Fabulous beaches: the best-kept secrets

Le Spiagge Segrete

In Porto Rotondo, the art of sweet idleness naturally includes going to the beach, a ritual to be taken seriously, with suitable preparations to ensure the maximum enjoyment. On this stretch of coast, people have always been used to spending their days between crystal clear seas, beaches of fine white or pink sand and unrivalled scenery, and changing beach is considered not only a pleasure but an aesthetic duty. Loyal holidaymakers always have a favourite beach, but if what you are looking for is good old-fashioned peace and quiet, Porto Rotondo offers many hidden corners nestling between sand and sea with a certain number of romantic followers....

So if the bustle of the family-oriented Tartarughino Beach at Spiaggia dei Sassi is not for you, seek out the smaller beaches that are still “as nature made them”, in other words: with no buildings, no public services, no ban on topless sunbathing, nobody playing beach tennis, no beach pedlars or at least very few… and so on. The only negatives in this case are soon overcome: take suitable footwear for clambering over rocks, your own parasol, snacks and water and, of course, some good suntan lotion.

So if the bustle of the family-oriented Tartarughino Beach at Spiaggia dei Sassi is not for you, seek out the smaller beaches that are still “as nature made them”, in other words: with no buildings, no public services, no ban on topless sunbathing, nobody playing beach tennis, no beach pedlars or at least very few… and so on. The only negatives in this case are soon overcome: take suitable footwear for clambering over rocks, your own parasol, snacks and water and, of course, some good suntan lotion. The first option to escape the bustle is the little beach of Rudargia, which you can access from via del Sagittario, taking either the steeper way down that skirts the wall of villa Persico, or else the easier option, keeping right at the bottom of the car park, past the front of the stunning gardens of Villa Boldrocchi. In both cases, you come to a little lane squeezed between the boundary walls of two properties, leading down to the sea. The beach has a little bar, run by the famous Angelo, the end section is public and you can relax and admire the stunningly beautiful Ira beach, which attracts large crowds from early on in the season. Option number two for escaping the crowds: the little beach of Punta Lepre known also as “Sporting beach”. Right in the centre but overlooked by many, this delightful spot is nestled between the breakwaters overlooking the beautiful hotel.

Here you can enjoy total peace and quiet and views of the Costa Smeralda, with convenient access to bathroom and shower facilities: these are available at the Porto Rotondo Marina, just a stone’s throw away. In the little square at the Sporting, right next to the Bar dei Marinai, you can buy newspapers and cigarettes from the legendary signora Maria. Option number three: Punta Volpe beach. To get there, continue along Punta Volpe all the way to the roundabout at the end. Here you will find peace and quiet and beautiful views with the added bonus of sailing boats and spectacular yachts passing by. The fourth option for finding your own little corner of paradise takes you to what is perhaps the favourite beach frequented by locals: Hruska beach! Be sure to don suitable shoes because to reach this hidden gem you will have to clamber over rocks and follow the little lane leading from the right of Spiaggia dei Sassi. Pass by Shirley Bassey beach, a great place to stop en route for a bathe, and keep going. The little beach you eventually come to, overlooked by the villa that once belonged to the Hruska brothers, is a little Caribbean corner that has just been waiting for you! Lastly, spend the few hours you have left before your ferry or flight to enjoy the pebbly Rudalza beach, accessed from via del Plumbago. From the platform opposite the port entrance, you can admire magnificent boats sailing past, especially around mid-morning and at sunset. Text by N.T

Testi by N.T