The Pink Beach

Spiaggia Rosa, or the Pink Beach, is one of the most famous and mythical beaches in the world, located on the island of Budelli in the La Maddalena Archipelago in northern Sardinia. The beach owes its name to the spectacular pink hue of its sand, a natural masterpiece created by the accumulation of microscopic fragments of corals, shells, and specifically a pink microorganism called Miniacina miniacea that lives in the surrounding Posidonia meadows.

For decades, this pristine cove was a highly sought-after destination, which unfortunately led to severe environmental degradation as visitors regularly stole the unique pink sand. To preserve this irreplaceable ecological treasure, the Maddalena Archipelago National Park authorities strictly protected the area in the 1990s. Today, stepping onto the sand or swimming in its waters is strictly forbidden.

Despite these restrictions, Spiaggia Rosa remains an absolute must-see. Visitors can admire the stunning contrast between the blush-colored shoreline, the crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the lush green Mediterranean scrub from a designated wooden walkway behind the beach, or from a boat anchored at a safe distance. It is a place of profound natural beauty that teaches a vital lesson in conservation and respect for our planet's fragile ecosystems.

Practical info

Beach typesandy

WaterThe water is incredibly clear, shallow, and turquoise, creating a stunning contrast with the sand. However, swimming and entering the water are strictly prohibited for environmental protection.

Getting thereAccess is only possible by guided boat tours departing from La Maddalena or Palau. Visitors can view the beach from the boat or from a restricted wooden walkway on the island.

ParkingThere is no parking as the beach is located on an uninhabited island accessible only by boat.

EntranceThe viewing of the beach is free, but access requires booking a paid boat tour or paying the Maddalena Park tax if sailing privately.

LifeguardThere is no lifeguard service as swimming is strictly prohibited; the area is patrolled by park rangers.

ShadeThere is no shade provided on the viewing walkway, so sun protection is highly recommended during summer boat trips.

Best timeFrom May to September is the best time for boat tours, preferably early morning to avoid the midday sun.

NearbyThe nearest main ports are Palau and La Maddalena. Don't miss visiting the nearby breathtaking beaches of Spargi and Santa Maria islands.

Family-friendly & For kids

The boat trip and the story of the pink sand are fascinating for families, but it is not a beach for playing or swimming.

Children will enjoy the boat ride and the magical, educational experience of seeing pink sand, but they cannot build sandcastles here.

Food & drink

Spaghetti ai Ricci di Mare — Try the local sea urchin pasta at restaurants in the nearby port of La Maddalena.
Zuppa Gallurese — A traditional, hearty layered dish of bread and cheese from the Gallura region, available in Palau.
Seadas — A delicious Sardinian dessert pastry filled with cheese and covered in honey, perfect after a boat tour.

Facilities

Protected nature reserve
No facilities
Wooden viewing path
Guided boat tours

Events nearby

Festa di Santa Maria Maddalena (Patron Saint Festival) annually on 22 July · annual
La Maddalena's main patronal feast honors its patron saint with a week of cultural, sporting and musical events, culminating on 22 July in a religious procession from the church of Santa Maria Maddalena to the port of Cala Gavetta, a flotilla of boats carrying the statue out to sea, and a fireworks finale over the waterfront. Source
VELA Cup La Maddalena annually in late spring · annual
A non-competitive sailing regatta open to all boat classes, organized by Giornale della Vela with the Municipality of La Maddalena, running through the waters of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. Source
Premio Solinas a La Maddalena annually in late September · annual
Italy's leading screenwriting award turns La Maddalena into an open-air laboratory for cinema, with masterclasses, pitching sessions and film screenings drawing established and emerging screenwriters and producers to the island each September. Source
Commemorazione della corazzata Roma annually in September · annual
A solemn naval commemoration at La Maddalena remembering the roughly 1,850 sailors lost when the battleship Roma and the destroyers De Noli and Vivaldi were sunk after the 8 September 1943 armistice, marked by a memorial ceremony and a wreath cast into the sea. Source