Spiaggia di Cea, Ogliastra

A long beach of fine sand on the east coast of Sardinia, famous for the two red porphyry rock stacks (the Faraglioni di Cea) standing just offshore. The water is crystal clear, and there's a wild coastline of coves and rocky headlands to explore to the south, with the black rocks of Punta Niedda.

The beach is between Tortolì-Arbatax and the village of Bari Sardo, which makes a quiet base, surrounded by the mountains of Ogliastra, olive groves and vineyards. The beach of La Torre at Bari Sardo, below a Spanish watchtower, is nearby. Summer is busy with Italian families; come in June or September for quieter beaches.