If you are dreaming of cruising into a hidden cove where the waters are emerald and the beaches are blissfully empty – Sardinia might just be your perfect escape. With its dramatic coastline, pink sands, and secret coves only reachable by sea, this Italian island is one of the most luxurious yacht charter destinations in the Mediterranean.
Whether you’re planning a week-long escape, or just looking for the best beaches in Sardinia to book a private day yacht charter, this guide has you covered. From the glamorous Costa Smerelda to the wild cliffs of the east, I’ll show you where the best beaches in Sardinia are – and exactly how to reach them in style.
Northeast Sardinia
If you’re wondering which part of Sardinia has the best beaches, Northeast Sardinia could be your answer! Home to the popular Costa Smeralda, as well as to the La Maddalena Archipelago, this place is a haven of clear waters and quiet anchorages.
Cala di Volpe
Are you a lover of peace and privacy? Then Cala di Volpe is for you. With its calm bay, and space for yachts up to 150 m, it’s the perfect spot to unwind away from the hustle of the more popular beaches.
Likely to get bored staying in a calm bay all day? No problem – it’s just close enough to dip back into the buzz of Costa Smerelda whenever you like.
Spiaggia del Principe
If you’re someone who likes a bit of royalty spotting, Spaggia del Principe is said to be Prince Karim Aga Khan’s favourite beach! With its crescent-shaped shoreline and clear, vibrant turquoise waters, it is very easy to see why it attracts royal visitors! This is easily one of the best beaches in Sardinia Italy, and very easily accessible by anchoring and swimming ashore.
Cala Coticcio (Caprera Island)
Nicknamed “Tahiti Beach”, this spot can only be reached by sea – making it as secluded as it can get. The colour of the water and the surrounding rocks gives this beach a magical feel. Cala Coticcio is a must see if you’re feeling like relaxing in your own private paradise.
Cala Corsara (Spargi Island)
Cala Corsara is one of those places you’ll want to gatekeep to yourself… it is quiet, pristine and literally postcard-perfect. It is ONLY accessible by boat, which means you’ll likely have the place all to yourself – definitely one of the best beaches in Sardinia for those of you searching for solitude and peace.
Spiaggia Rosa (Budelli Island)
Spiaggia Rosa is straight from a dream. With it’s unique pink sands (thanks to crushed coral), this protected area is a reminder of how unique and delicate Sardinia’s natural beauty is. Although you can’t set foot on this beach, admiring it from onboard your yacht is definitely worth the visit!
The sweet spot for sailing around Sardinia is between May and September. That’s when the weather is warm and the sea is calm. July and August are the peak months, so if you prefer beaches a bit quieter, late May, early June or even early September are a great time to go.
In most places you are free to anchor, but there are a few protected areas – like parts of the La Maddalena Archipelago or Spiaggia Rosa – where anchoring or traveling ashore is limited in order to protect the environment. It is always a good idea to check the local rules ahead of time, or have your charter company guide you through any necessary permits.
Eastern Sardinia
Looking for something a little wilder? With its towering cliffs, hidden caves and beaches only accessible by yacht or a serious hike, the east coast, especially around Gulf of Orosei, is where Sardinia gets dramatic. It is rugged, remote and totally unforgettable.
Cala Goloritzé
A UNESCO-listed world heritage site, Cala Goloritze is known for its towering limestone arch and azure blue waters. If you’re after a more adventurous stop, it’s one of the best beaches in Sardinia Italy. You can’t anchor too close, but tendering in for a swim is definitely worth it.
Cala Mariolu
Cala Mariolu is an underwater sea lover’s dream! The water is crystal-clear, and rich in marine life – perfect for snorkeling addicts! The pebbly shore adds to its beautiful charm – and because it is difficult to access on land, arriving by yacht gives you a massive advantage. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered a secret slice of Sardinia.
Cala Luna
This beach has a bit of everything – soft sand, dramatic cliffs and even caves you can explore. There’s space to anchor nearby, and the whole area feels like a movie set. Fun fact: it was actually used as a film location more than once… can you guess which films?
Cala Sisine
Less well known, but no less beautiful – Cala Sisine is quieter than some of its neighbours, which makes it a great choice if you’re looking to escape the crowds. It’s one of those spots that feels extra special to arrive by yacht.
Southern Sardinia
The south of Sardinia does not get nearly as much attention as it should. The beaches here are wide, open and incredibly peaceful – ideal for yacht anchoring and a laid back itinerary.
Tuerredda Beach
Often called Sardinia’s answer to the Caribbean, Tuerredda Beach has soft white sand, clear shallow water and hardly anyone around! You can anchor just offshore and enjoy a swim in some of the calmest and cleanest water on the island.
Generally, yes! One of the biggest perks of arriving by yacht is diving straight into those crystal-clear waters. However, a few beaches (like Spiaggia Rosa) are protected, so whilst you can swim nearby, you won’t be allowed to go ashore.
That really depends on your preference and vibe! Motor yachts are great if you want to cover more ground quickly, hitting multiple beaches in a day etc.. Sailing yachts or catamarans offer a more relaxed, scenic experience and are perfect for anchoring in calm bays. Most important? Choose a yacht with a shallow draft – it makes it easier to get closer to those tucked-away coves.
Yacht Charter Tips
When planning luxury yacht charters in Sardinia Italy, it doesn’t have to be complicated or take hours of research. Here are a few quick tips to make your experience as smooth (and fun) as possible:
Starting Points
Popular ports in Sardinia include Porto Cervo, Portisco and Cannigione – all three of these offer easy access to top destinations and top beach spots in Sardinia.
Best Time to Visit
For calm seas and warm weather, plan your trip between May and September. July and August are the busiest, so if you want to avoid the crowds early June or September are ideal.
Regulations and Restrictions
Some areas, like Spiaggia Rosa, are protected to preserve the natural beauty. This means you can’t anchor too close or go ashore. Always check the local rules before you drop anchor to make sure you’re in the clear.
Embark on Your Sardinian Yacht Adventure
There really is no better way to explore the best beaches in Sardinia than by yacht. From secret coves to show-stopping stretches of sand, Sardinia’s coastline is full of surprises – many of them hidden from land. Whether you’re curious about where the best beaches in Sardinia are, or wondering about the best place to stay in Sardinia for beaches, the truth is: there’s no wrong answer when you’re exploring by sea.
If you’re ready to start your next great adventure, 212 Yachts can help make it happen. With custom itineraries and luxury yachts tailored to your style, we’ll help you experience the very best that Sardinia has to offer – one beach at a time.
A week is a great starting point. It gives you enough time to explore the northeast coast and La Maddalena islands without rushing. If you want to venture down to the east or south, 10-14 days will let you soak it all in at a comfortable pace. Trust us – once you’re out there, you’ll wish you had more time!
Absolutely. Sardinia is well set up for yacht travel. Places like Porto Cervo, Portisco and Cannigione offer full-service marinas with everything you need – from provisioning to fuel. Even near the more remote beaches you’ll find anchorages or mooring buoys where you can safely stop and enjoy the view.