Near the renowned destination of Porto Cervo, there is a beach with an evocative name: Prince’s Beach, a charming crescent of dazzling white sand framed by the typical vegetation of Gallura.
Every year, this stunning bay attracts visitors eager to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Alongside the luxury of exclusive villas and high-end venues, the area preserves a natural environment rich in biodiversity and marked by a delicate ecological balance. If you are planning a visit to Prince’s Beach, there are a few important aspects to keep in mind.
In this article you will discover the history of this magnificent Sardinian location, along with useful information to consider before your visit and the best ways to get around.
Love at first sight: the origins of Prince’s Beach
The story of Prince’s Beach begins with a love at first sight dating back to the 1960s, when Prince Aga Khan IV came across the area destined to become famous as Porto Cervo, known at the time by locals as Monti Mola.
It was above all his visit to the beach then known as Poltu di Li Cogghj that proved decisive, inspiring the wealthy magnate to embark on an entrepreneurial project that would permanently transform the economic landscape of Gallura and the surrounding region.
While sailing on a 12-metre boat with a few friends, the prince encountered this natural paradise.
Recognising the tourism potential of such an unspoilt place, he initiated the construction of a 700-berth marina surrounded by luxury hotels and elegant venues. And while Porto Cervo has since become a symbol of elite tourism well beyond Italy’s borders, the small natural jewel that sparked the prince’s fascination has remained wild and untouched.
That first encounter is commemorated in the beach’s name, which pays tribute to the prince and his role in shaping Gallura into a distinctive tourist destination. The original name, Poltu di Li Cogghj, is believed to refer to another activity once central to this area: the trade in animal hides. According to tradition, boats loaded with leather once set sail from this very bay.
Where Prince’s Beach is and how to get around
Prince’s Beach is located in the municipality of Arzachena, near the area of Romazzino, roughly halfway between Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo. In the immediate surroundings you will also find well-known locations such as Capriccioli, Cala Volpe, Grande Pevero and La Cervia, as well as many other points of interest, including sites linked to the area’s ancient Nuragic heritage.
Reaching Prince’s Beach is easy, either with your own vehicle or by renting a comfortable and reliable car. Its proximity to Olbia’s airport and port makes this destination particularly easy to access.
Ellepi Rental offers convenient rates to rent a car at Olbia Airport, with a wide range of models and flexible options. Depending on the number of travellers and your needs, you can choose between city cars, estate cars, crossovers, multispace vehicles or automatic models. The vehicle fleet is designed to help you enjoy Sardinia in complete comfort.
How to get to Prince’s Beach
You can reach Prince’s Beach by car from Olbia Airport, driving through the urban area and taking Provincial Road 73. This route is considered one of the most scenic in Italy, with sweeping views over the Gulf of Aranci. Travel time ranges from just over 30 minutes to nearly one hour during peak season.
Once you reach the junction for Cala Volpe, turn right towards Romazzino. After turning onto Via delle Mimose, you can leave your car in the nearby parking area. Parking fees vary according to season and duration, starting from €2.50 per hour and reaching up to €18 for a full day during summer.
From the car park, follow a well-marked pedestrian path of about 300 metres, surrounded by greenery and the scent of Mediterranean scrub. Low shrubs shaped by the mistral wind gradually give way to a stretch of brilliant white sand that leaves even seasoned travellers speechless.
A precious gem worth protecting
This jewel nestled among Mediterranean vegetation still preserves the charm that enchanted the prince more than sixty years ago. While tourism flows can pose a real threat to the natural environment of Gallura, this specific area is carefully regulated to safeguard the fragile ecosystem and preserve its extraordinary beauty.
Despite the presence of luxury villas and renowned venues nearby, Prince’s Beach remains a small natural treasure, ideal for relaxing moments and admiring crystal-clear waters. During summer the beach can become crowded, so it is advisable to plan your visit outside peak season or choose less busy days. In spring and autumn, the beach is far more enjoyable.
Those who manage to visit Prince’s Beach outside the central weeks of August can enjoy a more immersive, nature-focused experience away from the crowds. In the low season, as umbrellas thin out, local wildlife begins to reappear.
In recent years, growing awareness of the need to protect the area’s delicate balance has led to the introduction of protective measures designed to prevent coastal erosion and preserve the dune ecosystem.
Plan your visit to Prince’s Beach
When planning a stop during your holiday in Sardinia, location details are certainly worth considering.
The beach is an east-facing stretch of sand, similar to Caribbean-style beaches, with sunlight from early morning. It is exposed to sirocco winds but sheltered from the mistral. The turquoise waters and gently sloping seabed make it ideal for families with children and for anyone less confident in the water.
If you want to experience this enchanting place with maximum comfort and freedom of movement, book your car on our website and choose the vehicle best suited to your needs.
