Costa Rei seaside and beaches

The seaside of Costa Rei is a large beach, more than 5 km long, which begins Northward from Capo Ferrato ending up to the Scoglio di Peppino beach.

Let’s start our trip together in the coastline starting from the northenmost point: the top of Capo Ferrato.

The northern end of the wide sandy sickle of Costa Rei is bordered by Capo Ferrato. Leaving behind the festive holiday atmosphere of the residential area of Monte Nai, here you can find the real Sardinia, wild, that typified by the harshness and simplicity of nature.

The promontory of Capo Ferrato fits into the sea between two stretches of thin coastline, straight and sandy among the largest on the island. The granites wedge into the sea at Porto Pirastu, where the coast rises and becomes high, rocky and rugged, characterized by some coves of great beauty and surrounded by clear rounded granite rocks by the incessant action of the sea. The cape is the eastern extremity of a rocky outcrop, isolated between the plain of Castiadas and the sea, consisting of granite reliefs of Monte Liuru (420 m) and Capo Ferrato (77 m) and the volcanic one of Monte Ferru (m 299). The latter is isolated and the profile stands out clearly at the center of the granite landscape for the ashybrown color and its perfect cone shape. On steep slopes, once covered with forests, but now bare, dry and littered with large blocks, it is possible to observe several geological formations due to erosion. On the top there is a Spanish tower of the sixteenth century, with a base diameter of 5 meters and 8 meters high; reachable via a steep path that climbs the west slopes. From the top of the tower, which is perhaps the most scenic of this coast of Sardinia, the eye can sweep a large part of the southeastern coast.

The granite promontory continues for over two kilometers and it displays a very irregular profile, along which there are several small but picturesque inlets. The front of the granite is particularly steep and is crossed by deep ravines closed by high vertical walls where the rocks are often finely chiseled by erosion that has created numerous tafoni. In the front sector there is the construction of the lighthouse, which with its white color is visible at a great distance. Nearby, between the light granite, there are the volcanic hills of Perda Niedda and Bruncu Sa Figu that for short distances reach the coast. The whole territory of the cape is crossed by beautiful paths, one of which goes as far as the lighthouse.

For those who, instead, go in search of some small cove to escape the crowds of Costa Rei, there are a good three options: Porto Pirastu, Cala Sa Figu and Portu De S’Illixi. Sardinia coasts, with long beaches have a lot of small coves as Cala Sa Figu e Porto S’Illixi , which are set between the two beaches of Capo Ferrato and Ferraxi. Characterized by fine white and grey sand, and bluffs covered with lush mediterranean maquis, the coves boast waters with bring together all kind of different shades of light blue. Given their shallow waters and the sandy seabed, they are usually a spot for families with children; furthermore, they are secluded and charming and especially Portu S’Illixi which is protected from the winds, attracts a lot of yachtsmen.

In the beach of Porto Pirastu , pebbly areas alternate with sandy ones, something that makes this beach simply unique. It has mixed coarse-grained grey sand and crystal clear waters which abound in fish. It is backed by a small pinewood, where it is possible to relax in the fresh open-air. The beach attracts divers and underwater fishing enthusiasts. Porto Pirastu , as the entire stretch of coast of the promontory of Capo Ferrato is punctuated with small inlets and coves surrounded by granite rocks and Mediterranean maquis.

The next beach we find in our experience discovering Sardinian east coast is the Beach of Piscina Rei:

The beach of Piscina Rei is part of the largest beach of Costa Rei and it’s located in a town near Costa Rei known as Piscina Rei , it’s characterized by a sea of extraordinary transparency that offers special color effects in combination with the sunset. There are some small rocky complexes and there is an important flora around and along the coast, where you can admire small and colorful fishes. The sand is exceptionally clear and fine and along the coast there are lots of facilities, including lifeguards, bars and car parks. Near the beach, there’s also a small lake where you can relax and enjoy the gentle sea breeze.

One of the longest parts of the Costa Rei coast is the beach called Piscina Rei, the rear of the beach changes several times according to the green background. The most natural section is given by cultivated fields, sourrounded by villas, the Eos Village and Le Dune Camping; this section continues with a wild area that ends with the last part of the Costa Rei residential area. The section of the Piscina Rei coastline is rich in bars and beach services (where you can hire beach umbrellas and sun loungers), where it will be a great choice have a break with a fresh drink, before continuing your walk!

The next beach we meet is the beach of Marina Rei, in the middle of the residential area of Costa Rei and which stretches up to the wonderful Monte Nai, for which the place is named.

The beach of Marina Rei is part of the largest beach of Costa Rei, is located on the hillsides of the picturesque Monte Nai. The beach of Marina Rei is characterized by a sea of extraordinary transparency that offers special color effects in combination with the sunset . There are some small rocky complexes and there is an important flora around and along the coast, where you can admire small and colorful fishes. The sand is exceptionally clear and fine and along the coast there are lots of facilities, including lifeguards, bars and car parks. Along the beach of Marina Rei and at the end of Via delle Rose there is also a special access for disabled people.

The “Spiaggia delle Ginestre” is the last section of the Costa Rei beach, which continues up to the residential area of Costa Rei and is surrounded by the Marina Rei beach and the Scoglio di Peppino.

Spiaggia delle Ginestre is part of the beach of Costa Rei and it’s located near the town of Costa Rei between the beach of Marina Rei and the Scoglio di Peppino, the sea have extraordinary transparency. There are some small rocky complexes and there is an important flora around and along the coast, where you can admire small and colorful fishes. The sand is exceptionally clear and fine and along the coast there are lots of facilities, including lifeguards, bars and car parks.

In this area, if you decide to reach it by car, be sure to check the rules about parking, because this area has been characterized by “wild parking” by drivers which caused a lot of problems regarding safety. That is why today there are several areas where parking is forbidden and City Police is always ready in ensuring that these rules are respected in the area. So, since a fine is not what you are looking for during your holiday… just know you have been warned!

The easiest solution to reach the beach by car (even though from Villa Panorama you can reach the beach walking in the shadow for 5.10 minutes) is to park in the parking lot next to Piazza Italia, or in the parking spaces you find in the main street (Via Ichnusa).

The Scoglio di Peppino is a large flat rock placed near the town of Santa Giusta. This rock forms a pleasant water inlet making it suitable for children and families . The Scoglio di Peppino is located in the point where the beach of Costa Rei disappears to leave place to the Beach of Santa Giusta. The fine sand of Santa Giusta is the result of the erosion made by the breeze.

The Scoglio di Peppino, with transparent water and shallow seabed to enjoy a wonderful day is a magnificent piece of heaven you cannot miss during your holiday in Sardinia , which you can reach walking from Villa Panorama, but you can also easily reach it if you choose to spend your holiday at Villa Granito or at Casa Due Archi !