As I mentioned in the previous post (here), where I explained how to get and what to do on the Costa Smeralda, we stayed in a small fishing town called Cannigione.
We chose it because is a good starting point, and easily accessible to the North and South of the Costa Smeralda, in addition to some beaches to the North of the island (which I wrote about it here).
I must confess that the beaches around Cannigione are not the most beautiful comparing with others in the region.
But even so, I will make a summary of the ones I visited, plus about Porto Rotondo and Rena Bianca, which are in the south of Costa Smeralda.
In fact, I must explain that according to the “Costa Smeralda Consortium“, the Costa Smeralda runs from Poltu Quatu to Rena Bianca (near Liscia Ruja) and therefore none of the following beaches are part of the coast.
However, everywhere, these cities and beaches, including Porto Rotondo, are mentioned as part of the Costa Smeralda.
To facilitate research, and considering that all the information I collected before and after visiting the island, mention it as part of the Costa Smeralda, I will do the same, and I will leave as it is.
Cannigione
Although the beach is not so beautiful compared to the others, it was the ideal point to explore the Costa Smeralda.
When you think of Cannigione, think of the Costa without the cost, being the calmer side of Sardinia.
Originally a fishing village, Cannigione is a small town located just 18 km from Porto Cervo.
The town has been developing a lot since I went there. The small village is home to three of the best boutique hotels in Sardinia.
It has a small port, and a few shops, restaurants and cafes.
Every Monday between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm, there is a small street market where you will find local food and handmade products.
With a long strip of golden sand with crystal clear and calm waters, it is a trendy place for families with children.
Also, it is a popular place for snorkelling and diving, having some of the best diving centres on the entire island of Sardinia.
At South of Cannigione is the “Stagno di Padula Saloni”, a lake populated by more than 180 species of birds, such as the purple heron, black stork, swamp and western swamphen, a species that lives exclusively in the island’s lagoons.
For this reason, the lagoon is now a protected nature reserve and can be visited by all those who enjoy bird watching.
To the North, there is “Punta Occhione”, from where you will enjoy the view over the entire gulf, up to Roccia dell’ Orso (Bear Rock).
And from Cannigione, some boats leave for the astonishing Archipelago of Maddalena (I wrote about it here).
Isuledda di Cannigione
Isuledda di Cannigione is located a few kilometres from the village of Cannigione, just after La Conia. It is a beach in a half-moon shape, divided from another small beach by a slight elevation over the sea.
Tanca Manna
It is a famous village named after the area in which it is located.
The town has a small shopping centre and a variety of restaurants, pizzerias, shops and a diving centre.
Tanca Manna is an excellent place for those who enjoy the typical nightlife of the Costa Smeralda, but at the same time want a more peaceful holiday, without as many people as in Porto Cervo and other popular cities in the region.
The beach, which is also known as Spiaggia dell’ Uticeddu, is 350 meters long and up to 40 meters wide. It is surrounded by Mediterranean flora, and you can also explore several rocky bays nearby.
From the beach, there is a spectacular view of the island of Caprera, belonging to the archipelago of La Maddalena.
They offer a bar, as well as parasols and sunbeds for rent.
Spiaggia Le Piscine
The small bay has two beaches with thicker sand, blue waters with beautiful transparent colour and very shallow making it great for families with children.
There is a path of about 150 meters to walk through the vegetation, so it is not suitable for people with mobility difficulties.
Cala Capra
Cala Capra is one of the most famous beaches in Palau and is less than 3 km from the city.
The shallow, crystal clear sea and the well-protected bay of this peninsula are perfect for families with children. If you like walking, you will love the walk behind the beach, which takes you to beautiful landscapes.
Other beaches that are said to be very beautiful between Cannigione and Palau are: Spiaggia Barca Bruciata, Mannena, Lu Multiccioni, Spiaggia di Vena Longa, Spiaggia dei Corbezzoli among many others.
And to conclude, I want to talk about Porto Rotondo, although it is not part of this stretch of beaches, as it is further south of Cannigione, more precisely at 30 kilometres.
Porto Rotondo
It is a charming town and one of the most famous on the Costa Smeralda. It has a marina famous for its luxury yachts and is surrounded by hotels, exclusive villas and celebrity mansions, as well as several elegant boutiques, restaurants and cafes.
The town started its construction by the Venetians Luigi and Nicolò Donàdalle Rose, as part of a business group initiative. That’s where its architecture comes from, which resembles Venice and, not surprisingly, the main square is called Piazzetta San Marco.
We went one night to see the town and came back another day to see the beaches of Ira and Punta Volpe.
Ira beach is located in Punta Nuraghe and has two beaches, one bigger on the right and another smaller on the left.
Its water is clear and of a stunning blue tone, being the favourite destination of many VIPs.
Punta Volpe has crystal clear water and plenty of fish. The sand, although not as fine as other beaches, is still good.
Porto Rotondo also has other beaches such as: Spiaggia dei Sassi and Spiaggia Rudargia.
Spiaggia di Rena Bianca
The Bianca beach is just 10 km south of Porto Cervo and is one of the smallest in the region.
It is perfect for windsurfing, canoeing and water sports. Sunbeds and parasols are available for rent, as well as pedal boats, windsurf equipment and jet skis for those who wish to explore the turquoise waters.
It was one of the most crowded beaches when we went.
Just be careful not to get confused with Rena Bianca, which is located in Northern Sardinia.
I made a map with these beaches mentioned above, for you to plan your trip: https://goo.gl/maps/CWongyenxHCrKxAY6
And be sure to read about the other beaches on the Costa Smeralda, such as the Spiaggia del Principe here and Porto Cervo and other nearby beaches in this post here.
Have a great holiday!
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