Spiaggia del Principe, the Pink Granite Beach Next to Romazzino

Spiaggia del Principe is on the Romazzino headland, south of Porto Cervo. It is the image most people have in their heads when they think of the Costa Smeralda: two arcs of white, very fine sand, separated by a promontory of pink granite, and water that goes from green to blue in a few metres.

Getting there

From Olbia, take the SS125 and the SP73 as far as the SP94, and from there via Romazzino. From Arzachena, take the SP59 towards Porto Cervo and then the SP94 towards Cala di Volpe. At the end of the road there is a barrier with a paid car park of only 25 spaces. From there you walk down about 300 metres, eight or ten minutes on a path partly paved and partly dirt. From Olbia, in total, about 40 minutes.

The summer beach bus, Lu Pustali, does not come here: the nearest stop is Capriccioli, a good walk away.

What you will find

The sand is among the finest on the coast. There is a small business that hires out sun loungers and parasols and a drinks stand, and the rest is free beach.

When to go

The beach faces south-east, so it is best on days of westerly wind, when it is sheltered. With an easterly or sirocco the swell comes in. In July and August, with 25 parking spaces, the key is to arrive before ten; at midday it is easy to find the barrier closed. In June and September it is much quieter.

With children and with a dog

With small children, think about the 300-metre walk carrying things and the fact that the bar is small. If you want something more comfortable, Capriccioli, a few minutes away, has more facilities and a bus stop. The consortium states that animals are not allowed on this beach.

If it is full

Next door is Romazzino beach, with a paid car park, also of 25 spaces, behind the sand. A good part belongs to the hotel of the same name, but there are beach clubs open to everyone.