Is Arutas is one of the jewels of the Sinis peninsula - a half moon made up of coloured quartz fragments (it's know locally as the beach of 'rice grains'), the sea is an intense green and azure, that gradually turns to blue. Popular with windsurfers, the crystal clear waters are also perfect for snorkelling.

Beautiful pink sands with cliffs and caves to explore by boat.

Ideal for windsurfing or a stroll, the pale sands are lapped by turquoise waters and are regularly voted amongst the best in the world. There are lagoons full of pink flamingos close by, too.

These impressive mysterious stalactite caves (they’re the ones that hang down) were discovered by chance by a local fisherman in the 18th century and can be reached by land or sea.

There’s a beach and a saltwater lagoon here.  Grab some lunch in one of the beachside cafes or find somewhere more secluded for a peaceful picnic.

3km of golden sand run from the marina to the River Tirso, bordered by tall palm trees and a beautiful esplanade. There are plenty of amenities with everything from volleyball to windsurfing, what's more the sea is nearly always calm although the waters quickly get deep.

This gently shelving beach next to a pretty fishing village is the ideal spot for families.

Get your boots on, pack your knapsack and get trekking through miles of rugged countryside, cool forests and hidden bays. Don’t forget your binoculars - it’s great for birdwatching too.

Poetto is Cagliari's main beach. At 8km long, it is the longest on the island and the place to see and be seen.  The beach is one of the windy spots in Sardinia, so it's a favourite spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing and the scene of international championships.