If you’re looking for a peaceful vacation on the northwestern coast of Sardinia, and you want beautiful beaches that are less crowded, we’ll help you discover some lovely and quiet ones! In this area, you’ll find turquoise waters and soft sands, and some beaches remain calm even when the island reaches its peak occupancy. Here are our tips for finding 5 less crowded beaches in northwest Sardinia where you can relax. Check them out below!
5 Less Crowded Beaches in Northwest Sardinia
1. Porto Ferro Beach (Alghero)
Porto Ferro is a long beach with amber sand, dunes, and pines, just 20 minutes north of Alghero. It’s perfect for quiet sunsets with a beer in hand! You might spot some surfers—it’s one of the best surf spots in northwest Sardinia—and a nudist area at the far end, but there’s plenty of space for everyone. Parking is available a short distance from the beach; be careful to park in the right spot to avoid fines.
2. Argentiera Beach (Sassari)
Argentiera is a quiet beach near an old mining village. It has white pebbles, rough sand, and clear water, ideal for snorkeling. A medium drive from Alghero (rent a car from Alghero airport), it’s usually quite peaceful even in high season. There are no facilities, but in summer you might find a kiosk open for drinks and snacks. Bring what you need and enjoy this special spot.
3. Le Saline Beach (Stintino)
Near the Gulf of Asinara, Le Saline Beach stretches for about 3 kilometers with rough white sand (quartz grains) and emerald waters: a relaxing alternative to the more crowded and famous La Pelosa Beach. It’s just 10 minutes southeast of Stintino, with free parking and an Aragonese tower in the background. Less crowd, more space, and a wetland area with birds make it special—avoid windy days!
Excursions to Asinara Island
4. Rena Majore della Nurra (Sassari)
Accessing Rena Majore della Nurra is quite an adventure, with a rather steep path that requires caution but isn’t overly complicated (choose comfortable shoes, avoid flip-flops for the trail). Park in an unmarked lot, walk 20 minutes through pristine nature, and you’ll find crystal-clear waters and total seclusion. No services, no signal: just you and the sea. A true retreat, even in summer.
5. Cala li Cossi (Costa Paradiso)
On the Costa Paradiso, near Trinità d’Agultu, Cala li Cossi is a postcard-perfect cove with yellow sand and green waters, surrounded by pink granite cliffs. A 15-minute walk from the parking lot takes you along a scenic trail with spectacular views. It’s more intimate than the others, so it can get a bit busy, but it remains much quieter than famous beaches. The walk is challenging but doable.
Find accommodation in northwest Sardinia
Quick Guide to the Beaches
| Beach | Distance from Alghero | Distance from Stintino | Access | Features | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porto Ferro | 16 km (20 min) | 43 km (40 min) | Easy, car + parking, bar, kiosks | Amber sand, dunes, surf | Low-Moderate |
| Argentiera | 40 km (44 min) | 33 km (34 min) | Medium, car, kiosk nearby | Pebbles, snorkeling, ruins | Low |
| Le Saline | 48 km (50 min) | 13 km (15 min) | Easy, car + parking, kiosks | Long beach, shallow water, tower | Low |
| Rena Majore | 40 km (45 min) | 19 km (20 min) | Difficult, 20 min walk | Pebbles, secluded, snorkeling | Very Low |
| Cala li Cossi | 110 km (1 hr 30 min) | 100 km (1h 30 min) | Medium, 15 min walk | Cove, cliffs, trail | Low-Moderate |
Tips for a Perfect Day
Even though there are generally kiosks, bring water, snacks, an umbrella, and always sunscreen. Spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-October) are ideal for tranquility, but summer works too with some planning. In summer—even these beaches can get fairly busy—so be patient and choose morning hours or after 5 PM to enjoy the calm. You’ll need a car to reach them (fairly easy routes), and check the wind: the Mistral can stir things up, especially at Porto Ferro and Argentiera.
💡 These beaches are only accessible by car; if needed, book one directly from Alghero airport. Check prices on DiscoverCars →
⚠️ Don’t leave valuables visible in the car. In isolated parking areas, locks might be forced, and break-ins could occur. Stay cautious
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