If you want some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, look no further than Ogliastra — a wild, mountainous stretch along the east coast where the sea is as clear as the air and every visit feels personal. On my trip, I was struck by how easy it is to find your own slice of Sardinian paradise, whether you want long sandy stretches, secret coves, or dramatic cliffs. For mature travelers who value quiet, detail, and local insight, Ogliastra is a dream destination.
Best Hotels in Ogliastra🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Teku Boutique Hotel
- 🏨 4-Star: Le Corti Sarde
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Prima Luna
- 💸 Cheap: Natur Hotel Tanca
- 🏢 Apartment: Sardegna ri-ale a due passi dal mare bari sardo
- 👪 For Families: Villa Bianca (Tertenìa)
- 🏩 For Couples: Grecale A Pochi Passi Dal Mare
Quick Guide to the Best Beaches 📃
- 🏖️ Family Oasis — Lido di Orrì Beach
- 🚤 Boat Adventure — Cala Goloritzè Beach
- 🧘 Peaceful Escape — Su Sirboni Beach
- 🌊 Red Rocks Marvel — Cala Moresca Beach
- 🐚 Hidden Cove — Cala Biriola Beach
- 🍃 Pine Forest Shade — Perd’e Pera Beach
- 👀 Rocky Drama — Coccorocci Beach
- 🏄 Shallow Waters — Cea Beach
- 🚣♀️ Kayaking Paradise — Cala Luna Beach
- 🌳 Long Strolls — Torre di Barì Beach
1. Lido di Orrì Beach: Classic Sandy Stretch for Relaxation
Fine white sand warms underfoot as you walk the vast shoreline of Lido di Orrì, a beach that’s almost always bathed in calm, shallow waters — perfect for long, easy swims during holidays in sardinia. I remember the scent of Mediterranean scrub drifting in the breeze when I found a quiet spot between the sand dunes. The beach stretches over 8km, offering plenty of space for everyone, and is ideal for families and any tourist seeking gentle entry and safe paddling. Main access is near Tortolì, with parking and a popular café for homemade lemon ice tea. Arrive before 10 am for calm mornings, or swim in the afternoon after a boat trip to Cala Mariolu.
Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
Lido di Orrì is lined with sand dunes and Mediterranean scrub, and offers clear, shallow waters for several hundred meters, making it a classic holidays in sardinia stop. There are small inlets and coves for privacy, and a beach café that locals love for its friendly vibe and ice-cold drinks, while adventurous tourist swimmers often pair a morning here with a later visit toward Barisardo or the coves beyond cala sisine. The nearest parking is right by the sand, and public buses connect Tortolì’s main square, Piazza Marini, to the beach entrance every hour in summer, which also helps for connections to boat trips bound for cala mariolu.
- Pro: Endless sand, shallow waters — perfect for families and swimmers of all ages.
- Con: In high season, the main section can get crowded — slip down the quieter coves for more peace.
Best For: Couples, families, and groups who want space, sun, and gentle seas.
Skip If: You want dramatic scenery — try Cala Goloritzè or Cala Luna instead.
Best Hotels near Lido di Orrì Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Albergo Residenziale La Corte — Central Tortolì guesthouse with comfortable rooms, shared courtyard, and quick connections to Lido di Orrì and Cea.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- I Mandorli Lotzorai — Quiet countryside stay with garden views, spacious rooms, and easy driving access to Santa Maria Navarrese and Lido di Orrì.
- Cronta Apartments — Modern self-catering units with equipped kitchens, balconies, and convenient parking for coastal day trips.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Casa Anna — Ilbono — Simple, tidy apartment with a equipped kitchen, balcony, and easy road access to Lido di Orrì and Tortolì for coastal day trips.
2. Cala Goloritzè Beach: A Natural Monument
Turquoise waters shimmer against striking white pebbles and dramatic limestone cliffs at Cala Goloritzè, a UNESCO-listed natural monument only accessible by a scenic hike or boat, and its unspoilt setting makes it one of the most unmissable coves in east Sardinia. I’ll never forget rounding the final bend and seeing the iconic Aguglia pinnacle, its shadow stretching across the sea as morning light hits the cliffs near the rocky buttress of Sa Perda. The 0.4 km beach has pebbles and crystal-clear, chilly water. Best from May to September when the 3.5 km descent from Golgo plateau is dry—bring sturdy shoes, water, and energy for the return climb to Perda Longa viewpoints.
Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
Cala Goloritzè is reached from the Golgo plateau parking lot in Baunei via a steep, well-marked trail (1–1.5 hours each way) that drops through macchia before the last 1 km of switchbacks. Locals often start early to avoid crowds and midday heat, and pack a light lunch to enjoy above the cove where the water glows an intense blue below Sa Perda’s limestone walls. On the way back, don’t miss a dip at the natural pool near the trailhead, especially favored by early risers heading onward toward Perda Longa or the coastal paths that link to other unspoilt cliff coves.
- Pro: Breathtaking scenery and a true sense of adventure.
- Con: The hike can be tough and there are no amenities — not ideal for those with mobility issues.
Best For: Hikers, adventurers, and anyone who wants to feel part of wild Sardinia.
Skip If: You want something easy and well-equipped — Lido di Orrì is a safer bet.
Best Hotels near Cala Goloritzè Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Baiacea — Modern seaside apartments near Cala Goloritzè Beach, offering sea-view terraces, kitchenettes, and convenient free parking.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Le Corti Sarde — Contemporary apartments near Bari Sardo with outdoor space, full kitchens, and quick access to beach.
- Le Corti Sarde — Sea Breeze — Airy seaside apartment with a furnished terrace, kitchenette, and easy reach to sandy coves.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- BedBike Baunei — Practical Baunei base with clean rooms and bike-friendly facilities, ideal for hikers heading to the Golgo plateau and Cala Goloritzè trails.
3. Su Sirboni Beach: Hidden Gem
A small bay of fine white sand, turquoise water, and pink granite boulders, Su Sirboni is a favorite among locals who appreciate its calm and unspoiled charm and belongs among the beaches of ogliastra that travelers most often return to. I spent a lazy afternoon watching the seabirds swoop overhead while the water sparkled as clear as a swimming pool, thinking it’s one of the essential beaches to see in ogliastra for quiet hours. Su Sirboni is a 300 m beach with soft sand, ideal for solitude and natural beauty. Access via a short path from Gairo, with free parking, and easy to combine with other Ogliastra South beaches toward Arbatax.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Su Sirboni is a quiet spot with no services, but there’s a peaceful, local atmosphere and often a few dedicated bathers even in July, which is why guides to beaches of ogliastra highlight it for its serenity. The nearby old resort adds a quirky touch, and the waters are calm and shallow, making it safe for paddling, so if you plan what to see in ogliastra in one day, this cove fits perfectly between more rugged beaches of ogliastra south. Parking is rough, but the beach offers a true escape and a gentle detour on the Ogliastra South route to Arbatax. Bring a swim for easy underwater access and abundant fish among the quieter beaches.
- Pro: Pristine, quiet, and beautifully colored.
- Con: No facilities — you’ll need supplies for the day.
Best For: Couples and couples of friends who value privacy and unspoiled nature.
Skip If: You’re with children who want lots of space — Perd’e Pera is more practical.
Best Hotels near Su Sirboni Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- BariGhouse — Modern apartment in Bari Sardo with a fully equipped kitchen, private terrace, and convenient parking, set a short drive from beach and local eateries.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- A Pochi Passi Dal Mare (Santa Maria Navarrese) — Beach-near holiday home steps from the promenade, featuring a private patio and full kitchen.
- Appartamento Vista Mare — Santa Maria Navarrese — Panoramic sea-view apartment with balcony, living area, and convenient access to marina boat trips.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Resort Beach San Gemiliano — Budget-friendly seaside stay near Su Sirboni beach area with kitchen facilities and straightforward parking.
4. Cala Moresca Beach: Arbatax’s Famed Red Rocks
The striking red cliffs at Cala Moresca give this beach its dramatic mood and Mediterranean color palette along a scenic curve of the coast of sardinia. The scent of pine and salt fills the air as you walk the shore, with the red rocks glowing in the late afternoon sun and reminding why ogliastra beaches are prized for their color contrasts. I spent an evening here, watching sunset colors race across the cliffs without the pressure of crowded beaches even in peak months. The beach is 300 meters long, mostly sand with some pebbles, gently sloping into calm, clear waters — perfect for swimming and snorkeling on one of Ogliastra’s most accessible beaches.
The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
Cala Moresca is backed by the lush Bellavista promontory and the Arbatax pier, with views out to the Isle of Ogliastra that showcase the rugged coast of sardinia. A short, shady path leads from the main road, and locals often head here for a late dip and early sunset drinks, noting it’s calmer than nearby crowded beaches in midsummer. The beach rarely gets overcrowded, and there’s a small café serving fresh panini and cold drinks, with easy onward access toward Tancau and the rock gardens around sa perda ‘e pera on the classic line from ogliastra south to arbatax.
- Pro: Dramatic scenery, calm sea, and good facilities.
- Con: The mix of sand and pebbles may not suit everyone’s feet.
Best For: Photographers, couples, and families who appreciate both comfort and drama.
Skip If: You want pure white sand — Lido di Orrì is a better choice.
Best Hotels near Cala Moresca Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- B&B Gennarcu — Welcoming B&B with cozy rooms, homemade breakfast, and a convenient base for exploring Baunei’s coastline.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Oasi Del Benessere — Ilbono — Relaxing B&B with wellness touches, homemade breakfast, and a quiet hillside setting near Cala Moresca.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- S’Imbragu — Cozy, rustic-style apartment with a terrace and kitchenette in a quiet village setting close to Ogliastra’s beaches.
5. Cala Biriola Beach: Cliff-Framed Cove
A hidden cove only reachable by boat or a challenging hike, Cala Biriola impresses with its fine white sand, crystal clear water, and the towering limestone cliffs that surround it, sharing the same wild character found at cala goloritze along this coast. I recall the serenity of paddling a kayak in, the cliffs echoing splashes and the occasional cormorant’s call over clear blue waters that look almost glassy at noon. The beach is a small, 100-meter sheltered cove in the Gulf of Orosei, peaceful despite its position between famous spots and the photogenic Is Scoglius Arrubius further south.
Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
Cala Biriola is part of the Gulf of Orosei and can only be reached from the sea or by a long, steep hike, making it a natural pairing with cala goloritze on a day of coastal exploration. There are no facilities, but the cove is a must for snorkeling, with clear waters and abundant fish that shimmer in truly crystal clear water close to the rocks. Locals sometimes anchor small boats here for an all-day picnic, avoiding the Sardinian sun under overhanging cliffs before motoring past the beach of is scoglius arrubius for late-afternoon photos. For a memorable day, pack a picnic and head out on a guided kayak trip from nearby Santa Maria Navarrese, timing your return to glide across clear blue waters in golden light.
- Pro: Secluded, stunning, and a real adventure.
- Con: Difficult access — not suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.
Best For: Adventurous travelers and couples who love wild, untouched places.
Skip If: You want easy access and facilities — choose Lido di Orrì or Cala Moresca.
Best Hotels near Cala Biriola Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Casa Vacanze Arbatax — Practical holiday home near Arbatax’s harbor and Cala Biriola, featuring a full kitchen and free parking for easy coastal day trips.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Nido Sui Cieli Di Baunei — Cliffside apartment with sweeping views over Baunei, ideal for hikers heading to the Golgo plateau and Cala Biriola Beach.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Nautilus — Arbatax — Compact, good-value rooms in Arbatax near Cala Biriola and Red Rocks, convenient for boat excursions.
6. Perd’e Pera Beach: Shaded Relaxation
A long, sandy beach (over 1km) shaded by fragrant eucalyptus and pine trees, Perd’e Pera offers calm, shallow waters and a natural cooling breeze from the surrounding forest, with stretches that feel pristine beach and pleasingly sandy and rocky near the shoreline. I remember the scent of eucalyptus drifting down to the sand as I walked between patches of shade and sun along a fine and white arc that seems to run on forever. The beach suits families and anyone seeking a safe, relaxed spot in a mellow resort area with easy coastal access.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:Perd’e Pera is in Cardedu, a relaxed part of Ogliastra with a low-key local atmosphere even in summer and a gently sandy and rocky seabed that suits long wades. Locals love the beach for its shade and long strolls, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the fine and white patches glow, and many pair a swim here with a quick coastal drive to get to arbatax for gelato. There’s no lifeguard, but the waters are calm and the parking is free around Prato del Turco, where the pine scent is strongest. For a true local experience, bring a hammock and set up between the trees for a lazy, fragrant nap that sums up this pristine beach mood.
- Pro: Shade, space, and peaceful waters — great for families.
- Con: Some stretches are mixed sand/pebble, and the seabed slopes gently, so it’s not deep swimming.
Best For: Families, older travelers, and anyone who wants a picnic under pine and eucalyptus.
Skip If: You want dramatic cliffs and wilder scenery — Cala Goloritzè is more adventurous.
Best Hotels near Perd’e Pera Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Teku Boutique Hotel — Stylish boutique stay in Bari Sardo with elegant rooms, artisanal breakfasts, and easy access to Torre di Barì and Perd’e Pera Beach.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Paradice in Baunei — Simple, clean rooms in the heart of Baunei, a practical base for boat trips and trekking routes.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Appartamenti Alessio — Self-catering apartments with balconies and parking, well-placed for exploring Ogliastra’s beaches.
7. Coccorocci Beach: Colorful Musical Shingles
With its pink, green, and gray pebbles that sing as the waves roll over them, Coccorocci is a unique sensory experience. The sound is magical, and the blue water seems even more intense against the unusual rock colors. I spent a morning skipping stones across the shingle, listening to the beach “play” as the waves came in. The beach is about 200 meters long, all shingle, and best for adventurous bathers who enjoy natural textures and clear seas. Visit in June or September for serene moments and pleasant water temperatures.
Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
Coccorocci is near Marina di Gairo and easy to reach, with parking just off the main road in a low-key sea resort stretch of the eastern coast. There are no real facilities, but locals love this spot for its unique soundtrack and quietude, especially where the shoreline is mixed with pebbles and the waves sing. The shingle may be uncomfortable for lounging, but it’s ideal for a refreshing dip and a unique memory in a corner shaped by the nearby village of gairo and its coastal paths. For a local touch, walk south along the coastal path to a secret viewpoint above the cove, then circle back before sunset for the best colors on the pebble fans.
- Pro: Unique, musical, and a real natural wonder.
- Con: Not ideal for sunbathing or young children due to the pebbles.
Best For: Independent travelers and couples seeking unusual experiences.
Skip If: You prefer soft sand — Lido di Orrì is better for sunbathing.
Best Hotels near Coccorocci Beach
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Maison Bellevue — Elevated apartments with wide views, kitchen facilities, and quick access to Perd’e Pera and Coccorocci beaches.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Casa Effe — Tortolì — Modern apartment with a full kitchen, washing machine, and easy access to supermarkets and coastal roads.
8. Cea Beach: Red Cliffs & Crystal Water
Crystal waters and striking red rock stacks make Cea one of Ogliastra’s most photographed beaches. The sand is fine and soft, and the water remains shallow far out — a paradise for paddlers and families. I remember watching local fisherfolk cast their lines from the rocks at sunset, the red glow reflecting off the sea. The beach is about 1.2km long, with good parking, a couple of beach bars, and pedal boat rentals. June to September is the best time to visit.
Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
Cea has all the conveniences — sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and a good bus connection from Tortolì’s Piazza Marini, with snorkeling spots tucked beneath low limestone rocks near the red stacks. Locals often bring a picnic and set up near the parking lot for both convenience and sea views, then wade out where the seabed invites casual underwater fishing in calm afternoon light. For a local’s tip, take a pedal boat out to the red rocks and snap some dramatic photos as the limestone rocks flare at sunset.
- Pro: Safe, scenic, and well-equipped for a comfortable day.
- Con: Can get busy in midsummer — arrive early for the best spot.
Best For: Families, photographers, and anyone who wants ease along with beauty.
Skip If: You want solitude — Su Sirboni is quieter.
Best Hotels near Cea Beach
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Sa Dommu E Mare — Cozy coastal apartment with a furnished terrace, barbecue area, and easy strolls to sandy beaches.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Sa Dommu E Su Coro — Characterful village house with a furnished patio and kitchenette, a calm base for day trips along the coast.
9. Cala Luna Beach: Kayaking Paradise
Carved between soaring limestone cliffs and lush greenery, Cala Luna is a stunning, wild bay that feels like stepping into a painting. The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, about 500 meters long, and is accessible only by boat, kayak, or a significant trek. I remember the sense of discovery as I paddled around the headland, the cliffs reflecting in the calm, deep blue water. Only a basic beach bar and sunbeds are available; best from May to September.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Access is by boat or kayak from Cala Gonone, Arbatax, or Santa Maria Navarrese, or by a long, challenging hike through central-eastern Sardinia where ancient paths once linked nuragic villages. There’s a simple beach bar for snacks and drinks, but most people bring a picnic and linger beneath limestone overhangs that locals compare to weathered stones of a nearby nuraghe. Locals favor early mornings or late afternoons for the best light and fewer crowds, and lucky swimmers may spot a shy monk seal offshore.
- Pro: Dramatic, wild, and truly special.
- Con: Only for the adventurous due to access.
Best For: Adventurous travelers and families with older children.
Skip If: You want easy access and full facilities — Lido di Orrì or Cea are more practical.
Best Hotels near Cala Luna Beach
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Resort Beach Cala Santa Maria Navarrese — Comfortable resort-style stay near the marina, with beach access and boat excursion options along the Gulf of Orosei.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- B&B Casa Concia — Friendly B&B offering homemade breakfast, comfortable rooms, and a handy location for reaching Ogliastra’s beaches.
10. Torre di Barì Beach: Long Views & Local Life
A wide, welcoming stretch of golden sand backed by dunes, Mediterranean scrub, and a historic Spanish tower, Torre di Barì is a favorite for locals who want open skies and long walks. The scent of wild rosemary drifts over the sand as waves roll in, and I loved watching the sunset over the tower. The beach is about 2km long, with calm, shallow waters and good parking. There’s a basic beach bar, and the vibe is relaxed and authentic. Visit March to October for the best conditions.
Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
Torre di Barì is a local favorite for its unpretentious atmosphere and spacious fine sand that runs in broad arcs beneath the watchful tower. Families come for the gentle waves, and couples enjoy sunset strolls to the tower along a shoreline that feels expansive enough to hint at the 8 km stretches found nearby in Ogliastra. Parking is easy, and the nearest bus stops on the main road, making quick family visits simple even at dusk. For a true Ogliastra experience, join the locals for an evening walk and a swim as the sun sets behind the distant mountains, when the fine sand holds the last warmth of the day.
- Pro: Spacious, authentic, and great for nature lovers.
- Con: Few luxuries — keep it simple.
Best For: Couples and small groups wanting a genuine Sardinian beach experience.
Skip If: You want wild drama — Cala Luna and Cala Goloritzè are more dramatic.
Best Hotels near Torre di Barì Beach
💎 Luxury hotels
- Le Corti Sarde Beach Apartments — Beachfront holiday home steps from the sand, featuring a private terrace, full kitchen, and on-site parking.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Hotel Villa Selene — Lanusei — Classic hilltop hotel offering panoramic views, seasonal pool, and a restaurant serving traditional Sardinian dishes.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Camping Girasole — Holiday park with simple bungalows, on-site facilities, and quick access to sandy stretches around Girasole and Torre di Barì.
FAQ
What budget should you plan for a beach holiday in Ogliastra?
Expect to pay around €15–25 per person for a day at an equipped beach, including sunbed, parking, and a simple lunch, while wild, unserviced beaches are free but require you to bring your own food and supplies.
Which beaches in Ogliastra are best for families with young children?
Lido di Orrì, Perd’e Pera, and Torre di Barì offer calm, shallow seas, plenty of space, and gentle entry, making them ideal for families.
Which beaches are ideal for water sports in Ogliastra?
Snorkeling and diving are best at Cala Goloritzè, Cala Biriola, Cala Luna, and Coccorocci, while pedal boats and kayaking are popular at Cea and Cala Moresca.
What is the best time of year to visit Ogliastra’s beaches?
Late June to early September offers the best weather and warmest sea, but May and late September are more peaceful and still pleasantly warm.
How can you easily get around Ogliastra’s beaches?
Most beaches are accessible by car or public bus from Tortolì, Arbatax, or Santa Maria Navarrese, while remote coves like Cala Goloritzè and Cala Biriola require hiking or a boat trip.
Are there any hidden or less-crowded beaches in Ogliastra?
Su Sirboni, Coccorocci, and Perd’e Pera are quieter, less developed, and favored by locals who want to escape the crowds.
What practical tips should visitors know when going to Ogliastra’s beaches?
Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear for hikes; arrive early to secure parking; check tide times for boat trips; and respect nature by carrying all waste out with you.
