Strictly Sardinia
Host: Claudia Tavani
Episode: Secluded Beaches In Sardinia
Air Date: April 10, 2025

Episode Overview

In this week’s episode, Claudia Tavani—Sardinian local, travel blogger, and podcast host—dives into the enchanting world of Sardinia’s most secluded beaches. She shares personal memories, expert tips, and essential details on hidden gems that promise tranquility away from the tourist crowds, perfect for planning a relaxing getaway. The focus is on beaches that, unlike the crowded hotspots, remain blissfully empty, even during peak season, with a sprinkle of local anecdotes and practical advice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Seek Out Secluded Beaches?

• Crowded Popular Spots: Claudia notes that even protected beaches needing reservations “can get really, really crowded in the summer months.” (01:10)
• Secluded Alternatives: The value of these hidden beaches is in “having the beach to yourself... just end up having a wonderful relaxing day with your family, with your friends, or even by yourself.” (01:55)

2. Detailed Guide to Claudia’s Top Secluded Beaches

Murtas (Spiaggia di Murtas)

• Location: 40 mins north of Costa Rei, 1hr20 north of Cagliari.
• Description: “Blissfully empty, even on Ferragosto... also one of Sardinia’s dog-friendly beaches.” (03:05)
• Access: Within the Quirra military area; rough dirt road.
• Facilities: None—“you’ll have to bring everything you need for the day.” (04:08)
• Scenery: Long sandy beach, pebbles, clear water, backed by vegetation.

Cala Sa Figu

• Location: 15 mins north of Costa Rei.
• Unique Points: Claudia goes here “when it’s very windy in Costa Rei because it’s a bit more sheltered.” (05:29)
• Features: Small, golden sand, surrounded by rocks and Mediterranean scrub.
• Tips: Tricky parking, follow the trail to a service-less beach, “make sure to bring everything you need.” (06:46)

Is Arenas Biancas

• Location: 30 mins from Teulada.
• Highlights: “One of the most scenic hidden beaches... incredible white sand dunes, which are protected, meaning that you cannot climb them.” (07:40)
• Facilities: Main area equipped, “if you prefer staying in a quieter spot, walk left of the main access towards the dunes.” (08:40)
• Note: Avoid on windy days—“it gets unbearable, sand flies everywhere.” (08:10)

Piscinas

• Setting: Near Bugerru and Guspini, West Coast.
• Known For: Tall sand dunes, a regulated nudist area (“don’t worry, your kids... don’t have to see naked people unless you want them to!” (10:08))
• Why Go: Wild, long sandy beach, “the sea is immediately deep and the currents are quite strong, so I don’t recommend going when it’s windy.” (11:12)
• Journey: Scenic drive through historic Ingurtosu and an abandoned mining village.

Plagemesu

• Location: Sulcis region, municipality of Gonnesa, near Iglesias (~1hr from Cagliari).
• Personal Note: Claudia “fell in love with it” after her sister introduced her. (13:26)
• Details: Long, sandy, clear water, equipped with kiosks and beach clubs.
• How to Find Solitude: “Walk to your left for a more secluded spot... past the beach clubs.” (15:00)

Cala Antonia Reddu (Cala de Sa Perda Longa)

• Proximity: Near Calacipolla and Su Giudeu (Chia), 1hr from Cagliari.
• Atmosphere: “Blissfully quiet even in the peak summer months, even at weekends.” (15:45)
• Access: Park along the road; 1km walk—“you’ll need your shoes.” (17:00)

Su Tingiosu

• Region: Sinis Peninsula, 20 mins west of Cabras.
• Characteristics: “Mainly go here for the cliff views, which are particularly scenic at sunset.” (18:20)
• Tip: Coarse pebbles more than sand.

Cala Sabina (near the Emerald Coast)

• Location: 25 mins northeast of Olbia, close to Golfo Aranci.
• Secret Gem: “One of the prettiest hidden beaches near the famous Emerald Coast... when everyone is packing themselves inside tiny beaches, you can opt to visit Cala Sabina.” (20:15)
• Features: Tiny cove, fine sand, shallow emerald water, old railway backdrop.
• Access: Marked trail, partly equipped.

Cala Moresca

• Fame: Filming location for Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”
• Setting: Olbia region; 30 mins drive, trail access.
• Personal Story: “My boyfriend took me there on a Sunday in July and I could not believe that there was nobody at the beach.” (23:09)
• Scenery: Two coves, golden sand, view of Figarolo island, pine forest backdrop.

Cala Sarraina (Costa Paradiso Region)

• Location: 35 mins from Santa Teresa Gallura, 20 mins from Costa Paradiso.
• Details: Two coves with red rocks, “immediately deep water” in one, shallow in the other (child friendly).
• Warning: “Highly, highly exposed to the mistral wind... we just ended up leaving because we were being whipped by the wind.” (26:10)
• Facilities: None, but a nearby restaurant exists.

Rena Majore della Nurra

• Geography: Near Alghero/Sassari/Porto Torres, 50 mins north of Alghero.
• Highlights: “Heavenly quiet when all those beaches are packed.” (28:45)
• Features: Tiny white pebbles, crystal clear water (great snorkeling), no sand for play.

Argentiera

• Setting: Former mining village, 45 mins from Alghero.
• Aesthetic: “One of the most scenic beaches... the remains of a former mining town just at the beach, which makes for unique photo opportunities.” (30:15)
• Notes: Exposed to mistral wind.

Porto Palmas

• Proximity: Close to Argentiera and Rena Majore della Nurra.
• Features: Enclosed by cliffs, gold sand and white pebbles, “nicely sheltered from the mistral wind and the water is shallow, which makes it a suitable beach for families.” (31:05)

Cala Zafferano

• Access: Only by boat tour from Teulada or Capo Malfatano, and only during July, August, sometimes until mid-September (military zone).
• Rules: “You cannot plant umbrellas... you’re very limited in the things you can do at this beach but it’s stunning.” (33:02)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Beach Solitude:
  “When Costa Rei reaches its full capacity, Murtas is blissfully empty. I have been there on Ferragosto... except at Murtas.” — Claudia (03:30)

• Packing Tips:
  “There’s nothing in terms of services, so you won’t find a kiosk, you won’t find food, you won’t find a place to rent umbrellas. So make sure to bring everything you need for the day.” — Claudia, on Cala Sa Figu (07:10)

• On Sand Dunes:
  “What makes [Is Arenas Biancas] famous is the incredible white sand dunes, which are protected, meaning that you cannot climb them.” (07:48)

• Humor About Nudist Beaches:
  “You don’t have to go around naked, don’t worry about that. And your kids, in case you’re traveling with them, don’t have to see naked people unless you want them to.” — Claudia on Piscinas (10:08)

• The Importance of Wind:
  “Do not go there on Mistral day, as it’s not sheltered at all. The wind hits it right in front.” — On Plagemesu (14:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–01:55: Introduction, benefits of secluded beaches.
• 03:05–04:45: Murtas.
• 05:29–07:10: Cala Sa Figu.
• 07:40–08:50: Is Arenas Biancas.
• 09:30–11:12: Piscinas.
• 13:26–15:00: Plagemesu.
• 15:45–17:00: Cala Antonia Reddu.
• 18:20: Su Tingiosu.
• 20:15–21:39: Cala Sabina.
• 22:40–24:20: Cala Moresca.
• 25:50–27:30: Cala Sarraina.
• 28:45–29:50: Rena Majore della Nurra.
• 30:15–31:05: Argentiera.
• 31:10–32:02: Porto Palmas.
• 33:02–34:00: Cala Zafferano.
• 34:00–End: Teaser for next episode (coastal towns).

Additional Tips & Tone

• Claudia’s tone throughout is warm, enthusiastic, and laced with local humor and practical advice.
• She emphasizes bringing all necessities to unequipped beaches and highlights the importance of checking wind conditions.
• Claudia frequently relates personal stories, making recommendations feel both trustworthy and personable.

Final Thoughts

For anyone dreaming of a Sardinian escape beyond the main tourist trails, Claudia’s recommendations promise serenity, natural beauty, and a dash of adventure. Her local’s perspective is invaluable for uncovering these tucked-away oases—and for navigating practicalities like military zones and unpredictable winds.