One of the longer beaches on the Costa Smeralda, Liscia Ruja (Red Creek) has warm, shallow water and golden sand in a bay sheltered by granite headlands. Less exclusive than some Costa Smeralda beaches, with a mix of beach clubs and free areas.
Liscia Ruja, also known as Long Beach and sometimes spelled Liscia Ruia, is one of the longest beaches on the Costa Smeralda, set in a wide bay south of Porto Cervo in the municipality of Arzachena in north-eastern Sardinia, Italy. The name means 'red creek' in the local Gallurese language, a reference to the reddish granite of the surrounding headlands that shelter the bay. The beach is a generous sweep of soft golden sand backed by low Mediterranean scrub and juniper, with warm, shallow, gently shelving water in shades of turquoise and green that stays calm thanks to the protecting granite points. That combination of length and calm makes it more relaxed and family-friendly than some of the smaller, more exclusive Costa Smeralda coves, with room to spread out even in summer. The bay's openness gives space for water sports — paddleboards, pedalos and kayaks are available in season — while the sheltered water keeps swimming easy. Unusually for the Emerald Coast, Liscia Ruja offers a genuine mix of access: several smart beach clubs hire out sun-loungers and umbrellas and serve food and drink at Costa Smeralda prices, but there are also free public areas between them where visitors can simply lay a towel, and these are every bit as beautiful. Access is by road and a car park behind the beach, followed by a short, flat walk, with restaurants and the glamour of Porto Cervo a short drive away. With its long golden sand, gentle water, water-sports options and balance of paid and free areas, Liscia Ruja is one of the most accessible and easygoing of the Costa Smeralda's famous beaches.
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, sunbathers, couples
- Facilities
- Multiple beach clubs, Free areas available, Water sports
Location
41.1000, 9.5417 View on map
Highlights
- One of the longest beaches on the Costa Smeralda, with room to spread out
- Warm, shallow, calm turquoise water sheltered by reddish granite headlands
- A genuine mix of smart beach clubs and free public access areas
- Water sports and easy swimming a short drive from Porto Cervo
Tips for visiting
- Mix of expensive beach clubs and free public access areas — the free areas are perfectly lovely
When to visit
June and September bring warm, calm water and fewer crowds than peak August; the free public areas between the beach clubs are lovely, and arriving earlier secures the best parking and space.
Accessibility
A car park sits behind the beach with a short, flat walk to the sand, making Liscia Ruja more accessible than the region's wild coves, though dedicated beach wheelchairs are not guaranteed and visitors with mobility needs should confirm provision locally.
Frequently asked questions
Does Liscia Ruja have free access or only beach clubs?
Both. Several beach clubs hire sun-loungers and umbrellas and serve food at Costa Smeralda prices, but there are also free public areas between them where visitors can lay a towel, and these stretches are just as beautiful.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes. The water is warm, shallow and calm thanks to the sheltering granite headlands, and the beach is long enough to find space, making it one of the more family-friendly Costa Smeralda beaches.
What does the name Liscia Ruja mean?
In the local Gallurese language it means 'red creek', a reference to the reddish granite of the headlands that enclose and shelter the bay.