The beaches of Bari Sardo and around

Bari Sardo has around eight kilometres of coast and, unlike other stretches of Ogliastra, almost all of it is reachable without a demanding walk. Below are the beaches we recommend to our guests, in order of distance from the houses.

Torre di Barì

This is the town beach: walkable from the houses near the marina, five minutes by car from the ones in town. Pale sand mixed with fine gravel, shallow water for twenty metres or so: the natural choice with children. The sixteenth-century Spanish tower stands on the headland to the north, and you can walk up to its base in ten minutes.

Large free car park, a kiosk open from June to September, two parasol rental points. On days of strong mistral the southern end, towards the river mouth, is more sheltered.

Cea

Ten minutes north by car. This is the postcard beach of the area: pinkish sand and two stacks of red porphyry rising out of the water a few metres from the shore. The seabed drops away faster and there is no natural shade, so come early and bring a parasol.

Parking is paid in high season and fills up by ten in the morning.

Marina di Gairo and Coccorrocci

Twenty minutes south. Here sand gives way to grey and green pebbles, the water deepens immediately, and the blue is one you only find here in Ogliastra. These are not beaches for small children, but for swimming and snorkelling they are the best on this coast.

There are fewer facilities: bring water and lunch.

Practical notes

• The mistral blows from the north-west: in strong wind, move to the sheltered beaches to the south.
• Jellyfish are rare, but they turn up in late August after days of flat sea.
• Sea urchins are protected: collecting them is banned all year round.
• From July, car access to Cea may be restricted — check the municipal notices.