The stretch near the water’s edge has a pebbly seabed. A few metres further out, the pebbles make way for the sand and the colour of the water suddenly becomes turquoise, giving you the feeling of a natural pool surrounded by greenery. Cala Regina is a bay surrounded by cliffs covered with eucalyptus and pine trees, located along the coast of Quartu sant’Elena, alongside which the scenic provincial road SP 17 runs. The beach consists mainly of rocks and pebbles, with some areas of amber-coloured sand. The transparent, turquoise water alternates with emerald green reflections and the seabed is ideal for snorkelling, underwater fishing and diving, especially near the granite rocks at the foot of the western promontory. Here, you will spot shoals of seabream and damselfish, as well as numerous octopuses and cuttlefish.
Also on the promontory that outlines the bay to the west, you can admire the Cala Regina tower, built at the behest of the Spanish Crown in the second half of the 16th century. Its truncated conical cylinder structure was built in granite stone and served for surveillance and sightings. It was armed only for light defence. The unspoilt natural scenery of Cala Regina is sheltered from the northwesterly wind by rocky cliffs to the sides: the sea is almost always calm in this area. Despite its wild appearance, it isn’t difficult to reach it: the road leading to the beach ends with a parking area that is also suitable for camper vans.
About a kilometre further east, a large pine forest acts as a background to the beach of is Canaleddus, which got its name from the little waterways that form as a result of the rain. The shoreline is formed by rounded granite pebbles smoothed by the waves, in front of a blue sea. The pine forest of eucalyptus, juniper, lentisk and holm oaks offers shelter during the hottest hours, while the beach offers services, including refreshment areas and beach equipment rentals.
The coves of the Quartu coast along the scenic provincial road SP 17 will strike you with their charm and unusual features, starting with is Mortorius, where you will find golden sand, a transparent sea, white cliffs and the nuraghe Diana next to it. Moving east, beyond Cala Regina, the name of the next beach says it all: Mari Pintau, meaning painted sea, with infinite hints of blue, washes a beautiful beach of dark pebbles. In the bay of Geremeas, you will find the golden sandy shore of Kal’e Moru, washed by the shimmering colours of the water, and the beach of Marongiu, where you can stretch out on a ‘carpet’ of fine, light-coloured sand.
