
Capriccioli beach (East)
White sand, granite giants, turquoise water — Costa Smeralda at its finest






About
Capriccioli Beach (East) stretches roughly 250 metres along the Costa Smeralda coastline near Arzachena, Sardinia, its white sand framed by dramatic granite boulders that tumble into turquoise water. The sea here is calm and safe for swimming, making it a reliable choice for families and anyone who wants to float rather than fight the waves. It sits within the Arzachena commune, close to the island of Soffi, and carries that unmistakable luxury edge the Costa Smeralda is known for. Expect a well-attended beach — this is one of the iconic stops on the emerald coast, and visitor numbers reflect that. Arrive early or accept the consequences.
How to get there
From Arzachena, the drive takes around 15 minutes by car, daily. A seasonal bus service also runs from Arzachena between June and September — a practical option when parking pressure peaks. Paid parking is available on-site; expect to pay €1–€2.55 per hour or up to €20 per day. The lot fills fast in peak season, so aim to arrive before 9 a.m., and avoid roadside parking — fines are issued.
Who it's for
For couples
The luxury vibe, turquoise water, and sculptural granite scenery make this a genuinely romantic setting — pair a morning swim with an evening at Porto Cervo, 8.4 km away, for a full Costa Smeralda experience.
For families
Safe swimming, easy access, and white sand that keeps kids occupied make Capriccioli East a reliable family pick — the paid parking lot and nearby Hotel Capriccioli (0.2 km) mean you're never far from facilities.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Capriccioli East earns its iconic status — white sand, turquoise water, and granite boulders that look like they were placed by a set designer. It's safe, accessible, and genuinely beautiful. But it's not a secret, and it doesn't pretend to be. August turns it into one of the busiest patches of sand on the Costa Smeralda, so if you want the scenery without the shoulder-to-shoulder experience, June and September are your months. Easy parking access is a genuine plus, but that lot fills fast — this is a beach that rewards early risers. Come prepared, come early, and it delivers exactly what the postcard promises.
What to do
The neighbouring Spiaggia di Capriccioli (Nord), just 0.1 km away and rated 4.7/5, is an easy walk and worth combining into a half-day beach-hop. Two kilometres offshore, the uninhabited islands of Soffi and Mortorio sit within the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park — pristine spots for snorkelling with exceptional water clarity. If you want to stretch beyond the shoreline, Porto Cervo is 8.4 km away, offering a luxury marina, fine dining, and the Stella Maris Church.
Climb the granite boulders at the beach's edges for an elevated shot looking down over white sand and turquoise water — this is the frame that defines Capriccioli.
The waterline between boulder and sea, shot at golden hour, gives you that warm-toned contrast that performs well. For a wider context shot, the view back toward the island of Soffi from the shoreline captures the full Costa Smeralda scale.
Where to eat
The Hotel Capriccioli, just 0.2 km from the beach, is the most convenient option for a meal or drink without going far. For something with serious local reputation, L'Oasi (8 km, 4.5/5 from 3,448 reviews) and Ristorante La Rocca da Chiara (8 km, 4.6/5 from 1,539 reviews) are both worth the short drive. Phi Beach, 10 km out, rounds out the evening options with a 4.3/5 rating across nearly 4,000 reviews.
Where to stay
Spiaggia del Principe, 1.4 km away and rated 4.5/5 across 3,693 reviews, is the closest and most consistently praised base for this stretch of coast. Felix Hotels – Hotel Airone (8.6 km, 4.5/5) offers another strong option slightly further inland. Budget-conscious travellers can look at Agriturismo La Colti, 10 km out, which holds a solid 4.3/5 from 933 reviews.
Photography
The granite boulders framing the white sand make for the most striking compositions — shoot from the boulder tops at golden hour when the turquoise water catches the low light. Early morning, before the beach fills, gives you clean foreground sand and soft, even light across the whole bay.
Good to know
Swimming is safe here, but the beach gets very busy from July onwards — August in particular brings peak heat and maximum visitor numbers, so consider that your signal to visit in June or September instead. The granite boulders are beautiful to look at but can be slippery when wet, so watch your footing near the waterline. There is no entry fee to access the beach itself. Arrive early, secure parking, and stake your spot before the daytrippers roll in.
Map
Nearby places
Hotel Capriccioli
Beach Bar/Cafe
L'Oasi
Phi Beach
Ristorante La Rocca da Chiara
Ristorante Pizzeria La Vecchia Costa
Le Terrazze Ritual
Spiaggia del Principe
Baia Holiday Isuledda
Agriturismo La Colti
Felix Hotels - Hotel Airone
Club Esse Cala Bitta
Spiaggia di Capriccioli (nord)
Scalinata di Santa Lucia
Spiaggia di Baja Sardinia
Islands of Soffi and Mortorio
Arzachena Archaeological Sites
Porto Cervo
Things to see around Arzachena
Islands of Soffi and Mortorio
Uninhabited islands in La Maddalena Archipelago National Park with pristine beaches and snorkeling.
Arzachena Archaeological Sites
Nuragic monuments including Nuraghe La Prisgiona and Giants' Grave of Coddu Vecchiu.
Porto Cervo
Luxury marina and shopping hub of Costa Smeralda with fine dining and Stella Maris Church.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
More beaches in Sardinia
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Vera Buhl · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 2 — gpatgn · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 3 — Vera Buhl · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 4 — Vera Buhl · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 5 — SignorDeFazio · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 6 — Wouter Kiel · source · CC BY 2.0








