One beach, many names
Badesi's coastline is essentially one continuous sandy beach, around 8 km long, running from the mouth of the Coghinas river almost to the first cliffs of Isola Rossa. Depending on where you step onto it, locals call each stretch by a different name — Li Junchi, Li Mindi, Baia delle Mimose and others.
Li Junchi is the best known. Its name comes from the giunchi — sea rushes — that grow on the dunes behind the sand, together with wild flowers that make the dunes look almost painted in spring.
Sand, water and views
The sand is golden with medium-fine grains, and the sea shifts between shades of turquoise and blue. The beach faces the Gulf of Asinara; from neighbouring Li Mindi, on clear days, you can make out the silhouettes of Corsica and Asinara island on the horizon.
It is an open, breezy beach: on windy days the waves are part of the fun, while calm days are perfect for swimming with children. Because the beach is so long, it rarely feels crowded — walk a few hundred metres from the main access points and you'll find space even in August.
Facilities and parking
In summer you'll find stretches with umbrella and sunbed hire, showers and small bars, alternating with free beach. The main car parks are paid in season (meters — keep some coins handy) and fill up around midday in high season, so come early or late.
Look after the dunes
The dunes are a fragile environment. Use the wooden walkways and don't cut through the vegetation. Remember too that taking sand, pebbles or shells from beaches is prohibited throughout Sardinia.
Our tips
- Sunset: stay for the evening — the light over the gulf is beautiful, and the bars by the beach are the perfect spot for an aperitivo.
- Explore on foot: walk east towards Baia delle Mimose for finer, paler sand.
- Bad weather day? The thermal springs of Casteldoria are 20 minutes away — see our top 10 day trips.
Photos
Sources
- Grimaldi Lines – Badesi, spiagge bianche e non solo
- Sardegna Turismo (official tourism portal of Sardinia) – Badesi beaches
- Spiagge.it – Le spiagge più belle di Badesi
- Spiagge.it – Baia delle Mimose
- Beach Atlas – Spiaggia Li Junchi di Badesi
- Spiagge.it – sand removal ban in Sardinia (Spiaggia Rosa article)
Last checked: 2026-10-30. Distances and drive times from Badesi are approximate.
