Stretching between Alghero and Stintino, this spectacular coastline is one of the hidden gems of north-west Sardinia. Crystal-clear waters, former mining villages, golden dunes, secluded coves and some of the island's most beautiful beaches make it the perfect destination for a day trip. In this guide you'll discover the best beaches to visit, which ones suit your travel style and how to plan the ideal coastal itinerary.

The Best Beaches Between Cala Argentiera and Stintino

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Beaches of Alghero
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Explore One of North-West Sardinia's Most Beautiful Coastlines

If you're staying in Alghero and would like to explore beyond the Coral Riviera, the coastline between Cala Argentiera and Stintino deserves a place on your itinerary. Here you'll find world-famous beaches such as La Pelosa alongside quieter, unspoilt bays where nature still takes centre stage.

This stretch of coastline is the natural continuation of Alghero's Coral Riviera towards the north. If you're also looking for beaches closer to Alghero, don't miss our guide to the best beaches in Alghero and the Coral Riviera, where you'll find a complete overview of the area's coastline.

Why Visit the Coast Between Cala Argentiera and Stintino?

Compared with the beaches around Alghero, this coastline offers a remarkable variety of landscapes.

Within just a few kilometres you'll move from historic mining villages overlooking the sea to long sandy beaches, secluded coves surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling.

It's an ideal route for travellers who enjoy combining beach days with scenic walks, panoramic viewpoints and peaceful natural surroundings.

Beach Overview:

Beach Best For Servizi
Cala Argentiera Snorkelling & nature Limited
Porto Palmas Families Yes
Cala della Frana Relaxation No
Cala Coscia di Donna Snorkeling No
Ezzi Mannu Surfing & kitesurfing Limited
Le Saline Nature Limited
La Pelosa Familiese & crystal-clear sea Yes

Which Beaches Should You Visit?

Every beach along this coastline has its own character. Some are perfect for families, others are ideal for snorkelling, surfing or simply relaxing in an unspoilt natural setting.

Cala Argentiera: Where Nature Meets History

Cala Argentiera is one of the most distinctive beaches in north-west Sardinia. Its name comes from the area's former silver mines, which once played an important role in the local economy and still tell part of the region's fascinating history.

The beach is framed by rocky cliffs and Mediterranean scrub, with grey-golden sand and exceptionally clear water that makes it an excellent place for snorkelling or simply relaxing away from the busiest beaches.

Rather than being just another seaside destination, Cala Argentiera offers a unique combination of history, scenery and nature.

Best for:

  • Snorkelling
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Relaxation

Porto Palmas: Crystal-Clear Water and Peaceful Surroundings

Heading north, you'll reach Porto Palmas, a long sandy beach overlooking an intensely blue sea.

Its gently sloping seabed and wide open spaces make it particularly popular with families, while the clear water also attracts snorkellers and anyone looking for a peaceful beach away from the crowds.

On windy days, Porto Palmas becomes a favourite spot for surfers and windsurfers.

Best for:

  • Families
  • Snorkelling
  • Relaxation
  • Water sports

If you enjoy Sardinia's natural beaches, Porto Ferro is only a few minutes away. Famous for its dunes, open sea and spectacular sunsets, it's another must-visit destination. Read our complete Porto Ferro Beach Guide for practical tips and visitor information.

Cala della Frana: A Hidden and Unspoilt Bay

Cala della Frana is one of the least-known beaches on this stretch of coastline, making it an excellent choice for visitors seeking tranquillity.

Surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and low cliffs, it offers crystal-clear water and excellent snorkelling conditions.

Facilities are very limited, so it's advisable to bring water and everything you'll need for the day.

Best for:

  • Relaxation
  • Snorkelling
  • Nature
  • Couples

Cala Coscia di Donna: A Small Hidden Gem

Few visitors know about Cala Coscia di Donna, yet those who discover it are rewarded with an authentic natural setting.

Mediterranean vegetation reaches almost to the shoreline, while the rocky seabed and clear water make it one of the area's best snorkelling locations.

It's an ideal stop for travellers who enjoy exploring quieter parts of the Sardinian coast.

Best for:

  • Snorkelling
  • Relaxation
  • Unspoilt nature

Ezzi Mannu: A Paradise for Surfers

With more than 1.5 kilometres of coastline, Ezzi Mannu is one of the largest beaches between Alghero and Stintino.

Its light-coloured sand, mixed with tiny quartz grains, creates a landscape quite different from the nearby coves.

Thanks to its exposure to the wind, Ezzi Mannu is particularly popular with surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers.

Visitors looking for long beach walks and wide open spaces will also appreciate its relaxed atmosphere.

Best for:

  • Surfing
  • Kitesurfing
  • Long walks

Quiet beaches
If you enjoy this type of coastal landscape, consider spending a full day at Porto Ferro too. Our guide A Day at Porto Ferro includes suggested itineraries and practical advice from morning until sunset.

Le Saline: Where Nature Meets Tradition

Le Saline Beach takes its name from the historic salt pans that once shaped this coastline.

Today the area combines sand dunes, native vegetation and crystal-clear water in a landscape rich in biodiversity.

It's also an excellent destination for birdwatching, as many migratory birds stop here throughout the year.

Best for:

  • Nature
  • Birdwatching
  • Relaxation
  • Photography

La Pelosa: One of Sardinia's Most Famous Beaches

With its brilliant white sand and Caribbean-like turquoise sea, La Pelosa is one of Italy's most iconic beaches and a highlight of any trip to north-west Sardinia.

To protect this extraordinary environment, visitor numbers are restricted during the summer season, so it's advisable to plan your visit well in advance.

For practical information on getting there, parking and the best time to visit, read our complete La Pelosa Beach Guide.

If you're visiting between May and October, don't forget to check our guide to La Pelosa Beach Tickets, where you'll find the latest information on reservations, entrance fees and access rules.

Best for:

  • Families
  • Shallow water
  • Crystal-clear sea
  • First-time visitors

Which Beach Should You Choose?

The best beach depends entirely on the kind of day you're looking for.

  • For families: Porto Palmas and La Pelosa offer shallow, calm waters.
  • For snorkelling: Cala Argentiera, Cala Coscia di Donna and Porto Palmas are excellent choices.
  • For peace and quiet: Cala della Frana is one of the least crowded beaches.
  • For surfing and kitesurfing: Ezzi Mannu offers ideal wind conditions.
  • For nature lovers: Cala Argentiera and Le Saline provide some of the most unspoilt landscapes.

If you're travelling with children, you may also enjoy our guide to the best family-friendly beaches in north-west Sardini.

Travelling with your dog? Take a look at our guide to dog-friendly beaches in north-west Sardinia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most beautiful beach between Cala Argentiera and Stintino?
La Pelosa is the most famous thanks to its Caribbean-like colours, while Cala Argentiera is often preferred by travellers looking for a quieter and more natural setting.
How far is this coastline from Alghero?
The first beaches, including Cala Argentiera, are around 35–40 minutes by car from Alghero. Continuing north, you can easily visit Porto Palmas, Ezzi Mannu, Le Saline and La Pelosa in the same day.
Do I need a car?
Yes. A car is by far the easiest way to explore this coastline and visit several beaches without relying on public transport.
Which beach is best for snorkelling?
Cala Argentiera, Cala Coscia di Donna and Porto Palmas are among the best thanks to their exceptionally clear water and abundant marine life.
Is La Pelosa always accessible?
During the summer season, access is regulated through a reservation system with a limited number of daily visitors. It's advisable to check availability before travelling.

A Coastal Itinerary Worth Taking Slowly

The coastline between Cala Argentiera and Stintino showcases some of the most authentic landscapes in north-west Sardinia.

Every beach has its own personality: some are perfect for families, others appeal to lovers of wild nature, water sports or simply peaceful days by the sea.

If you're staying in Alghero, you can easily visit all these destinations without changing accommodation, choosing your daily itinerary according to the weather and your interests.

Located in the peaceful countryside of Santa Maria La Palma, Bonsai B&B is ideally positioned for exploring both the Coral Riviera and the spectacular coastline towards Stintino. Each day you can discover a different beach before returning to the tranquillity of the countryside, just a short drive from Alghero.

To continue planning your holiday, don't miss our complete guide to the best beaches in Alghero and the Coral Riviera, packed with practical tips and inspiration for exploring Sardinia's stunning coastline.

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This page on accessibility was last updated on June 25, 2025.