From La Cinta and Cala Brandinchi to Budoni: the most beautiful public beaches of southeastern Gallura, facing Tavolara.
San Teodoro and nearby Budoni are the seaside heart of southeastern Gallura, facing the island of Tavolara. This is the Sardinia of long shores and very fine white sand, with coastal lagoons behind them where it is not unusual to spot flamingos, and a shallow, turquoise sea that earns its Caribbean comparisons.
Below are the most beautiful public beaches, each with today's sea conditions: tap a row to open the full card with waves, wind and water temperature.
La Cinta: white sand and lagoon
A shore of very fine white sand several kilometres long, with a shallow, gently sloping seabed and a lagoon behind it, frequented by flamingos. Its open aspect makes it breezy, and indeed it is also loved by those who practise wind sports.
Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu: the capped-access beaches
Two twin beaches of white sand and shallow emerald water, sheltered by the pine wood and looking out over Tavolara. To protect them from overcrowding, the municipality of San Teodoro caps access in the summer months.
Nicknamed little Tahiti: pure, very fine sand, a very shallow, transparent seabed, and pines and junipers behind it. Calm water, suitable for children.
Just behind La Cinta, an expanse of pale sand and clear water between Mediterranean scrub and ponds, with a postcard setting and shallow seabeds.
Capo Coda Cavallo and the granite coves
To the north the coast becomes more jagged, with granite headlands and sheltered coves looking out over the Tavolara marine protected area.
Pale sand and clear water at the foot of the headland of the same name, with a famous view of Tavolara and Molara. The inlets here offer shelter depending on the wind direction.
A tongue of pale sand between the sea and the ponds, quiet and shallow, in a panoramic position towards the islands.
Close to the town of San Teodoro: golden, grainy sand mixed with stretches of rock, with a sandy, gradual seabed. Handy because it is a stone's throw from the services.
Budoni: long, family-friendly shores
A long shore of pale sand with a shallow seabed, handy for families and with services nearby.
Fine sand and clear water in a wide, open bay, among the most loved on the Budoni coast.
When the sea is calm at San Teodoro
This stretch faces east, towards Tavolara, so it is largely sheltered from the mistral, the prevailing wind that blows from the northwest. It picks up instead with easterly winds (the levante) and from the southeast (the scirocco), which come straight in over the open shores like La Cinta. The practical rule: with a mistral the sea here often stays calm; when the wind blows from the east or southeast, look for the more sheltered coves towards Capo Coda Cavallo. MareCalmo takes into account each beach's exposure, so you can see at a glance where the sea is calmest today.
Practical tips
- Book the capped-access beaches. From June to September Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu require a booking and an environmental fee.
- Go early. In the morning the sea is usually calmer and parking is easier to find.
- Respect lagoons and dunes. These are fragile, protected habitats: stay on the paths and leave no litter.
- Check flags and ordinances. The Harbour Master's notices always come before the forecast.
Frequently asked questions
How do you book Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu?
From June to September access is capped: you book online through the website and app of the municipality of San Teodoro, paying an environmental fee. The booking is needed even if you arrive by sea, and it is best to do it in advance because the daily places are limited.
Which is the most beautiful beach in San Teodoro?
Cala Brandinchi and La Cinta are the most famous, but the best beach depends on the day and the wind. With a mistral much of this coast stays calm; with a levante or scirocco it is best to look for the sheltered coves. Check the sea conditions before you set off.
When is the sea calmest?
Usually early in the morning and on mistral days, since the coast faces east. The calm sea today page shows you in real time where to find it now.
