Relitto Beach
White sand, turquoise water, and a story in the shallows
About
Spiaggia del Relitto sits on the edge of La Maddalena, a small island commune in Sardinia's Costa Smeralda, where the white sand meets water so turquoise it looks painted. The beach stretches roughly 300 metres — long enough to find your own patch, short enough to feel intimate. Its name, 'Beach of the Wreck', comes from the remains of the Motoveliero Trebbo, a sailboat that caught fire and ran aground here in 1955, its skeleton still visible on shore. The vibe is relaxed, the swimming is safe, and the Blue Flag certification tells you the water quality is consistently high. It's family-friendly without being a theme park.
How to get there
From La Maddalena town, it's a straightforward 10-minute drive by car, daily. Free parking is available on site — a genuine rarity on this stretch of Sardinia — but spaces are limited during peak season and the access road can close when traffic gets heavy, so arrive early in summer. There's no entry fee to access the beach.
Who it's for
For couples
The wreck adds a quiet, unusual focal point for a day together — it's the kind of detail that makes a beach feel like more than just a beach. The relaxed pace and moderate visitor numbers mean you won't feel like you're sharing a car park.
For families
Safe swimming, free parking, a Blue Flag water quality rating, and a built-in history lesson in the form of the 1955 shipwreck make this a genuinely easy family day out. Kids who get bored of sand have something concrete — literally — to look at and ask questions about.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Spiaggia del Relitto earns its reputation without overselling itself. The combination of white sand, turquoise water, safe swimming, and a genuine piece of maritime history on the shore is hard to argue with. The Blue Flag certification is a real signal — not just a badge — that the water here is clean and well-managed. Free parking is a practical bonus that matters more than it sounds in this part of Sardinia. Skip August unless you enjoy competing for space; June and September give you the same beauty with far fewer people around. It's not a secret, but it's not a circus either. Come for the wreck, stay for the water.
What to do
The wreck of the Motoveliero Trebbo is the obvious starting point — it's right there on the shore, a piece of living maritime history from 1955. Just steps away, Cala Andreani offers another swimming spot worth exploring. A short drive opens up the wider Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago di La Maddalena, rated 4.8 out of 5, where the archipelago's granite coastline and protected waters reward anyone willing to venture beyond the beach. History buffs can make the trip to Compendio Garibaldino on Caprera island, the former estate of Giuseppe Garibaldi, now a museum about 5.7km away.
The rusted remains of the Motoveliero Trebbo at the water's edge are the signature shot — frame them against the turquoise water for maximum contrast.
The white sand shoreline looking out to sea works beautifully in the soft light of early morning. For something wider, shoot from the waterline back toward the beach to capture the full 300-metre arc of sand.
Where to eat
There's a kiosk and bar directly on the beach — handy for a cold drink or a quick bite, but don't expect a full restaurant menu. If you want a proper meal, you'll need to head back into La Maddalena town. Pack a picnic to be safe; the setting more than makes up for the limited catering.
Where to stay
The closest notable option is the 7Pines Resort Sardinia, part of Destination by Hyatt, rated 4.5 out of 5 from 231 reviews and located about 5.9km from the beach. It's a polished choice if you want comfort close to the action without being on top of it.
Photography
Shoot the Motoveliero Trebbo wreck in the early morning when the light is low and the turquoise water reflects cleanly around the hull — it's the shot that defines this beach. For wider compositions, face seaward from the shoreline at golden hour to capture the white sand foreground against the open water.
Good to know
August is peak season here: visitor numbers spike and parking fills fast, so aim for June or early September if you want breathing room. The access road can close due to high traffic on busy days — check local conditions before you drive out. Swimming is safe, but stay aware of boat traffic in the area, as La Maddalena's waters are active with marine vessels. The on-site kiosk is your only food option, so bring water and snacks if you plan a long day.
Map
Nearby places
Kiosk/Bar
7Pines Resort Sardinia, part of Destination by Hyatt
Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago di La Maddalena
Cala Serena
Cala Andreani
Shipwreck of the Motoveliero Trebbo
Compendio Garibaldino
Cala Coticcio
Things to see around La Maddalena
Shipwreck of the Motoveliero Trebbo
Remains of sailboat that caught fire and ran aground in 1955, visible on shore.
Compendio Garibaldino
Former estate of Giuseppe Garibaldi, now a museum on Caprera island.
Cala Coticcio
Natural swimming pool in granite surrounded by Mediterranean greenery on Caprera.
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
Other relaxed beaches in Italy
More beaches in Sardinia
Reviews of this beach
- No reviews yet, what a shame — leave yours and share your experience.
Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Carlo Pelagalli · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 2 — Lamberto Zannotti · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 3 — Photo2023 · source · CC BY 4.0
- Photo 4 — allesmeins · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 5 — Arnoldius · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 6 — allesmeins · source · CC BY-SA 4.0