Sardinia has been on my radar to visit for a lengthy period of time, but more for a city break to the capital of Cagliari. I had visited Croatia the week before which had stunning beaches and a rich history, but little did I know that the Italian island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. 

The island boasts a beautifully warm Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and lovely temperatures well into October. It's renowned for its “six-month summer”, with the sea being warm enough for swimming from May until October. Whilst all of the beaches on the island were stunning, one particular one stood out for me.

Poetto beach is a must-see when visiting Cagliari. More than 8km of white sand and clear water make it a fantastic sunbathing and beach activity location. 

The beach is characterised by fine, white sand and clear, very shallow waters, making it great for families. 

It’s free to access, so if you have your umbrella and towels, all you have to do is find a suitable spot to place it.

Alternatively, there are a few bathhouses scattered along the beach. There are only two that allow access to visitors who don’t have an annual subscription. 

The first bathhouses, Stabilimento Balneare d’Aquila and the Lido, were built in 1913 and 1914, respectively, making them some of the oldest establishments on the beach.

The modern establishments offer amenities such as changing rooms, showers, beach umbrella rentals, bars and restaurants.

Visitors can also enjoy swimming, sunbathing and beach volleyball, though dogs are not permitted.

The surrounding area offers a blend of cultural and natural attractions, including historical landmarks like the Cagliari Cathedral and the Castello district.

Whilst there are some more beautiful beach locations in Sardinia, the proximity to the city centre of this beach made it popular with the locals, with hardly any tourists visiting.

Plus, the weather in all of Sardinia is beautiful heading well into the UK's autumnal months. In fact, the week I visited, temperatures exceeded 33°C in the city, which was hotter than Barbados and the Bahamas. 

The Devil’s Saddle, or the Sella del Diavolo, can also be seen from Poetto beach. It’s a striking, saddle-shaped promontory named after a biblical legend about a battle between the devil and Archangel Michael.

It’s a popular natural area for hiking, with trails offering breathtaking views and passing by ancient ruins. The promontory separates Poetto beach from the beach of Calamosca, another stunning beach on the island.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Poetto beach and in Sardinia, with the crystal clear waters making me want to revisit for another holiday.