The beach is part of the protected marine area of Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo.
The name 'Spiaggia delle vacche' translates to 'Cow Beach,' a local moniker derived from the historical practice of farmers bringing cattle down to the water for cooling.
The water clarity is maintained by the specific sandy composition of the seabed, which lacks deep mud deposits.
The distinctive granite rocks surrounding the cove are part of the Hercynian orogeny, dating back over 300 million years.
Spiaggia delle vacche, officially known as Spiaggia di Porto Istana, is a series of interconnected sandy coves featuring fine, light-colored sand and shallow turquoise waters. The beach is protected by rocky headlands that provide natural shelter from strong winds, keeping the sea generally calm. Its seabed remains shallow for several meters from the shore, making it suitable for families and inexperienced swimmers. The area is backed by Mediterranean scrubland and granite rock formations characteristic of the Gallura region. It is separated into multiple segments by small cliffs that can be navigated on foot. Visitors can see the island of Tavolara directly across the strait, which dominates the horizon. The beach is accessible via a path that descends from the parking area through local flora. It is not serviced by major resort facilities directly on the sand, maintaining a more natural environment compared to neighboring beaches.
The elevated path overlooking the bay provides an unobstructed panoramic view of the turquoise water against the backdrop of Tavolara island.
Bring your own shade equipment, as natural shade on the beach is extremely limited.
Wear water shoes if you plan to explore the rocky points separating the individual coves.
Arrive early in the day to secure a spot, as the small size of the coves causes them to fill up quickly during peak season.
Do not attempt to park on the side of the narrow access roads, as this often results in fines or vehicle towing.
Best visited during the summer season when water temperatures are suitable for swimming; paths may be muddy or difficult to navigate after heavy autumn rains.
Take all trash with you to maintain the cleanliness of the marine protected area; do not remove sand or shells as it is prohibited by regional law.
