Complete Sardinia Snorkeling Guide

With wonderful sandy beaches and numerous rocky coves, Sardinia (Sardegna in Italian), one of the most popular vacation destinations in Italy attracting visitors from all over the world. The best way to spend your time in the location and to get a view of the diverse Mediterranean marine life is by putting on your mask and fins. If you’re looking for the best beaches to snorkel, this snorkeling in Sardinia guide will tell you a few spots to include in your itinerary.

Spiaggia di Cala Domestica

Located on the southwestern coast of Sardinia, Cala Domestica is one of the most picturesque Sardinia snorkeling spots with surrounding limestone cliffs and low sand dunes featuring lush Mediterranean vegetation. There is plenty of fish in the water, and you can swim into two caves too to enjoy a thrilling experience.

This location is easy to access when taking a car via the Strada Provinciale 83 provincial road. The signs will help you find your way from the street to the beach.

Spiaggia Zia Culumba

Near the small village of Capo Testa on the north of the island, there is another excellent Sardinia snorkeling spot, the sheltered Zia Culumba beach. It’s known for its amazing stone formations that have been created by the wind over time.

There are also many trails present where you can walk among the granite stone rocks. All the paths are wide and well-marked. An interesting fact is that according to the legend, rocks from this area were used to build the Pantheon in Rome

While spending time in the water, the views are clear and boats are present in the distance, which contributes to the beautiful landscape. A few hidden coves are also present where you can go for a swim.

Tip: if you are considering to stay in this area, Colonna Grand Hotel Capo Testa is our recommendation!

Cala Spinosa

Those who are looking for the best beaches in Sardinia for snorkeling be impressed with Cala Spinosa. This idyllic location next to the village of Capo Testa actually consists of three beaches that are surrounded by granite rocks and is sheltered from the wind to ensure you can have a secret hideaway at this hidden gem.

Cala Spinosa is beautiful because of its crystal-clear water and lush environment with the different trees and plants present on the shore. It’s also a common place many people come to go diving.

Le Piscine Beach

If you want the ultimate experience when you’re snorkeling in Sardinia near Palau, visit Li Piscini. The two beaches here have some of the most transparent water with rocky seabed that will allow you to get a look at different types of fish.

You can get to the remote place by a short walk from the parking lot. These beaches are small but isn’t overdeveloped, so when you want a romantic place to swim and explore, or to play with your kids in shallow, warm waters. Sunbeds and parasols are also available to rent when you’re ready to lay out on the sand. Li Piscini can be busy during the summer months, but if you come in the off-season, it is very quiet and secluded.

Tip: just 4 km from Le Piscine lies the Stelle Marine modern, 4-star hotel that is surrounded by green parkland.

Maddalena Island

La Maddalena, a little island off the northern coast of Sardinia is a must-to-go if you are looking for a less-crowded, laidback place to experience a relaxed atmosphere and the local lifestyle.

The main attractions are around the main town of La Maddalena (churches, ancient buildings and lovely old houses) and can be visited by foot since they are not so far from each other.

Besides the cultural must-sees, Maddalena island has beautiful beaches too. Most of them have a rocky seabed which means you can snorkel them see different species of fish. Our favorites are Cala Spalmatore and Punta Tegge.

Brandinchi Beach

One of the most beautiful and most famous beaches of the island, Cala Brandinchi is a must-visit when vacationing on Sardinia. This beach, located north of San Teodoro, is nicknamed as ‘Little Tahiti’ with good reason: the clear water, white sand, thousands of shades of blues and the splendid panorama with the view of the island of Tavolara will certainly make you feel like being on a tropical location.

The shallow, calm and warm water is safe for swimming. Because of the sandy bottom, this might be a top spot for snorkeling in Sardinia but still there are small fish around making the beach of Brandinchi an excellent spot for kids and beginners to observe some sea creatures.

Spiaggia di Porto San Paolo

The beautiful seaside village of Porto San Paolo is a popular holiday destination on this lovely Italian island. The area faces the Tavolara Island, which means you can enjoy the beautiful views from here. The main beach, Spiaggia di Porto San Paolo has fine white sand and crystal waters that make it one of the best places for snorkeling in Sardinia.

The beach is easily accessible, also for people with mobility difficulties. Even during the busy days, there are times when only a handful of people are present at the beach so you can explore the Mediterranean Sea without bumping into crowds.

Tip: If you look for a lovely hotel nearby, check out Castello Di Tavolara that is located in the centre of the Porto San Paolo village just 50 m from the beach.

Cala Luna

When you’re in search of the best places for snorkeling in Sardinia, Cala Luna is a well-known location. Its tiny rocks and clear, emerald green water make it perfect for some underwater adventure. It also has wild bush and huge caves to explore when you’re not spending time snorkeling.

There’s a small restaurant that you can visit when you’re ready to get a bit to eat after your beach time. A bar is also present on the beach where you can order a cold drink or snacks.

You can access this place through one of the many boat charters available throughout the day, or you can even hike here. Beach equipment is also available to rent on-site, but note that since it a popular beach in Sardinia, it gets crowded in the afternoon so if you want to have a quiet time here, arrive early!

Cala Goloritze

Its remote location makes Cala Goloritze a secluded beach that we highly recommend visiting if you are looking for the best place for snorkeling in Sardinia. It tells a lot about the beauty of this place that it is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and declared as a national monument by the Sardinian government.

This stunning beach is accessible only by boat, or with a more than one-hour long hike. It is medium-difficult hike, so make sure to bring plenty of water and wear good shoes.

Since it is a pebble beach, the water is always clear making observing the marine creatures easy and enjoyable. In the afternoon (after 2-3 pm) there is no direct sun on the beach because of the surrounding high rocks, so to enjoy this location as its best, arrive in the morning!

Mugoni Beach

One of the best snorkeling beaches in Sardinia near Alghero, in Sassari province is Spiaggia di Mugoni that families enjoy visiting because of the shallow water. There are plenty of different types of fish present, which come close to the shore so you and your kids observe putting on a snorkel mask.

The trees present on the sand offer a lot of shade to ensure you can have a spot to stay out of the sun. Many different restaurants are within walking distance of the beach to ensure you can find a bite to eat if you get hungry.

Asinara National Park

Asinara National Park on the mountainous uninhabited island of Asinara, situated on the north western coast of Sardinia offers many hiking trails to discover dense Mediterranean vegetation and rare species such as kestrel, hares and mouflons.

The location also features pretty beaches where marine life flourishes because it’s a protected park. Should you want to explore the beauty that lies under the sea, you can go snorkeling at Cala Sabina.

Porto Giunco

Those who like to get a slice of the Caribbean in the Mediterranean should plan a visit to Porto Giunco! This long, sandy stretch of sand with tranquil waters is probably the most beautiful beach on the island as well as a prime spot for snorkeling in Sardinia since it belongs to the Capo Carbonara Marine Reserve, 86 square kilometers protected area.

This beach is less crowded than others but has sunbed and umbrella rental as well as snack bars and kiosks. The sea is shallow and gently sloping, making it a great place for kids to play in the water close to the shore.

There are many color variations in the water, which will make it an ultimate experience while snorkeling. The pure white sand is soft to walk on when you’re barefoot and at some points it has pink shades due to the erosion of the granites that also adds up to that exotic feeling!

Spiaggia di Tuerredda

Spiaggia di Tuerredda in Sardegna, located near Chia Su Giudeu an ideal spot to visit if you’re planning on snorkeling in Italy. It’s sheltered from the wind and offers gorgeous views of Isola di Tuerredda. You can visit the island by taking a canoe or even snorkeling, making it a memorable experience.

This beach provides great views of Torre di Capo Malfatano 16th-century watchtower. Bring along a camera that you can use both in and out of the water to take photos of the beauty under and above the waves!

Tip: discover other Mediterranean destinations, read our related guides!
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San Pietro Island

San Pietro is the sixth largest island in Italy. It has a diverse landscape and well-preserved nature. With spectacular coastline dotted with caves and coves, it is totally understandable that visitors come here to enjoy the great views and wonderful beaches.

Many traditional restaurants are available all around the island to ensure you can try the traditional cuisine to make your vacation experience complete!

This prime Sardinia snorkeling place has crystal clear waters to explore the sea life. The two best places for snorkeling are Cala Fico and Cala Vinagra (this is reachable only by boat or on foot).

Tavolara Island

Located off the northeast coast of Sardinia, Tavolara Island is picturesque because of its steep cliffs. It’s a popular place for sailing, swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling. You can explore 37,000 acres of the sea, which are all protected.

You can access the island from Porto San Paolo, Olbia, or Costa Corallina. It’s a popular place to visit because it has all types of sea life present. Guides are also available to take you to the best spots to view fish and Mediterranean reefs.

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