Beaches of rare beauty, natural oasis such as Colostrai and Feraxi, archaeology and excursions to discover the area, Costa Rei (Sardinia) is perfect for a relaxing vacation surrounded by nature.

Costa Rei is located on the South Eastern coast of Sardinia at about 70 km from Cagliari and about 20 from Villasimius, and it is one of the most popular locations on the island, not only among tourists, but among Sardinians too, for its long stretches of white sand.

In fact, since 2009 this locality has won Lonely Planet’s ‘Travel blogger award’, and it has been included among the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world.

Costa Rei(Sardinia) is the king’s coast of Sardinia, here, 8 kilometres of long, bright white sandy beach enchants sun worshippers, families and water sports enthusiasts.

The beach is flat and child friendly; crystal-clear water glitters all along this unique gem of a beach. The majority of the beaches of Costa Rei (Sardinia) are protected by dunes covered with junipers, rush and Mediterranean maquis, or pine forests that create small shady areas.

Here are the five most beautiful beaches of Costa Rei (Sardinia) to be included in your bucket list.

Lo scoglio di Peppino

The bright granite rock resembling a turtle is one of the most beautiful spots of the entire southeastern coast. All around the rock, nature created a few little pools where in Summer the water is really hot. The beach is sandy, its sand is gold coloured, very thin and continues also in the seawater.

The water is crystal clear just like in a postcard, from green to turquoise and emerald. The beach can be reached by foot through a Passarella and it is very suitable for families with children.

Cala Pira

A small cove with rocks and cliffs, with a Spanish Tower clinging to the hill in the background, guarding the enchanting half-moon shaped white sand beach. Did you know? Pira, on Sardinian language, means Pear.

Porto Pirastu

The beautiful beach right beyond the granite reef headland, with its shallow seabed is enchanting in its simplicity. A delightful spot surrounded by a pine-wood where you can relax and sunbath.

Capo Ferrato

After Porto Pirastu you will be on a country road, best would be to drive an off-road vehicle; when at a crossing, take the right and you’ll reach the top of Capo Ferrato. From there you can go down the beach with the same name, right under the Monte Ferru (Iron Hill); the effort to get there sure will be rewarded by the amazing beauty of this place.

Piscina Rei

For everyone who loves the quieter life. In front of the Piscina Rei lagoon, which hosts many species in winter, lies a relaxed beach area. There is a slightly steeper drop into the water here than elsewhere on Costa Rei, but the sea is equally as fascinating as it shimmers in a thousand shades of blue.

Lounger hire is available, as are some bars, albeit a couple of beats slower. The beach is reached via one of the many turnoffs along the road to Capo Ferrato.

Cala Sinzias.

The cove is a 2-km strip of fine, soft sand, deep and very white, incredibly clear seabed that drops quickly, and crystalline waters with various blue hues! White fine sand surrounded by sandy hillocks kept together by pine trees and Mediterranean bushes.

A curiosity: the place is named after mosquitoes, but don’t worry! All the area has been reclaimed on the second half of the last century.

If you love road trips, Cala Sinzias is perfect for you: a parking space equipped for campers and two famous camping sites right in front of the beach.

And when the sun sets on Costa Rei, the Piazzetta and bars along the promenade come alive with the irresistible smell of Sardinian specialities floating out of countless restaurants.

The main pizzerias and restaurants are concentrated in a few squares of the town: Piazza Rei Marina, Piazza Italia and Piazza Sardinia.

If you love archaeology: Costa Rei and the surrounding area has plenty of amazing surprises to offer. Costa Rei’s main attraction, and an absolute must, is the Piscina Rei megalithic monument, about 200 meters from the beach. 22 menhirs arranged in groups dating back to Roman settlements.