Known as 'Little Tahiti' for its tropical appearance, Cala Brandinchi has extraordinarily fine white sand, shallow warm water in shades of turquoise and blue, and is backed by fragrant juniper trees. Consistently voted among Italy's best beaches.
Cala Brandinchi, on the coast of San Teodoro in the Olbia area of north-eastern Sardinia, Italy, is nicknamed 'Little Tahiti' for its tropical looks. A gentle arc of very fine, pale white sand curves for several hundred metres, backed by fragrant juniper and pine and looking out to the islet of Isola di Tavolara on the horizon. The water is the beach's glory: it shelves so gradually that it stays shin- to waist-deep a long way out, in luminous bands of pale turquoise and blue that genuinely recall the South Pacific. That shallow, warm, almost waveless water makes Cala Brandinchi one of the best family beaches in Sardinia, ideal for small children and easy paddling, though its calm means little for surfers. The bay is fairly sheltered and faces roughly east. Facilities are better developed than at the wild eastern coves: there is a paying car park behind the beach (broadly in the region of €5–8 or more in peak season), a seasonal beach bar or kiosk, and sun-loungers and umbrellas for hire, with restaurants in San Teodoro a short drive away. To protect the dunes and sand, in recent summers the municipality of San Teodoro has introduced a daily visitor cap and a small entry fee for high season, so checking current rules and booking ahead is wise. Access is straightforward by road, with the car parks a short, flat walk from the sand. Because of its fame, the beach fills early on July and August mornings and the car parks can reach capacity, so an early start is essential in peak weeks. With its powder-soft sand, glowing shallow water and juniper-scented backdrop, Cala Brandinchi delivers a postcard-tropical experience within easy reach of San Teodoro and Olbia.
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, sunbathers, snorkellers, photographers
- Facilities
- Car park (€5–8), Sun beds for hire, Beach bar
Location
40.7694, 9.6444 View on map
Highlights
- Powder-fine white sand and shallow turquoise water that earns the 'Little Tahiti' name
- Warm, near-waveless shallows ideal for families with small children
- Juniper and pine backdrop with views to the Isola di Tavolara islet
- Sunbeds, a seasonal bar and a car park, with a summer cap and entry fee in force
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 9am in July–August
- the shallow water makes it perfect for small children
When to visit
June and September bring warm water and gentler crowds; in July and August arrive before 9am as the car parks fill fast, and check the seasonal visitor cap and entry fee before going.
Accessibility
The car parks sit close to the beach with a short, flat walk to the sand, making access easier than at Sardinia's wild coves, though dedicated beach wheelchairs are not guaranteed and visitors with mobility needs should check provision with San Teodoro in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Cala Brandinchi called Little Tahiti?
The very fine white sand and the broad, shallow, vividly turquoise water give it a tropical, South-Pacific appearance, which earned it the affectionate nickname 'Little Tahiti'.
Is there an entry fee or limit?
In recent summers San Teodoro has introduced a daily visitor cap and a small high-season entry fee to protect the beach, alongside a paying car park; visitors should check the current rules and book ahead before peak-season visits.
Is it good for young children?
Very much so. The water stays shallow and warm a long way from shore and is usually calm, making it one of Sardinia's best beaches for families and small children.