The red sea stacks of Cea in turquoise water

Two red porphyry stacks rising from turquoise water: the image that made Cea famous. A wide pale-sand beach between Tortolì and Barisardo, beloved by local families.

Is Scoglius Arrubius

That is the Sardinian name for the stacks: "the red rocks". Swimming or paddling out to them is Cea's little summer ritual — the water stays shallow for a long way, then opens into clear blue where schools of salema are common. At sunset the porphyry ignites: photographers' hour.

A beach for everyone

Cea is convenient without being tamed: large car park, a couple of good kiosks, soft sand and space even in mid-August. The dunes behind and the Ogliastra "heels" on the horizon remind you nature still rules here.

Our tips

  • Early morning or late afternoon for the best light on the stacks.
  • On calm days, snorkelling around the rocks is surprising.
  • In June salema graze the seagrass near shore: kids love it.