Punta Molentis, near Villasimius in southeastern Sardinia, is one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. This small, crescent-shaped bay takes its name from the donkey (“su molenti” in Sardinian) that was once used to transport the granite found in the area.
Known for its fine white sand, crystal-clear water and distinctive granite formations, Punta Molentis is one of the most photographed beaches in Sardinia. The bay is sheltered from the wind and the seabed remains shallow for quite a distance. For this reason, it’s a popular choice for families as well as anyone looking to spend a day by the sea.
Its popularity, however, has come at a cost. Years of coastal erosion, combined with the growing number of visitors during the summer months, have led local authorities to introduce measures aimed at protecting the beach. Access is now regulated during the summer season, and the rules can change from year to year.
Lucky for you, I visit Punta Molentis regularly. It is one of my favorite beaches of South Sardinia, but I also enjoy coming here in the quieter months, often as part of a day trip from Cagliari or nearby Costa Rei.
In this guide, I explain everything you need to know before visiting Punta Molentis, including the latest access rules, facilities, parking information, how to get there, and a few practical tips to help you make the most of your day.
Good to know: I updated this guide in June 2026 to reflect the latest reservation and access rules for Punta Molentis.
For more information about Villasimius and everything it has to offer, head over to my Guide To Villasimius.
What Makes Punta Molentis Beach Special?
Part of the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, Punta Molentis is one of the most distinctive beaches in Villasimius. What makes it stand out from many other beaches in the area is its unusual setting, with a narrow stretch of sand framed by granite formations, Mediterranean vegetation and crystal-clear water.
The beach consists of two small coves. The first cove you arrive to from the parking area has mostly large pebbles. It tends to attract fewer visitors, so it’s a better option if you prefer a quieter spot and don’t mind the rocky shore. The water here is exceptionally clear and ideal for swimming.
Most visitors continue to the main beach, a beautiful stretch of soft white sand lapped by shallow turquoise waters. Despite visitor limits being in place during the summer months, this is still one of the most popular beaches in Villasimius, and it can get extremely crowded.
One of the most striking features of Punta Molentis is the granite landscape that surrounds it. Large granite formations rise above the beach, creating a dramatic backdrop and contributing to the beach’s unique appearance. Combined with the clear water and sandy seabed, they also make Punta Molentis one of the best spots for snorkeling in Sardinia.
Another reason Punta Molentis Beach is so popular is that the bay is naturally sheltered from the wind. Even when the wind affects other beaches around Villasimius and the sea is choppy, Punta Molentis often remains calm, with excellent visibility in the water.
The beach is also a fantastic place for stand-up paddleboarding. The calm sea and sheltered conditions make it easy even for beginners, and paddling around the granite headlands offers a different perspective of the coastline.
Local tip: For the best views of the beach, follow the short trail that starts near the kiosk at the northern end of the beach. The path climbs to a large granite outcrop overlooking the bay. I find the colors are particularly beautiful in the early afternoon, when the sun illuminates the water and brings out the different shades of blue. Keep in mind that’s also the hottest hour to walk up.
Punta Molentis Access Rules And Visitor Information
Punta Molentis is one of the most heavily regulated beaches in Sardinia. The access restrictions are designed to protect the beach from erosion and reduce the impact of mass tourism on this fragile stretch of coastline.
The rules changed significantly in 2026, with stricter visitor limits and new regulations aimed at preserving the beach and improving safety.
When I visited Punta Molentis in early May this year, before the summer season started, I immediately noticed that parts of the beach appeared noticeably narrower than in previous years.
Winter storms and coastal erosion have reduced the amount of sand available in some areas, so I am not surprised that local authorities decided to further restrict access in an effort to protect the beach.
Do you need to book Punta Molentis?
You no longer need to book Punta Molentis in advance – but that doesn’t mean that access is free. Unlike previous years, you simply can no longer reserve access to Punta Molentis a few days (or weeks) before going.
Until 2025, it was possible to book a parking space online through the official reservation system of the Comune di Villasimius. That system has now been discontinued, and you can no longer reserve access to the beach.
If you have visited Punta Molentis before, don’t assume the same rules still apply. The regulations changed significantly in 2026, and some of the information you may find elsewhere online is now outdated. For example, in previous years, booking a parking space automatically guaranteed access to the beach during the summer months. Today, this is no longer the case.
This means that arriving early is more important than ever, especially between June and mid-September (and even more so in August), when Punta Molentis remains one of the most sought-after beaches in Villasimius despite the tighter restrictions.
What changed in 2026?
The new rules introduced in June 2026 are much stricter than those in place in the last few years. As I have said before, the changes were introduced following concerns about coastal erosion, the reduced size of the beach after recent storms, and safety issues highlighted after the large wildfire that affected the area in summer 2025.
One of the most significant changes is the reduction in the number of people who can access the beach each day. According to the Comune di Villasimius, inspections carried out by local authorities identified a significant reduction in the available beach area, making it necessary to further limit visitor numbers and introduce stronger protection measures.
The most important changes for visitors are the abolition of the reservation system, a new per-person access fee, lower visitor limits, and stricter rules regarding beach equipment. More about that in a bit.
Access fees
The pricing structure has changed as well. In previous years, you’d pay for parking for your car or motorbike, and a small environmental contribution for each visitor.
Access is now charged per person. Fees are as follows:
- €10 – anyone arriving by car or motorbike
- €5 – visitors arriving by boat
- Free – People with disabilities and one accompanying person
These fees are subject to change and are established by the Comune di Villasimius.
Beach umbrella rules
One of the most controversial changes introduced in 2026 concerns beach umbrellas. Indeed, only one umbrella per family or group of friends is allowed according to the new rules. Otherwise, you can rent one from the beach concession.
Good to know: You can book an umbrella and sun beds at Stabilimento I Due Mari (and arrive comfortably by 9:00 am) by calling (or sending a WhatsApp message) the number +39 3934077632 for reservations. Once you get to the parking lot, you will have to let the police officer know that you have reserved a spot at I Due Mari, and you can then park and walk in.
Overall, the new regulations have the objective of reducing pressure on Punta Molentis and protecting one of the most fragile beaches in the Villasimius area. Whether they will be enough to reverse the effects of erosion remains to be seen, but you should expect a very different experience from just a few years ago.
Visitor limits and beach protection
The access restrictions currently in place at Punta Molentis are valid until 31 October.
A maximum of 190 visitors per day can access the beach by land, while a maximum of 100 people can arrive by sea at any given time. Access by land is also limited to 90 vehicles per day (cars and motorbikes).
The beach is open from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm. All visitors must leave Punta Molentis by 9:00 pm.
While some visitors may find the new restrictions excessive, the reality is that Punta Molentis receives far more demand than its small size can comfortably accommodate during the summer months. The current system strives to preserve the beach while still allowing public access.
Services At Spiaggia Di Punta Molentis
Despite its protected status, Punta Molentis is also one of the best-equipped beaches of South Sardinia, and it offers a decent range of services during the summer season.
The beach concession has a kiosk where you can buy drinks, coffee, gelato, sandwiches, salads, and other light meals. You can also rent beach equipment there, such as umbrellas and loungers.
A second, smaller kiosk is located closer to the parking area. It offers a similar selection of snacks and drinks and is often less crowded than the main concession.
Public toilets are available near the entrance to the beach. They are generally well-maintained and cost €1 per use.
During the summer months, the beach concession also organizes boat excursions departing directly from Punta Molentis. If these tours are operating during your visit, departures are usually scheduled twice per day, in the morning and in the afternoon. Announcements are typically made throughout the day whenever places are still available.
For information about services, beach equipment rentals, and boat excursions, you can contact the beach concession directly at +39 334 737 9487.
Important Rules For Visiting Punta Molentis
Punta Molentis is part of the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area and one of the most carefully protected beaches in Sardinia. While some of the regulations may seem strict at first, they aim to protect a beach that has become increasingly vulnerable to erosion and overcrowding.
Having visited Punta Molentis regularly over the years, I have personally seen how much the beach changes from one season to the next. Winter storms can reshape the shoreline, and during the summer months, thousands of people want to visit a beach that is actually much smaller than it appears in photographs.
To help preserve Punta Molentis for future generations, make sure you follow these rules.
Respect the sand dunes
At the back of the beach, you will notice a fenced area with sand dunes, Mediterranean vegetation, and a small lagoon. Walking on the dunes is strictly prohibited.
The dunes play a crucial role in protecting the coastline from erosion and provide habitat for several plant species that are typical of Sardinia’s coastal environments. Once damaged, dunes can take many years to recover.
Please stay on marked paths and never cross fenced areas, even if they appear unoccupied.
Don’t take sand, shells or stones
Removing sand, shells, pebbles, or rocks from Sardinian beaches is illegal and can result in significant fines.
This rule applies throughout Sardinia, but it is particularly important at Punta Molentis, where the beach is already under pressure from natural erosion and heavy visitor numbers.
If you want a souvenir of your day, take photographs rather than sand or shells.
Follow the umbrella regulations
One of the most significant rules introduced in 2026 concerns beach umbrellas.
You can only plant one umbrella (no gazebos and no tents) per family or group of friends. Otherwise, you can rent one at the beach concession operating on the beach.
The new rule was introduced days after a stricter one that said umbrellas were only allowed for families with children under the age of 10 or visitors over 65 years old.
Dispose of your trash properly
Trash bins are available near the beach entrance and you should use them.
Please take any bulky waste with you when leaving Punta Molentis beach, and never abandon litter among the rocks, on the beach, or in the surrounding vegetation. Even small items such as bottle caps, cigarette butts, and food wrappers can end up in the sea and harm marine life.
A good rule of thumb is to leave the beach exactly as you found it.
Also, remember that in Sardinia, we separate our trash in various bins: organic waste, plastic, cans and glass, paper, and general waste.
Leave marine life alone
Punta Molentis is one of the best snorkeling spots in the Villasimius area, and if you spend some time in the water, you are likely to encounter a variety of marine species.
If you spot starfish, jellyfish, sea urchins, fish, or other marine creatures, admire them from a distance and leave them where they are. Starfish are particularly delicate and can die quickly if removed from the water, even for a short period of time.
The same applies to jellyfish. While many people are tempted to remove them from the water, they should be left alone. Jellyfish are an important part of the marine ecosystem and deserve the same respect as any other marine species.
Smoking is only allowed in designated areas
Smoking on the beach is prohibited except in designated smoking areas.
This rule is designed both to reduce litter and to lower the risk of fires. Following the devastating wildfire that affected the Punta Molentis at the end of July 2025, you should be especially careful.
Please dispose of cigarette butts responsibly and never leave them in the sand. Cigarette filters are among the most common forms of pollution found on Sardinian beaches and can take years to break down.
How To Get To Punta Molentis
Punta Molentis is located about 10 km (6.2 miles) northeast of Villasimius, along the scenic coastal road that connects Villasimius to Costa Rei.
Before planning your visit, keep in mind that there is no public transport service to Punta Molentis. If you are not joining a boat tour, you will need to drive to get there (you can rent a car directly in Cagliari Airport once you land). There aren’t many taxis in Villasimius, even during the summer months.
By car
Driving is by far the easiest way to reach Punta Molentis.
If you are coming from Cagliari, you need about one hour to reach Villasimius via the SS125. Once in Villasimius, continue towards Costa Rei along the old panoramic coastal road (SP18).
Shortly after leaving town, you will pass the soccer fields and the Accu Is Traias area. Continue following the signs for Costa Rei. After a series of bends, you will reach a sharp hairpin bend where a dirt road branches off towards Punta Molentis. Follow the signs from there to the parking lot, from where you will need to walk to the beach entrance.
The final stretch of road is unpaved but suitable for normal cars and motorcycles.
If you are staying in Villasimius, the drive usually takes between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on traffic and the time of day.
If you are coming from Costa Rei, simply follow the panoramic coastal road towards Villasimius. The hairpin bend I mentioned before will be on your right: drive slowly, as it’s easy to miss it.
During the summer season, access to Punta Molentis is controlled, and you must stop at the entrance checkpoint before proceeding to the parking lot. Because visitor numbers and vehicle access are limited, I recommend arriving as early as possible, especially in July and August and on weekends.
By boat
You can also get to Punta Molentis by boat as part of guided excursions departing from Villasimius or Costa Rei, though there are also some options from Cagliari.
In fact, visiting by boat is one of the best ways of appreciating the coastline around Villasimius. The sea in this part of Sardinia is exceptionally clear, and many of the small coves and granite formations are best seen from the water.
Boat tours usually stop at Punta Molentis together with other beaches and coves along the Villasimius coastline, so you get to enjoy some of the area’s best snorkeling spots and crystal-clear waters. Depending on the itinerary, stops may also include Porto Giunco, Isola dei Cavoli, Cala Caterina and other scenic locations within the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area.
This full-day catamaran excursion visits Punta Molentis, Cala Pira, and other beaches along the Capo Carbonara Protected Marine Area. It includes lunch on board, several swimming stops, and time for snorkeling in some of the clearest waters around Villasimius.
This 3.5-hour boat tour explores the coastline around Villasimius and usually includes a stop at Porto Giunco, together with other swimming and snorkeling spots within the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area.
This tour is a good option if you are staying in Cagliari and don’t have a car. Transportation to and from Villasimius is included, so you don’t need to worry about driving. Once there, you’ll join a boat excursion along the coast.
If you are staying in Costa Rei, excursions also depart from Chaplin Beach Club or from Cala Sinzias Beach. For information and reservations, you can call +39 388 626 8671.
Keep in mind that Punta Molentis is only one of several stops included in these excursions, so you will generally spend a limited amount of time at the beach before continuing the tour. If your goal is to spend an entire day swimming, snorkeling and relaxing at Punta Molentis, I recommend visiting independently by car.
On the other hand, if you want to see several beaches in a single day and experience the coastline from the sea, a boat tour is an excellent choice.
Beaches Near Punta Molentis
If you are spending several days in Villasimius, don’t limit yourself to Punta Molentis. The coastline between Villasimius and Costa Rei is packed with beautiful beaches, each with its own character. These are some of my favorites.
Porto Giunco
Porto Giunco is probably the most famous beach in Villasimius and one of the most photographed in Sardinia. Located just south of the tourist harbor, it is a long stretch of white sand and shallow turquoise waters.
The beach is particularly popular with families thanks to its calm sea and excellent facilities. You can rent umbrellas and sunbeds, join watersports activities, and even book boat excursions departing from nearby Marina di Villasimius.
One of the things I like most about Porto Giunco is its setting. Behind the beach lies the Notteri lagoon, where pink flamingos can often be spotted throughout the year. If you don’t mind a short uphill walk, the nearby Porto Giunco Tower offers one of the best viewpoints in southern Sardinia.
Campulongu
Located between Porto Giunco and Campus, Campulongu is one of the best beaches in Villasimius for snorkeling. At the back of the beach, you’ll find Mediterranean vegetation. Campulongu offers clear water, soft sand and a relaxed atmosphere.
Compared to Porto Giunco, it tends to attract slightly fewer visitors and can feel more peaceful, especially outside the peak weeks of August. The rocky sections at either end of the beach provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling and observing marine life.
Porto Sa Ruxi
Porto Sa Ruxi is one of my favorite beaches in Villasimius and one that many visitors overlook in favor of the more famous Punta Molentis and Porto Giunco.
The beach is made up of three small coves separated by granite formations and surrounded by Mediterranean shrub. Thanks to its position, it is often better sheltered from the wind than other beaches in the area, which means it is a good choice when conditions elsewhere are less favorable.
The water is exceptionally clear and the rocky sections around the coves provide excellent snorkeling opportunities.
While there are services available during the summer months, Porto Sa Ruxi has a more natural feel than many of the larger beaches around Villasimius.
Good to know: This is a limited-access beach and you need to book it in advance.
Cala Caterina
Cala Caterina is a small cove characterized by smooth granite rocks, clear water, and beautiful views. It is one of the most scenic beaches in the area and a favorite among snorkelers.
Because of its relatively small size, Cala Caterina can fill up quickly in the peak summer months, but it remains one of the most pleasant places in Villasimius for swimming.
Simius Beach
Simius is the main town beach of Villasimius and one of the easiest beaches to reach. It stretches for almost two kilometers (roughly 1.2 miles) and offers fine sand, shallow water and plenty of facilities.
It’s a convenient beach to visit if you are staying in Villasimius and don’t want to drive. Despite being one of the busiest beaches in the area during the summer, it is large enough that you can usually find a comfortable spot, especially if you arrive early in the day.
My Guide To The Best Beaches In Villasimius shares more beaches you can visit – some very famous, others lesser-known.
Where To Stay To Visit Punta Molentis
The best bases for visiting Punta Molentis are Villasimius and Costa Rei. Both are within easy driving distance of the beach and offer a good selection of hotels, guesthouses, beachfront resorts, and holiday rentals.
If your main goal is to explore the beaches around Villasimius, I generally recommend staying in Villasimius itself. Costa Rei is a good alternative if you prefer a quieter setting and want easy access to the beaches further north along the southeastern coast.
Some accommodation options worth considering include:
- Domu Simius Hotel & Guest House (Villasimius) – A small property in the center of Villasimius with modern rooms and easy access to restaurants, shops and nearby beaches.
- Suimi’s Hotel (Villasimius) – One of my favorite hotels in Villasimius, with comfortable rooms, a beautiful swimming pool and an excellent location for exploring Punta Molentis, Porto Giunco and the rest of the coastline.
- Albaruja Hotel (Costa Rei) – A good option if you want to stay in Costa Rei while remaining within easy reach of Punta Molentis. The hotel is close to both the beach and the center of Costa Rei.
- La Villa del Re (Costa Rei) – One of the most beautiful luxury hotels in southern Sardinia, set directly on the beach and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation.
My posts, Best Hotels in Villasimius and Best Airbnbs In Villasimius give guidance on more places to stay in the area.
Punta Molentis FAQs
No. The reservation system that had been in place for several years was abolished in 2026. Visitors can no longer reserve access in advance and must comply with the daily visitor limits currently in place.
Access to Punta Molentis costs €10 per person if arriving by land and €5 per person if arriving by boat. People with disabilities and one accompanying person can access the beach free of charge.
Yes. Reservations are no longer available. However, access is limited and the beach can only accommodate a fixed number of visitors each day, so I recommend to arrive very early during the summer months.
Absolutely. Punta Molentis is one of the most beautiful beaches in Villasimius, known for its white sand, granite formations and crystal-clear water. Despite the access restrictions, it remains one of the most scenic beaches in southern Sardinia.
The best months to visit are June, July and September, when the sea is warm and the weather is generally stable. If possible, arrive early in the morning, before most of the crowds get there, so you can increase your chances of securing access.
Yes. The beach has shallow water, generally calm sea conditions and soft sand. For this reason, it is a good choice for families with children. Facilities are available during the summer season.
No. Dogs are not allowed at Punta Molentis during the summer season. There are lots of other dog-friendly beaches in this part of Sardinia that you can visit if you are traveling with your dog.
Since 2026, you can only bring one umbrella per family group or group of friends.
No. There is currently no public transport service to Punta Molentis. The easiest way to visit is by car, although some boat tours departing from Villasimius and Costa Rei also stop at the beach.
Whenever I go, I spend a full day at Punta Molentis. However, if you are exploring the Villasimius coastline, a half-day visit is usually enough to enjoy the beach and go snorkeling before moving on to another nearby beach.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Punta Molentis
Despite the stricter regulations introduced in recent years, Punta Molentis remains one of the most beautiful beaches in Villasimius and one of my favorite beaches in southern Sardinia.
Over the years, I have visited Punta Molentis countless times: in June, July and August, but also during the quieter months in late spring or in October, when the beach feels completely different. I have been here by car and by boat, brought my own umbrella or rented umbrellas and loungers at the beach club.
No matter the season, I always find myself appreciating its unique combination of white sand, granite formations and incredibly clear water.
The new access rules may require a bit more planning than in the past, but they were introduced to protect a beach that has become increasingly vulnerable to erosion and overcrowding.
Having seen how much Punta Molentis has changed over the years, and especially after noticing the effects of recent storms during my most recent visits, I understand why these measures have become necessary.
If you decide to visit, arrive early, respect the regulations in place and take the time to explore some of the other beautiful beaches around Villasimius as well. Punta Molentis may be one of the most famous beaches in the area, but it is far from the only one worth visiting.
Recommended Readings
Further Readings
Are you planning a trip to Sardinia? Make sure to check out my other posts:
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None of my readers ever had a problem with that so no – it was probably a blep in the system. Try again!
Thanks so much for these hacks, though I haven’t had any luck getting the payment processed on the website. Do they only take Italian or European cards?
Let me know if it works out 🙂
Thank you so much! I thought you might say that. Your travel blogs have been incredibly helpful and interesting.
Hello Sarah, I am afraid there is no English website. I’d have linked to it if there was 🙁 I’d say you should book your spot as early as possible for late July. Normally we book our spot like 2 weeks in advance when we go in mid August. It’s almost become a family tradition to go there on 14 August! Try to book as soon as you have your license plate, and perhaps nudge the rental company to let you know (difficult, I know).
Thank you so much for your really helpful guides. Has made planning our trip so much easier. Can I please ask how far in advance you normally need to book to guarantee access to Punto Molentis in late July? We won’t know our license plate number until we pick up our rental car and are only in Villasimius for three days. Also, is there an English speaking website for booking as the link takes you to an Italian site (quite understandably) that doesn’t seem to have an English version. Thank you for all your help.
One of the reasons it’s called Punta Molentis. In Sardinia, su molenti = the donkey 🙂
Hi Claudia …very good information let’s hope people will follow the rules.. Punta Molentis t’s definitely one of the many jewels of Sardinia ….Btw ..I’d would like to add a funny coincidence..if you look at Punta Molentis from above ..it resembles the head of an animal..in this case a donkey…😏
ohhh too bad! Yes, this is the best hack. It works in a variety of places 🙂
Haha. Thanks for the hack. I wish I had read this before. I queued up and gave up after 30 mins. (29th August)But I am happy that the government is protecting this treasure.