Balai Beach - Porto Torres

Balai Beach is located in the municipality of Porto Torres, along the northwestern coast of Sardinia (about 20 km from Sassari), and overlooks the center of the Gulf of Asinara. A multiple recipient of the Blue Flag award, the cove is a picturesque stretch of fine, golden sand nestled between snow-white limestone cliffs. The sea features crystal-clear waters with vivid shades of turquoise and emerald green, and a sandy seabed that remains shallow for the first few meters from the shore before gradually deepening. On the left side is a flat rocky shore perfect for sunbathing, while behind the beach lies a well-maintained green lawn shaded by palm trees and tamarisk trees. The beach marks the beginning of the scenic coastal road that runs along the sea toward the east, in the direction of Platamona, Castelsardo, and Santa Teresa Gallura. From the boardwalk, the view stretches out to Asinara Island and, on the clearest days, all the way to the coast of Corsica. A convenient bike and walking path runs along the entire coastline, starting at the marina, passing by the small beaches of Scoglio Lungo, Acque Dolci, and Balai, and ending near the little church of Balai Lontano. ℹ️ Services: The beach, which is small and nestled within Balai Park (Chico Mendes Park), features boardwalks and accessibility for people with disabilities, free parking nearby, showers, restrooms, a snack bar, and restaurants. Thanks to its beauty and proximity to the city center, it attracts large crowds during the summer months. 🚗 How to get there: From Sassari, take State Route 131 (Carlo Felice) to Porto Torres. Starting from the Porto Torres port area, continue east along the Cristoforo Colombo Promenade and then the Balai Promenade for about 1.5 km, until you reach the entrances to the bay. 💡 Fun fact: • Rocca Manna: Along the limestone cliff that borders the bay stands Rocca Manna (“big rock” in Sardinian), a natural spur overlooking the deep water that has historically been used by local youths for spectacular dives into the sea. • The small churches of Balai and the veneration of the Turritan Martyrs: Perched on the cliff overlooking the beach stands the picturesque little white church of San Gavino a Mare, known locally as Balai Vicino to distinguish it from Balai Lontano, located further east along the coast. According to tradition, both were built on sites associated with the beheading and burial of the holy martyrs Gavino, Proto, and Gianuario, the patron saints of Porto Torres. • Festha Manna Celebrations and Traditions: The small church of Balai Vicino contains ancient underground chambers carved into the limestone rock. It is open to the public from May 3 through Pentecost, during which time it houses the wooden statues of the three martyrs, brought here from the monumental Romanesque Basilica of San Gavino. On the occasion of the Festha Manna (at Pentecost), the statues are carried back in a solemn procession to the Basilica. The site can also be visited during the "Monumenti Aperti" festival (May/June), while the small church at Balai Lontano is traditionally open only in the early morning hours of April 25 and October 25. Photo: Panoramio