Sant’Antioco: the most beautiful beaches to visit

Conveniently connected to the mainland by an artificial isthmus, Sant’Antioco is one of the gems of southern Sardinia. It is definitely worth a visit due to the variety of attractions it offers.

Here, you can explore history and archaeology by visiting the beautiful Archaeological Park in the centre of town. This will allow you to delve into the past and discover the unique history of Sant’Antioco.
You can also immerse yourself in the picturesque blue-and-white scenery of Calasetta, a village of Tabarchina origin, and enjoy the local seafood delicacies. In this article, we want to focus on the natural beauty of this small island, particularly its beaches, which offer an incredible variety and breathtaking cliffs.

Below, you will find a list of our favourite beaches and bays!

Su Portixeddu Accuau or “Le Vasche”

Su Portixeddu Accuau is one of the bays least known to tourists, but among the most appreciated by locals. It is located just down the road from the much better known Maladroxia beach. The Sardinian name literally means ‘the hidden little harbour‘, referring to its secluded position and the steep path leading to the bay. This small, secluded pebble beach is bathed by crystal-clear waters and is surrounded by limestone rocks and Mediterranean scrub. It is the perfect refuge for those who love peace and quiet and wish to relax in an undisturbed corner of paradise. Just a few metres from the shore, the sandy seabed holds a secret: two submerged pools that can be seen from above the surface. These are a wonderful place to explore for those who love diving and discovering the various types of fish that shelter inside. The origin of these pools is still uncertain. One of the best-known theories is that they are thermal pools from the Roman era, which is supported by the presence of hot underground currents along that stretch of coastline. However, this theory is not currently supported by official archaeological sources or accredited studies, although it undoubtedly exerts a certain fascination over the collective imagination.

Another hypothesis is that these basins were part of the bay’s port system, linked to the extraction of lime from the nearby quarry, for the mooring of boats and the loading of material. In the absence of certainty, we leave it up to you to interpret the reality. To do so we strongly advise you to explore them in person, perhaps through our kayak tour along the coast of Sant’Antioco, which includes a stop in this splendid cove!

Maladroxia Beach

Among the most beautiful beaches in Sant’Antioco, Maladroxia is probably the most famous and popular. Its fine, soft sand, enchanting shades of blue and clean water, as well as the wide range of services available throughout the season, make Maladroxia a popular choice for holidaymakers and one of the favourite beaches for the people of Sant’Antioco. This popularity has increased even further since it was awarded the Blue Flag, an international recognition of the quality of its waters, the biodiversity of its marine ecosystem, and the quality of its visitor services, making it the preferred beach for families and tourists. Maladroxia is also one of the few beaches accessible to people with special needs thanks to its centre for the disabled, complete with a walkway and relaxation area.

Several factors make Maladroxia a very convenient beach: it is only 10 minutes from the town of Sant’Antioco on the east coast of the island and its sheltered position means it is pleasant even on windy days. It is nestled between rocky outcrops that naturally shelter it from the mistral wind, and it is surrounded by Posidonia oceanica meadows that act as a barrier against currents. The shallow, safe waters are ideal for children, and bathing establishments and toilets guarantee a comfortable day at the beach.Lovers of coastal exploration and water sports, on the other hand, can reach by swimming, pedal boat, kayak or SUP, coves of incredible beauty at a very short distance from the beach, such as the Su Mussareddu cove, named after the rock located in front of it.

A final treat for novices to this beach: following the stretch of coastline to the left of the beach and digging into the seabed, you will be able to feel the currents of warm water rising to the surface, visible in the form of bubbles, a peculiarity that turns this corner of the beach into a pleasant thermal pool.

Coaquaddus beach

Heading south along the east coast, you will move from the white limestone of Maladroxia to the volcanic formations of the stunning Coaquaddus. The turquoise waters of Coaquaddus provide a beautiful contrast to the dark rock and the surrounding hills covered in vegetation. The beach is characterised by fine, sometimes black-tinged sand, the result of volcanic erosion. From above, Coaquaddus resembles a postcard, with its vibrant colours and characteristic coastal form, which, thanks to its flexuous course, has inspired its name, literally ‘Horses’ Tail’.

A rock divides the beach into two parts, accessible via two separate walkways. The first beach is wider and sandier, while the second is smaller and gradually becomes thinner and rockier towards the end. Coaquaddus also has parking and facilities, has been awarded the Blue Flag, and the clear waters and rocky coastline are perfect for snorkelling and diving.

Arco dei Baci 

Although not exactly a beach, we could not fail to include it among the most beautiful places for bathing. In terms of natural monuments, the coast of Sant’Antioco is full of spectacular formations that nature has sculpted over millions of years, and one of them is definitely the Arco dei Baci site, meaning “Arch of Kisses”. It can be reached by taking the direction to Cala Sapone, in the locality of Is Praneddas, and is one of the most popular destinations for locals, but lately also increasingly known by tourists, who storm the site in the high season.

This rocky arch, located on the western coast of the island, offers breathtaking scenery over the sea and is the access to natural pools sheltered from the currents, a privileged place to relax and swim in emerald waters. It is just a few steps from the deep blue sea that the more adventurous can explore by passing the opening of the arch, surrounded by the wild and unspoiled coastline.

Cala Sapone

Situated on the west coast and one of the most distinctive beaches on the island, Cala Sapone is captivating due to its particular conformation. The bay is surrounded by volcanic rocks and the islets set right on the edge are the iconic backdrop to the breathtaking sunsets that can be seen from this beautiful location. Consisting of coarse-grained sand and pebbles, the beach takes on an almost pinkish colour due to its mixed composition of shell fragments and corals. It then interrupts to make way for the rocky platform, perfect for those who prefer to slip along the cliffs and dive to discover the beautiful seabed.

These particular magmatic rocks, with their characteristic greyish colour, are an important testimony to the different phases of volcanic activity that have shaped the area, the result of ancient eruptions that led to the formation of ash and volcanic scoriae that then solidified. Cala Sapone is therefore a clear example of the island’s ancient geological history, which contributes to making it even more special. We explained the origins of the name of this cove in our article ‘5 outdoor experiences to do in Sant’Antioco’. Today it is still possible to see the building above the beach once used as a tuna fishery, active until 1825 and abandoned due to pirate raids.

Cala Grotta

Cala Grotta is one of the most fascinating and untamed gems of Sant’Antioco, a hidden corner that captivates with its rugged and authentic beauty. Located on the island’s western coast, this cove doesn’t offer the typical stretch of white sand, but rather a spectacular inlet carved into volcanic rock, where the crystal-clear water shimmers in shades of turquoise and emerald.

It’s the perfect spot for snorkeling and diving: the natural cliffs surrounding it become scenic diving platforms that offer pure fun, and the natural cave it shelters extends about 15 meters deep—enough to satisfy the curiosity of those who love to explore marine wonders.

Cala Grotta is also a favorite among photography enthusiasts, thanks to the light that, during sunset, sculpts the rocks and transforms the landscape into a living painting. Accessible via a short walk from the parking area near the I Ciclopi residence, it offers a different kind of seaside experience: more intimate, more adventurous, and ideal for those seeking a deeper connection with the island’s wild nature.

Although it’s not equipped with facilities, its pure, unspoiled beauty makes it an essential stop for anyone visiting Sant’Antioco.

Le Saline Beach, Calasetta

Another beach worth mentioning is Le Saline Beach, just a few kilometers from the town center of Calasetta. It takes its name from the natural salt flats located just behind it—no longer active, but still present—forming a unique and protected ecosystem just some steps from the shoreline.

A strip of small dunes separates the salt basins from the beach, which features fine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. From the parking area, visitors access the beach via a wooden boardwalk that crosses a stretch of pine and juniper trees. In the height of summer, the dunes are often dotted with the blooming sea daffodil—white, fragrant, and typical of Mediterranean coastal environments.

There is a campground nearby, but aside from that, beach services are limited and not always available. However, the short distance from Calasetta makes it a convenient destination for those staying in town or wishing to explore it before or after their beach visit—perhaps enjoying a gelato while strolling through its whitewashed streets.