Every summer, some beaches in Sardinia restrict access to protect sensitive environments and ensure a more enjoyable experience for visitors. In practice, this means that, at certain times and during certain hours, access is only possible with a reservation and sometimes with a small fee or specific rules on permitted equipment. This guide will help you understand how to proceed: when to book, where to find up-to-date information, how to organise your day and what ‘plan B’ options to consider if you cannot find a place.
Why some beaches have limited access
Shallow waters, sandy seabeds, fragile dunes and seagrass beds to protect: these are the elements that make certain coves iconic and vulnerable at the same time. Local authorities set maximum visitor limits and access rules to prevent overcrowding, erosion and inappropriate behaviour. The result, for those who visit, is a more liveable beach and a sea that retains its transparency. For you, the traveller, the main change is in planning: it is not enough to arrive early, you need to book.
How booking works (step by step)
The mechanism is simple: for the most popular days, a booking window opens on the website or app of the local council/operator. Select the date, enter your names and confirm. In some cases, there is a nominal fee or a contribution for environmental services; elsewhere, booking is free but mandatory. You will receive an email or QR code to show at the gate along with your ID.
Upon arrival, you may encounter access controls and signs indicating restricted areas, launch corridors for sea vehicles, prohibited areas and rules regarding equipment (for example, mats instead of towels or vice versa). The time slot is important: many beaches apply limits on staying during peak hours, others divide the day into shifts; arriving at the exact time avoids arguments and allows you to enjoy the full time you have booked.
When to book (and how to pick the right day)
If you are travelling during peak season or at weekends, think of the beach as a popular museum: book in advance, especially for the middle of July and August. Those who are flexible can opt for June and September, which are wonderful months in terms of colours and climate, with less pressure on availability. In any case, the weather and wind are just as important as the calendar: with the mistral wind, many beaches in the north-west are exposed, while with the sirocco wind, the more sheltered bays in the east suffer. Before booking your date, check the wind direction and choose suitable coastlines: even the most famous beach loses its magic when exposed to gusts of wind.
What if I can’t find a place? Plan Bs at your fingertips
Sometimes you can’t book on the exact day you want. That’s no problem: in Sardinia, there are beautiful alternatives just a few kilometres away. In the most popular areas, you will almost always find a beach with free access, perhaps a little less well known but equally scenic. A useful tip is to map out three options in the same area: your ‘first choice’ (by reservation), your ‘second choice’ sheltered from the wind, and a ‘third choice’ that is larger with convenient parking. This way, you avoid wasted trips and turn an unexpected event into a discovery.
Where to stay to simplify access and timetables
If your goal is to enjoy one or more regulated beaches, it is best to choose a nearby base: staying just a few minutes away from the entrance reduces unexpected events and allows you to return during the hottest part of the day. Our residences are perfect for this type of planning: flexible hours, private kitchens for quick breakfasts and lunches, parking and spaces where you can reorganise your beach bag.
