Sardinia has 1,849km of coastline and the clearest water in Europe. From La Pelosa (3.50 entry) to Costa Smeralda (500/day sunbed) to Cala Goloritze (free, 1.5h hike, UNESCO). This guide covers all 4 coasts, all budgets.
THE beach. White sand, knee-deep for 100m. Capped 1,500/day.
Aga Khan's favorite. Granite, white sand. FREE.
Best beach in Italy — multiple awards. Boat from Cala Gonone.
UNESCO monument. Pinnacle + arch. Hike 1.5h or boat.
Crescent + caves + oleanders. Boat or 3h hike.
Twin beaches + flamingos in the lagoon behind.
Lagoon bay, wade to islet. Warmest water in Sardinia.
60m sand dunes meeting the sea. WILD. No facilities.
Quartz grain beach — white, pink, green. Do NOT take grains (500-3,000 fine).
Car essential. Fly Cagliari/Olbia/Alghero. Book ferries early for July-August.