Sardinia is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches; there’s no doubt about that. But some are extra special and worth earning a spot on your Mediterranean itinerary. Li Cossi Beach, or Spiaggia Li Cossi, is one of those beaches. Keep reading to find out why – and how to plan the perfect visit!
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Why Visit Spiaggia Li Cossi
Li Cossi is one of the most beautiful beaches in north Sardinia, even if it is rarely talked about on social media or other Sardinia itineraries. That’s because it is still a bit of a best-kept secret!
While I think the photos are convincing enough, here are some other reasons why you must visit Spiaggia Li Cossi.
The Unreal Landscape
When I reached the end of the path to the beach and turned the corner, I could not believe my eyes. Many views are beautiful, but this one was jaw-dropping—my jaw literally dropped, and I’m not exaggerating!
While Sardinia has some gorgeous stretches of white sandy beaches, Li Cossi Beach is completely different – in the best way possible.
Li Cossi is where a mountainous canyon and tranquil river meet the shores of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. Only a small stretch of sand separates the two bodies of water: Li Cossi Beach.
The landscape alone is enough to book a trip to Sardinia!
Sand & Pebble Mix
Some beaches in Sardinia are sandy, some are rocky, and Li Cossi is the perfect in-between. You have a big sandy stretch for laying out and soaking up the sun. But once you get to the water, you’ll find pebbles beneath your feet, which give the water a more turquoise rather than pure blue color.
Its Hidden Location
Part of the reason why Li Cossi is maybe not as popular of a beach as La Pelosa or Cala Brandinchi is that it is hidden in the vacation town of Costa Paradiso.
Reaching this cove requires a scenic 10-minute walk along the seaside cliffs, but the view and the swim are totally worth the extra effort.
The Best Time to Visit Li Cossi
You’ve hit the jackpot if you can get to Li Cossi in June or September! It’s less crowded (the beach is not huge, so it can fill up quickly), and you can still enjoy sunny weather.
When I visited in early June, I got to the beach around 10 am, and few people were there. This was a great sign, as other Sardinia beaches fill up fast!
Li Cossi, instead, filled up around noon. The earlier you get there, the better you can pick your perfect spot and enjoy some relaxation!
Good to Know: Expect to spend a few hours at this beach. It is not very big, so it is the perfect half-day activity for your Sardinia itinerary.
How to Get to Li Cossi Beach
Traveling to Costa Paradiso
To get to Spiaggia Li Cossi, you must make your way to Costa Paradiso.
Costa Paradiso, meaning “Paradise Coast”, is an adorable, resort-style town. All the signs are coordinated in the same style, different to the usual signs you see in Italy. Every house is terra cotta in color and terraced along the cliffs, creating this hidden luxury effect.
The best way to reach Costa Paradiso is by car. Public transportation is not available from the larger nearby towns. Learn more about renting a car and driving in Italy!
You can park for free by the path to Spiaggia Li Cossi, which is near the small port. Put Chiosco Bar Al Porto in Google Maps, and you’ll end up at the parking!
From Costa Paradiso to Li Cossi Beach
This photo shows Costa Paradiso town, the beginning of the path to Li Cossi.
This well-maintained path is an unbelievably scenic introduction to this stunning landscape. Walk along the red rock cliffs and admire the turquoise waves crashing into the shore.
The path has small stairs at some points or slight hills, but most are flat. Half the path is sandy/dirt, and some areas (like the stairs) are stone. More on this in the next section!
What to Wear & Bring to Li Cossi Beach
Comfortable walking shoes
The path to the beach is well taken care of, and it is not too difficult. However, it is unpaved, and there are a few areas where you go up and down some uneven steps, so if that doesn’t sound comfortable to you, then you may want to wear sneakers or some other kind of comfortable walking shoe.
Snorkel gear
Snorkeling is one of the most fun things to do at Li Cossi Beach, so definitely bring some gear! You’ll be good with a snorkel mask and mouthpiece.
The beach is mostly sandy, but as you enter the water, the ground is more pebbles than sand. So if you are sensitive to rocks, you may want to bring a pair of swim shoes.
Towel and umbrella
While there are some beach chairs and umbrellas to rent (read more about this in the next section), there’s a limited number of them. I think for this beach, it is worth bringing your own towels to lay out on.
These microfiber towels were perfect for traveling – they fold thin, don’t hold onto too much sand and they are quick drying.
You may also want to bring an umbrella, as the beach has pretty much no shady areas!
Pro Tip: One of the things that we discovered and loved for the beach in Sardinia was a beach mat. I bought mine in Sardinia, but this is a similar style on Amazon. We’d lay down the mat and lay our towels on top of it – meaning less sand on the towels. And because of the mat material, it too caught nearly no sand.
Camera
It may seem uncomfortable to lug around a camera to the beach, but you’ll regret it if you don’t bring it! The landscape is so unique and beautiful to capture with your lens.
Speaking of lenses, definitely bring the widest lens you have. I couldn’t fit in the whole landscape of the canyon and the beach, and wish I had something like a 16-35 mm to be able to get that wide shot.
Check out my top travel photography gear recommendations.
Amenities at Spiaggia Li Cossi
Beach bar & sunbeds for rent
Li Cossi is a remote cove. I was surprised it even had any amenities! At the end of the beach, there is a very small beach bar for basic snacks and drinks. You’ll also find beach chairs and umbrellas for rent.
I recommend bringing your own beach gear to this beach for several reasons. Firstly, there are limited numbers of beach chairs and umbrellas for rent.
Secondly, it’s not the type of beach where I would necessarily spend a full day. It’s beautiful but a fairly small beach, so I would only spend a few hours here. For me, that doesn’t merit paying for the beach chair and umbrella – I’d rather spend the money at a beach I’m staying at all day long.
Good to know: There are no bathrooms on the beach! The closest ones are back down the path you came from and near the parking lot.
The SGTD Take
There are so many beaches in Sardinia to choose from. If you are in northern Sardinia, Spiaggia Li Cossi deserves a spot on your itinerary!
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I hope this guide to Spiaggia Li Cossi has convinced you to add this spot to your Sardinia itinerary!
Safe travels,
Michela
Michela is a travel writer and photographer living in northern Italy. She is passionate about helping people make the most of their travels by sharing advice gained from her personal experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations and memorable itineraries. Browse her top articles or have her help you plan your itinerary to your dream destination!
