FAQ
Sardinia beaches, wind & weather: frequently asked questions
The questions we get most often, with practical and honest answers. If yours isn't here, write to us — we update this page whenever a recurring doubt comes up.
All questions
Which Sardinian beaches are most sheltered from the Mistral?+
There isn't a single answer, but the Southeast and East coasts are naturally protected from the Mistral, which blows from the northwest. Villasimius, Costa Rei, San Teodoro and the Ogliastra stay calm even on the worst days. On the Northwest side the only truly sheltered spot is Mugoni, deep inside the closed bay of Porto Conte.
Where can I go to the beach today in Sardinia if it's windy?+
It depends on which wind is blowing. AURA refreshes the ranking of sheltered beaches every hour against the forecast winds for the day. Open the dedicated page to see which bays are green right now.
What is the Mistral and why does it matter so much?+
It's Sardinia's dominant wind: it comes from the northwest, cold and dry, and in summer it can blow for days at over 50 km/h. It matters because it dictates which coasts are usable and which aren't — the entire west and north take the hit, the east stays calm.
What's that seagrass on the beach, and is it a problem?+
It's almost always not seaweed — it's dead leaves of Posidonia oceanica, a protected sea plant that grows on healthy seabeds. It washes ashore when the sea pushes it into the bay. It's not litter, it's not pollution: it's an excellent sign of marine health. For many visitors it still matters visually, and AURA flags the daily accumulation risk.
Why is Posidonia a good sign?+
Because Posidonia oceanica only grows in clean, oxygen-rich water, and its underwater meadows are among the richest ecosystems in the Mediterranean. Seeing it on shore means the seabed in front of that beach is healthy. It's protected by EU and Italian law: collecting it is forbidden.
Which beaches stay calm when the Mistral blows?+
Closed bays facing southeast or east. The usual names: Porto Giunco, Punta Molentis and Simius around Villasimius; Costa Rei and Cala Pira in the southeast; Cala Brandinchi, Lu Impostu and La Cinta around San Teodoro; Porto Istana and Pittulongu around Olbia; the entire Ogliastra coastline through to Cala Goloritzé.
What's the difference between Mistral and Tramontana?+
Both are cold northern winds, but they come from different directions: the Mistral blows from the northwest (around 315°), the Tramontana comes from due north (0°). The Mistral is much more frequent in Sardinia, but Tramontana can be sharper in winter. The sheltered coastlines partially overlap but aren't identical.
What's the most beautiful beach in Sardinia?+
No single answer. Recurring contenders include La Pelosa in Stintino, Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzé in the Ogliastra, Tuerredda in the south, Cala Brandinchi near San Teodoro and Is Arutas with its quartz pebbles. AURA helps you pick the right one for today based on real conditions.
When is the best time to visit Sardinia's beaches?+
Mid-June to mid-September the water is warm and the winds are manageable in the morning. September is the local favourite: same sea as August, dramatically fewer crowds, lower prices. May and October are great for quiet but the water is still cool.
Which beaches are best for families with young children?+
Sandy beaches where the seabed stays shallow for a long stretch, sheltered bays and typically moderate winds. Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu near San Teodoro, La Cinta, the Chia system (Su Giudeu, Sa Colonia), Porto Giunco, Costa Rei, La Pelosa with its famously shallow water, and the Poetto in Cagliari.
Where is the clearest water?+
Wherever the seabed is sandy and the wind isn't stirring up sediment. La Pelosa, the Villasimius coves, Cala Mariolu, Cala Goloritzé, Tuerredda, Su Giudeu, Cala Brandinchi top the list. Clarity also depends on the day's conditions: a rough sea muddies even the best water.
Can I bring my dog to the beach in Sardinia?+
It depends on the municipality and the season. Most towns ban dogs from public beaches from June to September, but several officially dog-friendly beaches exist around the island. The rules change every year — always check the current local ordinance before you leave.
Which beaches are best for snorkelling?+
Coves with rocky or mixed rock-sand seabeds, transparent water and shelter from the prevailing winds. Mari Pintau, the Capo Carbonara coves, Cala Mariolu, Cala Goloritzé, the Asinara coves, Mugoni and Capo Caccia near Alghero. Snorkelling needs flat sea: wind and waves destroy visibility.
Are there wheelchair-accessible beaches?+
Yes. Several Sardinian beaches have boardwalks, beach wheelchairs, reserved parking and accessible services: Poetto in Cagliari, La Cinta in San Teodoro, parts of Stintino and Alghero, La Pelosa, Le Bombarde, Maria Pia. Equipment and assistance availability is seasonal.
Is it worth going to the beach with a strong Mistral?+
Yes, if you pick the right coast. With a stiff Mistral (over 30 km/h) the west and northwest coasts become unusable — sand in the face, breaking waves, flying umbrellas — but the east and southeast coasts are often at their absolute best, glassy sea and crystal-clear skies thanks to the dry wind. It's the classic moment to discover the Ogliastra or the southeast.
Why is a beach red today and green tomorrow?+
Because the score reflects a specific day's conditions. The beach hasn't changed: the wind, the swell and the weather have. A 90° wind rotation or a half-metre drop in wave height can shift the score by 3–4 points. That's the whole point of checking AURA in the morning.
Do I need to book the popular beaches?+
Some yes. La Pelosa, Cala Coticcio on Caprera, Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzé in the Ogliastra, and Punta Molentis near Villasimius all enforce a daily visitor cap with online booking. A few days' notice is usually enough, but in peak August slots vanish within hours.
Is AURA free?+
Yes. AURA Beach Advisor is free to use on web and as an iOS / Android app. No registration is required to check scores and conditions.