Porto Torres is a town well known by tourists, for the maritime station through which many reach Sardinia. We have already published a post about this location due to its historical and archelogical importance; nearby there are also many beaches.
The city is located in the middle of the Asinara Gulf, at the mouth of the Riu Mannu river. In the western part of the town there are the structures of the port, while the eastern part overlooks the coast, in a stretch characterized by inlets, rocks and small sandy coves.
To the east and west of the city there are two sandy beaches of several kilometers, flat and uniform: Platamona and Ezzi Mannu. Here you will not find the “postcard” panoramic point like in other beaches, such as Balai or Farrizza; anyway, given the extension, Platamona and Ezzi Mannu are ideal for enjoying the sea without the problem of overcrowding, even in the most popular periods. In particolar in this 2020, the beaches that allow you to keep a certain distance from other people will be a popular destination, in compliance with the anti-covid 19 advices.
1) Central beaches: Scoglio Lungo and Renaredda
Some small beaches are located near the central area of Porto Torres and easily accessible from the promenade.
The main ones are called Renaredda and Scoglio Lungo; they are located in the center of a small bay, bordered to the west by the docks of the port and to the east by a long rock (from which the second beach takes its name).
These beaches have the advantage of being accessible in no time from the city… just a few minutes on foot to enjoy some sun, sea and open air! And all the bars, restaurants and supermarkets are nearby. Obviously you will not find unspoiled nature and breathtaking views, being also always in the heart of the city.
The seabed of Scoglio Lungo is low and sandy, while to the west, in the part of Renaredda it is more rocky. The nearby presence of docks of the harbor means that these beaches usually remain protected from winds and currents.
A statue representing a dolphin has been placed in the center of the bay.
2) Acque Dolci Beach
Proceeding on the Porto Torres promenade to the east, after Scoglio Lungo beach, you will find Acque Dolci beach, easily accessible from the city; it is composed by small stretches of sand alternating with stones and rocks.
The name Acque Dolci (“sweet water”) comes from some natural springs in the seabed.
To the east of the beach, in the direction of Balai, you can see spectacular cliffs carved by the sea, with narrow gorges and natural rocky arches.
3) Balai Beach
We have already described the beautiful Balai Beach in another post. The beach is located in a small inlet bordered by rocks. On the western side there is the small white church of Balai Vicino. The sandy seabed which descends gradually makes it suitable even for inexperienced swimmers. It is certainly a very suggestive and attractive place for tourists!
4) Farrizza Beach (Abbacurrente)
Farrizza Beach is located a couple of kilometers east of Porto Torres.
It is a small beach with sand and small stones, between the cliffs. Access is shown by a panel, on the road in the direction of Platamona and Marina di Sorso.
The seabed, partly sandy and partly rocky, becomes deep almost immediately. Dogs are also allowed access to this beach.
To the west, the watchtower of Abbacurrente is visible; this is a fortification of medieval origin, part of the network of ancient defense structures in the Porto Torres area.
5) Platamona Beach
Platamona Beach is definitely one of the largest in northern Sardinia, mainly sandy; you will found it at east of Abbacurrente cliffs, for over ten kilometers to the town of Sorso (where it takes the name of Marina di Sorso).
Towards the inland, the coast is flanked by a complex of dunes and a pine forest planted in the last century; the pines were not part of the original vegetation of this area of Sardinia.
The seabed generally becomes immediately deep, not far from the shore; the exposure to winds and waves make it a popular destination for surfing.
Along the road parallel to the beach, there are nine access points, called “discese” (descents) or “pettini (combs), with ample parking. Near these there you will find several services including an equipped beach, refreshment points. Once on the beach, however, it is enough to walk a little to find yourself in an already wilder environment.
In the inland, a short distance from the eastern part of the beach, there is the Pond of Platamona; a very interesting natural environment for the flora and fauna that populate it.
6) Beach of Ezzi Mannu and Stagno di Pilo
To the west of the harbor facilities and the industrial area of Porto Torres there are the beaches of the Stagno di Pilo and Ezzi Mannu.
It is, in fact, a single expanse of very clear sand that joins further west with the Beach of Saline in the territory of Stintino. The seabed is of medium depth, mainly sandy. In the area towards the Saline, you will find less sand and more small white stones.
Halfway between Porto torres and Stintino, the central part of the beach is located near the Stagno di Pilo, an important wetland in the Sassari province.
