Whenever someone mentions Sardinia, the mind immediately goes to postcard-perfect Caribbean beaches, crystal-clear waters and the luxury of the north-eastern coast. But if you want to enjoy a truly unique experience, far from the crowds and immersed in dreamlike landscapes, then you should set out to discover the hidden coves of the island.
Small corners of paradise, sometimes reachable only by sea or via trails winding through cliffs and Mediterranean scrub.
The beauty of having a rental car? You can organise your days exactly as you wish, moving freely from one location to another with no limitations. If you arrive in Sardinia flying into Olbia, the most practical choice is to rent a car at the airport, perhaps relying on Ellepi: pick up the keys and head straight towards the wonders of the Gulf of Orosei and beyond.
Here is a guide to the 8 most beautiful and hidden coves in Sardinia, all waiting to be discovered during your four-wheel holiday.
Cala Goloritzè: the absolute queen
Declared a National Monument, Cala Goloritzè is perhaps the most iconic of all Sardinian coves.
Here the sea displays incredible shades, from turquoise to emerald green, and the natural rock arch together with the famous 143-metre pinnacle make it a true wonder.
The bad news is that the beach cannot be reached by car: you need to walk for about an hour along a trail starting from the Golgo plateau, near Baunei. But this is exactly where the car becomes essential: without it, you wouldn’t even be able to reach the starting point.
Once there, you will be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking natural sights of your life.
Cala Mariolu: a mosaic of white pebbles
A few kilometres north of Cala Goloritzè lies Cala Mariolu, named after an ancient legend involving monk seals that used to “steal” fish from fishermen’s nets.
Its distinctive feature is the presence of millions of smooth white pebbles, resembling pearls scattered along the shoreline.
The water here is so clear it almost feels unreal.
It can be reached by sea via boats departing from Arbatax or Cala Gonone, while hiking enthusiasts can follow spectacular panoramic trails.
Once again, renting a car is essential to reach the departure points and manage your time effectively.
Cala Luna: the cinema beach
Cala Luna also gained fame thanks to cinema: several scenes from the film “Swept Away” by Lina Wertmüller were filmed here.
This iconic beach, located in the Gulf of Orosei between the municipalities of Dorgali and Baunei, immediately impresses with its natural caves, perfect for sheltering from the sun during the hottest hours.
To reach it, you can choose a trek starting from Cala Fuili or take a convenient ferry from Cala Gonone.
And guess what? Without a car, getting to Cala Gonone would be quite difficult.
Cala Sisine: the wild pearl
Less famous than the previous ones but just as spectacular, Cala Sisine is a wide beach of white pebbles, washed by a turquoise sea and framed by cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation.
Here, the atmosphere feels decidedly wilder and more unspoilt than in most tourist destinations on the island.
To reach it, you must drive along a dirt road to a place called Planu ’e Murta and from there tackle a fairly demanding hike of about one hour.
With your car, you can get right up to this point and set off on an adventure, enjoying an experience steeped in freedom and pure nature.
Cala Coticcio: the “Tahiti of Sardinia”
In the north, within the La Maddalena archipelago, stands a gem of extraordinary beauty. We are talking about Cala Coticcio, nicknamed the “Tahiti of Sardinia” for its tropical colours.
Small, intimate and surrounded by pink granite rocks, this cove is one of the most photographed spots in the entire archipelago.
To reach it, you must take part in a guided trek (for environmental protection reasons), but the beauty of the scenery more than repays the effort.
By car, you can reach the island of La Maddalena by ferry from Palau and then continue to the starting point of the trail. An excursion that will make you feel like you’re on another planet.
Cala Domestica: charm between dunes and mines
Along the south-western coast, in the Iglesiente area, lies Cala Domestica, one of the few sandy coves on this list.
Here you will find dunes, imposing cliffs and even an old disused mining tunnel leading to a small hidden cove.
The charm of this place is truly unique, thanks to its atmosphere suspended between wild nature and industrial heritage.
Reaching it by car is fairly easy: just drive along the panoramic road of the Costa Verde and follow the signs. From here, you can also reach other spectacular nearby spots, including breathtaking viewpoints.
Cala Pira: relaxation in the south-east
Located just a short distance from Villasimius, Cala Pira is a small inlet characterised by white sand, calm waters and an Aragonese tower overlooking the landscape.
It is perfect if you are looking for a less crowded spot that is still easy to access.
Thanks to your car, you can combine a visit to Cala Pira with other beaches in the area, including Punta Molentis and Porto Giunco, creating a tailor-made itinerary.
Cala Cartoe: Dorgali’s hidden gem
Among the quietest and most appreciated, Cala Cartoe is located near Dorgali, about one kilometre from Cala Gonone, and offers fine sand, clear waters and an unspoilt natural environment.
It is easily reached by car, but the road descending towards the beach is a small spectacle in itself, with jaw-dropping views.
It is the ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the Gulf of Orosei without too much confusion, perfect for a day of pure relaxation.
Conclusion: why renting a car in Olbia is the best choice
If reading these descriptions has already made you eager to pack your bags, remember that to fully enjoy these experiences you will need a practical and reliable vehicle.
Sardinia is not an island best explored by public transport: the most beautiful coves are often located in remote areas and are poorly connected. By renting a car at Olbia Airport with Ellepi, you can set off on your adventure without wasting time.
And remember: Sardinia’s hidden coves are not just beaches, but places that offer emotions, silence, colours and memories you will carry with you forever.
Some require a bit of walking, others are easily accessible, but they all have one thing in common: they will make you feel like you’re in paradise.
To experience them at their best, however, having a car is essential. Your adventure among Sardinia’s most beautiful and hidden coves is waiting for you: are you ready to go?
