The Most Beautiful Beaches in North Sardinia: From Stintino to Santa Teresa
White sand, granite cliffs and water like a swimming pool, all within easy reach of Valledoria.
Stretching along the northwestern and northern coast of the island, from Stintino to Santa Teresa Gallura, lies one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the entire Mediterranean. White sand, granite rocks sculpted by the wind, and water so clear it looks like a swimming pool — all within easy reach of our B&B in Valledoria, the perfect base for your North Sardinia beach holiday.
Here are the beaches you simply cannot miss, listed as a road trip from west to east.
1. La Pelosa, Stintino Top Pick
🚗 About 50 min from Casa NiRaLet’s start with the queen. La Pelosa is regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe: a strip of blinding white sand lapped by shallow, transparent turquoise water, with the 16th century Torre della Pelosa watching over the bay and the island of Asinara on the horizon. Arrive early in summer (parking fills up fast, and a small entry fee applies in high season), it’s worth every effort.
2. Le Saline and Punta Negra, Stintino
Just south of La Pelosa, these quieter beaches share the same pale sand and shallow waters, ideal if La Pelosa is too crowded. Punta Negra, in particular, is a local favourite for windsurfing and kitesurfing thanks to the reliable afternoon breeze.
3. Valledoria’s Beaches — Your Doorstep Local Secret
Here’s the secret many visitors discover too late: you don’t need to drive anywhere. Valledoria sits on the Gulf of Asinara and offers kilometres of sandy coastline, far less crowded than the famous names further east:
- Spiaggia di San Pietro — a long, soft sandy beach with shallow water, perfect for families and just a short stroll from our B&B
- Maragnani — a wide, quiet beach north of the town, with golden sand and clear water. Great for long walks and for those who want space even in August
- La Ciaccia — a beautiful sandy beach with a relaxed, local feel, popular with families and just minutes from the village centre
- Baia delle Mimose and the dunes — wilder, with Mediterranean scrub and pine forest right behind the sand
And for something truly unique: the mouth of the Coghinas River (Foce del Coghinas). Freshwater meets the sea here, creating a lagoon like environment popular with kayakers and birdwatchers. The river is also one of the best spots on the island for kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding.
4. Isola Rossa
A former fishing village named after its red granite islet, Isola Rossa combines a charming little harbour with two lovely beaches. The main beach is sheltered and family friendly; just around the headland, Spiaggia Marinedda offers wilder scenery and good surf when the mistral wind blows.
5. Costa Paradiso
A dramatic coastline of pink granite cliffs, hidden coves and sculpted rock formations. The most famous cove is Li Cossi, reachable by a short scenic footpath — emerald water between red rocks. Also explore Tinnari Beach (accessible by boat or a steep path) for a truly hidden gem experience.
6. Castelsardo and Lu Bagnu
Combine beach and culture: swim at Lu Bagnu in the morning, then climb up to the medieval village of Castelsardo, dominated by its castle and famous for its handmade basket weaving. The sunsets here, with the castle silhouetted against the sea, are unforgettable.
7. Rena Majore and the Santa Teresa Coast
As you enter Gallura, the landscape changes: granite takes over. Rena Majore, in the territory of Santa Teresa Gallura, is a long, beautiful beach embraced by granite rocks and pine trees, a great mix of wild nature and easy access.
8. Capo Testa Top Pick
The eastern star. A former granite quarry at the very tip of the island, Capo Testa looks almost Caribbean: white sand, sculpted boulders, transparent water. Reachable on foot via a panoramic path (about 20 minutes from the car park). Go early in the morning for the best light and bring water and sunscreen, as there’s no shade.
9. Rena Bianca, Santa Teresa Gallura
Right below the town, Rena Bianca is Santa Teresa’s elegant main beach fine white sand with a view of the Bocche di Bonifacio and the cliffs of Corsica on the horizon. Perfect for a sunset aperitivo afterwards in the lively piazza of the village.
🏡 Why Stay at Casa NiRa Sardegna in Valledoria?
Choosing where to sleep on a North Sardinia road trip matters. Valledoria sits right in the middle of the Stintino–Santa Teresa coast, and our family-run B&B is 2 minutes from the beach — which means every beach in this guide is between 20 and 60 minutes away.
At Casa NiRa — you’ll find air-conditioned double rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a warm Sardinian welcome. Travelling with family or staying longer? Our apartment with kitchen, living room and a pergola is ideal for slow evenings after beach days.
🌅 Ask us about our 7 Days Promo (weekly discount) and Romantic Escape offers!
Request a Personalized Offer →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best beach in North Sardinia?
La Pelosa in Stintino is the most famous, but Capo Testa near Santa Teresa and the beaches of Valledoria offer equally stunning scenery with fewer crowds.
Which North Sardinia beach is best for families?
Spiaggia di San Pietro in Valledoria is ideal for children and groups: shallow, soft sand, with services nearby.
How many days do you need for a North Sardinia beach holiday?
A week is perfect: 2–3 days for the beaches around Valledoria, 1–2 days for Stintino and Asinara, 2 days for the Castelsardo–Costa Paradiso–Isola Rossa stretch, and 1–2 days for Santa Teresa and Capo Testa.
Where should I stay to visit both Stintino and Santa Teresa?
Valledoria is the most strategic base: centrally located on the coast, with authentic village atmosphere and affordable accommodation compared to the main resorts.
Planning your trip? Send us a message — we’ll help you build the perfect beach itinerary from our home in Valledoria.
Leave a Reply