Is Benas

On the western coast of Sardinia, in the territory of San Vero Milis, Is Benas occupies the southern end of the very long coastal system of Is Arenas, between the sea and the lagoon of the same name. It is a light-coloured sandy beach about 900 metres long, surrounded by dunes, Mediterranean scrub and the large artificial pine forest that characterises this sector of the Oristano area; seashell deposits are also frequent along the shoreline, earning it the nickname "shell beach".

Since 2022, a section of the beach has been officially designated for naturism, following a resolution by the Municipality of San Vero Milis adopted under regional regulations on naturist tourism. The designated area is located towards the border with Narbolia and Is Arenas, in a very open and sparsely urbanised setting, where even in the summer season the distance from the main seaside resorts ensures plenty of space and generally low visitor numbers.

However, reaching it requires a minimum of organisation. Official directions refer to the road towards the Is Benas fish farm (Peschiera di Is Benas) and a subsequent pedestrian path of several hundred metres through the pine forest and Mediterranean scrub; the local road network and parking options are not always intuitive, so it is best to avoid private accesses or roads subject to prohibitions and proceed on foot from permitted areas.

The naturist beach is completely free and has no facilities of its own, so water, food and sun protection must be brought along. The sea also retains the character of Sardinia's western coast: on calm days it can be clear and inviting, while the mistral wind can rapidly increase wave action and wind speeds. Posidonia seagrass accumulations are part of the beach's normal natural dynamics and should not be confused with litter, the presence of which is unfortunately a frequently reported issue by visitors.

This very isolation is therefore both the greatest asset and the limitation of Is Benas: an official, spacious naturist beach immersed in nature, particularly suited for those seeking silence and wide open spaces, but decidedly less suitable for those wanting services, immediate access or a beach day without having to organise everything independently.