In the north of Sardinia, Spiaggia di Cala Li Cossi extends like a postcard: its crystal clear waters surrounded by golden sand and huge pink cliffs make it an unmissable place for any holiday in Sardinia.

Want to visit? 

Here’s everything you need to know (+ epic photos & tips)! 🏖

 

This post contains affiliate links. I'll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase.

Where is Spiaggia di Cala Li Cossi? 

Cala Li Cossi beach is located on Sardinia’s northern coast about 40 kilometers / 25 miles north of the town of Castelsardo, in a region famously known as the Costa Paradiso. 

 

 

The area is known for its wonderfully unspoiled coastline of ochre rock cutting into the sea with steep cliffs and typical Mediterranean greenery. 

Among all of them, Spiaggia di Cala Li Cossi is the most iconic beach of the Costa Paradiso due to its setting which best represents the region’s unique environment. Enclosed by beautiful pinky cliffs contrasting with the green of the vegetation and the turquoise of the water, it is definitely an unmatched natural wonder. 

 

view of spiaggia di cala li cossi

 

Best Time to Visit 

The best time to visit Cala Li Cossi is in late spring and summer, from May to September.

These are the sunniest and hottest months, so you will be able to sunbathe and enjoy swimming in water at a good temperature. Also, all amenities are accessible during this period as it is the peak season in Sardinia. 

If you want to avoid the crowds, prefer to visit in May, June, or September. You should avoid July and August at all costs since it is at this time that most Europeans take their annual vacation, especially the Italians from the continent who flock here. 

 

beach view from the cliffs

 

How to Get to Cala Li Cossi Beach + What to Pack

Find below all the information to reach Cala Li Cossi and what to bring with you to spend a perfect day there.

 

Directions to Cala Li Cossi

Getting to Cala Li Cossi by public transportation is nearly impossible, so you will need a car.   

The way to the beach is quite easy through route SP 90: simply write “Parking Spiaggia Di Li Cossi” on your GSP device to arrive at the beach entrance.

  • From Castelsardo: 45 min drive following routes SS 134 and SP90 
  • From Palau: 1-hour drive following routes SS 133, SP 70, and SP 90
  • From Olbia: 1h30 drive through routes SP 10 and SP 90 

When continuing on Via al Mare about 5min from the parking lot, drive slowly and pay close attention as you are entering a residential/leisure area with lots of people walking along the roadside. Also, the area is known for having wild bears, so be careful not to hit one.    

The parking lot is paying (about 5€/4 hours) and small, but located right at the beach entrance. Depending on the time you arrive, it may be crowded with no room left. But don’t worry, you can still park for free in the surrounding streets. 

Once parked, you will have to walk about 10-15 minutes from the entrance before reaching the beach. There is one single path, easy to walk with flip flops, offering gorgeous viewpoints on the coast and small coves.   

Tip: As the beach is rather small and popular, try coming early in the morning (no later than 10 am) or at late afternoon (after 4 pm) to make sure to find room to lay down your towel. 

 

view of cala li cossi costa paradiso from the beach

 

What to Pack for a Beach Day at Cala Li Cossi

On the beach, you will find a bar selling fresh drinks and renting beach equipment, kayaks, and pedal boats for you to enjoy water activities.  

However, I would recommend you bring your own sunshade if you can as renting one is a bit expensive (25-30€/day). 

As for food, there is a nice hotel restaurant close to the parking lot, the Hotel Costa Paradiso. You can eat local food there for a reasonable price, approx. 10-18€ for a dish. What is great about it is the incredible terrace with a view over the coast, a wonderful setting for dinner. 

Of course, you can bring your own food and eat it on the beach if you prefer. 

Packing List:

To make sure you will spend a great time at Cala Li Cossi Costa Paradiso, I recommend taking these items with you: 

  • Plenty of water 
  • Towels 
  • Snacks and/or lunch 
  • Sunshade 
  • +50 Sun protection
  • Snorkeling gear (the waters are full of fish, especially close to the rocks) 
  • Beach shoes (especially if you want to climb the rocks)

 

iconic view of cala li cossi

 

Discovering the Beach

Nesrine and I visited Cala Li Cossi by chance on the 7th day of our road trip through Sardinia.

In the morning, we were in the Alghero area, so far away on the west coast. But as we were spending the next day at La Maddalena, we had to drive all the way to the north to be as close as possible to the archipelago.

So on the way to the north from the Alghero region, we wanted to stop to refresh ourselves and take a dip before the sun went down. So we looked for a beach on Google Maps and ended up at Cala Li Cossi by 6 pm.  

We started walking on the short trail right after parking and what was our surprise when we discovered the setting! 

 

starting point of the trail to costa paradiso cala li cossi

 

From the start of the path, we were immersed in a paradise-like landscape dominated by rugged pink cliffs. We couldn’t stop but take photos at every corner! 

 

incredible sight on the way to spiaggia di cala li cossi

 

On the way, either we were in small sections covered with vegetation, or on the edge of the cliffs revealing small coves of pristine water where the waves come to break.

 

nesrine walking in the bush to cala li cossi

 

It is in the last section, at the top of the final stairs leading to the beach, that we discovered the beach. And what a view! (It is the best viewpoint over the beach so make sure to take a photo at this point). 

Among all the Sardinian beaches I’ve seen, Cala Li Cossi is for me the most beautiful one. 

 

best viewpoint from the top of the stairs

 

We took out our towels and snorkeling gear and immediately dive into the water. It was a bit cold for me (not for Kev 😅) due to the late hour, but so refreshing! 

We explored the surroundings a bit and climb the rocks to see the cove from other angles, and then we relaxed on the beach waiting for the sunset, which was absolutely beautiful. 

 

the beach from another angle

sunset view from cala li cossi beach

 

We ended the day at the Hotel Costa Paradiso for dinner. 

 

diner at hotel costa paradiso

 

 

Where to Stay Nearby

As said earlier, Cala Li Cossi is located in an area that is highly touristy during the peak season (June – August), so there are plenty of options for lodging. 

But here are the best options depending on your travel style and budget: 

  • 💰 Best Budget –  Accogliente casa a Trinità D’Agultu: This apartment is nicely located in town about 20 min drive from Cala Li Cossi and is fully equipped with everything you could need, air conditioner included.  
  • ✅ Comfy – Hotel da Paolino: Located 20 min drive from the beach parking lot in the town of Trinità d’Agultu, this place offers everything you could need. Special mention to the staff that is very flexible.    
  • ⭐️ Luxury – Hotel Costa Paradiso: Located right before the beach parking lot, this is a 4-star hotel fully equipped with a jacuzzi, a swimming pool, a bar, and a restaurant located cliffside with a wonderful view over the sea and coastline. 

 

Visit Sardinia

Going to Sardinia? Here are further readings that will help you plan your trip to Sardinia:

👉 Here is the main travel guide: 7 Days Itinerary in Sardinia (with free map)

If you are looking for Sardinia’s best beaches, here are other dedicated guides:

Also, find below my guides to discovering some of Sardinia’s best attractions: 

Finally, if you’re looking for a home base in Sardinia, you will find my best accommodation recommendations below:

 

I hope you have found everything you need to swim at Cali li Cossi; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

Help a fellow traveler and share this guide using the buttons below! 🙂