All You Need To Know About Snorkeling in Sardinia

With its wonderful sandy beaches and fantastic scenery, Sardinia (Sardegna in Italian) is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Italy, attracting visitors from all over the world. The island’s clear waters are tempting to try water activities, so why would you miss putting on your mask and fins and getting a view of the diverse Mediterranean marine life? To make the most out of your trip, read our guide, which will tell you what spots we found the best for snorkeling in Sardina, enriched with tips on when is the best time to visit and what you can see.

Best 15 Sardinia Snorkeling Spots

Spiaggia di Cala Domestica

Located on the southwestern coast of Sardinia, Cala Domestica is one of the most picturesque Sardinia snorkeling spots. Its surrounding limestone cliffs and low sand dunes feature lush Mediterranean vegetation. There are plenty of fish in the water, and you can also swim into two caves for 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 – Capo Testa

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 created by the wind over time.

There are also many trails to 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 staying in this area, Colonna Grand Hotel Capo Testa is our recommendation!

Cala Spinosa

Those looking for the best beaches in Sardinia for snorkeling will 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 are 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 different trees and plants on the shore. Many people also come to go diving there.

Le Piscine Beach

If you want the ultimate snorkeling experience in Sardinia near Palau, visit Li Piscini. The two beaches here have some of the most transparent water, with a rocky seabed that allows you to see different types of fish.

The remote place is a short walk from the parking lot. These small but not overdeveloped beaches are perfect for romantic swimming and exploring or playing 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 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 the water is very clear making them ideal for snorkeling. Our favorites are Cala Spalmatore and Punta Tegge.

The Maddalena Archipelago is easily accessible by boat from Palau. There is a wide variety of excursions available, from half-day speedboat tours to full-day catamaran cruises, which you can check here: La Maddalena Trips

Brandinchi Beach

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

The shallow, calm and warm water is safe for swimming. Because of the sandy bottom, there is less sea life here than on a rocky shore, but still, you find small fish around, so it is still a good snorkel 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 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, even 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 are looking for a lovely hotel nearby, check out Castello Di Tavolara that is located in the center 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 bushes and huge caves to explore when you’re not spending time snorkeling.

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

You can visit this place on a Cala Luna boat tour, or you can even hike here. Beach equipment can be rented 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

Cala Goloritze is a secluded beach in Sardinia, and due to its remote location, we highly recommend visiting it if you are looking for a good spot for snorkeling.

It tells a lot about the beauty of this place that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been declared a national monument by the Sardinian government.

This stunning beach is accessible only by boat or with a more than one-hour hike. The hike is medium-difficult, so make sure to bring plenty of water and wear good shoes. Should you be worried about not finding your way to the beach, you can join a guided trekking.

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 at 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. Families enjoy visiting because of the shallow water. Plenty of different types of fish are present, which come close to the shore, so you and your kids can observe them 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 so you can easily 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 northwestern 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. If you want to explore the beauty that lies under the sea, we think the best thing to do is go snorkeling at Cala Sabina.

Visiting Asinara is best done by taking a small group guided boat tour. We like this catamaran excursion departing from Stintino, which includes a three-course fresh seafood lunch, drinks, and several stops for snorkeling.

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 and a prime spot for snorkeling in Sardinia since it belongs to the Capo Carbonara Marine Reserve, 86 square kilometers of protected area.

This beach is less crowded than others but has sunbed and umbrella rentals, 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 near 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 add to that exotic feeling!

We found that if you don’t have a rental car, the most comfortable way to visit Porto Giunco is by joining a guided beach tour that includes visiting the area’s attractions, such as the salt pans, stopping at viewpoints, and, of course, beach time!

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 a camera 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 a 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, so you can try traditional cuisine to complete your vacation experience!

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.

The island can be accessed from Porto San Paolo, Olbia, or Costa Corallina. It’s a popular place to visit because it has rich sea life, so we recommend coming with a private or small-group tour that allows a tailored experience. For example, we like this Tavolara snorkeling trip that takes groups with a maximum of 10 people.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Sardinia For Snorkeling?

The island of Sardinia is a typical summer vacation destination. The peak season starts in July and runs through mid-September. These months bring dry, hot, and sunny weather, making it ideal for water activities such as snorkeling.

The daytime average air temperatures are between 28-31°C/82.4-87.8°F in the hottest summer months, and sea temperatures reach 24-26°C/75-78.8°F, so you can comfortably stay in the water for up to 30-60 minutes, even without a wetsuit, and warm up in the sun after your water session.

However, if you want to avoid the hottest period and crowds, we recommend that you schedule your trip for the shoulder seasons: traveling right before or after the peak summer season will please you with fewer people, more fair room rates, and fantastic snorkeling conditions.

Therefore we think the best time to visit Sardinia for snorkeling is June or from late September till mid-October. Although the temperatures are a few degrees lower, not that low that you would be freezing, either in the water or on land. The typical temperatures are between 21-23°C/70-73.4°F in early summer and in mid-fall (applies both for sea and air temps), which we found still comfortable, but if you are sensitive to cold, just bring a shorty wetsuit and you’ll be fine.

What To See While Snorkeling In Sardinia?

Sardinia lies in the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, there is no rich and colorful sea life one can see in the tropics, but the island’s clear waters host diverse underwater flora and fauna, including the following species:

• Mediterranean fish, for example, rainbow wrasse, parrotfish, grouper, barracuda, flying gurnard, painted comber, sea bream, mullet etc…
• crabs
• sea shells
• sea urchins
• sea cucumbers
• rays
• octopus
• cuttlefish
• squid
• moray eels
• sea slug
• sea anemones
• sponges

Sometimes, it is possible to see Caretta caretta sea turtles, too; however, encounters are rarer than at other Mediterranean snorkeling destinations like Cyprus or Greece. If you go on boat trips, you might even see dolphins.

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