Guide · Places and itineraries

Beaches accessible from Sassari: 8 destinations not to miss

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Sassari does not face directly onto the sea, but all it takes is a drive to reach some of the most beautiful beaches in northwestern Sardinia. Within an hour, you can choose between long sandy shores, sheltered bays, coasts swept by the mistral and coves surrounded by Mediterranean scrub. In practice, the problem is not finding a beach: it is deciding which one. Here is a guide to the best beaches accessible from Sassari, with useful tips for choosing the one best suited to your day.

1. Platamona

Ideal for: families, easy-going days and swims without complicated planning.

Platamona is the closest beach to Sassari and one of the seaside destinations historically most frequented by people from Sassari.

Its exceptionally long sandy shore stretches along the Gulf of Asinara, between the territories of Sassari, Porto Torres and Sorso. The sand is light-coloured, the seabed generally slopes gently and along the coast there are beach resorts, bars, refreshment points and wide stretches of free beach.

The section of the Sassari coastline between the Rotonda and the second pettine has been confirmed among the 2026 Blue Flags. During the season, lifeguard services, bathing assistance for people with reduced mobility and toilets open also to non-customers of participating resorts are available.

Platamona is the most practical choice for a last-minute departure. When someone in Sassari suggests going to the beach and nobody wants to face an hour’s drive, nine times out of ten this is where you end up.

2. Porto Ferro

Ideal for: nature, surfing, sunsets and wide-open spaces.

Porto Ferro is one of the most evocative beaches on the Sassari coast. The bay forms a long crescent of ochre-coloured sand, surrounded by dunes, Mediterranean scrub and three ancient lookout towers.

Its exposure to westerly winds often makes the sea rougher than the beaches of the Gulf of Asinara. It is therefore a much-loved destination for surfers and windsurfers, but on calm days it offers clear water and plenty of space even in midsummer.

Porto Ferro is a 2026 Blue Flag beach and offers lifeguard services, a bar, parasol and equipment hire, walkways and bathing assistance for people with disabilities.

For summer 2026, a free-beach area reserved for dogs accompanied by their owners has also been confirmed. In the northern part there is also the section officially designated for naturist use.

The main car park is located before the entrance to the bay. In the summer months, use only authorised areas, avoiding pine groves, protected dirt tracks and improvised parking spots.

3. Porto Palmas

Ideal for: calm seas, families and a relaxing day.

Porto Palmas is a small bay in the Nurra, enclosed between two rocky headlands. Its compact size and sheltered shape make it one of the most pleasant alternatives when the wind is blowing along the west coast.

The beach has golden sand, clear water and a seabed that is also suitable for those who prefer to swim without venturing too far from the shore.

It is one of the three beaches in the municipality of Sassari to have been awarded the Blue Flag in 2026. There are also car parks nearby and an assisted bathing service operating during the summer season.

In summer 2026, the municipality carried out an extraordinary operation to temporarily move the posidonia washed up by storms. The material is stored behind the beach and returned to the shore at the end of the season, because posidonia protects the coast from erosion.

Porto Palmas is very popular, but it is not huge. At weekends in August, the advice is simple: set off early.

4. L'Argentiera

Ideal for: snorkelling, photography and extraordinary landscapes.

L'Argentiera beach lies at the foot of the mining village of the same name, in one of the most scenic stretches of the Sassari coast.

Here the sea meets the remains of industrial structures, rocky slopes and the buildings of the old mine. The result is a landscape very different from Sardinia’s classic seaside resorts.

The beach is made up of coarse sand and small pebbles. The seabed becomes deep fairly quickly and alternates between sandy and rocky sections, particularly interesting for those who enjoy swimming with a mask and snorkel.

The beach is easily reached from the village and, during the season, offers lifeguard services and bathing assistance.

It is worth staying until sunset, when the light hits the mine structures and transforms the entire bay. It is one of those places you visit to swim and end up photographing absolutely everything.

5. Fiume Santo

Ideal for: peace and quiet, walks and days out with your dog.

Fiume Santo is a long, sparsely developed beach along the coastal stretch leading towards Ezzi Mannu and Stintino.

The coast alternates between light sand, small pebbles and shell fragments. There is plenty of space and the atmosphere is generally quieter than at the better-known seaside resorts.

Its exposed position means it is subject to wind and currents, so it is always advisable to check sea conditions before entering the water.

For the 2026 season, a large area where dogs accompanied by their owners are allowed has been confirmed. It is one of the most convenient options around Sassari for anyone who does not want to leave their pet at home.

Fiume Santo is also ideal for long walks along the water’s edge, especially on quieter days.

6. Ezzi Mannu

Ideal for: clear water, shallow seabeds and families.

Continuing along the coast towards Stintino, you reach Ezzi Mannu, a long, bright beach characterised by small white pebbles and quartz fragments.

The water ranges from very pale blue to turquoise, while the seabed remains shallow for several metres. On windless days, it is one of the most pleasant beaches for families and for anyone who likes spending a lot of time in the water.

The shore is spacious, so even during the high season it is often possible to find less crowded areas by moving away from the main entrances.

There are car parks, some seasonal services and refreshment points. Before settling in, it is worth checking the location of the entrances and equipped areas, as the beach stretches for several kilometres.

7. Rena Majore della Nurra

Ideal for: wild coastline, snorkelling and peace and quiet.

Not to be confused with the place of the same name in Gallura, Rena Majore della Nurra lies along the coast between Argentiera and Stintino.

It is a secluded beach, protected by high cliffs and surrounded by Mediterranean scrub. The sea features green and blue hues, with rocky seabeds particularly well suited to snorkelling.

There are no beach resorts and services are very limited. You therefore need to bring water, food and everything else you may need for the day.

From the car park, the shore is reached via a staircase and a sloping path. The access is unsuitable for people with reduced mobility, pushchairs or anyone carrying particularly bulky equipment.

That is the price to pay for finding a stretch of coast that is still authentic and relatively isolated.

8. La Pelosa

Ideal for: iconic landscapes and postcard-perfect sea.

La Pelosa is located in Stintino and is the furthest beach included in this guide, but it remains easily reachable from Sassari for a day trip.

It is famous for its very pale sand, extremely shallow water and the view dominated by the Torre della Pelosa and Asinara island. On clear days, the sea takes on almost tropical hues.

Its popularity does, however, require a little planning. In 2026 too, access during the regulated period is subject to a limited number of visitors and mandatory booking.

Before setting off, it is essential to check ticket availability, the rules in force and the parking situation. It is also necessary to comply with the measures introduced to protect the sand and coastal ecosystem.

La Pelosa is therefore not the beach to choose while you are already in the car with a towel on the seat. It needs to be planned.

Which beach should you choose?

The choice depends above all on the kind of day you want.

  • For convenience: Platamona.
  • For surfing and sunsets: Porto Ferro.
  • For a sheltered bay: Porto Palmas.
  • For snorkelling and industrial archaeology: Argentiera.
  • For a day at the beach with your dog: Fiume Santo or Porto Ferro.
  • For shallow, clear water: Ezzi Mannu.
  • For a wild cove: Rena Majore della Nurra.
  • For the most famous view: La Pelosa.

Tips before setting off from Sassari

The beaches on the west coast can change completely in appearance depending on the wind. Porto Ferro, Argentiera and Rena Majore are particularly exposed to the mistral and currents.

Before setting off, it is therefore advisable to check sea conditions, especially if travelling with children or inexperienced swimmers.

In July and August, it is best to reach the smaller beaches early in the morning. Platamona and Ezzi Mannu offer more space, while Porto Palmas, Argentiera and La Pelosa can fill up quickly.

It is also essential to use only permitted car parks, not light fires, not smoke on the beach where prohibited, and not collect sand, pebbles or shells.

The sea near Sassari offers options for almost everyone. All you need to do is choose the right direction, check the wind and remember where you parked the car.

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