A 400-metre-long arc of fine white sand that plunges into the turquoise sea with emerald green hues, surrounded by soft dunes covered with centuries-old junipers that give it a wild appearance. About halfway between Villasimius e Costa Reiin the territory of Castiadas, the dazzling Cala appears Piraa little corner of paradise, one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Sardinia. On its shoreline, the sand, mixed with tiny coral fragments, glows with pink hues lit by the sun's reflections. At either end, two granite cliffs protect the white sandy shore and intoxicate it with Mediterranean scents. On the small promontory to the north, known as the 'Cappuccino rock', is perched a 16th-century
watchtower. In the background the island of Serpentara contributes to the bay's charm. While, behind them, in the distance, soar the peaks of the Seven Brothers Parkoasis for relaxing walks that provides a scenic backdrop to the beautiful coastline of the Sarrabus.
The almost always calm sea due to the shape of the bay and the gently sloping seabed make Cala Pira perfect for families with children, as well as an easy landing and mooring point for pleasure boats. To get there from Cagliari You will drive along State Road 125 to the Castiadas-Costa Rei crossroads, then take Provincial Road 18 to a dirt road that will take you to the car parks next to the beach. On the beach you will find a refreshment point and you can rent boats and dinghies. Crowded at the height of summer, its enchantment is even more enjoyable and suggestive in May, June, September and October: with photos and videos you will always carry with you the sense of wonder that the small inlet infuses.
Cala Pira is the first beach of Castiadas' thirteen kilometres of magnificent coastline, a succession of white sand and azure-blue sea: you will find other enchanting beaches north of the bay, in one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the Mediterranean.
Starting with Cala Sinziastwo kilometres of soft, white sand that plunges into the sea, which Legambiente has declared one of the clearest on the island. Behind it juniper, lentisk, olive, pine and eucalyptus trees. It is the beach for travellers on the roadequipped for motorhomes and with campsites. Its natural continuation is the Marina di San Pietroanother three kilometres of fine sand with golden reflections overlooking the iridescent sea. Its seabed is perfect for snorkelling and diving. Beyond lies the beautiful Cove of Monte Turno, an enchanting bay of soft sand, chosen as the most beautiful beach of 2018 in Italy by the experts of Skyscanner, a leading holiday website. What makes it particularly striking is the contrast between the blue of the crystal-clear water, the green of the lush vegetation, and the dark volcanic rock of the hill behind, 'broken' by the bright white of the sand. The beach is appreciated by wind e kite surfer. Further north begins the stretch of Costa Rei - two kilometres - belonging to Castiadas: from the inlet of Saint Elmo to the intimate cove of Cannisoni. Then the long and beautiful Santa Giustaframed by smooth cliffs, reaching the poetic 'Peppino's rock', a large, flat rock, the shape of which resembles a large turtle. It represents the coastal boundary with Muravera, from where another eight kilometres of fine, golden sandy beach begins. In addition to tropical beaches and natural oases, Castiadas, one of the pearls of the south-east, combines quality agri-food production, deriving from a vast and fertile territory, told by the museum of the territorybased in the former penal colony.
Source: SardiniaTourism
