Spiaggia di Mari Ermi

Spiaggia di Mari Ermi is one of the spectacular "rice grain" beaches located on the Sinis Peninsula in western Sardinia. What makes this beach truly extraordinary is its composition: the shore is covered in dazzling white, pink, and greenish quartz pebbles that have been smoothed over millennia by the sea. This unique feature creates a mesmerizing contrast with the crystal-clear, striking turquoise waters, making it a dream destination for nature lovers. The beach stretches for about two kilometers, offering plenty of space even during peak summer.

Behind the beach lies a large coastal pond, the Stagno di Mari Ermi, which is a protected natural habitat. During certain times of the year, visitors can admire graceful pink flamingos and other migratory birds resting in the shallow waters, adding to the wild and untouched atmosphere of the area. The surrounding landscape is characterised by low sand dunes covered in typical Mediterranean scrub, filling the air with the scent of wild rosemary.

Mari Ermi shares the same stunning quartz sand as its more famous neighbor, Is Arutas, but tends to be slightly wider and sometimes less crowded. Visitors are strongly reminded that taking even a single grain of the precious quartz sand is strictly prohibited and heavily fined, as it is a protected natural monument crucial to the local ecosystem.

Practical info

Beach typequartz pebbles

WaterThe water is exceptionally clear, featuring bright turquoise hues, and the seabed deepens moderately quickly.

Getting thereEasily accessible by car via paved and dirt roads from Cabras, with a short walk from the parking area to the shore.

ParkingThere are large, paid parking areas available just behind the beach during the summer season.

EntranceThe beach itself is free to access, but parking requires a fee during the summer months.

LifeguardLifeguard services are typically available during the peak summer months of July and August.

ShadeThere is no natural shade on the beach, so bringing or renting an umbrella is highly recommended.

Best timeEarly summer (June) or September are perfect to avoid the crowds while still enjoying the warm water.

NearbyThe nearest town is Cabras, famous for its lagoon. Don't miss the neighboring quartz beaches of Is Arutas and Maimoni, or the ancient ruins of Tharros.

Family-friendly & For kids

It is a family-friendly beach due to its length and natural environment, but parents should watch young children as the water can get deep quickly.

Kids love looking at the colorful quartz grains and watching the flamingos in the nearby pond, but the water depth requires caution for non-swimmers.

Food & drink

Bottarga di muggine — Cured mullet roe, often served over pasta, a must-try specialty from the nearby town of Cabras.
Fregola ai frutti di mare — Traditional Sardinian pasta with fresh seafood, available in local agriturismos and restaurants.
Vernaccia di Oristano — A unique, complex local white wine that pairs perfectly with the region's seafood dishes.

Facilities

kiosk
sunbed rental
toilets
showers
trash bins
parking

Events nearby

Corsa degli Scalzi (Festa di San Salvatore) annually, first weekend of September (celebrations late August to early September) · annual
A centuries-old religious festival in which hundreds of barefoot men dressed in white robes (curridoris) run about seven kilometres carrying the simulacrum of San Salvatore from the parish church in Cabras to the village of San Salvatore di Sinis. It commemorates a 1619 race to protect the statue from coastal raiders and is one of Sardinia's most famous traditions. Source
Festival della Bottarga - Alchimie di Gusto annually in September · annual
A food festival in Cabras celebrating the town's prized bottarga di muggine (cured grey mullet roe), with tastings, chef demonstrations and cultural events. The 2025 edition ran 19-21 September and drew over 10,000 visitors. Source

Tips

Do not take any quartz sand; fines are very high.
Bring water and snacks, as the kiosks may close out of season.
Use a beach mat instead of a regular towel to shake off the quartz pebbles easily.
Visit the pond behind the beach to spot pink flamingos.

FAQ

Can I take the sand home as a souvenir?

Absolutely not. Taking quartz sand from Mari Ermi is illegal and carries fines up to 3000 euros.

Are there places to eat directly on the beach?

There are a few kiosks near the parking lots offering snacks, drinks, and light meals during the summer.

Is the water safe for young children?

The water is generally calm, but the seabed deepens relatively quickly, so non-swimmers should be supervised at all times.

What is the best way to get to Mari Ermi?

The most convenient way is by car from Cabras or Oristano. Follow the signs for the Sinis Peninsula beaches.

Places nearby

Beaches nearby

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