Spiaggia di Mari Ermi

Just 3 km north of the better-known Is Arutas on the Sinis peninsula is the remarkably beautiful sandy beach of Spiaggia di Mari Ermi. It is scattered with tiny white and pink quartz pebbles that look like grains of rice sparkling in the sun and adding to the appeal. The beach is 2.5 km long and lovely for a walk, but it remains uncrowded even in the peak summer season as most people head to other more famous beaches nearby.

The sand slopes gently down into the sea which is a thousand shades of blue. It’s a popular place for turtles to come ashore and lay their eggs and divers may spot the remains of shipwrecks, including the Roman ship that sank between 50 and 80 BC, reputedly with a cargo of 2000 lead ingots.

It’s generally very calm and safe for children to play, although further out there is an undertow. Part of the protected marine park of Mal de Ventre, Spiaggia de Mari Ermi does get some nice long waves for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing at times.

There’s a large car park, several bars and a campsite. Just behind the dunes is a 20-hectare lake and wetlands which attract numerous birds including gorgeous pink flamingos – a wonderful sight if you’re lucky enough to see them.