Sardinia is renowned for its incredible coastline which attracts tourists far and wide in search of the perfect holiday. But can you soak up the sun on these beautiful beaches for free?
Not entirely. Although many of Sardinia’s beaches are free to access, there are entrance fees for the most popular spots during the peak months of June to September.
Yes, it can get a little confusing, but this simple guide provides the essential information on Sardinia beach costs, including where you will encounter entrance fees, parking fees and visitor limits.
Why Some Sardinia Beaches Have Limits & Charge Fees
Fees for accessing some Sardinian beaches were introduced to manage high visitor numbers and protect delicate beach ecosystems. Similar restrictions have been seen globally in recent years to help preserve these natural wonders, such as with Thailand’s Maya Bay.
Cala Coticcio on La Maddalena Island was the first beach to introduce entrance fees in 2017. Since then, entrance fees have slowly been expanded to other regions – including Baunei, Villasimius and more.
Fees generally apply only from June to September. However, each beach is unique and may have specific environmental needs, so it’s advisable to check the latest information before visiting.
Beaches with Fees and Daily Visitor Limits 2024.
Below is a current list of Sardinian beaches with entrance fees, parking fees and visitor daily limits. Please note that fees can change regularly, and from our experience with little notice, so if in doubt please check with a specific beach website for the most up-to-date information.
| Beach | Visitor Limit | Fees | How To Book |
| La Pelosa Beach | 1,500 daily visitor limit | €3.50 per person. Max 4 people. (free for children under 12) |
Required from June 1st to October 31st. Booking on the official site |
| Cala Goloritzé | 250 daily visitor limit | €6 per person |
Booking required June to September. Download the ‘Heart of Sardinia’ app from Appstore. |
| Cala Coticcio | 60 daily visitor limit | You’ll need a guide, with fees typically €30-€50 per person, plus a €3 access fee |
Access to Cala Coticcio requires booking year-round due to its protected status. Official site to download the official list of guides. |
| Cala Brandinchi | 1,476 daily visitor limit |
€2 per person Parking €2.50 per hour in high season |
Booking required June 15th to September 15th from the website |
| Lu Impostu | 3,352 daily visitor limit | €2 per person | Booking required June 15th to September 15th from the website |
| Spiaggia di Tuerredda | 1,100 daily visitor limit |
No fee for access to the main beach. Parking €2.50 per hour in high season |
No booking required but there is a beach visitor limit. This website shows real time available free spaces |
| Villasimius Beaches | Daily visitor limit applies, no official number published |
€10 per vehicle, €1 per passenger, €3 for cyclists and pedestrians. The fee is reduced to €6 after 4pm. |
No booking required but there are beach visitor limits in place. |
| Cala Sinzias | Daily visitor limit applies, no official number published |
No fee for access to the beach. Parking €2.50 per hour in high season |
No booking required but there are beach visitor limits in place. |
| Cala Sassari | Daily visitor limit applies, no official number published |
No fee for access to the beach. Parking €2.50 per hour in high season |
No booking required but there are beach visitor limits in place. |
| Cala d’Arena | Daily visitor limit applies, no official number published |
No fee for access to the beach. Parking €2.50 per hour in high season |
No booking required but there are beach visitor limits in place. |
| Spiaggia Rosa | Closed to visitors | €500 fine for walking, €3,500 for stealing sand | Viewable only from boats |
Making the Most of Your Sardinia Beach Experience
Sardinia’s stunning beaches are worth the visit, whether you choose a free or paid option. While entrance fees and visitor limits to the beaches above can be an inconvenience, they are necessary to preserve the environment for future generations.
Budget Tip: If you’re watching your expenses, consider exploring lesser-known beaches that don’t charge entrance fees. However, keep in mind that parking fees can accumulate, so budget for those as well. While not the most eco-friendly option, renting a car is still the most practical way to explore Sardinia’s coastline.
Plan Early: Book reservations or tickets well in advance due to limited access and visitor caps.
Check Local Resources: Verify current fees and restrictions before your visit as they usually change annually.
Beach Rules: Have a great time at the beach, but remember to follow the local rules to respect others and the environment. Luckily, we’ve created a useful guide of Sardinian beach rules.
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