If you’re looking for the best beaches in Villasimius, you’ve come to the right place! And for the perfect place to stay while you’re here, check out our guide to the best hotels in the area.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the top 15 beaches that make Villasimius a must-visit destination in South Sardinia.
Introduction to Villasimius
Villasimius is a wonderful stop near Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia. The good thing is you can easily reach this beach-lovers paradise in as little as one hour’s drive from Elmas Airport.
Villasimius is an attractive small town that becomes lively during summer due to its popularity among both Italian and international tourists. This well-earned popularity comes from having excellent accomodation, restaurants, and of course, stunning beaches.
Capo Carbonara Area
The region is divided by the Capo Carbonara promontory, located on the southeastern tip of Sardinia, which faces the Isola dei Cavoli (Cabbage Island).
The rich heritage of this area is largely due to its naturalistic beauty, both inland and on the sea. Most of the area is part of the Marine Protected Area of Capo Carbonara, making it a fantastic destination for snorkelers, nature lovers, and divers alike. The area is an important spot for wildlife, particularly due to the Stagno di Notteri, a pond visited by migratory birds, making it a prime location for bird watchers.
Villasimius History, Harbour and Interesting Facts
Historically, the area was known as Carbonara because of its coal mining past (think “carbon” or “coal”), which is still evident at Cava Usai. Notable landmarks include the ancient fortress, now a museum, the Spanish tower of Porto Giunco and the lighthouse in the Isola dei Cavoli.
Villasimius has been a major tourist hub since the 1950s, with Costa Rei, the nearest town, also drawing significant numbers of visitors.
Villasimius also features a charming harbour located on the Capo Carbonara promontory, providing easy access from the sea, and accommodating over 750 boats. Interested to learn more? Take a read of our favourite activities in Villasimius.
Interesting facts: there is a statue under the sea, just off the isola dei Cavoli, called the Madonna del Naufrago. This artwork was created by the renowned Sardinian artist and sculptor Pinuccio Sciola. Every summer, a popular festival takes place where numerous boats gather at the statue's location to pay homage and commemorate those who have lost their lives in the sea.
Top Beaches to Visit in Villasimius
Villasimius boasts an incredible selection of beaches, mainly with soft white fluffy sand – with just a few exceptions having pebbles or rocks.
The waters here are crystal clear with various shades of turquoise and emerald, making these beaches some of the most beautiful in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
These beaches cater to everyone—from families and young travellers to older visitors, including naturists and those who shun the crowds, seeking solitude and peace.
1. Porto Sa Ruxi
Juniper berries and Mediterranean shrubs surround these secluded coves, three of them divided from each other by rocks. Soft white sand and crystal-clear shallow waters, with light blue and turquoise hues, are the main attractions.
Porto Sa Ruxi beach is restricted to a certain number of people in summer and features a paid car park as well as being sheltered from the winds. It’s perfect for families and swimmers, and also has a secluded section for naturists.
Wind Factor: The beach quite sheltered from strong gusts.
Beach Facilities: Bar with fast food available.
Beach Parking: €10 for cars all-day, €15 for campervans all-day, €5 for motorbikes all-day. Max 25 cars.
Best For: Family friendly, snorkelling, nudists and naturists, windy days.
2. Spiaggia Piscadeddus
It’s a small, beautiful beach with golden fine sand and turquoise waters – truly a hidden gem, despite being visible from the road. Few people venture here, as the short walk downhill from the main road tends to put off many visitors.
It has a slightly deeper seabed and interesting fish, perfect for people looking for peace and to snorkel. There is also a rocky side beach (Cala Piscadeddus) nearby, which is a favourite by naturists for its private secluded nature.
Wind Factor: The beach partially sheltered from strong gusts.
Beach Facilities: No facilities at the beach. Bring your own food and drinks.
Beach Parking: Free Small Parking on the roadside, come early in summer.
Best for: People looking for peace, snorkelling, naturists.
3. Spiaggia di Campus
Campus beach has soft coarse white sand and crystal-clear waters. It is backed by long rushes dancing in the wind and Mediterranean shrubs. It’s a large beach, very comfortable as there are plenty of activities and rentals. A bonus for families and swimmers as the water is very shallow and safe.
Wind Factor: The beach is quite sheltered from winds.
Beach Facilities: Restaurant and bar at the beach. Umbrella and sunbed rentals available. Lifeguard on site. Paid toilets. Wheelchair accessible.
Beach Parking: Free parking within walking distance, just 3 minutes away.
Best For: Family friendly, snorkelling, swimming, relaxing.
4. Campulongu Beach
Spiaggia di Campulongu is characterized by a mix of fine white sand and large pebbles, it is hugged by sand dunes on either side, creating a picturesque and sheltered spot near the harbour. Beautiful dunes are bordered-off and protected as a naturalistic feature, with specific beach guidelines in place to ensure the preservation of plant life that prevents erosion.
Its shallow transparent, warm waters are ideal for children to play in. The only downside is its exposure to mistral winds which often batter the Sardinian coast.
Wind Factor: Not much shelter.
Beach Facilities: Bar, Picnic area.
Beach Parking: Free.
Best For: Families with kids.
5. Spiaggia Cuccureddus
Spiaggia Cuccureddus is easily accessible from the seaside by boat or after a small hike from the nearby Spiaggia Campus. Visitors to this beach are rewarded with fine sand and clear waters.
This tucked-away location is ideal for those who appreciate solitude, as its more remote location offers a peaceful escape. At around 200 meters in length, Cucureddus is a small, intimate beach.
Wind Factor: The beach is sheltered from strong gusts.
Beach Facilities: No facilities at the beach. Bring your own food and drinks.
Beach Parking: Park at Spiaggia Campus and walk about 15-20 min from there.
Best For: People who want to escape it all.
6. Spiaggia del Riso
Spiaggia del Riso gets its name from the unique rice-like texture of its fine pebbles that once were here. The beach now is a blend of sand and tiny stone fragments.
The controversial development of the nearby harbour may have affected what was once one of Villasimius’ finest beaches, but it remains a beautiful spot to visit for its clear waters. Large rocks scattered in the sea add visual interest, contrasting with the light blue water, making this beach still beloved by many.
Spiaggia del Riso is quite small, meaning it can get very crowded during the busiest summer months, so it’s best to visit early or late in the day.
Wind Factor: Not much shelter.
Beach Facilities: Restaurant la terrazza del Riso or the restaurant and bar inside the Camping Spiaggia Del Riso
Beach Parking: A little parking space near the harbour
Best For: Kids, snorkeling, swimming
7. Spiaggia della Fortezza
Spiaggia della Fortezza is named after the ancient fortress right next to it. It is quite a small beach in a bay hugged by the fortress on one side and the harbour on the other, it features coarse grains of sand and a blue sea full of fish.
It offers good shelter from the strong northern Mistral winds, which are among the strongest in Sardinia. If you love sunsets then it is worth heading to the terrace near the Fortezza in the late afternoon to admire the golden shades reflecting on the sea.
The beach has shallow water with turquoise hues, making it ideal for kids and families.
Wind Factor: Sheltered from mistral winds.
Beach Facilities: Primo Molo Restaurant for food and drinks, toilet.
Beach Parking: Free parking nearby.
Best For: Families, snorkeling, wind shelter.
8. Spiaggia Santo Stefano
In the promontory of Capo Carbonara, you will find Spiaggia Santo Stefano, a beautiful retreat and great untouched natural wonder of south Sardinia. It features coarse golden sand with a few small rocks in the sea and on the beach.
The beach showcases crystal-clear emerald waters with a small inlet in the sea. The views of the inlet, which is also called Santo Stefano, are excellent. The snorkeling experience is fantastic here, so bring your mask and fins.
Wind Factor: The beach is relatively sheltered from the wind and is backed by cliffs, which provide a quiet refuge.
Beach Facilities: None at the beach. Bring your own food and drinks, umbrella and chairs if you wish.
Beach Parking: A small car park is available and free.
Best for: Snorkeling, peace and relaxation.
9. Cala Burroni
A beach for those who love to escape the crowds at any cost and just be left alone listening to the sound of the waves. To get here, you have to put in some effort, hiking for about 20 minutes. But you will be rewarded with a secluded beach with a mix of stones and sand, deep clear waters perfect for experienced swimmers and passionate snorkelers.
Great views over the Capo Carbonara lighthouse. As the cove is partly made of rocks on windy days it is an ideal destination to avoid flying sand. As you might imagine, there are no services here.
Wind Factor: Relatively sheltered.
Beach facilities: None, come prepared.
Beach Parking: Parking is free on a rugged dusty lane.
Best For: Escaping from the crowds, snorkeling, trekking.
10. Cala Caterina
Cala Caterina is a charming, small cove featuring fine sand and a beautiful turquoise sea. Accessing the cove requires a short walk from the car park located behind the hotel of the same name. Some of the best views of Cala Caterina can be enjoyed from the hotel’s Cala Caterina garden, which offers direct access to the beach.
Poseidonia algae are commonly found at Cala Caterina beach. If you’re not a fan of this unique algae, you may want to consider another location. However, it’s important to note that Poseidonia plays a crucial role in protecting our beaches from erosion, so it deserves appreciation.
Wind Factor: A little sheltered from winds from the north and west.
Beach Facilities: Hotel Santa Caterina sometimes provides sunbeds and umbrellas, No bar available.
Beach Parking: Parking is free, not far from the beach.
Best For: Snorkelling, luxurious private beach.
11. Spiaggia di Capo Carbonara
Spiaggia di Capo Carbonara is a pleasant and wild sandy beach just behind the Giunco tower. Not often talked about, which makes it a hidden gem and a great secluded option near Villasimius. It is big enough, about 200m in length, to fit a good amount of people and easily accessible via a dirt road parking lot and it is also free.
Wind Factor: Sheltered from mistral winds.
Beach Facilities: None.
Beach Parking: Parking nearby is free.
Best For: Snorkeling, swimming, hiking.
12. Timi Ama
Timi Ama is located between Porto Giunco and the Piaggia of Simius. It is a small stretch of shoreline that mainly belongs to the nearby Luxury resort of Timi Ama. That means the beach is mainly taken over by sunbeds and umbrellas from the hotel. The sand is wonderfully soft and white, and the sea is super transparent and shallow. If you can afford it, make this your luxury holiday and you will never want to leave.
Wind Factor: quite exposed to winds.
Beach Facilities: Sunbeds and Umbrellas for Timi Ama residents.
Beach Parking: 5€ a day.
Best For: luxury, families, swimming, relaxation.
13. Porto Giunco
Porto Giunco beach also named Spiaggia di Notteri after the nearby pond of Notteri, or Two Seas Beach, because of the pond on one side and the sea on the other (cutting the beach in half). It is a pleasant and enchanting corner of the Villasimius coastline with a very long stretch of sand, which means there’s space for everyone. The sand is fine and white, with pink hues due to the small fragments of granite, contrasting with the light blue and transparent sea.
Cala Caterina is overlooked by the historic Spanish Giunco Tower, which offers stunning views and the perfect backdrop for envy-inducing photos. This beach is really for people lovers, as it can get busy in summer – but fear not as there is space for everyone. There are plenty of activities to do too so you will never get bored.
Wind Factor: Very exposed to winds.
Beach Facilities: Bars, beach equipment rentals, toilet.
Beach Parking: The parking is within easy access and costs £5 a day.
Best for: Families, young people, hiking, water sports, swimming, wheelchair access.
14. Simius Beach
Simius Beach is the main beach in Villasimius, as its name suggests. It’s the closest beach to the town center, making it convenient for those staying nearby. You’ll find shallow water and fine white sand, perfect for relaxing. The beach is quite large, so there’s plenty of space, but keep in mind that half of it is taken up by rented sunbeds.
Wind Factor: Exposed to winds.
Beach Facilities: Showers, rental equipment, bar.
Parking Facilities: There is a nearby parking lot, 5€ euros a day.
Best For: Location, comfort, families.
15. Punta Molentis
Punta Molentis is one of the most sought-after beaches in Villasimius; it is for those who want something special and truly unique. But it comes at a cost, both monetarily and emotionally. It can get quite busy and crowded in summer as it is a small beach. Therefore, there is a restriction on the number of visitors that can access it every day.
It’s a bit chaotic in summer, so if you get stressed out about crowds and people then visit during the off-season. Everyone leaves around 4 or 5, so coming late is recommended if you can’t make it very early. It features a beautiful arch of sand, protected by rocks on one side, with very fine white sand and a turquoise sea. The view from a small hill is stunning.
Wind Factor: Little shelter from strong mistral winds.
Beach Facilities: 2 bars and sunbed rental, paid toilet.
Beach Parking: Parking costs 10 euros per vehicle and 1 euro per person.
Best For: Picture seekers, swimming, families.
How to Choose the Best Villasimius Beach for Your Needs
Whether you’re a naturist, a recluse, seeking adults-only beaches, into water sports, an adventurer, or just looking to relax, there’s a beach for everyone. We’ve categorized the beaches to help you find the perfect spot:
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- Lazy Bums: Recommended beaches – Simius, Campulongu, and Porto Giunco.
- Naturists: Recommended beach – Porto Sa Ruxi, Cala Piscadeddus
- Family Friendly: Recommended beaches – Campus, Porto Giunco, Campulongu, Porto Sa Ruxi, Punta Molentis, Simius
- Windy Days: Fortezza Vecchia, Santo Stefano, Sa Ruxi, Spiaggia Capo Carbonara
- Perfectionists or Picture Seekers (influencers): Recommended beaches – Punta Molentis, Porto Sa Ruxi, Porto Giunco
- Escapists: Recommended beaches – Cala Burroni and Cucureddus.
- Luxury: Cala Caterina, Timi Ama
How To Get To Villasimius
From Cagliari it is a one-hour drive on the SS125,
Public Transport: main bus routes from Cagliari are 101 and 135.
From Villasimius: there is a shuttle bus here.
Thanks for reading our ultimate guide for beaches in Villasimius. They cover all the main beaches here and cater for everyone, literally, and you will not be disappointed. This is one of the finest areas of Sardinia.
Looking to explore Sardinia beyond the usual tourist spots? Subscribe to our mailing list for insider tips on off-the-beaten-path adventures and hidden gems, and if you’re planning a stay, don’t forget to check out our guide to the best hotels in Villasimius to find the perfect accommodation.
