Sardinia, Italy

Cannigione Beaches

Overview

Nestled in the sheltered Gulf of Arzachena, Cannigione is a lively and welcoming beach destination in northeastern Sardinia. It offers a more relaxed and affordable alternative to the glamour of nearby Porto Cervo, making it a popular choice for families and couples. The coastline here is defined by clear, calm waters perfect for swimming and mostly sandy shores. Its origins as a fishing village are still visible, but today it thrives as a bustling resort town centered around a large marina, which serves as a gateway to further coastal adventures.

From the ultimate convenience of the town beach, Spiaggia di Cannigione, to the wide, family-friendly shores of Spiaggia di Tanca Manna, the area offers a beach for every preference. For a taste of the iconic Costa Smeralda, the world-famous Spiaggia del Principe is just a short drive away, renowned for its stunning crescent of white sand. Many visitors also take a boat trip from Cannigione’s marina to the La Maddalena archipelago, where breathtaking coves like Spiaggia di Cala Coticcioβ€”nicknamed 'Tahiti'β€”await.

Beyond these highlights, a string of beautiful beaches dots the coastline, inviting exploration. Popular spots like Spiaggia di Barca Bruciata are easily reachable and showcase the area's natural beauty. While the town beach is easily accessible on foot, renting a car is the best way to uncover the numerous coves and sandy stretches that make this corner of Sardinia so special. For a complete look at all the stunning locations, from secluded spots to family favorites, be sure to explore our full guide to the beaches of Cannigione.

FAQ

Is Cannigione a good base for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Cannigione is considered an excellent destination for families. The main town beach and many nearby beaches like Tanca Manna and Mannena feature shallow, calm waters and sandy shores, which are ideal for children. The town itself is more relaxed and generally more affordable than nearby Porto Cervo, while still offering plenty of restaurants, shops, and amenities for a comfortable stay. Many beaches are equipped with services like sunbed rentals and have bars or restaurants nearby.

Can you walk to beaches from Cannigione town?

You can easily walk to the main town beach, Spiaggia di Cannigione, as it is located right next to the promenade and marina. The beach at La Conia is also reachable via a pleasant waterfront bike and pedestrian path. However, to explore the other highly-rated beaches just north of the town, such as Tanca Manna, Mannena (also known as Barca Bruciata), and Le Piscine, you will need a car, a taxi, or to use a local shuttle service, as they are a few kilometers away.

What is the water like for swimming in Cannigione?

The water in and around Cannigione is known for being crystal clear with beautiful shades of blue and turquoise. Due to its location within the sheltered Gulf of Arzachena, the sea is generally calm with small waves, making it excellent for swimming and snorkeling. The water temperature is comfortable for swimming from June through October, often reaching up to 25Β°C (77Β°F) in the peak summer months of July and August.

When is the best time to visit Cannigione for a beach holiday, avoiding the biggest crowds?

For a beach holiday with fewer crowds and pleasant weather, the best times to visit Cannigione are June and September. During these months, the weather is warm, and the sea temperature is comfortable for swimming, but you'll avoid the peak season crowds and higher prices of July and August. May and early October are also good options for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery, though the water might be cooler for some.

Are there hotels with private beaches in Cannigione?

While many hotels are located very close to the sea, the concept of a truly private, hotel-owned beach is less common in Italy as the shoreline is generally public. However, some hotels and resorts, like the Grand Hotel Cannigione or Resort Cala di Falco, offer private beach areas or concessions on nearby beaches for their guests. This means they provide reserved sunbeds, umbrellas, and sometimes a shuttle service to a designated section of a public beach.

Is Cannigione as expensive as Porto Cervo?

No, Cannigione is generally considered a more affordable alternative to the luxurious and upscale Porto Cervo, the heart of the Costa Smeralda. While it offers easy access to the same stunning coastline and the La Maddalena archipelago, accommodation, dining, and general expenses in Cannigione are more budget-friendly. It provides a more relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere while still being a well-equipped and popular tourist resort.

Are the beaches in Cannigione sandy or pebbly?

The majority of beaches in and near Cannigione are sandy. The main town beach has light, coarse-grained sand. Other popular nearby beaches like Tanca Manna and Mannena are also known for their beautiful sandy stretches. While some smaller coves in the area might have a mix of sand and pebbles, the primary beaches that attract most visitors are sandy.

Do I need to rent a car to explore the beaches around Cannigione?

While you can enjoy the main town beach without a car, renting one is highly recommended to fully experience the beautiful coastline around Cannigione. A car gives you the freedom to visit the numerous beaches and coves along the coast towards Palau, such as Tanca Manna and Barca Bruciata, and to explore other famous Costa Smeralda beaches like Capriccioli and Liscia Ruja. It also makes trips to nearby towns like Arzachena and Palau much easier.

People Also Ask

Are there boat trips to La Maddalena Archipelago from Cannigione?

Yes, Cannigione is an excellent and popular departure point for boat excursions to the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. Numerous operators in the marina offer full-day trips that take you to the stunning islands and beaches of the archipelago, such as Spargi, Budelli, and Santa Maria. These tours are a highlight for many visitors to the area.

What's the difference between staying in Cannigione vs Baja Sardinia?

Cannigione is a former fishing village that has grown into a lively town with a large marina, offering a more 'lived-in' and authentic feel. It's a great base for boat trips and is generally more affordable. Baja Sardinia is a purpose-built tourist resort known for its beautiful bay, trendy clubs, and a more concentrated holiday atmosphere. While both offer stunning beaches and are close to the Costa Smeralda, Cannigione is often seen as a functional base for broader exploration, whereas Baja Sardinia is more of a self-contained resort destination.

Are there any 'hidden gem' or less crowded beaches near Cannigione?

Yes, if you're looking for quieter spots, you can explore the coastline north of Mannena beach towards Palau. Here you'll find a series of smaller coves and inlets like Lu Multiccioni and Cala dei Ginepri. Cala dei Ginepri is noted for being less crowded and has a mix of sand and pebbles. Exploring the dirt tracks off the main coastal road can often lead you to more secluded spots away from the main crowds.

What kind of vibe does Cannigione have? Is it a party town?

Cannigione has a relaxed and lively, but not wild, atmosphere. It was originally a fishing village and retains a sense of authentic town life, centered around its marina and promenade. While it has a good selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars that provide evening entertainment, it is not considered a major party destination like some other Mediterranean resorts. It's more suited to families, couples, and those looking for a pleasant and bustling base for exploring the region rather than all-night clubbing.

Are there beach clubs in or near Cannigione?

While Cannigione itself is more focused on traditional beach lidos with sunbed and umbrella rentals, the wider area, particularly towards Baja Sardinia and Porto Cervo, features more upscale and trendy beach clubs. For example, Phi Beach is located near Baja Sardinia, and famous clubs like Nikki Beach are found in the Costa Smeralda. These are typically a short drive from Cannigione and offer a more luxurious experience with music, cocktails, and dining.

Is it windy on the beaches in Cannigione?

Due to its protected position within the deep Gulf of Arzachena, the beaches in and immediately around Cannigione are generally sheltered from strong winds. The sea is often calm with small waves. This is in contrast to other parts of northern Sardinia that can be very windy and are famous for sports like windsurfing. This shelter makes Cannigione's beaches particularly suitable for families and relaxed swimming.

Besides the beach, what is there to do near Cannigione?

Beyond the beaches, you can take a boat trip to the stunning La Maddalena Archipelago, a must-do activity. You can also explore the rich history of the area by visiting the numerous Nuragic archaeological sites around Arzachena, such as the Nuraghe Albucciu and the Tomba dei Giganti (Giants' Grave). The town of Arzachena itself is a charming place to visit, and the nearby Stagno di Padula Saloni is a wetland area great for birdwatching.

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Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Cannigione: Weather Today

πŸ“… Sunday, July 13, 2025
Today might not be the best day for the beach. There's a chance of thunderstorms, so keep an eye on the sky. The maximum air temperature will be 31.6 Β°C, with a UV index of 7.75, so be sure to apply sunscreen if the sun peeks through the clouds. The wind might be a bit strong at times. The sea temperature is a comfortable 26.6 Β°C, and the waves are moderate.
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Air

Low / High22.7Β°C/31.6Β°C
Feels Like (High)35.6Β°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature26.6 Β°C
Wave Height0.6 m
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Rain

Rain Chance70%
Rainfall1.7 mm
Rain Duration5 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:01/20:54
Sunshine Hours10.3 hrs
UV Index7.75
Cloud Cover59%
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Wind

Speed24.8 km/h
Gusts48.2 km/h
DirectionW

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