A short bus ride from the city centre, Cagliari's main beach faces the Gulf of the Angels and stretches from Sella del Diavolo up to the coastline of Quartu Sant'Elena.
Spiaggia Poltu Di Li Cogghj is also known as Principe Beach, after Prince Aga Khan, who considered it to be the most beautiful in the Costa Smeralda.
The sand today is less pink than it once was, as so many people decided to take some away with them, so these days it’s not possible to disembark.
Visible well before you arrive, thanks to its 12th-century hilltop Castello della Fava (Bean Castle), the medieval village of Posada is a delightful maze of little streets and cafés.
South of Olbia are some of Sardinia’s most famous mountains, and the Gennargentu massif makes an incredible backdrop to the bay of Cala Luna.
It takes its name from the monk seal that would steal (mariolu means 'thief') the day’s catch from the local fishermen.
Cala Goloritzé is another exquisite beach renowned for its crystal clear waters, and it can be reached by a less challenging trail through Holm wood forest.
An hour from Alghero, the town of Stintino is a delight in itself, located between the two picturesque harbours of Porto Mannu and Porto Minori.