Not far away from Sassari, around a half-hour by bus, there is the Spiaggia Nera (Black Beach). I was very surprised that there was a beach with black sand in Sardinia, therefore I decided to discover it more one afternoon. However, at work, there were not able to help me with the location, so I was scared I won’t be able to find it.

Black beach (Spiagga Nera) in Sardinia: how to get there?

There are three different buses you can take from Sassari to get to the Spiaggia Nera. Unfortunately, the stops are not very well marked, so you will probably have to walk around 4km before reaching the beach. (You should get off at the Marritza stop if you are lucky and the bus stops there.)

What to expect?

The beach is not far away from an area called the Eden Beach. It is about 2 km long, there is a small hotel nearby and a bar. The beach is relatively small, there is not much space, nor is it people though. The sand is black, especially at the entrance to the water. It is interesting that the beach has black sand, but only the top layer, otherwise it is white sand. It is very gentle and pleasant, but even if it cloudy, it is still hotter than I am used to from normal beaches. The black colour does the magic. The entrance to the sea is stony (big stones), but only a bit, then there is normal white sand. One goes a long way before the water reaches at least the waist. The water is clear and transparent, and I have not seen any fish here. A free car park is about ten minutes from the beach if you decide to go by car.

For me, it was not as impressive as I thought it would be. On the other hand, I was surprised to see that there is a black beach in Sardinia, and you definitely have to go there if you are in the north of Sardinia, near Sassari or at Platamona.Close to the Eden Beach there is a small outdoor aquapark that small children will appreciate.

Features of the black beach at glance

• Sand Composition: The beach features a top layer of black sand, which is particularly noticeable at the entrance to the water. Underneath, the sand is white, providing a unique contrast.
• Beach Size: The beach is relatively small, about 2 kilometers long, and tends to be less crowded, making it a peaceful spot for visitors.
• Water Conditions: The water is clear and transparent, although the entrance to the sea is somewhat rocky, with larger stones initially before transitioning to softer sand.

Other black beaches in Sardinia

1. Cala dell’Argentiera: Located near the abandoned mining village of Argentiera, this beach features dark, coarse sands enriched with mineral dust from the old mines. The beach is surrounded by stunning blue waters, making it a great spot for snorkeling and exploring underwater rock formations.
2. Porto Ferro: This beach, located near Alghero, has a mix of dark sand and pebbles, framed by lush greenery and rocky cliffs. It is popular among surfers and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
3. Spiaggia di Scivu: Also on the Costa Verde, this beach features a combination of dark sand and fine pebbles, surrounded by dramatic dunes. It’s less crowded and ideal for those seeking tranquility.

My favourite white sand beaches in Sardinia

La Pelosa: The pearl of northern Sardinia, so you can describe La Pelosa beach. One of the beaches you have to go to during the week because you do not come to the beach at weekends.

Asinara Islands: Formerly an island known for its prison, now a natural protected area. Asinara National Park attracts because of its untouched nature and beautiful beaches. And you’ll meet some donkeys as well. 

Capo Testa: Capo Testa, a peninsula in the northeastern Sardinia, full of beautiful nature. Let´s have a look at a place, where you will definitely get lost and will do more hiking than your maps tell you.