Although crystal-clear, turquoise waters are commonplace along Sardinia's coastline, did you know that there are also pink, white and dark sands?

The Italian island of Sardinia has long been a popular spot for holidaymakers looking for a summer sunshine break with some superb food thrown in for good measure. The calibre of accommodation caters to every spectrum of your budget, although some serious luxury can be achieved on this beautiful island. Convenient and regular flight times mean the island is easy to get to, and if you're a beach lover, you're in for a real treat. 

But what if we told you that Sardinia wasn't just home to golden sands? In fact, there's a whole spectrum of colours out there ranging from pink hues and powder white to much darker shades. Here we'll showcase these stunning beaches and give you some ideas of where you can stay nearby too. 
 

1. Pink sands at Spiaggia Rosa 

Where the soft sands showcase a pink hue, Spiaggia Rosa is this colour due to a mixture of fragments of coral, plus a pink microorganism that lives inside washed up shells which are then ground down by the waves. Found on Budelli Island which is part of La Maddalena Archipelago to the north-east of the main island, you can easily hop on a boat and do a tour of these islands, with most of these leaving the Port at Palau in the Costa Smeralda. More conveniently, Resort Valle dell'Erica Thalasso & Spa offers half-day boat trips to explore La Maddalena Islands with a mini tour. 

Find out more about Resort Valle dell'Erica Thalasso & Spa here

Spiaggia Rosa, Budelli Island. Image credit: Mike Carballo | Shutterstock

Resort Valle dell'Erica Thalasso & Spa 

2. White sands at Capriccioli Beach

A beautiful oasis where you can simply sunbathe and soak up your stunning surroundings or dive into the crystal-clear waters for a spot of snorkelling and diving, this beach is a true Sardinian gem. Located in Sardinia's glamorous Costa Smeralda region, just south of Porto Cervo, Capriccioli Beach can be easily reached from the 5-star Colonna Resort in Porto Cervo.

Find out more about Colonna Resort here

Capriccioli Beach

Colonna Resort 

3. Dark sands at Cala dell'Argentiera 

With dark, coarse, greyish coloured sands, gravel and mineral dust from the old and now abandoned mine buildings at Argentiera have enhanced the colour of the sand along this part of the coastline. The sea is stunningly blue, with underwater rocks to explore with your snorkelling gear. The town of Argentiera itself is home to just a few local businesses, but it's still a lovely place to visit for the day. Stay at Wine Resort Leda d'Ittiri which is only around a 30-minute drive from the town, found close to the Porto Conte National Park and Alghero. 

Find out more about Wine Resort Leda d'Ittiri here

Cala dell'Argentiera. Image credit: sbellott | Shutterstock 

Wine Resort Leda d'Ittiri 

Want to plan your own beach escape to Sardinia? Why not have a read of our top 10 beaches in Sardinia, or alternatively browse our beach holiday ideas?