Yachts of the super-rich docked in Sardinia’s Porto Cervo (Image: Getty)
When picturing the world’s most stunning beaches, your mind likely wanders to the Maldives or the Caribbean. However, there’s a Mediterranean island whose beaches rival any globally – and it’s not located in Greece or Spain.
Indeed, one of this island’s exquisite beaches has recently been crowned the best in the world. Coupled with its warm climate, delectable cuisine, rich history, and vibrant city life, it possesses all the elements for an idyllic holiday. Surprisingly, it doesn’t even feature in the top 10 islands frequented by British holidaymakers, a list dominated by Spanish destinations such as Tenerife, Majorca, and Lanzarote, along with Greek islands like Santorini, Corfu, and Rhodes.
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Poetto, the wide city beach of Cagliari (Image: Getty)
The island in question is Sardinia, nestled midway between the Italian and Spanish coasts in the Mediterranean. It remains less popular and less renowned than the tourist hotspots of Spain and Greece, which are now grappling with the challenges of over-tourism due to their annual influx of visitors.
Sardinia’s vast size ensures ample space, so you won’t find yourself squeezed into overcrowded tourist areas. Despite its scale, it’s easily navigable, allowing for leisurely coastal drives with frequent stops at any of the stunning beaches scattered along the way.
Moreover, it’s just a short, affordable flight from the UK.
Cagliari, a bustling city located at the southernmost point of Sardinia, offers a vibrant restaurant and bar scene for those seeking urban excitement. In contrast, Alghero, a reasonably large town situated on the island’s opposite end, also boasts a lively dining scene.
Sardinia is synonymous with luxury, particularly along its north-eastern coast which attracts affluent European tourists to Porto Cervo. Here, you can spend your time admiring the heavily-guarded yachts and speculating about their owners.
The Cala Goloritze beach on the island of Sardinia, which has just been named the best on Earth (Image: Getty Images)
As expected from any Italian region, Sardinia’s culinary offerings are exceptional, providing an array of dining options. Unlike tourist-saturated destinations such as Majorca, many of Sardinia’s eateries primarily cater to locals, ensuring high-quality cuisine.
However, Sardinia’s crowning glory is arguably its extraordinary collection of stunning beaches, each of which would be considered a national gem in any other European country. These beaches frequently top global rankings, further enhancing Sardinia’s appeal.
The best beaches in Sardinia
One beach has recently been crowned the best on the planet. The curators of The World’s 50 Best Beaches list remarked: “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.”
For those keen to explore further, Sardinia offers an array of stunning beaches, some of which may become personal favourites upon discovery. Beyond the main island, the Maddalena archipelago off the northern coast presents a treasure trove of exquisite sandy retreats.
1. Cala Mariolu
2. Siaggia della Pelosa
3. Spiaggia del Pirata
4. Spiaggia Rena Bianca
5. Cala Corsara, La Maddalena
The beach of Cala Corsara on the La Maddalena archipelago off the main island (Image: Getty)
Naturally, Sardinia becomes a hive of activity during the peak holiday months of July and August, attracting numerous Italian vacationers. The Costa Smeralda region, in particular, is a magnet for tourists and celebrities alike, showcasing the island’s most overt displays of luxury and wealth.
If you’re keen on spotting celebrities, this is undoubtedly the destination to choose, with Spiaggia del Principe being the prime beach for potentially encountering a Hollywood star, music mogul or business tycoon. Lonely Planet observes: ” 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.”
The stunning white sands and bright blue waters of Sardinia (Image: Getty)
Where to stay in Sardinia
Even Cagliari boasts its own magnificent beach, the expansive Poetto, just a brief journey from the city centre, where locals escape whenever possible. Like many sought-after Italian beaches, numerous dining and drinking establishments line the shore, offering everything from quick bites and light refreshments to proper cafes, restaurants and bars.
At the island’s northern tip lies Alghero, a pleasantly-sized town featuring multiple beaches and fascinating attractions in the vicinity, including some of the most charming rural villages. From Alghero, visitors can take a boat trip to Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune’s Cave), a spectacular coastal cavern where stalactites dangle above the waters.
Capo Caccia, the incredible staircase at the Grotta di Nettuno near Alghero at sunset (Image: Getty)
On the east coast, you’ll find the opulent destinations of Porto Cervo and the Costa Smeralda, a sanctuary for the elite. If rubbing shoulders with the affluent isn’t on your agenda just yet, Cannigione is a modest nearby town offering an array of hotels, eateries and bars.
Similarly, if you’re seeking a spot near the city with a good selection of beaches within reach, consider Villasimius in the south, a brief drive from Cagliari.
Where to dine in Sardinia.
One culinary experience not to be overlooked is the agriturismo. This Italian concept sees traditional farms evolve to accommodate visitors looking to dine or stay (or both).
The menus are often extensive and superb, leaving you satisfyingly full of top-notch locally-sourced 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.
Spiagga del Principe is the best beach to potentially see a Hollywood star (Image: Getty)
How to reach Sardinia
The main airports in Sardinia are at Cagliari on the south coast and Olbia on the north-eastern coast. You can get frequent flights to either from UK airports. You can fly to Olbia from London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh and Birmingham, with prices starting at £46. Calgiari is served by several more UK airports.