The Best Costa Smeralda Beach?

Which is the best Costa Smeralda beach? The Costa Smeralda is full of incredibly beautiful beaches, and I have set myself the difficult task of finding the best one.

Together with my wife, Maria, and our son, William, I have spent many a summer lying on beaches or splashing about in turquoise seas, all in an effort to discover the best beaches in Sardinia.

If you've explored our site in detail, you'll realize that we think the best beaches in Sardinia are those little-known beaches on the east coast (view that article here). Despite loving the east coast, the Costa Smeralda has some really incredible beaches too. Four in particular are simply stunning.

As is often the case with our family, choosing the best Costa Smeralda beach was impossible. Every single one has its own charm, so instead of picking favorites, we’ve listed them in no particular order. They’re all breathtaking, and no matter which one you visit, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered beach heaven.

Here’s my advice: don’t limit yourself to just one. Take your time, soak up the sunshine, and explore them all. Each offers something special, whether it’s crystal-clear waters, soft sands, or dramatic coastal scenery. Once you’ve checked these off your list, head further south to Sardinia’s east coast beaches—they’re equally stunning.

Sardinia isn’t meant to be rushed. Slow down, savor the beauty of this island, and let its charm unfold. Whether it’s the beaches, the food, or the warm hospitality, every moment here feels like a treasure. It is where you learn to perfect the Italian art of Dolce far Niente.

For more Sardinian & Costa Smeralda beach photos, click here.

Cala Capra

First, you do not just arrive at Cala Capra; you are greeted by it. The sand is a soft, warm grain, a delicate mix of golden sand and tiny, polished fragments of granite that sparkle like zucchero in the sun. It is gentle underfoot, perfect for building castles with the little ones or laying your towel for a long, lazy afternoon.

And the water, mamma mia, the water! It is not merely clear; it is a living palette. Where it is shallow, it is a luminous, mint-green aquamarine, so transparent you can count the pebbles beneath your feet. As it deepens, it shifts through every shade of turquoise into a profound sapphire blue. The bay is a natural embrace, sheltered by its rocky arms, so the water is often as calm as a lagoon. This is why the families come—the bambini can splash and play in safety, their laughter mixing with the gentle lap of the waves.

But come, let me walk with you behind the beach.

The air changes here—it smells of wild rosemary, myrtle, and sun-warmed stone. With every step, the vista opens like a grand opera. You look back and see the bay, a brushstroke of impossible blues cradled by the rugged coast. You look forward, and the granite sculptures of the Costa Serena rise from the earth, shaped by the wind into forms that stir the soul.

You leave a piece of your heart here, I promise you.

Where to Stay

Base yourself in nearby Palau, from where it is easy to explore, although you will need a car, which is best booked before you leave.

The best place to stay in Palua is La Vecchia Fonte. It is one of the friendliest hotels on this coast, and the rooms are spacious as well as spotless.

Another excellent option is the Hotel Palau which offers breathtaking views of the Maddalena Islands. The hotel is in the upper part of Palua but offers a free shuttle to and from the beach, which is around 600 meters away. 

Getting to the Beach

From Palau, take the SS 123 in the direction of Capo d’Orso and take the right turn-off after 3.8 km. Turn left after another 100 meters, then keep going straight for about another half kilometer.

Budelli and the Maddalena Islands

Budelli is a little island that is part of the Maddalena archipelago and is home to some of the loveliest beaches in all of Sardinia. The island is a national park, and access to a few of the beaches is limited. 

Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) is the most beautiful of the island’s beaches.

This beach gets its stunning pink hue from crushed coral and shells, creating a magical contrast against the turquoise waters. However, due to decades of overtourism and sand theft, Spiaggia Rosa is now fully protected as part of La Maddalena National Park.

While you can no longer walk on its sands or swim there, you can still admire this natural wonder from a safe distance, with buoys marking the closest point for boats to anchor. Guided tours are the best way to experience Budelli and the surrounding islands, as they combine a day of swimming in crystal-clear waters with fascinating stories about the park’s fragile ecosystem.

Although Spiaggia Rosa is off-limits, the rest of Budelli and the Maddalena Archipelago offer plenty to explore. From hidden coves to pristine beaches like Cala Coticcio, there's no shortage of beauty here. Snorkeling is a must, and the translucent sea reveals a vibrant underwater world.

I’d suggest visiting in spring or early summer, before the crowds arrive. These islands feel like paradise, and knowing that efforts are being made to preserve them makes the experience even more special. If you’re like me and find joy in soaking up nature’s wonders, a day in the Maddalena Archipelago will be one to cherish forever. Sardinia really does know how to spoil us!

Hotels on La Maddalena

There is not a lot of choice on La Maddalena, and by far the best bet is the Excelsior Hotel; otherwise, stay in Palau and take a boat trip across for the day.

Getting to the Beach

Spiaggia del Principe – The Prince’s Beach

Perhaps the most famous Costa Smeralda beach, this is a great beach for kids with shallow waters and sands lapped by an incredible turquoise sea. It's not only for kids but also for those wanting a romantic spot of almost Caribbean-like beauty.

Spiaggia del Principe is one of those beaches that lingers in your memory long after you leave. Its half-moon shape, soft white sand, and impossibly clear turquoise waters make it feel like something from a dream. If you love snorkeling, you’ll adore this spot. Just don’t forget to bring your own gear—there’s no equipment rental here, so pack those masks and fins!

The beach is divided into two parts by a cluster of rocks that older kids (and adventurous adults!) will love exploring. These rocks are also a great spot to take a break from swimming, soak up some sun, or look out at the vibrant underwater life.

Spiaggia del Principe earned its name thanks to Prince Aga Khan, who discovered its beauty back in the 1960s. He fell so in love with this area that he transformed the Costa Smeralda into the glamorous destination it is today, attracting celebrities and jet-setters. But despite its luxurious history, what I love most about this beach is how accessible it remains. Like all beaches on the Costa Smeralda, Spiaggia del Principe is free. There’s no pretentiousness here—just pure Sardinian beauty.

That said, timing your visit is key. July and August can get crowded, but in June or September, you’ll find a more tranquil paradise. Arrive early, as parking is limited, and be ready for a short walk down to the shore. Trust me, the extra effort is worth it.

This beach, with its wild natural surroundings and calm waters, captures the magic of Sardinia. It’s a reminder of why the Costa Smeralda continues to enchant travelers year after year. If you're planning a Sardinian getaway, Spiaggia del Principe deserves a top spot on your list. Just be prepared—you might never want to leave!

Where to Stay

The Monte di Mola is the hotel I would recommend. This is one of the few hotels on this coast that offers value for money and is a good base to explore Principe Beach and the other beaches of the Costa Smeralda.

Getting to the Beach

Principe Beach is around a kilometer outside of Romazzino; your hotel will be able to give you detailed directions. After you park in the parking area, you will need to walk for about fifteen minutes to reach the beach.

Pevero Beaches

The color of the sea off the two Pevero beaches (Grande and Piccolo) changes from sapphire blue to emerald green in a sparkling show of brilliance that seems to change by the minute.

Spiaggia del Grande Pevero: The Radiant Socialite

Think of Grande Pevero as the elegant, sun-drenched piazza of the coast—a place to see and be seen, but whose natural beauty is so profound, it humbles everyone. 

• The Arrival & Vibe: The approach is part of the experience. You follow a path through the fragrant macchia (Mediterranean scrub) and emerge onto a breathtaking stage. The vibe is chic yet relaxed—a mix of international glitterati, elegant Italian families, and savvy travelers, all united by the stunning backdrop. There is a sense of occasion here.
• The Sand & Sea: As you said, the sand is a blinding, powdery ivory. But notice its texture—it's so fine it barely sticks to your skin. The sea creates a masterpiece of color: a vast, shallow shelf of luminous, swimming-pool turquoise that, as the seabed drops away, transforms into a deep, vibrant emerald. It's this endless shallow shelf that makes it a child's paradise.
• The Setting & Amenities: The beach is well-framed by smooth, sculptural granite rocks at each end. Behind you, the protected dunes and juniper forest are a designated natural area—please stay on the paths to preserve this fragile ecosystem. Here, you will find more services: likely a stylish beach club (stabilimento balneare) offering chair/umbrella rentals, a bar selling snacks too. Parking is organized but can fill up by mid-morning in peak season.
• The Secret View: For the iconic photo, walk up the path on the southern headland (to your right when facing the sea). From there, you look down upon the entire crescent of sand and that breathtaking gradient of water—it’s the postcard view.

Just a five-minute walk around the rocky promontory to the south lies Piccolo Pevero. It is the same family but a completely different soul—more intimate, more untamed, and wonderfully serene.

• The Arrival & Vibe: The path here feels more adventurous. The vibe is instantly quieter, more rustic, and connected to nature. You come here not for the scene, but for the essence of the Costa Smeralda's raw beauty. It feels like a personal discovery.
• The Sand & Sea: The sand is slightly coarser, mixed with small granules of pink granite, giving it a warmer, golden-pink hue. The bay is smaller and more enclosed by dramatic, rugged rocks. The water is just as phenomenally clear, but often with more visible seagrass meadows on the sandy bottom, attracting schools of small fish. It’s a fantastic spot for snorkeling right from the shore.
• The Setting & Atmosphere: The dunes and juniper crowd closer to the shoreline here, creating a sense of cozy seclusion. Amenities are minimal to none—this is a spiaggia libera (free beach). Come prepared with your own umbrella, water, and supplies. The soundtrack is the wind, the waves, and the cry of seabirds.
• The Secret Pleasure: Find a spot on the smooth rocks at the edges. They are perfect for sunbathing in solitude and for diving directly into the deeper, cooler blue channels beside the main sandy inlet.

Where to Stay in Pevero

The best option is the Pevero Hotel.They offer a free shuttle into Porto Cervo, and the hotel has a reserved area for guests on the Piccolo Pevero beach, which is located right in front of the hotel.  You will need a car to explore inland areas.

Getting to the Beach

Take the SS59 from Porto Cervo; the turn-off for Piccolo Pevero is about 1.8 km further on; after a minute or two, you can park, and the beach is a short 10-minute walk away.

For more photos of the beaches around Pevero and Porto Cervo click here.