A trip to Li Cossi beach
Li Cossi beach is located in our favorite Costa Paradiso area in northern Sardinia, in the municipality of Trinità d’Agultu e Vignola, on the western edge of Gallura. For me, it’s one of the most beautiful and impressive beaches in northern Sardinia, and I’m not surprised that Italians call it the pearl of Costa Paradiso.
Don’t expect to drive all the way to this beach, though. You have to earn this beautiful spot with a short trek along the coastal path from Costa Paradiso. The walk will take you about 20 minutes, and believe me, you’ll really enjoy it thanks to the breathtaking views of the sea and rocks.
Accommodation in Costa Paradiso
Li Cossi beach is tucked away between the rocks, near the resort of Costa Paradiso, which is an ideal place to find accommodation. Don’t expect all-inclusive resorts, but rather a pleasant hotel with an excellent restaurant and plenty of private apartments and villas with pools.
Find accommodation in Costa Paradiso, from where you’ll be close to Li Cossi beach:
Hotel Costa Paradiso 4*
If you want to be as close as possible to the coast and the path to Li Cossi beach, I recommend staying at this hotel. We had the chance to enjoy a few nights here ourselves and would love to return. The hotel offers several room types, but I recommend paying extra for a Deluxe room with a terrace and pool view.
- Half-board option – gluten-free variants available without a problem
- Nice pool with views of the sea and rocks
- Free parking
Where Li Cossi beach is located
You’ll find Li Cossi in the Costa Paradiso resort, roughly between the areas of Castelsardo and Santa Teresa Gallura. We love this part of Sardinia for its dramatic coastline, red-pink rocks, and smaller bays that feel wilder than some of the famous beaches on the Costa Smeralda.
The beach itself is squeezed between rocks and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation. Behind it flows the Li Cossi river, which adds to the atmosphere. Look forward to a combination of water, rocks, and greenery, creating a scenery that feels almost like a natural theater.
Is it worth going to Li Cossi beach?
The beach isn’t very large, so it can fill up quickly in high season. Personally, we’ve always been here in June or autumn. The sand is light to golden, and the sea has beautiful shades from emerald to crystal blue. Near the shore, the entrance to the water is more gradual, which families with children will appreciate if they don’t mind the approx. half-hour trek along the coast or a boat trip. Further from the shore, the seabed is more rugged, making Li Cossi also suitable for snorkeling.
A big draw is the surrounding rocks and the continuing coastal path. Their pinkish to reddish color contrasts beautifully with the sea, which is why for me, Li Cossi is one of the most photogenic places in the Costa Paradiso area. The beach feels both romantic and adventurous, especially if you arrive outside the peak visitor rush.
How to get to Li Cossi beach
The most common way to get there is by car to Costa Paradiso. You can park in the tourist area by the coast and continue on foot from there. However, keep in mind that the parking lot isn’t very large and fills up early in high season. A path approximately 700 meters long leads to the beach, depending on exactly where you start. The walk takes about 20 minutes, depending on your pace, the heat, and how many times you stop for photos.
The path leads along the rocky coast and in places over stones or steps. It’s not extremely difficult, but comfortable shoes are definitely recommended. It can be managed in flip-flops, but it’s not ideal. Access can be complicated with a stroller or too much heavy beach gear, but we saw a family where the dad carried the stroller and beach gear along the path while the mom carried the baby in a wrap. Because of the walking access, it’s better to pack light. Water, a towel, sunscreen, a snorkel, and just the essentials are enough.
Li Cossi can also be reached by sea, for example by boat, kayak, or paddleboard, which can be an interesting option if you want to see the Costa Paradiso coastline from a different perspective and discover other bays and beaches in Costa Paradiso.
You might also be interested in:
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Services on the beach
Li Cossi isn’t a completely wild beach without facilities. In season, there’s usually a beach kiosk available, with the option to rent sunbeds, umbrellas, or water equipment. However, the offer can change depending on the season, so it’s better not to rely on being able to get everything on-site. I recommend bringing water and basic snacks with you.
In the wider surroundings of Costa Paradiso, you’ll find bars, restaurants, and accommodation, so a trip to Li Cossi can be easily combined with lunch or an early evening stop at a viewpoint.
>> FIND ACCOMMODATION IN COSTA PARADISO
Our gluten-free dinner at Hotel Costa Paradiso
When to go to Li Cossi
It’s best to arrive in the morning, ideally outside the peak midday heat. In July and August, the beach is popular and fills up quickly due to its smaller size. If you want a quieter atmosphere, it’s worth coming in June, September, or early October, when Sardinia is still beautiful but less crowded.
Our photos in this article are from our June road trip around Sardinia
Who Li Cossi beach is ideal for
Li Cossi is a great tip for vacationers looking for a beautiful beach with an extra trip and coastal trek. It’s suitable for couples, photographers, snorkeling enthusiasts, and families with older children. But if you’re looking for a beach right by the parking lot, with easy access and maximum comfort, it won’t be the most practical choice. In that case, you’d be better off heading to La Pelosa beach in Stintino:
La Pelosa
For me, Li Cossi is one of those beaches in Sardinia where the biggest experience isn’t just the swimming itself, but the entire path from the parking lot or hotel to the beach. The walk between the pink rocks, the view of the beautiful bay, and the crystal-clear water make it a great trip that deserves a place in your itinerary in northern Sardinia. At least we love coming back here.
Did you like my tip today for trips to Li Cossi beach in Costa Paradiso, Sardinia? Save it on Pinterest too, so you can easily find it next time:
