will make your time there significantly more relaxing.

Is Canaleddus is located in the municipality of Quartu Sant’Elena in South Sardinia, about 40 minutes drive from Cagliari, along the old panoramic road to Villasimius, and easy to reach by car.

Once you get there, you will find a large parking lot (for which you must pay a daily fee), and a kiosk where you can get food and drinks.

Feraxi (Muravera)

Located close to Muravera and just 12.7 km (about 8 miles) north Costa Rei, one of the most popular holiday hubs in southern Sardinia, Feraxi is a beach of approximately 3 km (1.8 miles) in length, and one of the most popular Sardinia nudist beaches, legally recognized as such in June 2022.

The nudist beach is about 400 meters long (about 0.25 miles), which means it’s quite spacious, and it’s well marked by signs – the entire beach remains open to the public.

Being close to a well-equipped tourist hub, you can spend a nice and comfortable holiday in this part of the island, without foregoing your love for skinny dipping.

The beach itself is quite nice and easy to reach. If you are staying in Costa Rei, you’ll have to drive north along Via Ichnusa and then turn right on SP 97. You’ll have to follow a dirt road for quite some time until you reach Feraxi beach, which is not an equipped beach.

Piscinas Sud (Arbus)

Piscinas, in the wild area of Costa Verde, is not only an excellent spot for nudists but also a beach with a few records on its shoulders.

It is, in fact, the widest dune beach in Europe: its dunes are the tallest in the continent, and the 800 meters (about half a mile) wide area dedicated to nudists is the biggest nudist beach in Europe. There’s nothing in terms of services (the nearest beach clubs is a walk away) so bring whatever you need for your day (especially water and shade!).

It’s a bit tricky to reach it by car. Your car’s shock absorbers will be put to the test. But it’s totally worth the trip.

If you are coming from Cagliari, take SS131 / E25 northbound past Villasanta, then follow the directions to Guspini. From there, you will first reach Arbus and then Ingurtosu Mines. The nudist area is south of the equipped area.

Torre Bianca di Porto Ferro (Sassari)

Porto Ferro is a beautiful beach in Sassari’s municipality (although it’s closer to Alghero) and has reserved a nice spot for nudists in the area between Torre Bianca and Torre Nera.

This is one of the top 5 most beautiful nudist beaches in Europe. It’s one of the best spots on the island, because of both the great, comfortable location and the stunning sea colors.

Torre Bianca has three smaller coves located under two Aragonese watchtowers at the very northern end of the Porto Ferro Beach. It is well marked by several road signs and posters. You won’t get lost trying to get there.

You can get there either via a trail that starts from the parking lot of Porto Ferro Beach (which you can reach by either car or bus from Alghero), or via another easy to follow trail that goes through the pine forest and along the dunes and which starts in the parking lot of Lake Baratz along Via dei Fenicotteri – both trails are about 1.5 km (0.9 miles) long.

Located on the beach you will find a beach club with its own restaurant and toilets, and a surf school too (this is one of the most famous surfing spots in Sardinia).

Is Benas (San Vero Milis)

Only added to the official list of nudist beaches in Sardinia in May 2022, Is Benas beach is located on the western coast of Sardinia, close to San Vero Milis, in the Sinis region, a truly charming yet lesser known location on the island.

The 700 meters (0.4 miles) beach is located south of Is Arenas of Narbolia, a beautiful beach near the promontory of Capu Mannu, and close to Is Benas fishery.

The beach has fine sand and lots of shells – though remember it is forbidden to take sand or shells from Sardinia beaches. At its back there’s a thick forest of pine trees.

Getting to Is Benas is relatively easy of you have a car: if you are staying in the area of Oristano or Cabras, you will have to take SS 298 Nord Occidentale Sarda towards Putzu Idu, and turn towards Laguna di Is Benas and Is Benas Lodge Country at km 11. You will have to drive a further 6 km (3.7 miles), first of a regular road then on a dirt road along Is Benas pond.

Parking is available in the pine forest nearby. From there, you’ll have to walk for about 800 meters (about half a mile) first along a trail through the forest, then along the beach until you reach the clearly marked nudist area.

There are no services on the beach – the nearest beach club is Is Arenas Resort which is about 300 meters (0.2 miles) away. Right next to the nudist beach you will also find a dog-friendly beach.

Is Benas also a fabulous sunset spot and close-by you will find some excellent accommodation options too, such as Is Benas Country Lodge.

I don’t recommend visiting on a strong mistral day as the beach is very exposed to the wind and the current can get very strong.

Baia delle Ninfe (Alghero)

Baia delle Ninfe is one of the newest Sardinia nudist beaches. It was only added to the legally recognized beaches in 2022. It is close to Alghero, in the bay of Porto Conte and not far from Capo Caccia, and very close to Mugoni, one of the most popular beaches in Alghero.

You can access the 200 meters (0.1 mile) beach by car and by bus from Alghero. Access is via the Strada Vicinale Des Bangius: you will have to park your car along SP (Strada Provinciale) 55.

If you aren’t driving, you can also take the bus from Alghero to Mugoni Beach, which is just 300 meters (less than 0.2 miles) away, and once there walk along a trail through the pine forest that starts in the nearby Mugoni beach.

There’s nothing in terms of services at Baia delle Ninfe. However, not far from it there’s Mugoni Beach where you will find beach clubs, toilets and a large parking lot.

Sa Marina (Bari Sardo)

Located south of the famous Torre di Bari beach in Bari Sardo, in the Mindeddu vicinity on the coast of Ogliastra, in eastern Sardinia, Sa Marina beach borders with the territory of Cardedu, one of the least explored parts of this coastal area of Sardinia.

The nudist beach here measures around 250 meters (that’s just 0.1 mile). It is a tiny portion compared to the rest of the coast of Bari Sardo which measures 10 km (6.2 miles). It’s a beach of thick grainy sand and beautifully clear waters.

The easiest way to get to the beach is by car, but if you aren’t driving you can count on a bus departing from Bari Sardo to Torre di Bari Beach on a regular basis. From there, it’s a bit of a walk.

There isn’t much in terms of services here – you’ll likely have to walk to Torre di Bari to find a kiosk and other services.

Tolerated Nudist Beaches In Sardinia

Here’s a further list of the best spots for nudists on the island. Even if they’re not officially recognized by law, the practice is totally approved and supported by locals. You’ll find no risk to be fined!

Spiaggia di Serrato / Porto Liscia (Santa Teresa di Gallura)

This beach, located west of Palau and south of Santa Teresa di Gallura, is a nice spot for nudists even if it looks crowded at a first glance. Indeed, it is located immediately after Porto Liscia beach, one of the most popular beaches in the area.

You will only need to walk further from the spot immediately in front of the parking lot, and you’ll find the nudist area, quiet, peaceful, and not so crowded.

Serrato Beach equally distant from both – about 25 minutes by car from Santa Teresa and 20 minutes from Palau.

Cala Fighera (Cagliari)

Cala Fighera is a stunning cove next to Sella del Diavolo, only a few minutes drive from the center of Cagliari. The colors of the sea and the white of the rocks enclosing it makes for an incredible view and the clear waters make it a great snorkeling spot.

Moreover, the cove is quite secluded and only nudists go there. No one will bother your relaxing day.

To get there, you will first have to reach Calamosca Beach. From there, continue driving towards La Paillote, a nice bar and restaurant with stunning views over a small cove.

Once at La Paillote, you will have to park your car and find a trail that will take you to Cala Fighera. You will need good walking shoes (running or hiking shoes) to get there.

There’s nothing in terms of services at the beach, so make sure to bring whatever you may need for your day.

Mari Pintau (Quartu S. Elena)

Mari Pintau is nearby Quartu Sant’Elena and about 45 minutes drive from Cagliari. The beach is made of small pebbles and is a perfect sunbathing spot. The location guarantees quite a high level of privacy as it is surrounded by hills and Mediterranean scrub.

The beach is easy to reach by car from Cagliari – drive along the panoramic road to Villasimius. You will have to park along the road: just make sure to find a good spot as while parking is free, fines are frequent.

The nudist area is easily reachable by foot: you will have to walk to the main beach and once you get to that, continue walking to your right.

My post A Complete Guide To Mari Pintau Beach shares more information on how to visit this gorgeous cove.

Is Arenas (Narbolia / San Vero Milis / Cuglieri)

About 6 km (3.7 miles) wide, Is Arenas is one of the pearls of the province of Oristano, an area of Sardinia that doesn’t get nearly as many tourists as the rest of the island. Is Arenas is one of the best beaches in western Sardinia, so you will be happy to find an area where naturism is tolerated.

The beach not only guarantees a safe spot for nudists: on its northern corner there also a nice pine grove, a resort with golf fields, and much more.

Is Arenas is about 22 km (13.6 miles) north of Oristano. The best way to get there is by car: you will have to follow SS292 northbound. It takes about 30 minutes. You will find a large parking lot and – in the public area – lots of services for visitors.

Much like any beach on the western coast of Sardinia, I don’t recommend visiting on strong mistral days as the currents can be very strong and getting in the sea dangerous.

Capo Carbonara / Cava Usai (Villasimius)

The area near Villasimius is a paradise of emerald water and secret coves. Capo Carbonara with its Cava Usai is no exception. The nudist beach is next to the old dock, you can’t miss it. It’s a small rocky cove in a protected marine area, with pristine waters.

To get there from Villasimius, you’ll have to drive past Porto Giunco and Cala Caterina beaches until you reach pretty much the end of the road, which is where you can park. You can reach it with a short walk. Just make sure to bring everything you need for the day as there are no services at this beach.

Spiaggia dell’Acqua Dolce (Cala Gonone)

This beach, one of the many in the Cala Gonone area, has the stunning colors typical of the coves in this part of Sardinia. The contrast between the sea and the white cliffs is breathtaking and, once again, you will find a quiet, private spot where the Mediterranean flora embraces and protects you.

Spiaggia dell’Acqua Dolce is literally just outside the main hamlet of Cala Gonone and easy to get to by car or even on foot. You will just have to head north of the tourist harbor of Cala Gonone. Much like other nudist beaches in Sardinia, there are no services here.

Lido di Orrì (Tortolì)

There is more than one cove dedicated to nudists in this 16 km (almost 10 miles!) long beach. The water doesn’t get deep until about 300 meters (328 yards) from the shore and the sand is soft and fine, making this long beach in the Tortolì municipality one of the most renowned in terms of safety, appearance, and services.

Lido di Orrì is just south of Tortolì but you can easily visit from Santa Maria Navarrese too. To get there, you’ll have to follow the Strada per Orrì for about 4 km (2.5 miles) from Tortolì.

There’s a large parking lot and the beach (at least in the parts that aren’t for naturists) has beach clubs where you can rent whatever you need for the day. However, if you intend to stay in the naturist spot, make sure to look around and find the exact spot where it is tolerated and bring whatever you need for the day.

Final Remarks On Sardinia Nudist Beaches

There are more tolerated nudist beaches in Sardinia other than those mentioned in this post, and you will surely find one wherever you choose to go on vacation.

Just remember to make sure locals don’t complain about seeing you naked – don’t spoil your holiday because somebody doesn’t approve of naturism. Just look for a different place if that’s the case! Also remember you can’t take sand, pebbles and shells from the beach as it is forbidden, as well as smoking. It’s forbidden to smoke at all Sardinian beaches.

Further Readings

These posts may come in handy when planning a trip to Sardinia:

• The Best Beaches In Sardinia
• The Best Beaches In Cagliari
• The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches In Sardinia
• The Best Beaches In South Sardinia

Pin It For Later!