Sardinia East Coast: Best Beaches, Towns & Where to Stay

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The East Coast of Sardinia

If you’re planning a trip to Sardinia, then the east coast is well worth visiting. Many visitors head North for luxury marinas and villas, or head South for calm, Caribbean-like beaches — but having grown up in Sardinia, it’s the east that feels the most authentic to me. It’s the island’s true wild soul.

This guide will give you everything you need to know about East Sardinia: what are the best beaches and coastal towns to visit, where to stay, what to do, and how best to plan your trip.

Why You Should Visit Sardinia’s East Coast

For the culture:

Sardinia’s eastern coast is one of the most unique places in the Mediterranean, combining untouched beauty and wilderness with visually striking landscapes. But look closer, and you’ll also find Sardinian communities that have drawn researchers from around the world, intrigued by the remarkable longevity of the people who live here.

East Sardinia is home to the regions of Barbagia and Ogliastra, areas that were among the first in the world to be recognised as Blue Zones. These are five global “zones” where an unusually high number of residents live beyond 100 years.

For the beaches and nature:

What makes this coastline so unlike anywhere else in Sardinia is the contrast between sea and mountain. For beaches, the east coast is home to two of Sardinia’s most famous and award-winning spots, Cala Goloritzé and Cala Mariolu. Both were ranked among the best in the world, with Cala Goloritzé voted Best Beach in the World in 2025.

Away from the coast, the Supramonte mountain range is also a natural and historical wonder. Spend time enjoying hiking its forests and one of the deepest canyons in Europe, including a stop at the mysterious village of Tiscali. While the wonderful postcard-like seaside coves of the Golfo di Orosei are intriguing, the untouched Mediterranean scrubland is home to wild boars, donkeys, and other fauna — and at night, it’s a stargazer’s paradise.

Sardinia East Coast Map

Top Towns & Resorts to Visit in East Sardinia

This guide covers from the small town of Budoni on the North East coast to Arbatax and Bari Sardo in the south. The Sardinian East Coast is a string of small seaside towns and relatively quiet villages, each with its own rhythm and charm. Here’s how they differ and why each deserves a stop:

Budoni

Budoni’s soft and untamed coastline stretches for miles — think dunes, pine forests, and the occasional beach bar hidden in the trees. This is where Sardinians themselves come for low-key holidays. The nearby village of Agrustos has a sleepy charm, and the shallow beaches are a family favourite.

Orosei

Orosei is a hidden treasure — a town that has kept its soul. I remember wandering its cobbled alleys, through stone-built houses, frescoed churches, and artisan workshops. The stones, warmed by the sun during the day, release the heat at night, and the leafy squares become a place for locals to hang out and chat. The town’s location at the northern edge of the Gulf of Orosei makes it a perfect starting point to visit the wonderful beaches of Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and beyond by boat. The town’s beachside area, Marina di Orosei, is just 2.5 km away, backed by Lake Cedrino.

Cala Gonone

Outdoor lovers, divers, climbers, and hikers gather in this small seaside village tucked away against the mountains. Cala Gonone is the heart of the Sardinia east coast beaches. From its pine-dotted marina, tour boats depart daily to reach the gulf’s iconic coves — Cala Luna, Cala Sisine, Cala Mariolu, and more. The cliffs here are a hiker’s paradise; full of challenging trails and climbing routes, from the Bue Marino caves to Cala Goloritzé. Compared to Costa Smeralda, there are fewer frills here and more authenticity. Cala Gonone is adventurous in the right way.

Santa Maria Navarrese

A small, humble yet lovely beach resort, with crystal-clear water backed by eucalyptus and pine trees. It’s quieter than its neighbour, yet feels more intimate — a place surrounded by fields, fishermen’s boats, and quiet evenings spent in authentic trattorias sipping Vermentino and chilled Cannonau wines. Check out MacPuddu, one of our favourite Sardinian restaurants in the town. From the harbour, small boats depart daily to the hidden coves of the Gulf of Orosei, making it an ideal base for visiting this area. I’ve always loved its understated elegance, with a handful of boutique hotels, a sleepy marina, and sunsets that paint the nearby cliffs of Pedra Longa (‘the long stone’) in honey and rose.

Arbatax & Tortolí

Arbatax and Tortolì don’t have the look of a stereotypically pretty Italian town, but rather a functional modern one. There is a major harbour that connects Sardinia to the mainland (both Rome and Tuscany), and also to the Golfo di Orosei. There are bars, restaurants, hotels, bakeries, factories, and so on. Arbatax and Tortolì are connected and mark the transition between the island’s wild interior and its sandier southern coastline. It’s known for its red cliffs by the harbour (the Rocce Rosse) which glow at sunset, and for its proximity to the Gennargentu mountains and Golfo di Orosei.

However, despite its more modern appearance, I’ve often stayed here for its balance of facilities and proximity to attractions: you can take a boat out to hidden beaches by morning and drive into mountain villages by afternoon. Arbatax is also home to Hotel La Bitta, one of my favourite stays on the island (read our full Hotel La Bitta review).

Bari Sardo

Further south, Bari Sardo is quiet, authentic, and still largely undiscovered. If you are after a location off the beaten track and an affordable holiday, then this might be your place. Bari Sardo’s main beach, Torre di Barì, is wonderful and serene — the name comes from the 16th-century Spanish tower overlooking the bay. This is the Costa Smeralda of the past: simple, affordable, local, and peaceful.

Where to Stay on the East Coast

Luxury escapes

For comfort with a sea view, Hotel La Bitta is a great option. La bitta is a gem — intimate, elegant, and perfectly positioned by the sea (for more read my Hotel La Bitta review). North of Orosei, Resort Cala di Falco in Budoni also delivers polished service with access to pristine sands.

If you want a hotel that offers an experience in itself and don’t mind staying inland, choose Su Gologone. Set at the foot of the Supramonte mountains near Oliena, it’s one of Sardinia’s most iconic hotels and delivers an authentic, luxurious escape.

Boutique & romantic

In Cala Gonone, Hotel Villa Gustui Maris offers spectacular gulf views and quiet sophistication. Couples might prefer the rustic-chic agriturismi around Orosei or Dorgali, where you can dine under fig trees and fall asleep to the sound of cicadas. If I were planning a romantic trip, I’d base myself in Arbatax — close enough to adventure, but with the luxury of seclusion.

Family-friendly

Both Budoni and Barì Sardo have the best infrastructure for families — wide beaches, calm shallows, and resorts with pools and kids’ clubs. Club Hotel Li Suari and Hotel Baia del Porto are excellent options in Budoni. Many self-catering villas near Orosei also work perfectly for family stays with kitchens and easy beach access. Or the highly popular and affordable Perdepera Resort slightly further south could be handy if you are travelling from Cagliari.

Budget Stays

For travellers chasing authenticity, look inland. Towns like Dorgali or Baunei offer family-run guesthouses for a fraction of coastal prices, and the hospitality is genuine. Camping is also well-organised, particularly around Cala Gonone and Santa Maria Navarrese. Perdepera Resort again is a good option.

Best Beaches on the East Coast of Sardinia

The most well-known beaches of the east are those along the Golfo di Orosei, two of which have been crowned among the best beaches in the world (Cala Goloritzé and Cala Mariolu) — although in all truth, they are all stunning, so there is no need to obsess about seeing only these two.

Cala Goloritzé

One of the most spectacular beaches of the Mediterranean — some will say in the world! Cala Goloritzé is a UNESCO-protected cove that has it all. It is famous for its needle-like limestone pinnacle, a favourite among climbers, and a wonderful white natural stone arch in the sea. Cala Goloritzé is reached only on foot or by boat, although boats are not allowed to disembark on the shore; you will have to anchor offshore. The wonderful hike down from the Golgo plateau takes over one hour depending on pace. It’s a steep descent through the Supramonte’s aromatic scrubs and ancient oaks, with hidden caves and large rocks on the trail at times. The trail ends in an infinite turquoise sea and perfectly shaped white smooth stones and pebbles.

Cala Mariolu

Some say Cala Mariolu is the most photogenic of them all! It’s stunning white pebble beach and bright transparent blue sea seem unreal. There is only one problem, you’ll want it all for yourself and never leave! But unfortunately, it’s very rare to have this beach to yourself — Cala Mariolu is a very popular gem, and access is limited and time-controlled if you come with a tour. Bring snorkelling gear to explore marine life. Often, you’ll find beginner diving tours here too.

Cala Luna

Cala Luna is also a popular and stunning beach characterised by a sequence of caves where bats nest. This iconic cove is a long crescent of golden sand, much bigger than the previous two, with a wonderful turquoise, crystal-clear sea that rivals the Maldives or Caribbean. In high summer, the beach bar and kayak rentals create a lively vibe, but early morning or late afternoon, it feels blissfully remote. It is accessible by boat or a 2-hour hike from Cala Fuili.

Cala Fuili

Just a step from Cala Gonone, Cala Fuili is a great option if you are staying in town. A short descent of stone steps will take you to this lovely pebbly cove hugged by cliffs. It’s a popular local spot for snorkelling and climbing.

Cala Liberotto

Closer to Marina di Orosei, Cala Liberotto is a cluster of coves divided by smooth granite rocks. It’s easy to reach by car, making it a good option for families. The shallow lagoons glow with surreal shades of blue, and the nearby village has small cafés and apartments perfect for longer stays.

Spiaggia di Bidderosa

This wonderful and popular oasis near Orosei has limited daily access, so it’s never too crowded. To reach it, you must follow a 4 km trail. The beach is dotted with Mediterranean shrubs such as wind-twisted junipers and backed by a beautiful lagoon where migratory birds can often be seen, if you love birdwatching.

Berchida Beach

One of Sardinia’s most natural beaches, the continuation of Spiaggia di Bidderosa above. Berchida is several kilometres of soft white sand backed by dunes. There are no resorts, no crowds — just wind, sea, and the occasional herd of goats wandering down to drink. It’s a favourite among photographers for its luminous light.

Spiaggia di Porto Frailis

In Arbatax, Porto Frailis is more developed but no less charming — a gentle curve of golden sand with shallow water, ideal for swimming. Its sheltered bay and nearby restaurants make it perfect for a relaxing base on the southern end of the coast. If you stay at Hotel La Bitta, you’ll get your own place at the beach as the hotel backs onto their own beach club.

Barì Sardo / Cea Beach

If you venture further south from Arbatax, you’ll be rewarded with wonderful sandy beaches such as Cea and Torre di Barì. Many beaches here have shallow crystal-clear water with plenty of space and peace. In fact, this area of Sardinia is still pretty undiscovered. If you love seclusion, then this is your spot.

Nature & Activities Beyond the Beach

The East Coast has more to offer than just sea and sand. Its rugged terrain invites exploration: hiking, climbing, diving, and even ancient archaeology. The Gennargentu mountains rise dramatically inland, a labyrinth of canyons and forested peaks that are home to wild mouflon sheep and golden eagles. The hike to Cala Goloritzé is the best known, but you can also trek through the Gorropu Gorge, often called “Europe’s Grand Canyon,” or join a jeep tour into the Supramonte plateau to meet shepherds still living in traditional stone huts called pinnettas.

The Gulf of Orosei’s crystal-clear visibility and underwater caves make it an ideal spot for divers, while small boat excursions — with your own skipper or by yourself – explore hidden grottoes and stretches of coastline, making it a more enjoyable experience than large tours. Kayaking, canyoning, and rock climbing are all popular too. I adventure every year on the Cala Goloritzé hike and then stay overnight in the area. This is an adventurer’s coast — because of the relative effort to get there and get around — but it’s also deeply cultural: visit the Nuragic village of Tiscali, hidden inside a collapsed mountain, or the murals of Orgosolo further inland, showing a powerful expression of Sardinia’s modern and political history.

Travel Tips & Planning

Best Time to Visit the East Coast

I’ve seen Sardinia in every season, and spring or late summer are by far the best if beaches aren’t your only goal.

Late May to early July and September to mid-October offer the ideal mix of warmth, quiet beaches, and good value. August is always crowded, especially around the Golfo di Orosei and Cala Gonone.

In May and June, wildflowers cover the hills, the sea warms up, and the crowds are light. Prices for flights and hotels stay reasonable too.

September is magical — the sea is crystal clear, and the villages settle back into their calm, authentic rhythm. You might even catch a local sagra or the Autumn in Barbagia festival, where you can taste traditional food, meet locals, and see the beautiful costumes and haunting mammuthones masks from ancient rituals.

Getting There

Olbia Airport serves the north-east (ideal to reach Budoni and Orosei), while Cagliari covers the south-east (best for Arbatax and Bari Sardo). The drive between Olbia and Arbatax takes around 2.5 hours via SS125. Luckily, this also happens to be one of the most scenic routes on the island, winding through forests and mountain passes.

The east coast is the Sardinia for explorers — remote yet surprisingly well-connected, whether you are coming from Olbia or from Cagliari.

Getting Around

A car is essential as public transport is limited, and the most rewarding spots (especially the Sardinia east coast beaches) require flexibility. I always recommend renting in advance online; book early in summer and choose a compact model for the narrow mountain roads.

Trip Length

Allow at least five days to explore, or three days if you’re focusing only on beaches. A week gives you time to combine coast and interior, or a longer multi-week trip if you also want to explore the north or the south or the island too.

Sardinia East Coast Itineraries

2–3 days East Coast itinerary
Base: Cala Gonone or Arbatax

• Day 1: Cala Fuili and Spiaggia Lido di Orrì
• Day 2: Boat tour to Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Goloritzé
• Day 3 (off-season): Hike Gorropu Gorge or visit Dorgali’s vineyards

5 days East Coast itinerary
Split your stay between Orosei (2–3 nights) and Arbatax (2–3 nights). Combine beach time with short off-season hikes for a balanced trip.

7 Days East Coast Itinerary
If travelling from Olbia, start in San Teodoro.
If travelling from Cagliari, begin in Barì Sardo.
Then continue to Orosei, followed by Cala Gonone or Arbatax / Santa Maria Navarrese for boat trips around the Golfo di Orosei.
Perfect for a full immersion in the east coast’s contrasts.