Sardinia: 5 sheltered beaches – if Mistral blows
Those who have been to Sardinia know that the dominant wind on the island is the mistral, a wind that blows from the north-west, which has shaped the Sardinian landscape over the centuries and refreshed on hot summer evenings. For beach lovers, however, this wind can be very annoying, to the point of making it almost impossible to enjoy the sea on days when it blows strongly. The unique extension of the coasts of the island as well as their conformation, however, make many beaches accessible during the days of the mistral. Here are some of my favorites to enjoy during the mistral days!
1) Tuerredda beach (Teulada)
In the south west of Sardinia, about 60 km from Cagliari, the beach of Tuerredda recalls the Caribbean sea with its colors. Set in an inlet protected by an islet, it is an excellent solution on days of strong mistral. The sea is almost always calm and offers a unique scenario. Only problem: crowding. From this year the municipality of Teulada has established a limited number (1100 bathers), which can make access difficult on the hottest days of summer.
2) Mari Pintau beach (Quartu S.Elena)
A few kilometers from Cagliari, on the south-eastern coast, the beach of Mari Pintau, made up of pebbles of various sizes, is the ideal destination in the days of the mistral. Breathtaking colors that justify its name (mari pintau means sea painted in Sardinian). Complex to find parking along the highway and often very crowded!
3) Capriccioli beach (Arzachena)
If you are on the Costa Smeralda, one of the most beautiful beaches (and most sheltered from the Mistral) is the beach of Capriccioli. Protected by the Mediterranean scrub and Gallura granite rocks, the beach is close to two other small jewels, the Celvia and Pirata beaches.
4) Cala Coticcio (Caprera)
On the island of Caprera, in the Maddalena archipelago, the mistral often blows very strongly. It can therefore be difficult to find a suitable beach. One of the most beautiful and sheltered, but not very easy to access as it can only be reached by sea or through a trekking path, is Cala Coticcio. Named small Tahiti for the enchanting colors of its sea, Cala Coticiccio is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Not to be missed.
5) Bombarde beach (Alghero)
We conclude this virtual tour of the island in search of a beach sheltered from the Mistral and reach Alghero. The Catalan city is very exposed to the wind, however the Bombarde beach is quite sheltered in the days of the mistral. This wind, dominant in the area, has also allowed a natural “nourishment”, counteracting the erosion of the coast and the progressive loss of beach that is affecting the Mediterranean.
These are some of my suggestions! Please report other beaches in Sardinia sheltered from the mistral! Have a good trip!