The once-forbidden 'pearl' on the coast of Villaputzu: within the shared military shooting range of the Salto di Quirra there is a six-kilometre stretch of light sand with medium and large grains, mixed with some smooth pebbles, edged by large dunes, which plunges into crystal clear waters in shades of intense blue. The long and wide beach of Murtas, also known as Quirra beach and s'Acqua Durci (in the stretch of beach where the Quirra river flows), perhaps one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, has been partly closed for twenty years. Since 2016, the free and accessible area has been extended, although only in the summer (from June to September). The small, northern of the beach is reserved for the staff of the base, while the rest is open for you to enjoy.
Being inside the military settlement, it is always uncrowded. The shallow water allows children to play on the shore. It is also an ideal destination for surfers, and is popular with those who like underwater fishing and diving. Opposite the beach stands the islet of Quirra, just behind small sand dunes, overlooked by the tower of the same name. The surrounding landscape is wild and evocative, characterized by Mediterranean scrub and lakes, in a setting that combines sun and sea with birdwatching, biking and trekking. Not far from the coast, the waters of the Quirra pond and other minor swamps are placid, and routinely populated by many rare water birds, including mallards, swamphens and pink flamingos. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the remains of the medieval castle of Quirra, the nearby and characteristic church of San Nicola di Quirra, the Spanish towers, various nuraghes scattered in the area, the remains of industrial sites such as the Baccu Locci mine, and caves with intricate tunnels, stalactites and stalagmites.
Cala Murtas is the northernmost beach on the coast of Villaputzu, stretching 14 kilometres from the town along the 'old' state road 125 (panoramic eastern Sardinian). The rest of the Sarrabus coastline is characterized by sandy expanses alternating with extensive rocky promontories and charming inlets. The closest beach to the village is that of the Flumendosa estuary, with white sands and gleaming waters, shared with Muravera and immersed in a scenario of great environmental value. Four kilometres to the north you will find two more coastal "jewels", Porto Corallo, in front of the tourist village of the same name and next to the modern port, dominated by a Spanish watchtower, and the enchanting Porto Tramatzu, with the same name as the port in Teulada, with its fine sand with golden reflections immersed in the green of the Mediterranean scrub.