Just north of the better-known Spiaggia di Porto Giunco, Simius stretches out in a long curve of pale sand close to the centre of the village. Its shallow, clear water makes it a favourite among families, with small fish often swimming right past bathers.

Set directly on the pale sands of Costa Rei, La Villa del Re occupies a former seaside residence turned elegant adults-only retreat, complete with its own private stretch of beach. Surrounded by gardens scented with myrtle and rosemary, its sea-facing rooms open onto one of southern Sardinia’s most pristine shores.

At the recently reimagined Marinella, large glass windows open onto the sea, while the terrace has views of the Gulf of Angels and the distant Sella del Diavolo. Inside, the café pairs classic pastries with ginseng or pistachio cappuccinos, while upstairs the terrace restaurant and pizzeria serve seaside plates. Our tip? Try the spaghetti with red lobster or the pizza finished with mullet bottarga.

Cagliari’s beloved beach stretches for eight kilometres along the southern edge of town, a long sweep of pale sand backed by lidos and pastel kiosks. From early morning swims to sunset aperitivo, Poetto is where the pulse of local life is found.