When you envision the world’s finest beaches, your mind likely drifts to the Maldives or the Caribbean. However, there’s a Mediterranean island whose beaches rival any worldwide – and it’s not in Greece or Spain. In fact, one beach on this stunning island has recently been crowned the best in the world.
Combine that with the island’s warm climate, delectable cuisine, rich history, and vibrant city life, and you’ve got all the makings of an ideal holiday. Despite these attractions, it doesn’t even make the top 10 list of islands most frequented by British holidaymakers, which is dominated by Spanish destinations like Tenerife, Majorca, and Lanzarote, as well as Greece’s Santorini, Corfu, and Rhodes.
The island in question is Sardinia, situated roughly halfway between the coasts of Italy and Spain in the Mediterranean. It’s far less popular and lesser-known than the tourist hotspots of Spain and Greece, which are now so overrun with visitors each year that locals are pushing back against over-tourism, reports the Express.
Sardinia is vast, offering plenty of space and avoiding the overcrowded tourist traps. Despite its size, it’s easily navigable, and you can drive along the coast with ease, stopping at any of the beautiful beaches that appear regularly
Moreover, it’s just a short, affordable flight from the UK. Located off the western coast of Italy, Sardinia boasts a unique blend of city life, luxury, and natural beauty. Its southernmost point is home to Cagliari, a bustling metropolis with a vibrant restaurant and bar scene, while the northern town of Alghero offers a similar atmosphere.
For those seeking luxury, Sardinia’s north-eastern coast is a haven for affluent European tourists, who flock to the exclusive resort town of Porto Cervo to marvel at the lavish yachts and speculate about their owners.
As one would expect from Italy, the culinary scene in Sardinia is exceptional, with a diverse range of dining options. Unlike more tourist-saturated destinations like Majorca, many restaurants in Sardinia still cater primarily to locals, ensuring high-quality cuisine.
However, Sardinia’s crowning jewel is its staggering array of breathtaking beaches, each of which would be a national treasure in any other European country. These beaches consistently rank among the world’s best and are scattered throughout the island.
Sardinia’s best beaches
With so many exceptional beaches to choose from, it’s challenging to pinpoint the “best” ones in Sardinia. Unlike other vacation spots, where the top beaches are concentrated in a specific area, Sardinia boasts stunning beaches along its entire coastline, from north to south and east to west.
Cala Goloritzé has been crowned the best beach on the planet, with those compiling The World’s 50 Best Beaches list gushing, “Cala Goloritzé feels like more than just a beach – its raw beauty has a way of touching you emotionally the moment you lay eyes on it. Whether you’re looking down from the viewpoint above or standing at the shore with your feet in the water, the scene is truly breathtaking.”
Sardinia offers an array of stunning beaches beyond the celebrated Cala Goloritzé—each worthy of exploration, whether on the main island or the Maddalena archipelago. These top picks include:.
Cala MarioluSiaggia della PelosaSpiaggia del PirataSpiaggia Rena BiancaCala Corsara, La Maddalena
Be aware that Sardinia becomes a hive of activity during July and August when Italians typically take their breaks. The Costa Smeralda is exceptionally popular, attracting celebrities and displaying the island’s wealth.
For a taste of la dolce vita and a chance to rub shoulders with the rich and famous, this is the ultimate destination. The Spiaggia del Principe is the go-to beach for celebrity sightings, with the likes of Hollywood stars, music moguls, and business leaders frequently spotted soaking up the sun on its picturesque shores.
As Lonely Planet describes: “A number of beautiful coves necklace the fabulous swoop of coastline where Gallura’s wind-whipped granite mountains tumble down to fjordlike inlets in the emerald sea. One of the finest is the Spiaggia del Principe, a stunning crescent of pale sand snuggled among low cliffs named after Prince Karim Aga Khan, who has given it his seal of approval.”
Accommodation options in Sardinia cater to various holiday preferences. The island’s largest city, Cagliari, offers a vibrant blend of history and modernity, with restaurants primarily serving authentic Italian cuisine.
While not typically a tourist hub, Cagliari boasts an impressive beach, Poetto, just a short distance from the city centre, where locals and visitors alike flock to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. The beach is lined with an array of eateries, cafes, and bars, offering everything from light snacks to leisurely meals.
At the other end of the island lies Alghero, a cosy town boasting several beaches and nearby attractions, including stunning country villages. From Alghero, you can take a boat to Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune’s Cave), a striking seafront cavern where stalactites dangle above the water.
On the east coast, you’ll find the luxury hotspots of Porto Cervo and the Costa Smeralda, a sanctuary for the rich and famous. If you’re not quite ready to rub shoulders with the elite, Cannigione is a more low-key small town nearby, offering plenty of choices for hotels, restaurants and bars.
Similarly, if you’re after a location that’s close to the city but also boasts a good selection of nearby beaches, consider Villasimius in the south, just a short drive from Cagliari.
Where to eat in Sardinia
When it comes to dining in Sardinia, you’re spoilt for choice, with all the major towns and cities offering an array of authentic options that cater more to Italians than tourists.
However, one culinary experience you shouldn’t miss is the agriturismo. This Italian concept sees traditional farms adapt to accommodate visitors looking to eat or stay (or both).
The menus are often extensive and superb, leaving you satisfyingly full of the finest locally-produced food. There’s nothing quite like it. Agriturismo La Colti, situated between Cannigione and Arzachena in the north-east of the island, is a prime example.
How to get to Sardinia
The primary airports in Sardinia are located at Cagliari on the southern coast and Olbia on the north-eastern coast. Regular flights from UK airports to both destinations are available.
Flights to Olbia depart from London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh and Birmingham, with fares beginning at £46. Several more UK airports provide services to Cagliari.