Costa Rei Beaches: The Ultimate Sardinia Guide | Map and Hidden Gems
If you dream of a slice of paradise in Sardinia where the sea is a canvas of blues and the sand is a soft, golden carpet, you’ve come to the right place.
Costa Rei is more than just a destination; it’s a sequence of natural wonders, each with a unique and unforgettable character.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a thrilling journey along this coastline, from south to north, revealing the most beautiful beaches and their hidden secrets.
From the tranquility of Cala Pira to the majesty of Scoglio di Peppino, get ready to discover why this part of the coast is every traveler’s dream.
Follow our map and let yourself be enchanted by the hidden gems of this corner of Sardinia.
Interactive Map: a special preview for you
To make your experience even better, we have prepared a special interactive map with all the beaches of Costa Rei.
Scroll to the bottom of this article to find it, and by clicking on the different pins, you’ll be able to watch videos of each beach.
It’s the perfect way to get a glimpse of these amazing places and start dreaming about your next vacation in Sardinia!
Table of Contents for Discover Sardinia Costa Rei beaches
Sardinia: An Italian Island of Crystal-Clear Waters and Heavenly Beaches
Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Sardinia is a destination that captivates with its timeless beauty and untamed spirit. Often referred to as a mini-continent, it boasts a diverse landscape where rugged mountains and wild, aromatic landscapes give way to a coastline that rivals the Caribbean. This blend of wild nature and seaside splendor makes the island a unique and sought-after retreat.
The island’s true magic lies in its beaches, renowned for their incredible variety and pristine quality. From long, powdery stretches of white sand to tiny, secluded coves hidden among granite cliffs, there’s a perfect spot for every taste. What unites them all is the sea itself: a shimmering expanse of impossible blues, turquoises, and emeralds so clear you can see the sandy seabed even in deep waters.
The Costa Rei area, our focus here, is a perfect microcosm of this Sardinian coastal charm. It’s a place that effortlessly combines accessible, family-friendly beaches with quiet, untouched corners, offering a glimpse into the island’s pure, untamed beauty.
Which part of the coast is included in Costa Rei?
Costa Rei is a stretch of rare beauty thanks to its abundance of beaches, wild landscapes, and crystal-clear sea. The Costa Rei area extends from Capo Ferrato to Punta de Is Cappuccinus (coordinates 39°11’11″N 9°34’30″E). Among the beaches of Costa Rei, we have Cala Sinzias, Cala Monte Turno, Capo Ferrato, and many others. Let’s take a closer look at them.
A Dream Trip Through the Beaches of Costa Rei and Beyond
Imagine a journey along the southeastern coast of Sardinia, where time seems to slow down and every turn reveals a breathtaking view. The beaches of Costa Rei and its surroundings follow one another like pearls in a treasure chest, each with a unique and unmistakable soul.
Cala Pira
Our journey begins at Cala Pira, a true gem nestled halfway between the famous town of Villasimius and Costa Rei. Although it lies just outside the strict boundaries of Costa Rei, its beauty and proximity make it an essential stop on our list. Its fine, golden sand creates a soft carpet that plunges into a sea of Caribbean colors. The water is so clear and calm that it feels like a natural swimming pool, making it perfect for families with children. Watching over this marvel is an ancient Spanish watchtower, the Torre di Cala Pira, which adds a touch of history and charm to the landscape.
Cala Sinzias
Continuing north, we encounter Cala Sinzias, a truly special destination known for its incredible length and white sands. Cala Sinzias is a paradise for those who love long barefoot walks along the shore, with a consistently relaxed atmosphere and generous space for everyone. Its crystal-clear sea and shallow seabed invite you to take a dip, while the presence of beach bars and restaurants makes it perfect for a quiet and romantic evening.
Want to discover every detail of this magnificent beach, including its proximity to Cala Monte Turno and useful tips for parking? We invite you to read our in-depth article and watch the video that shows you all its beauty.
Cala Sinzias: Discover the Endless White Sands of Costa Rei, Sardinia
Cala Sizias beach by night
Cala Sinzias beach is not only an excellent place to enjoy the sea but it is also the perfect place for a special and slightly different evening.
We want to premise that in this area of Sardinia, there is not as much nightlife as in other places and your main options for a night out are generally the following:
- Spend the evening in Villasimius
- Costa Rei in the evening
- Spend the evening in Cagliari
Cala Sinzias can be a valid alternative to the options listed above. In fact, for example, in Cala Sinzias we have the Lido Tamatete, which is also open in the evening at certain times of the year. You can come here for an after-dinner drink having the pleasure of resting your feet on the sand even in the evening, or you can also come for dinner. We opted for drinks as we had already eaten dinner.
Cala Monte Turno Beach
Cala Monte Turno Beach is a true jewel, perhaps less known but capable of astonishing and delighting every time. It’s located in the Sant’Elmo area, right next to Cala Sinzias. It’s so close that from Sant’Elmo beach, you can see the profile of Cala Sinzias and vice versa.
The sea here is extremely transparent, especially on days without strong winds, and swimming feels like being in a magnificent natural pool. The seabed slopes gently, making it an ideal spot for children as well. To make your swim even more enjoyable, you’ll find numerous small fish swimming close by, as if to keep you company.
Even though it may not be as famous as other beaches, once you visit, you’re sure to want to come back! However, it’s important to note that in the summer of 2025, the beach was hit by storms that brought a significant amount of Posidonia seaweed to the shore, making swimming less accessible than in previous years.
Useful information about the beach:
- Is it suitable for children? Yes, thanks to the gently sloping seabed.
- Is it good for snorkeling? Yes, in some spots, you can find fish to observe.
- Is it good for walking? No, the beach is quite short.
- Is it good for water activities? Absolutely! Here you can rent a dinghy on your own, take a guided boat tour, rent canoes and pedal boats, and even experience the thrill of riding a giant inflatable banana towed at high speed by a boat.
- Is it an equipped beach? Yes, you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds here.
If you want to discover more about this enchanting beach and see its wonders for yourself, we invite you to read the dedicated article and watch our exclusive video.
Sant’Elmo Beach
Sant’Elmo Beach is a more intimate and secluded stretch of coastline. Here, the sand is coarser, with rocky sections that create small coves and natural pools. The landscape is dominated by granite formations that look like sculptures shaped by the wind and sea, offering a wilder and more adventurous experience. The water is incredibly transparent, and the rocks create a perfect habitat for marine life, making it an unmissable destination for diving and nature lovers.
To uncover the magic of this captivating beach firsthand, we encourage you to delve into the dedicated article and experience our exclusive video.
Sant’Elmo Beach: The Hidden Gem of Costa Rei, A Complete Guide
Su Cannisoni Beach
Continuing our itinerary, we discover Su Cannisoni Beach, a lesser-known but equally enchanting slice of paradise. At about 500 meters long, this beach is distinguished by its serene and quiet atmosphere, away from the crowds of more popular locations. The fine, white sand stretches between Villa Rei beach and Sant’Elmo, and the sea, with its countless shades of turquoise and emerald, welcomes you in a peaceful embrace. The presence of a few scattered rocks makes it an ideal spot for those who love snorkeling and want to explore the marine life. It’s the perfect place for anyone seeking a more intimate experience in contact with the most authentic nature of Sardinia.
Santa Giusta Beach
Santa Giusta Beach is a small, wild beach located right next to the Scoglio di Peppino. It’s a true piece of paradise that will help you escape the daily routine. Let yourself be captivated by the pristine beauty of Sardinia and spend unforgettable moments immersed in an oasis of white sand and crystal-clear waters. Leave your stress behind and relax in the sun, take a refreshing swim, or explore the wonderful marine life by snorkeling. The true symbol of this place is the famous “bear rock,” a granite formation that nature has sculpted to look like a bear diving into the sea. This adds a touch of magic and charm to an already marvelous coastline.
For a complete immersion into the magic of Santa Giusta, we invite you to read our article and watch the video that will make you fall in love with this place.
Scoglio di Peppino
The beating heart of Costa Rei is located in an iconic place: the Scoglio di Peppino (Peppino’s Rock). It’s not just a beach but a true natural attraction. A large, round rock, shaped like a turtle, connects two stretches of very fine sand. Legend says it gets its name from a fisherman, Peppino, who loved to fish in this very spot. The most fascinating thing is that the sea here is so shallow you can easily walk between the beach and the rock.
The water is almost unbelievably transparent, and even as you walk, you can see countless small fish swimming undisturbed. For snorkeling enthusiasts, this is the ideal spot: just a few steps from the shore, the seafloor teeming with life offers an unmissable underwater spectacle. It’s the perfect place to take unforgettable photos and experience a postcard-perfect day at the beach.
Piscina Rei Beach
Piscina Rei Beach is the beach that gives its name to the entire area and is the longest and widest on the coast. The dazzling white sand and the sea, which ranges from deep blue to emerald green, create a spectacular color contrast. There’s space for everyone here: those seeking tranquility, those who want to practice water sports, and those who simply want to enjoy the sun in a spacious and pristine environment. It’s a true paradise where nature reigns supreme.
For a virtual trip to this corner of paradise, read our dedicated article and watch the video that will take you directly to this crystalline sea!
Capo Ferrato
Not far from the large beaches of Costa Rei, we find Capo Ferrato, a place with a unique, almost “countryside” charm. Capo Ferrato is a succession of small rocky coves bathed by a crystal-clear sea. By driving along the road that runs through it, you can enjoy breathtaking views that show the wild beauty of this land. Sardinia, at every turn, gives us small, great emotions that stay in our hearts.
Explore the interactive map of Costa Rei beaches
Below is our custom map of Costa Rei’s beaches. To explore it, click on the pins: a window will pop up with details and, most importantly, the video for that beach, so you can fully immerse yourself in its stunning beauty.
Feel free to share this map with your friends or travel companions to plan your next Sardinian vacation together, or simply to daydream a little while admiring these views from home.
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