The Complete 2026 Guide to Access, Costs, and New Rules for Olbia, Golfo Aranci, and Costa Smeralda.
Short Answer: No. You do not have to pay to access beaches in Sardinia, Olbia, or the Costa Smeralda. Under Italian maritime law, the coastline is public domain. Whether you are visiting the luxury sands of Costa Smeralda, the family-friendly shores of Olbia, or the turquoise coves of Golfo Aranci, access to the sea is free. You can bring your own towel, umbrella, and water without paying an entrance fee.
However, the full answer for 2026 requires nuance. While the beach itself is free, visitors must navigate paid parking zones, optional beach club concessions, and strictly enforced environmental rules. New regulations in 2026 impose heavy fines for sand removal and specific towel restrictions at protected sites. Understanding these distinctions—between free access and paid services—is critical for your holiday budget. From the white sands of Pittulongu to the celebrity-spotted Prince’s Beach (Spiaggia del Principe), this guide breaks down every cost, rule, and local tip you need to know.
If you are staying in one of our Family Friendly Stays or our Old Town rentals, you are perfectly positioned to explore over ten spectacular beaches within 20 minutes—all without mandatory ticket gates.
"People often ask me if the beaches near our Azulis villas are private. I tell them: in Sardinia, the sea belongs to everyone. It is a shared luxury, not a gated one. You can swim in the same crystal water as the billionaires in Porto Cervo without spending a single euro."
Under Italian maritime law (*Demanio Marittimo*), the coastline is public domain. This is a fundamental right in Italy. It means:
You may see organized beach concessions (*stabilimenti*) with rows of perfectly aligned sunbeds and umbrellas. These are licensed service areas, not private beaches. By law, they must leave a public corridor allowing free access to the water, and they cannot prevent you from walking along the shore or swimming in the sea in front of them.
Let us separate the myths from the reality of 2026. While entry is free, comfort often comes with a price tag.
"If you are staying at our properties with parking, you save stress at home. But at the beach, remember: blue lines mean paid parking, white lines mean free. Arrive before 9:30 AM in August if you want the free spots!"
Olbia is one of the most practical beach bases in the Mediterranean. From your apartment in the Historic Center, you are just minutes away.
Distance: 8 km | Drive: 12 min
A long crescent of white sand beloved by locals. Access is completely free. While there are several restaurants and beach bars renting loungers (approx €25-€40/day), huge sections are open for your own gear.
Distance: 9 km | Drive: 15 min
Smaller and more protected from the wind, Bados is ideal for guests with children. There is no entrance fee. Parking can be tight in August, so check our Parking Guide for tips.
Distance: 12 km | Drive: 18 min
Famous for its shallow turquoise water facing Tavolara Island. Here you pay for parking (usually €1-€2 per hour in summer), but the beach itself is free.
Home to our AZULIS Villas Dumas (Athos & Aramis), this area offers stunning free beaches like Cala Sassari, Spiaggia Bianca, and Cala Moresca. None have entrance fees. Parking is regulated in summer, often via meters or apps like EasyPark.
Despite its reputation for billionaires and superyachts, the beaches of Costa Smeralda are public.
Can You Take Sand from the Beach? Absolutely Not.
Sardinia has reinforced strict environmental protection laws. Removing natural materials—sand, shells, pebbles, or stones—is illegal and considered theft of public natural heritage.
This applies everywhere: Olbia, Golfo Aranci, and Costa Smeralda. The rationale is simple: millions of tourists taking "just a little bit" causes massive erosion. Please respect our Eco-Hospitality values: Take only photos, leave only footprints.
"I maintain our properties to be perfect for you, and we ask you to help maintain the island. We have seen guests fined at the airport for a jar of shells. It ruins the holiday. Please, leave the nature where it belongs."
You may have read news about bans on towels. Here is the nuance for 2026.
Are you allowed to use a towel on the beach in Olbia? YES.
There are no restrictions in North East Sardinia prohibiting traditional towel use on public beaches. You can lay your towel directly on the sand at Pittulongu, Bados, or Porto Istana.
At specific, highly fragile protected beaches elsewhere on the island (such as La Pelosa in Stintino), you are required to place a rigid straw mat under your towel to prevent sand from sticking to the fabric and being carried away. If you visit these specific sites, you must follow the local signage or risk a €100 fine.
"The most beautiful spots in Sardinia don't cost money, they just cost a little effort. My favorite thing to do is find the free coves in Golfo Aranci at sunset. It's the best content for your Instagram, and it's completely free."
In high season (July/August), expect to pay between €1.00 and €2.50 per hour. Some lots offer daily rates around €10-€15. Blue lines mean paid; white lines mean free.
Absolutely. Unlike some clubs in other countries, Sardinian beaches allow you to bring your own coolers. Please remove all trash when you leave.
Beach bars and sunbed rentals generally accept cards, but parking meters often require coins or specific apps (EasyPark). Always carry some cash.
In August, yes. To enjoy a quieter experience, arrive before 9:30 AM or visit in the shoulder seasons (June/September) which we highly recommend in our Off-Season Guide.
Yes, the water is generally calm and safe, especially in Olbia and Golfo Aranci. However, always obey the flag system: Red means danger/no swimming.
Book directly with the owner for the best rates and local advice on where to swim today.
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