Wondering where to stay in Sardinia? You’re in the right place. As a local and as someone who explores Sardinia all the time, I can help you decide where to base yourself for your vacation.
Sardinia is one of the best holiday destinations in Europe, and a top surf spot in the Mediterranean. There are also great cities, artsy mountain towns, scenic coastal towns, villages filled with vineyards, and ancient archaeological sites.
When picking your base for your Sardinia holiday, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, when are you traveling to Sardinia?
If you are visiting Sardinia in the summer, you’ll want to go to the beach. If you are visiting in the fall (ie, if you are visiting Sardinia in October) or are coming to Sardinia in spring, you should look into an area that allows you to access the many hiking trails on the island, or to attend local festivals. In the winter, you are better off staying in a city.
Another thing you must consider is how you will get around Sardinia, and whether you will be renting a car for your Sardinia trip or just rely on public transport. Also, how long are you staying? If you are staying a bit longer, you can pick more than one base, best if not too far from the previous one.
Finally, where are you landing? Remember, there are three airports in Sardinia – Cagliari Elmas in the south, Olbia Costa Smeralda in the northwest, and Alghero Fertilia in the northeast. If you are staying for a short time, you won’t want to drive too far. This is why I am suggesting driving times from the various airports.
In this post, I’ll cover the most popular areas to stay in Sardinia, and a few you might not have thought of. I will mention the best hotels in each area, and show options that are perfect for families and couples.
Are you ready to discover the best places to stay in Sardinia? Let’s go!
Quick Overview of Where To Stay In Sardinia
Here’s a quick overview of the best areas to stay in Sardinia, by traveler type:
- No car / first time in Sardinia: Alghero (walkable old town + lovely beaches easy to reach by bus or bike), Cagliari (great city vibe, Poetto Beach and many more beaches easy to reach from the city center).
- Best beaches (north): Emerald Coast / San Teodoro / La Maddalena.
- Dramatic coast: Gulf of Orosei AKA Baunei Coast (Cala Gonone / Orosei / Santa Maria Navarrese), Isola di San Pietro.
- Family-friendly south (with incredible beaches): Chia / Villasimius / Costa Rei (wide sandy beaches, calm water).
- Lesser-known (gorgeous) coastal areas: Sinis Peninsula (west coast), Costa Verde (south-west).
- Authentic inland: Barbagia (Oliena / Gavoi / Orgosolo) for fall festivals, food, crafts, hikes.
- Best festivals: Oristano (best for the Sartiglia carnival celebrations), Sassari (Cavalcata Sarda / I Candelieri), Nuoro (easy access to the Autunno in Barbagia festival towns).
Where Should I Stay In Sardinia? (Quick Chooser)
| Your situation | Best base(s) | Why |
|---|---|---|
| No car | Alghero, Cagliari | Walkable centers, beaches + buses; easy transfers. |
| 7–10 days, want variety | Split 2 bases: Alghero or Olbia + Cagliari or Villasimius | No terribly long drives; cover north & south highlights. |
| Beach-hungry | Anywhere in Sardinia, but for the iconic go to the Emerald Coast, La Maddalena, Chia, Villasimius | White sand + turquoise water; many beach options. |
| Scenery & boat days | Cala Gonone / Santa Maria Navarrese | Gulf of Orosei caves, cliffy coves, boat trips. |
| Culture & food | Cagliari + Barbagia (especially Oliena) | Markets, museums, inland crafts, wineries, and hikes. |
| Luxury | Markets, museums, inland crafts, wineries, and hikes. | High-end resorts, marinas, and beautiful small coves. |
Map of the Best Places to Stay in Sardinia
To help you locate the various areas to stay in Sardinia that I recommend, I have created a map where I have pinned the various locations.
How to use this best places to stay in Sardinia map: This map points out the best areas to pick as a base for your Sardinia trip. If you want to enlarge it, use your computer mouse on desktop or laptop, or your fingers on your smartphone. If you wish to save the map to your Google Maps account, click on the star next to the title. You can view the saved map by clicking on “Your saved maps” in your Google Maps. For a larger version, click on “view larger map” in the top right corner of the screen.
Now, let’s finally discover the best areas to stay in Sardinia.
Overall Best Places To Stay In Sardinia
These are my favorite hotels in Sardinia, all tried and tested:
- Cagliari – Hotel Nautilus: gorgeous hotel by the beach.
- Cagliari – Palazzo Tirso: fantastic luxury hotel in the heart of town.
- Chia – Hotel Faro Capo Spartivento: incredible sea views in an exclusive location.
- Costa Rei – La Villa del Re: perfect adults-only resort on a gorgeous beach.
- Alghero – Casa Villamarina: boutique hotel immersed in Alghero’s vineyards.
- Oliena – Hotel Su Gologone: one of the best hotels in Sardinia.
- San Pantaleo – Petra Segreta Resort: a wonderful resort in Sardinia’s Emerald Coast.
Now, let’s look at where you should stay for a wonderful holiday on my beloved island.
Where To Stay In Sardinia
Alghero (NW) – One of the best places to stay in Sardinia without a car
Good to know: The closest airport is Alghero Fertilia, a 20-minute drive or bus ride). Here’s my guide on how to get from Alghero Airport to the city center.
- Why stay: car-optional base; nice beaches + Capo Caccia day trips; airport nearby.
Pros: compact, lively, great food; easy access to La Pelosa Beach in Stintino, or to Asinara Island (if you decide to rent a car in Alghero). - Cons: beaches have less of a “wow” factor compared to Orosei/Chia/Villasimius.
Alghero is one of the most exquisite cities in northwestern Sardinia, and where to stay in Sardinia if you’re looking to visit beaches and historical sites but prefer not driving. There’s an excellent public bus network that makes it easy to move around.
The historic center of Alghero is lively, with lots of attractions (ie the bastions, San Francesco Church, and Santa Maria Cathedral), shops, fabulous restaurants (my favorites are Nautilus and Musciora), and bars. A popular holiday destination, as a city proper, everything is going to be open.
Nearby attractions you can visit on day trips from Alghero include:
- Neptune’s Caves and Porto Conte Nature Park.
- Boat tours along Alghero coast.
- Nuraghe Palmavera and Anghelu Ruju Necropolis (one of the most famous domus de janas UNESCO sites in Sardinia).
- Alghero beaches such as Le Bombarde, Lazzaretto, and Mugoni.
- Cantine Sella e Mosca, the largest wine producer in Sardinia (a great place for wine tasting).
- Sassari for the Cavalcata Sarda (in May) and some of the prettiest churches in Sardinia.
- Castelsardo and Bosa, to see some of the best-kept castles on the island.
There are many excellent places to stay in Alghero. Here are my favorite ones:
- Best boutique hotel just outside Alghero – Casa Villamarina, countryside charm in the vineyards of Sella e Mosca winery: one of the best boutique hotels in Sardinia.
- Best luxury hotel – Villa Las Tronas Hotel and Spa, gorgeous seaside views.
- Best mid-range hotel – Hotel Alma di Alghero, nice rooftop pool, easy beach access.
- Best budget-friendly hotel – Hotel Angedras, excellent value for money.
- Best hostel – Piccolo Catalunya Hostel, perfect for younger travelers.
For more options, read my Guide To The Best Hotels In Alghero and my Guide To The Best Holiday Rentals In Alghero.
Cagliari (South) – Where to stay in Sardinia year-round
Good to know: The closest airport is Cagliari Elmas, a 15-minute drive or train ride. Here’s my guide on how to get from Cagliari Airport to the city center.
- Why stay: excellent year-round restaurants, museums, markets; lots of nice urban beaches (Poetto is especially popular); great public transport network.
Pros: no car needed; excellent nightlife. - Cons: the best beaches of south Sardinia (ie Tuerredda or Cala Cipolla) are day trips.
Cagliari – where I grew up and live – is one of the most underrated cities in Italy, and a perfect long weekend break destination throughout the year.
In the capital of Sardinia, everything is open throughout the year – restaurants, bars, shops, and all attractions. It’s a great winter sun destination, and a fantastic place to stay if you visit Sardinia in October (but also in April or May).
Cagliari is also one of the best places to stay in Sardinia for first-timers.
Here are more things to do in Cagliari:
- Get to know the local culture and history in the historic districts of Castello, Marina, Stampace, and Villanova.
- Try the best food in Sardinia.
- Enjoy the local craft breweries.
- Visit the many gorgeous urban beaches (ie Poetto Beach).
- Hike the Sella del Diavolo, a famous city landmark behind Calamosca Beach (Cagliari’s second urban beach).
- Admire pink flamingos in Molentargius Nature Park.
- Go on one of the many day trips from Cagliari to reach more beaches and unique archeological sites.
I have written a detailed 8-day itinerary that has you based in Cagliari, and it’s perfect in any season.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Cagliari, these are my recommendations – all tried and tested.
- Best boutique hotel – Villa Fanny, quaint setting by the Stampace historic district.
- Best luxury hotel – Palazzo Tirso, perfect location and two fabulous restaurants and rooftop bar and pool.
- Best hotel by the beach – Nautilus, beachfront, breezy rooms.
- Best business hotel – UNAHOTELS T Hotel Cagliari, easy access if you rent a car in Cagliari.
- Best budget-friendly hotel in Cagliari – Hostel Marina, one of the most famous hostels in Sardinia.
My posts Where To Stay In Cagliari and The Best Hotels In Cagliari On The Beach share more picks on places to stay in Cagliari. I also have a post on the Best Airbnbs in Cagliari.
Costa Smeralda® (Ne) – One of the most exclusive places to stay in Sardinia
Good to know: The closest airport is Olbia Costa Smeralda, a 40-minute drive). Here’s my guide on how to get from Olbia Airport to the Emerald Coast.
- Why stay: iconic turquoise coves, marinas, excellent nearby vineyards, and some of the best wineries in Sardinia.
Pros: immaculate beaches, some of the best-known luxury hotels in Sardinia, glamorous restaurants. - Cons: the most touristy destination in Sardinia (not much of a local atmosphere), crowded, and very expensive, especially in July and August.
The Emerald Coast is the largest privately managed area in Europe, one of the most exclusive places to stay in Sardinia (not to mention the most expensive location in Europe). Here you’ll find some of the best beaches of northern Sardinia, such as Capriccioli, Spiaggia del Principe, and Grande Pevero.
Here are some more things to do in the Emerald Coast of Sardinia:
- Explore Porto Cervo, the main hub in the Emerald Coast.
- Visit Arzachena and check out the Nuraghe La Prisgiona archaeological site.
- Taste Vermentino di Gallura, one of the most famous Sardinian wines (go to Cantine Vigne Surrau for that).
- Go to San Pantaleo for its Thursday morning market.
- Enjoy dinner at Fuoco Sacro, one of my favorite restaurants in Sardinia.
- Take a day trip to Costa Paradiso to see Li Cossi Beach.
These are my recommended places to stay in the Emerald Coast:
- Best luxury hotel – Hotel Cala di Volpe Resort, A-list service, private beach.
- Best resort – Petra Segreta, excellent Michelin-star restaurant, private location with stunning views.
- Best holiday rental – Case della Marina, best for a family.
- Best mid-range – Grand Hotel Poltu Quatu, fjord-style marina setting, excellent buffet.
- Best value for money – Petra Bianca, quieter hill position; beach clubs nearby.
You can also read my post The Best Hotels In Porto Cervo for more options. I also have an In-Depth Guide To The Emerald Coast that you should read for more ideas on activities and places to visit.
Local Tip: Don’t have the budget to stay in the Emerald Coast? Stay in Olbia instead. If you rent a car in Olbia, you can easily access the many nearby Olbia beaches, and those of the Emerald Coast. My recommended place to stay in Olbia is Altré Guesthouse, but for more options, read my Selection of the Best Hotels In Olbia.
La Maddalena (archipelago, NE) – Where to stay in Sardinia for the best boat tours
Good to know: The closest airport is Olbia Costa Smeralda; it will take you about 1.5 hours including driving to Palau harbor and the ferry ride.
- Why stay: incredible, protected coves with white sand and clear waters, island pace.
Pros: stunning boat tours around the Maddalena Archipelago and southern Corsica; fun, easy hikes. - Cons: ferry logistics (hardly an issue: there are ferries every 20 minutes or so); crowded and limited parking in July and August, lack of memorable restaurants.
La Maddalena Archipelago is in the northeast of Sardinia. It is one of Sardinia’s national parks, and consists of seven main islands— La Maddalena, Budelli, Caprera, Spargi, Santa Maria, Razzoli, and Santo Stefano – and a multitude of smaller ones.
The main town is La Maddalena, on La Maddalena Island. Piazza Umberto I and Via Garibaldi in the historic center have restaurants, bars, and shops.
Here are some unmissable things to do in La Maddalena:
- Take one of the boat tours of Maddalena Archipelago that depart directly from its tourist harbor.
- Enjoy the many beaches of La Maddalena – Bassa Trinità, Capocchia du Purpu, and Spalmatore, among others.
- For more beaches, head to Caprera (connected to La Maddalena via a bridge) and hike to Cala Coticcio, Cala Brigantina, and Cala Napoletana (these are only some of the beaches).
- Visit Garibaldi’s (Italy’s unification hero) house-museum.
- Have a sunset drink in Punta Tegge.
- Hike to Fortificazione Candeo to visit the ruins and swim in a hidden cove.
These are my recommended places to stay in La Maddalena, each tried and tested on my many trips to the archipelago:
- Best mid-range hotel – Hotel Villa Del Parco, nice small apartments and double rooms, boat tours, and excellent breakfast.
- Another great mid-range option – Hotel Excelsior, harbor views, and great location in town.
- Best luxury hotel – Grand Hotel Resort&SPA Ma&Ma, spa hotel in an excellent location.
- Best holiday rental – Bilocale Milù, perfect for self-catering.
I also have a post on the Best Places To Stay In La Maddalena that shares more options.
Local Tip: Santa Teresa Gallura is a great alternative to La Maddalena, offering similar experiences (boat tours in the Maddalena Archipelago and to Corsica), but at a fraction of the cost. It’s home to gorgeous beaches such as Cala Spinosa; it hosts one of the best summer music festivals in Sardinia (Musica sulle Bocche jazz festival) and has great restaurants. In Santa Teresa, I always stay at Hotel Canne al Vento. But for more options, read my Guide To The Best Hotels In Santa Teresa Di Gallura.
San Teodoro (NE) – Great beach hopping and nightlife
Good to know: The closest airport is Olbia Costa Smeralda; it will take you about 25 minutes to get there.
- Why stay: La Cinta, Cala Brandinchi, and Lu Impostu beaches within minutes; easy day trips to Tavolara and Molara Islands.
Pros: family-friendly, lots of beaches, good nightlife. - Cons: incredibly crowded in the peak summer months.
San Teodoro is a small coastal town in the northeast of Sardinia, home to beautiful beaches such as La Cinta, Cala d’Ambra, Li Corri di Li Becchi, Cala Suaraccia, and the more famous (protected beaches) Cala Brandinchi, nicknamed “Little Tahiti,” and Lu Impostu.
Beaches in San Teodoro have soft, white sand and shallow, clear, and calm waters, which makes them perfect for families with small children.
While beach hopping is certainly the top activity in San Teodoro, here are some more things to do to keep yourself busy:
- Visit Naracheddu Nuraghe, a lesser-known archaeological site.
- Go bird-watching and spot pink flamingos in the lagoon behind La Cinta beach.
- Take a boat tour to Tavolara Island (departs from nearby Porto San Paolo) or to Molara.
These are my recommended places to stay in San Teodoro:
- Best luxury resort – Baglioni Resort, a five-star resort minutes from Cala Brandinchi beach.
- Best luxury hotel – Montepetrosu Charming House, an excellent boutique hotel.
- Best mid-range hotel – Terradimare Resort & Spa, a good family-friendly resort with a pool and parking space.
- Best budget-friendly hotel – Il Viandante, it has a pool, and it’s within walking distance from the town center.
I have a post on The Best Places To Stay In San Teodoro, where you can find even more options.
Orosei / Cala Gonone / Santa Maria Navarrese (East Coast) – Sardinia’s Baunei Coast
Good to know: The closest airport to Orosei and Cala Gonone is Olbia Costa Smeralda (it will take you about 1.5 hours to get there). The closest airport to Santa Maria Navarrese is Cagliari Elmas (a 2-hour drive).
- Why stay: dramatic coastline, secluded coves in Oasi Bidderosa, boat trips along the Baunei Coast to Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu, hike to Cala Goloritzé.
Pros: scenery; great snorkeling spots, perfect for active travelers. - Cons: windy roads; you can’t get around without a car.
Orosei, Cala Gonone, and Santa Maria Navarrese are among the prettiest beach towns in Sardinia, located at the northern and southern ends of the Gulf of Orosei (Baunei Coast). They are great spots to access the small hidden coves of the Baunei Coast, but there’s much more to see and do in the area.
These are some of the best things to do in the Gulf of Orosei:
- Explore some of the most secluded beaches in Sardinia, such as Oasi Bidderosa, a series of small coves in a protected natural park.
- Admire the sand dunes of Capo Comino and Berchida.
- Go beach hopping on the Baunei Coast.
- Hike to Cala Luna (easiest access is from Cala Gonone).
- Hike to Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Sisine (access from Santa Maria Navarrese).
- Visit Baunei, one of the small towns of the Sardinia Blue Zone.
- Explore the Golgo Plateau nature reserve.
These are my favorite places to stay in the Gulf of Orosei:
- Best luxury hotel (Cala Gonone) – Hotel Villa Gustui Maris, it has gorgeous coastal views.
- Best agriturismo (Cala Gonone) – Agriturismo Codula Fuili, excellent rural setting;
- Best budget-friendly hotel (Orosei) – Hotel Antico Palathos, nice location in a historic building.
- Best self-catering option (Orosei) – Hotel Residence Cala Liberotto has comfortable, small apartments and includes breakfast.
- Overall best hotel (Santa Maria Navarrese) – Nascar Hotel, a great beachfront hotel with a private beach.
- Best luxury hotel (Santa Maria Navarrese) – Lanthia Resort, a wonderful resort with a lush garden and luxury restaurant.
- Best budget-friendly hotel (Santa Maria Navarrese) – Hotel Nicoletta, it has plain but comfortable rooms in the center of town.
I have written a post on The Best Hotels In Cala Gonone and one on The Best Hotels In Santa Maria Navarrese, where you will find even more options.
Local Tip: La Bitta, in Porto Frailis just outside Arbatax (south of Santa Maria Navarrese) is one of the best value-for-money hotels, with a great beachfront location, a private beach, and one of my favorite restaurants in Sardinia. Arbatax is a good starting point for boat tours to Cala Goloritzé.
Pula/Chia – Sand dunes, gorgeous beaches, and archeology
Good to know: The closest airport is Cagliari Elmas, a 40-minute drive from Pula, and about 1 hour from Chia.
- Why stay: some of the best beaches of South Sardinia (Su Giudeu, Tuerredda), very kid-friendly; sand dunes;
Pros: calm and shallow water; - Cons: quiet nights in Chia; you can’t get around without a car.
Located southwest of Cagliari, Pula and Chia are among the best places to stay in Sardinia if all you want is a relaxing holiday at the beach. Pula is home to one of the impressive archeological sites in Sardinia— the ancient city of Nora, and Chia is relatively close, making it easy to visit if you have a car (you can rent one in Cagliari Airport).
Beaches in the area of Chia and Santa Margherita di Pula (the town’s beach hamlet) are long, with soft golden sand and clear waters, and they are safe for children. With so many to pick from, you can easily find one that’s sheltered from the wind.
Going to the beach isn’t the only activity here. These are some of the best things to do in Chia and Pula:
- Admire the sand dunes at Su Giudeu Beach (and remember they are protected).
- Spend a day in Tuerredda (one of the protected beaches of Sardinia).
- Snorkel in Cala Cipolla Beach.
- Visit the ruins of Nora and then relax at Nora Beach.
- Take an easy hike: follow the Roman Road from Pinus Village to Chia, or the one from Capo Spartivento to Perda Longa cove. You can also hike around Is Cannoneris forest.
- Drive to Teulada for a boat tour to Cala Zafferano.
These are my favorite places to stay in Chia/Pula:
- Best beach resort in Pula – Forte Village Resort organizes lots of activities for the family.
- Best luxury hotel in Chia – Condard Chia Laguna Sardinia has direct access to the beach, and it’s perfect for families.
- Best boutique hotel in Chia – Hotel Faro Capo Spartivento has gorgeous, plush rooms with sea views in an exclusive location.
- Best mid-range hotel in Chia – Hotel Aquadulci, fabulous location by Su Giudeu Beach.
- Best budget-friendly hotel in Pula – Villa Margherita Suites & Charme is the best value for money.
You can read my detailed post on The Best Hotels In Chia for more options. I have also written a review on Hotel Faro Di Capo Spartivento.
Good to know: both Chia and Pula can be visited on day trips from Cagliari (easier if you have a car).
Villasimius and Costa Rei – Broad, sandy beaches
Good to know: The closest airport is Cagliari Elmas, roughly a one-hour drive from either Costa Rei and Villasimius.
- Why stay: many beaches to pick from (including nudist beaches), turquoise water, and good shoulder-season value.
Pros: variety of activities including snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, diving, and boat trips; very kid-friendly; a handful of dog-friendly beaches. - Cons: it can be very crowded in the peak summer season; summer traffic.
Villasimius and Costa Rei are located next to each other, in the south of the island. They are easy to reach from Cagliari (locals often go there on day trips, and I have been spending my summers there since I was born), even without a car. They are where to stay in Sardinia for beach hopping.
Villasimius has some of the best diving sites on the island, and some of its beaches are great spots for surfing; whereas Costa Rei is one of the most popular wind and kitesurfing spots in Sardinia.
These are some of the unmissable things to do in Costa Rei and Villasimius:
- Spend a day in Punta Molentis and in Porto Sa Ruxi, two of the best beaches in Villasimius.
- Hike to the Aragonese watchtower of Porto Giunco for panoramic views.
- Walk to Costa Rei main beach.
- Check out Cala di Monte Turno, Cala Sinzias, and Cala Pira beaches.
- Relax at Cala Murtas, one of the most secluded beaches in Sardinia.
- Take a boat tour to the Protected Marine Area of Capo Carbonara, or to Capo Ferrato.
- Enjoy the hidden cove of Cala Sa Figu, and the scenery of the Scoglio di Peppino in Costa Rei.
- Visit MAVI, Villasimius Archaeological Museum.
Both Villasimius and Costa Rei have some of the best beach resorts in Sardinia. These are my top picks in the area:
- Best overall accommodation – Cala Sinzias Resort, exclusive beachfront location and a fabulous restaurant.
- Best luxury hotel in Villasimius – Hotel Cala Caterina, spacious rooms in a fantastic location.
- Best luxury hotel in Costa Rei – La Villa del Re, perfect beachfront location, adults-only.
- Best mid-range option in Villasimius – Domus Simius, cozy rooms near the center of town.
- Best mid-range hotel in Costa Rei – Free Beach, popular beach front resort with a stunning pool, and various sports courts.
- Best budget-friendly hotel in Villasimius – Arega B&B, plain but comfortable rooms, unbeatable value for money.
- Best budget-friendly hotel in Costa Rei – Albaruja Hotel, great location in the village, but easy walking distance to the beach.
For more options, I have a detailed post on The Best Hotels In Villasimius and a Guide To The Best Hotels In Costa Rei. I also have a post on The Best Holiday Rentals In Villasimius, focusing on the best self-catering places to stay.
Barbagia – Great for hiking and festivals
Good to know: The closest airport is Olbia Costa Smeralda. Depending on where you stay in Barbagia, it’ll take you between 1 hour and 15 minutes and 1.5 hours to get there.
- Why stay: Autunno in Barbagia festivals, some of the best hikes in Sardinia in the Supramonte, and traditional Sardinian food.
Pros: authentic, cooler nights (rather cold in the fall); - Cons: no beaches within easy reach; driving is essential.
Not many people who travel to Sardinia make it as far as Barbagia, the mountainous region of Sardinia. But if you want to see the most authentic side of the island, this is one of the best places to stay.
I don’t really recommend visiting in the summer, when the beaches of Sardinia are more attractive, yet a bit far to drive to. However, if you are visiting Sardinia in autumn, this is a great base to experience the many festivals.
These are some of the best things to do in Barbagia:
- Attend the Autunno in Barbagia festival in one of the Barbagia towns.
- Admire the murals of Orgosolo and those of Fonni.
- Go to the Mamoiada Carnival (only in February or March).
- Visit the MAN museum or the Ethnographic Museum of Nuoro, among the best museums in Sardinia.
- Hike around the Supramonte Mountains – don’t miss the trails of Su Gorropu Gorge.
- Visit Lollove Ghost Town, and Oliena for trail access to Tiscali, an impressive hidden archaeological site.
There aren’t so many accommodation options in the small towns Barbagia – you may want to stay in Nuoro, which is the main town in the region. These are the best places to stay:
- Best boutique hotel (Oliena) – Su Gologone is one of the most iconic hotels in Sardinia; it has an excellent restaurant.
- Best mid-range hotel (Nuoro) – Felix Hotels Residence Hotel Grandi Magazzini, an excellent hotel with spacious, modern rooms.
- Best bed and breakfast (Fonni) – Gennargentu, small but comfortable rooms for a convenient price.
You can read my full Review of Su Gologone Hotel for more information.
Local tip: another great festival city in Sardinia is Oristano. Go there for the Sartiglia Carnival festival, to explore the Sinis Peninsula (Cabras, San Giovanni di Sinis, and Tharros Ruins), the Roman baths of Fordongianus, gorgeous beaches like Is Arutas and Mari Ermi, and the Isola di Mal di Ventre. My favorite place to stay is Hotel II Duomo.
Carloforte – Unique island location
Good to know: The closest airport is Cagliari Elmas. It’ll take you about 2 hours to get there, including the car ride and the ferry.
- Why stay: one of the prettiest small towns in Sardinia; nice beaches; excellent restaurants.
Pros: not as many international tourists. - Cons: smaller island; on windy days, swimming is impossible at certain beaches.
Carloforte is on San Pietro Island, a small island off southwestern Sardinia. It’s a colorful small town, known in Sardinia for its tuna festival that takes place every year in June, and for its unique vibe.
These are some of the best things to do in San Pietro Island:
- Wander around town.
- Enjoy the beaches (La Bobba, La Caletta, Girin – among many others).
- Attend the Girotonno Festival (June).
- Go on a boat tour around the island.
- Diving.
I go to Carloforte frequently, and these are my favorite places to stay:
- Best boutique hotel – Dimora Ferralasco, gorgeous setting close to the historic center.
- Best mid-range hotel – Aquamadre Suites features modern rooms with views of the harbor.
- Best mid-range hotel – Nichotel is in the heart of Carloforte; it has comfortable rooms and a great breakfast buffet.
For more options, read my post The Best Hotels In Carloforte.
Where Not To Stay In Sardinia
As a local and someone who constantly explores the island, I wouldn’t exactly say there are places you should completely avoid in Sardinia. It really all depends on what you want to get out of your trip. There’s only one area of Sardinia where it’s best not to stay:
Small inland towns: Places like Orgosolo, Seui, and Seulo (among the Sardinia Blue Zone small towns) can be charming, authentic places to visit for a few hours, but many of them seriously lack accommodation facilities or restaurants, and are quite hard to reach, especially if you don’t rent a car. Don’t stay there in the summer, because it’ll take you hours to get to the beach.
Good to know: The small inland towns of Sardinia are a good base for a night or two if you are looking to attend one of Sardinia’s fall festivals, such as Autunno in Barbagia or Su Prugadoriu.
I have also read some comments suggesting avoiding Porto Torres and Porto Scuso because they are too industrial, but as a local, I dissent.
Porto Torres is convenient because it has ferry connections from Sardinia to mainland Italy, France, Spain, and to the Island of Asinara (one of Sardinia’s National Parks). It has a beautiful central beach (Balai) and many other nearby ones, and an impressive Roman Bridge.
Porto Scuso has a nice beach – Portopaglietto – that gets extremely crowded with locals, and is close to other interesting spots like Nebida and the Laveria Lamarmora, or Masua Pan di Zucchero and Porto Flavia mines. Plus, it has ferry connections to Carloforte.
FAQs on Where To Stay In Sardinia
If you don’t wish to drive in Sardinia, the best places to stay will be either Alghero or Cagliari.
They both have an airport, and the town center is easy to reach.
They both have an excellent public transportation system that also goes to the nearby beaches and places of interest.
You can go on easy day trips from Alghero or day tours from Cagliari, even without a car. Both have an excellent choice of restaurants and accommodation options.
Both the north and the south of Sardinia are great bases to explore the island. Do not believe anyone who tells you that one specific area of Sardinia has better beaches than another. That’s something only someone with a very limited experience of Sardinia could say.
As a local, I can tell you that you are never far from an amazing beach in Sardinia, wherever you decide to stay (unless of course you stay inland, in the mountains, in which case the nearest beach may be a bit of a drive).
The areas of Villasimius, Costa Rei, and Chia in the south of Sardinia have amazing white sand beaches with transparent shallow waters.
In the North, Costa Smeralda®, Santa Teresa Gallura, San Teodoro, and La Maddalena Archipelago have beautiful coves with clear waters. 
Another question that, as a local, I find hard to answer. I love both coasts for different reasons.
The east coast of Sardinia is best if you want turquoise water, small coves, boat tours, and adventurous hikes like those around the Golfo di Orosei (think Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, or Cala Goloritzé).
The west coast is quieter (except for Alghero, which can be very touristy in the summer months). Towns like Bosa, Alghero, and Cabras offer great food, sunsets, and a slower pace.
The “better” coast depends on your style, but both give you a different, authentic slice of the island.
Sardinia is overall a very family-friendly (and dog-friendly) place.
As a local, I generally recommend families with children to stay in the area of Costa Rei or Villasimius because they have a great variety of easy-to-access, white-sand beaches with typically shallow and calm waters.
In the north, the most family-friendly places are San Teodoro and Santa Teresa Gallura, for the same reasons.
The best nightlife in Sardinia is by far in Cagliari, the capital city. This is where you’ll find the highest concentration of bars and pubs, most of them located in the historic districts of La Marina and Stampace, and a few also in the Villanova and Castello districts. In the summer months, there are also lots of bars along the Poetto Beach, where you’ll find spots that also have live music.
Other places that have a lively nightlife in Sardinia are Alghero, Villasimius, San Teodoro, and the Emerald Coast – though they are more seasonal, and nightlife here is more of a thing in the summer season.
The entire island (save for the Costa Smeralda®) can be super-budget-friendly or super expensive, depending on when you visit Sardinia.
If you wish to visit Sardinia on a budget, avoid traveling in the peak summer months (June to mid-September) and book your accommodation well in advance. There are some budget-friendly hostels, camping sites, and accommodation options in several towns in Sardinia.
Both Cagliari and Alghero offer more options for travelers on a budget, with affordable guesthouses, a walkable historic center, and lovely beaches that can be reached by bus, as well as lots of budget restaurants and eateries.
Olbia is a more budget-friendly alternative to San Teodoro and the Emerald Coast. Oristano is budget-friendly year-round, but there aren’t many buses that go to the beach from the city.
Final Remarks on Where To Stay In Sardinia
I am sure by now you have concluded that there are a lot of great places to stay in Sardinia, whatever your budget and travel style.
Here’s a quick summary of the best area to stay in Sardinia:
Alghero – A charming, lively small city on the northwest coast of Sardinia, with easy access to beautiful beaches and other attractions, and many good restaurants.
Cagliari – The capital of Sardinia has some beautiful beaches, a large historic center with different districts to explore, lots of cultural attractions, and excellent restaurants and bars. It’s also a great base to explore the south of Sardinia.
Villasimius – The most popular beach destination in the southeast of Sardinia, and an excellent snorkeling and diving spot. One of the best places to stay in Sardinia if all you want to do is go to the beach.
Emerald Coast – The best place to stay in Sardinia for a luxury vacation, with some of the best luxury hotels in Sardinia and beachfront resorts. You’ll find gorgeous beaches with clear waters, excellent restaurants, and some of the best wineries in Sardinia within easy reach. The only word of warning I have is that it is the most touristy part of the island and gets terribly crowded in the peak summer months (July and August).
La Maddalena – The national park is an extremely popular summer holiday destination for anyone who wants to enjoy boat tours and loves small coves with white sand and clear waters.
All in all, where you decide to stay in Sardinia depends on your travel style, your budget, what you want to see and do during your time on the island, and also the time you decide to visit.
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Hello Arthur, actually most of those places can be reached by bus. But of course, if you want to move around more freely and explore, having a car is always best.
Thats a great article. Most if your destinations seem to be reached by car. Is it too difficult to get around via public transport?
Hey Gabby, my post https://strictlysardinia.com/where-to-stay-in-sardinia-best-hotels/ is meant to guide you in deciding the best area to stay. If you don’t want to rent a car, it’s probably best to stay somewhere like Cagliari.
Dear Claudia, I plan to stay a month on my own in September in Sardinia. I love to swim, relax and enjoy good food. I also plan to do some hiking. I do not want to travel by car. I was once at Golfo Aranci and liked it a lot. Where would you recommend to stay in Sardinia?
Thank you,
Gabby
I’d go to La Maddalena town, actually. I have a post https://strictlysardinia.com/best-la-maddalena-hotels/ that you can read for more information.
Hi Claudia!
My partner and I are travelling to Sardinia at the start of September- We are starting in Alghero and then are hoping to drive over to the East Coast as we are flying home through Olbia. We want to visit La Maddalena and the beaches on the east coast but are struggling to find the best place to stay that is authentic, busy atmosphere but not a crazy nightlife and wont be too expensive in terms of eating out. Where would you recommend? We have been looking at Santa Teresa and Arzachena.
Thanks so much!
Libby xx
I would recommend Cagliari. If you fancy a chat before your trip feel free to book a slot on my calendly here https://calendly.com/claudia-strictlysardinia/sardinia-travel-consultation?month=2024-07
Hello,
We are traveling to Sardinia for 3 nights next month (August) and are trying to determine the best place to stay. We will not have a car and are looking for a mix of authentic culture, history, nightlife, beaches and affordability. This will be the first leg of trip and will continue on to the Amalfi Coast. Cagliari seems like the best option for us (4 adults) but the flight options aren’t great. We will land in Rome from NYC before catching a flight to Sardinia. To fly to Cagliari, we will have a 10 hour layover. If we fly to Olbia, we will only have a 4 hour layover. This has me considering choosing a different location for 3 nights. Would you say it’s best to wait for the flight to Cagliari, or to fly into Olbia and stay near San Teodoro?
Nautilus is a GREAT option. Buses stop running around 11:30 pm so you shouldn’t have any issues, and taxis are available too. If you want to stay in Nautilus, you can also drive to the center of Cagliari and park at the large paid parking lot by the train station to explore. Plenty of parking there. Re. Alghero and Olbia: I have lots of dedicated posts you can read for info 🙂
hello Claudia. wonderful article and other great links. also looked on the online info. really very helpful.
my wife and i fly in and out of olbia for 8 nights last week in September. we will hire a car. we arrive around 1030 am and plan to drive to cagliari for 3 nights and explore from there. car parking an issue it seems from your article .so is hotel nautilus a good option and are there frequent buses to cagliari itself, and what time do they finish, as see its about 75 minute walk.
then going to alghero for 4 nights, and explore, and one night in olbia ready to catch plane. any recommendations for time of year be very welcome.
I’d stay in Cagliari (easy for day trips, and lots to see and do here) or Alghero (a bit smaller, but lovely).
Hi Claudia, what a wonderful article and page you’ve created! Thank you
I’m hoping you can share your expertise – I’m looking for somewhere to stay for 1-2 weeks, in late May. I will be working from a computer but I can work nights to enjoy the day on this island. I enjoy beaches, hiking, and visiting quaint local towns (not too touristy), I also love history.
I own a travel company, so it would be wise to visit a few properties, or cities that clients may enjoy in the future, but this time is not for that – this is time for me to rest and relax.
Thank you so much!
Hello Nada, thank you for leaving a comment. If you don’t wish to rent a car for your Sardinia trip (which is what I normally recommend) your best bet is to base yourself in one of the following places: La Maddalena – there are public buses that take you around the island and to the nearby Caprera, and you can reach other beaches by boat; Alghero – again you can reach most beaches by bus and you can also rent bikes; Villasimius or San Teodoro. Out of these, only Villasimius and San Teodoro offer resorts. I have posts on each of the destinations mentioned (you can use the search lens at the top of the menu bar, input the name of the destination you want to read about, hit “enter” and this will pull out all the posts that talk about them). I also have a post on the best beach resorts in Sardinia that you may want to read https://strictlysardinia.com/beach-resorts-in-sardinia/
I hope this help!
If you need more information, you can get in touch with me via email 🙂
Hi Claudia
Thinking of a week holiday in Sardinia and would love to follow you on Instagram.
I like your very thorough site.
Looking for a relaxing resort, where we can do day trips from.
Would love to be on a beach.
We will probably not rent a car.
Can you DM me please?
My absolute favorite place is Hotel Faro di Capo Spartivento, near Chia in southern Sardinia. I have a full review of the hotel on this site. However, it’s a bit isolated. Otherwise, you could try Hotel Casa Villa Marina in Alghero – I have a dedicated post to the best hotels in Alghero that explains more about it.
Hi,
My partner and I are looking to visit for a week at the end of May/ beginning of June. We like beaches/beach clubs, nice bars/restaurants, laying by the hotel pool as well the option to see some towns and culture etc. We would prefer a small, boutique style hotel in a fairly quiet area. Where would you recommend staying?
Thank you for your informative page!
Opt for Villasimius – it will be the best choice for beaches, and your 18 year old will have the opportunity to go out at night if he wants. For the car – head over to my guide on renting a car in Sardinia. Just input the words “renting a car in Sardinia” and the system will bring up the information.
Hi Claudia, we are from Brazil (couple 50 years old and son 18) and we love the beach and good food. we will go in the last week of July for 5 days. Your posts are great, but I was undecided on the best region to stay. Let’s rent a car. Would you help me
It depends on the season – I don’t know when you are traveling. I still prefer Alghero has it has more of a small town feel. San Teodoro is a smaller locality.
Would you recommend San Teodoro or is that too quiet for nightlife?
I’d probably opt for Alghero, but if you want STUNNING beaches there’s also La Maddalena Archipelago, which is on the northeastern coast.
Hello Claudia, thank you so much for your amazing website!
My fiancée and I are planning our honeymoon with 1 week in Sardinia – we are thinking 3 days in Cagliari, but then are soooo indecisive of where to stay after that. We are seeking a good base where we can walk to dinner and bars (good nightlife – not necessarily clubs, but bars in piazza’s), but also be driving distance to nice beaches and possibly a boat tour.
What do you think? Your insight is much appreciated to make our honeymoon end on a high 🙂 Grazie mille!!!!
Your best option would be to stay in Cagliari or Alghero, where everything will be open, and take day trips from there.
I think I’d actually go to La Maddalena!
Hi Claudia,
I will be in Northeastern Sardinia for 4 days in mid October with my husband, flying in and out of Olbia. Where would you recommend we stay between Porto Rotundo, Cannigione, and San Teodoro? We would like to be somewhere we can walk around and go to great restaurants that won’t be all closed since it will be off season! Let me know if you can advise. Thanks so much!
Hi Claudia! Your blogs are all so helpful – thank you!
I’m going to Sardinia in mid-October with my boyfriend. We’re looking for a laid-back and relaxing stay with a bit of exploring (beaches, small towns, local restaurants, etc), but I’m bit worried about closures on the island near the end of the season. Do you know if any areas are more likely to be closed for the season?
I’d say Alghero and Cagliari! La Maddalena is also great, but the restaurant scene is good, but not amazing.
Hi!
Thanks for your page it’s really informative.
However we are still struggling to find the best place to stay.
We want to have a beach/beaches and restaurants in walking distance from our hotel, and other areas to explore within a 20 min drive, do you have any suggestions?
Thanks 😊
I would recommend either Cagliari or Alghero as a base, and explore locally.
Hi Claudia –
My girlfriend and I are trying to stay 3 nights in Sardinia to conclude our Amalfi/Capri trip. We are interested in beaches, night life, good food, but without splurging too much since it will be the end of the trip. I was originally looking at the Northeast region of the island, but your helpful list is making my decision harder! I would like to rent a car and explore a bit also, but we can only do 3 nights! Where do you suggest? This will be the last weekend in August.
I love LOVE LOVE LOVE La Maddalena. There aren’t many great restaurants to be honest, but the beaches are stunning and there are lots of short hikes.
The Sinis Peninsula is very central. I have many dedicated posts to the area. Just input “Sinis Peninsula” in the search bar and it will bring up everything that is related.
Hi Claudia, my friends and I are going for a trip in Sardinia at the end of August. We’re renting a car and would like to see many different places on the island. Which area would you recommend we stay in so that travelling all over the island is the easiest? Thank you in advance 🙂
Hey Claudia, thank you so much for this web site and all the information you’ve provided! We’re headed to Sardinia in September but are trying to decide between Alghero, Baunei or La Maddelena. Which is the best choice if we’re prioritizing best food, beaches and other views of nature (hiking/walking/etc)?
Great beaches and delicious food are EVERYWHERE in Sardinia. Really, you are super safe on this one 🙂
Thank you for the quick answer! Luckily, I still found a couple of amazing accommodations that actually were affordable! However, we would much rather stay in a place with beautiful beaches and good food as I mentioned, rather than going to a place with lots of clubs and bars. Would you then still recommend the places you named over other areas? Thank you in advance!
Oh dear – if you haven’t secured a place by now, finding one that doesn’t cost a fortune will be hard. Anyhow – if you are young, the area of Costa Smeralda and San Teodoro is where you will find most bars, clubs etc.
We are planning on going in the middle/end of August!
You forgot to mention a crucial bit of information: when will you be going? Without that, I really can’t give much guidance!
Hi Claudia,
Hope you are doing well. Thank you so much for the amazing guide. We (a couple in our twenties) are planning on going to Sardinia for 1 week. Based on your advice, we definitely will be renting a car. However, we would like to book just one accommodation. We want to do plenty of day trips and love beautiful beaches and good food. Where would you advice our accommodation to be? Also, would you recommend the northern part or the southern part more in general for young people? Thanks so much!
Hello Shari, honestly if you can get a refund for your flight, I think coming to Sardinia for just one day is not a good idea. It’s a very big island with much to see and do (it’s bigger than Israel) and deserves a trip of its own. In any case, if it makes you feel better reaching Baunei and the beaches of the Gulf of Orosei from Alghero is even more difficult than from Cagliari! If you are only staying for one night, you really have no time to go there. It’s 2 hours drive from Cagliari to Santa Maria Navarrese, from where boat tours depart from. But they depart at 8:30 am at the latest, so no matter how early you land, you won’t make it on the same day. If you are still keen on spending the night in Sardinia, I recommend sticking to Cagliari and perhaps visit Chia Su Giudeu beach OR Punta Molentis beach (you can’t see them both on the same day, they are in opposite directions. In any case, as it will be the end of September, you really can’t enjoy the beach much after 5:00 pm so it would have to be a morning trip (ie go there as soon as you land. I have dedicated posts to both beaches – just use the search lens in the menu bar to find them. Stay overnight in Cagliari.
Hi Claudia, I really appreciate you creating this detailed post and taking the time out to answer everyone’s questions (I have been reading the Q&A section as it’s also informative) & I would really appreciate it if you could answer my question too?
My partner and I are spending the last week of September in Milan for my birthday, however I decided spontaneously to book us a weekend flight to Sardinia – after seeing a video on Instagram of the beautiful island.
We’ll be arriving at Cagliari airport first thing in the morning and depart the following morning also at CAG. (I wish I’d read your blog before as I’d have flown into Alghero instead).
I‘ve fallen in love with Baunei and would really love to see the beaches (Pools of Venus, Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu etc) however I’m not sure if it’s possible given the 24hr time frame?
We haven’t booked an overnight hotel yet so flexible in that regard, and whilst we didn’t plan to book a car, I think we will have to based on your comments.
I just want to spend a day enjoying a blue flag beach, soaking up some sun together & enjoying the beauty of nature. In the evening visit a restaurant for some delicious food or even just eat at the hotel. Where would you recommend we stay?
Thank you in advance for your reply, I really appreciate it!
La Maddalena – but you need a car to get there, and a car to get to the beaches. But it is OUT OF THIS WORLD. Otherwise, I think Villasimius is also a good option, down south. But again, you need a car. You are always better off with a car in Sardinia.
Wow- such a great article and looking to read more of your articles!. My husband and I are going to Sardinia in July for six days. It will be after Venice and Florence and before 4 days in Rome. Sardinia will be the “honeymoon we should’ve had 20 years ago” portion of the trip. We love snorkeling and he will want to dive, climb, swim – though we realize it will be very hot. Looking to stay somewhere where we might be able to walk to a snorkeling beach, and also be close to other snorkeling beaches. We do plan to rent a car and would like to rent a boat for a day. Maybe do a snorkel
Day excursion to an island if that is really worthy it. I have heard Cala Gonone might be a good place to stay. Our focus is really to be somewhere where we can walk to a snorkel beach as well as walk to some places to eat. We do not need any nightlife, but would like able to walk to a small town for coffee and dinner. Recommendation? Thank you!!!
How long do you plan to stay? You could actually consider purchasing one of my ready-made itineraries (it’s under the Sardinia Holidays Planning bit).
Hi,
My partner and I would like to visit Sardinia in mid October, we enjoy hiking, good food, history, nightlife (not a club scene though) and exploring it’s our honeymoon so want to stay somewhere nice. Where can you recommend?
Thank you
All of Sardinia is safe, all the beaches are gorgeous, but if you are traveling at the end of July / beginning of August, all of the island will be VERY BUSY. If you are looking for fun, bars, etc, I recommend either Alghero or the Costa Smeralda. But once again, that time of year is the peak of the peak of the peak season. Expect everything to be busy.
OK, thank you. Super helpful. I will search the posts for both areas.
Hi Claudia! My three siblings and I, all in our early/mid twenties, are considering traveling to Sardinia after a wedding at the very end of July/ first week of August. We’re looking for good beaches, nothing too busy, good food, fun local bars, and safety is important of course! Can you please recommend where we should go? Thanks 🙂
3 days in Cagliari and 3 in Alghero as bases. Both have an airport. You can pick up your car in Cagliari and drop it off in Alghero. I have itineraries for both and many more useful posts for them!
Hi Claudia,
First off, thank you for taking the time to respond. This is such an informative site!
My wife and I (mid 40s no kids) are planning to visit Sardinia on the first week of Sept. Assuming it’s still good swimming weather. We like calm clear water (hate waves). We only have 5-6 days, unfortunately.
We’re not looking for off the beaten path hikes down steep cliffs to quiet pristine beaches with just a few people. As great as that sounds. Looking for a good mix of cute scenic/historic towns, views, wineries, if possible (we are huge wine drinkers), and great beaches with some amenities. I assume the food is great everywhere. Agrotourismos are wonderful as well, but hotels are fine. We plan to rent a car. What would you recommend for a base? Cagliari and Alghero sound interesting given that time of year. Costa Smeralda sounds too San Tropez-like. NE Sardinia (Costa Paradiso) seems rugged. Thanks again
Because it is 1) far; 2) windy roads which means buses will be slow. Rent a car. I have a post on the best options for car rental in Sardinia and also for Olbia.
Hello! How would you recommend getting from Palau in the North to the Baunei Coast? I looked at renting a car, but it is expensive. What is the public transport like from the North to the East coast? Do you recommend any routes in particular? The busses show it will take a long time 🙁
There are 3 airports in Sardinia – I have a post on how to get to Sardinia, a post on the best flights from London to Sardinia, a post that explains how to get from each airport to the main city nearby. Read those for detailed information on how to get around. Re the area, I think Alghero is a great option. Nice beaches you can get to by bus, small town packed with restaurants, lots of nice sites nearby. If you input “Alghero” in the search lens, it will bring up all posts about Alghero that you can read to plan your trip.
Hi Claudia, great article! Me and my mum want to come for a long weekend (thur to Sun) at the start of June. We won’t have a car so will have to get a taxi (?) from the airport and then find somewhere on the beach that we can wander to bars and restaurants? We always go to Viareggio but want to try something new – what would you suggest? Grazie!
You can’t go on a day trip from Cagliari to La Maddalena – it’s around 3.5 hours drive from Cagliari to Palau, plus the ferry. You could fly to Olbia and then from there go directly to La Maddalena, but frankly 4 days won’t do justice to Sardinia at all. I recommend a week as a minimum!
Thank you for this very informative article! My husband and I will be visiting Sardinia as part of a one-month trip around Italy for our honeymoon (we are from Australia). We only have 4 days in Sardinia and are trying to decide between staying in Cagliari (and doing a day trip to La Maddalena Islands) or staying in La Maddalena- which would you recommend? We will be going in late June. Thanks 🙂
Cagliari. It’s no longer beach weather.
Cagliari. It’s not beach weather anymore!
Hi,
Love your article, very informative, thank you. Where would you recommend us to stay early November please? We do love a sunset.
Thank you
Angela
I have a full post dedicated on where to stay in Sardinia. Have you read that? If not, send me an email and I will share a link 🙂
Planning on going September for 2 weeks. There will be 4 adults. Flying into Cagliari. No idea where to stay. Will have a car. Only want to stay in 1 place. Want an area not too touristy. What are the highlights we should do.
Thank you
A post is coming up soon!
Best parts in late Oct please 🙏
No, they do it still. I am not sure if they do it in the summer!
Thanks so much for your response – I’m sure this will help. And I’d read somewhere that there is a flea market that is really cool on Sundays in Cagliari called the Antiquaria flea marketing – maybe they don’t do it anymore! Nonetheless, that means more time to see more of the beautiful island. Thank you again; truly appreciate you.
Cheers.
Hello Jamie! First of all: markets in Cagliari are closed on Sundays, so you’ll have to rethink that plan. Secondly: I am afraid your questions need more than a comment to be addressed. But – good news! – if you write the word “itinerary” in the search box, you’ll pull up a few posts with ready made itineraries you may want to consider. Hope this helps!
Hi, Claudia,
Thank you for this amazing post.
I’m visiting September 10 – 15, alone. Flying into Cagliari (arriving around 4 or 5 pm). I am planning to rent a car, have dinner that night, and then Sunday do the market and explore as much of the city as possible. Was thinking of heading to Pula Monday morning before heading north to explore the rest of the island – but am not totally locked into that idea.
Any advice on how to spend the rest of the trip as a single, female in her 30s traveling alone? I love beaches, art/galleries, scenery, outdoors, local-esque experiences, shopping and even appreciate history much more than I did in my 20s, haha. Mainly, I am looking forward to disconnecting from a busy creative career and want to truly experience as much of the culture, food and people as possible while there.
Thanks for any additional tips or advice!
If your main focus is a beach holiday, then opt to visit some other time!
Hello,
I highly appreciate your insights about this beautiful part of Italy and the recommendations are much appreciated. Would you be so kind and give me a piece of advice, weather to visit in mid October Sardinia (19-26), would I be able to take a swim and have have some sunny beach days?
Thank you again
Definitely Alghero!!
Hi Claudia,
I’ve been researching tons about Sardinia because I’ve been having a hard time figuring out where to stay and your blog has been the most helpful! Even so, I’d love your advice: I am traveling with my sister to Sardinia and debating where to stay. We are two women, in our mid 30s, that love the beach but also want to enjoy good food and perhaps some drinks (but no need to be crazy fancy like Costa Smeralda). We are ultimately looking for that amazing mediterranean summer vibes. After reading your blog, it seems that Alghero or Santa Teresa could be the right candidates? Would you agree so? Or where would you recommend for mid August? We will have 4 nights in Sardinia after having spent 3-4 nights in Florence. Thank you SO SO much for your kind advice!
I have posts on this site on the best places to stay in Cagliari and the best places to stay in Alghero, so make sure to use the menu and look for the accommodation tag / category and you will be able to find them 🙂
Hi Claudia! Me and my husband will visit Sardinia for 10 days in the middle of August. We will fly in to Cagliari and we were thinking to fly out of Alghero. We would like to rent a car and stay in max 3 places along the east-north coast. We like good food, nature (maybe include 1-2 secluded beaches), and we also need time to relax (so we would like to avoid very crowded places). Can you recommend best places to look for accommodation? Or maybe it is better to fly out of Cagliari and just stay somewhere in the area and do day trips from there? Sardinia sounds amazing with looots of places to see, but 10 days doesn’t seems enough, and we don’t want to rush the whole trip just to see most of these places… we will surely come back if we like it 🙂 Thank you! Diana
I think Villasimius is one of the best for diving, and San Teodoro for nightlife. Not expensive – sorry, but Sardinia in August is all about expensive!
Hello Claudia, thanks a lot about this so useful information.
My friend and I, 25 years old, looking for a good place to spend August(the whole month).
We are looking for a spot that we can stay and to be close to beautiful beach(diving will be a wonderful bonus), and nightlife places.
Can you suggest a place in Sardiny that not too expensive from one hand, but has beautiful beaches and nightlife in the other.
We don’t have an interest in history and Architecture.
Thanks a lot, it’s a long term, and we want to undergo vacation to the best.
Hey Masa, thank you for leaving a comment. The weather is normally good at the end of September but it’s been so random lately… this is to say: I really can’t predict that. Beaches: they are ALL amazing, no matter where you base yourself.
Hi Claudia,
thank you for such an amazing guide to Sardinia!My husband and I are planning a short 4day trip(we got my mum babysitting for that much) in the last week of September or first week of October.Are the weather and water still ok for swimming at that time of the year,please?We were thinking of booking a b&b someplace on the nice beach and renting a car for day trips and maybe even a boat trip to see the most of the coastline.Shall we base ourselves in the east or west area for best beaches,please?
I don’t sorry. Most people go there on day trips actually!
Do you have any recommendations for Mandas? Thanks!
If food is important to you, and the possibility of “walking to it”, the best places to base yourself are Cagliari, Alghero and Castelsardo.
Hi Claudia!
Very helpful information, thank you. My wife and I are considering honeymooning in Sardinia this September for ~7-10 days. We want to stay somewhere on the beach (not a must, but we would like to) and the main thing we care about is walking distance to lots of amazing food. We don’t want to explore the whole island but would do a few cool day trips. Mostly just relax though, stay in one town or maybe two. We are so overwhelmed with the amount of options! Do you recommend any area in particular?
We don’t have anything booked yet 🙂
Thank you!
It really depends on when you intend to visit. In general I think Cagliari is probably the best. You will need to rent a car to drive to the beaches.
Hi!
I’m traveling with a friend and we want to avoid too much tourism, but still somewhere with a touch of nightlife (not clubs or anything- just a lively bar scene!). What would you reccomend?
Why don’t you base yourself in Cagliari and use it as a base for day trips? It’s about 1.5 hours to Porto Pino. And you can visit that one day, and check out the million other beaches in southern Sardinia the other days. Besides, Cagliari is beautiful.
Struggling! My family of 6 will have 4 days in the South in July. We are flying into Cagliari. My exchange daughter lives in Carbonia and her family has a small beach house in Porto Pino. We have a rental car booked but trying to find areas where we can beach and still have access to shops and restaurants. My kids are ages 17-22 and from the US, Spain, and Italy. I had this dream of us all staying together and seeing the water and walking to the beach. That is proving more challenging than I anticipated! Thoughts or suggestions?
You are probably better off basing yourself at one of the agriturismo in Dorgali (I have a dedicated post about Dorgali too). From there, it’s 20 minutes drive to Cala Gonone, 15 minutes drive to the beginning of the trail to the Gorropu Canyon, 20 minuted drive to Nuoro and about 30 minutes to Orosei where you’ll find the GORGEOUS Oasi Bidderosa and many other beaches such as Berchida, Cala Liberotto and more. I have dedicated posts about each of these places: just write the name in the little lens you find on the menu bar!
Hi Claudia,
Love your article and site!
We are a mid-30 couple doing a week long break in June and wanted to get your opinion on where to stay. We will be flying into/out of Cagliari and will rent a car.
We want to visit Cala Gonone, and their beaches/coves and to do some hikes. We also want to visit Nuoro to eat. We also want a day or two just relaxing by the beach.
We are trying to figure out where to base ourselves? We were thinking Cala Gonone or Budoni. What do you think?
Fly into Alghero and out of Cagliari. Stay in Alghero for one week, and in Costa Rei / Villasimius for the other!
Hello,
Love all you article… so helpful. We just decided to book a two week trip to Sardina from Aug 14-27 and we have never been . . We are a family of 5 with two adult children (22 & 21) and a 17 yr old. We want to divide our time to 2-3 locations. Recommendations? We love beaches and great food. I am finding it difficult to book since we are so late . Help!!! Thanks
San Teodoro!
Hi Hi Hi Hi Claudia,
Fantastic, helpful website, many thanks.
We’re booking 2 weeks in beautiful Sardinia 2-16 July & seeking your kind advice.
With teenage daughters, we’re considering 2-centre break, 1 week North & 1 South.
For our stay in Northern Sardinia I wondered where you’’d recommend that is good for some nightlife/bars/restaurants? We’re looking at hotel for 1 week & an Airbnb/apartment rental for the second….any places you can recommend?
Literally all beaches will be crowded in July unfortunately. But I think since you are only there for 3 days, San Teodoro or Porto San Paolo are your best options.
Hello Claudia, your page has been so useful, thank you for sharing all your knowledge. I’m planning on traveling to Sardinia for 3 days only, and I have to arrive on Olbia airport. Because of that I would like to stay on that part of the island. I’ve been checking out the beaches around there, but I would like to know which ones you think will be less crowded at the beginning of July. Also best town to stay on that part of the island =). Thank you!
Hello! I do offer this service indeed. Please go through my Sardinia Holidays Planning page (you find it above the menu bar) and pick a service, then email me and we will get to work 🙂
Hi Claudia,
My husband and i are in Sardinia from Saturday 27th August until 4th September. We are from Australia and will be coming from Sicily. We have never been to Sardinia before and would love you to put an itinerary together for us. We both love food, great beaches and not too touristy things to do. We are both in our 50’s and fit.
Looking forward to your feedback
Anna:)
Alghero!
Hello! Loved this article so much.
We’re wanting to come on 1st June for 10 days for our honeymoon. We want nice food, nice beaches, and bars/restaurants for night time. Where would be best to base ourselves?
Thank you!
Yay!
Thanks, we are coming in early september, I have found some nice accomodation options close to San Teodoro, so perhaps that is the best location to go for! Thanks again
It really depends on the season you are visiting. If you are coming in the summer months, there will be tourists everywhere, many of them actually locals who move around during the summer to enjoy the island themselves. In terms of places in Northern Sardinia, San Teodoro, Budoni, Cannigione are all lovely.
HI there, would you be able to advise where is good for families, in the Norther half of the island ? somewhere quiet and authentic? thankyou!
Palau is probably the best place for that! Check out my post on La Maddalena boat tours for information
Thank you Claudia.
We have booked a car and will travel from Cagliria to alghero to Palau to the smeraldo coast.
Where is the best place to hire a boat to go to see the bays and coves please.
Thank you.
Good wishes
Joan🙏🌈🐅🐘🦋🌺💔😥😇
Hello Kristina, all Sardinian beaches can be exposed to wind – it really depends. I can’t really suggest one place over the other for fear of disappointing you. Snorkeling is great in the Villasimius area, I think.
I’d stay in the Stintino or Alghero area, for sure. Alghero is a favorite of mine!
Ciao Claudia,
Thank you for this helpful write-up! I was wondering which beaches would have the most calm water (i.e. no surfing) and would be good for snorkeling, in July. I assume it would be Costa Smeralda and the east coast, but maybe also Alghero area and Stintino beaches? I have heard of wind-surfing in the southern part of Sardinia.
Grazie!
Kristina
What a comprehensive article thank you very much! We are planning a family holiday 2 weeks in early September (we have a 3 year old) arriving from France on the ferry into Porto Torres so we want to stay north to minimise travel time (the ferry is already 10hrs from home!) we like low key, quiet, pristine beaches, and fishing villages, not really keen on “resorts” from your article it looks like perhaps the area close to Stintino or perhaps San Teodoro would be best? Thank you so much in advance! Samantha
I was gonna suggest Alghero precisely!
Hello,
Thank you for your insider Info. love your website. I have a quick question:
As a couple, we are looking at holidaying end of July Start of August for 10 days. We are looking for a quiet stay, with everything in walking distance ( beach and small towns for dinners) as we wont have a car, but want to avoid night life areas or massiv city- and beach crowds (but i know its high season, so it will be busy)
Perhaps you can recommend an area that could meet our criteria?
we were thinking Alghero ( but a little outside of the city)
Hello Joan, I am sorry about the loss of your son. It must have been hard for you! This whole post is about places to stay, so you can definitely use this as guidance. I think if he visited James Bond places he surely went to Costa Smeralda – I have a detailed post about the best hotels in Costa Smeralda (Cala di Volpe hotel is where the movie was filmed). I also have a guide about Costa Smeralda, one on the best beaches of Costa Smeralda, and a guide on renting car in Sardinia and renting a car in Olbia – which brings me to say you definitely need a car! Browse the site and I am sure you will find all the info to trace your son’s footsteps. And by all means, send me an email if you need more help.
Hello Claudia.
Thank you for this guide.
Our son who died went to Sardinia. All we know is he started from calligari hired a car he took a boat to visit coves and bays because he lost his t///shirt in the sea.
He went to the north east coast. He also loved everything James Bond so he would have visited places where they filmed.
Can you suggest places to stay . Do we need a car. We want to walk in his footsteps to get some memories. There is so much choice. We don’t know where to start. Our kindest wishes. Hugs🙏🌈🦋🌺🐘🐅💔😥😇
Yep!
It’s the best decision. There are many restaurants and bars in Tortolì too. Make sure to try La Bitta!
(I say this knowing I want to see all of the great beaches around Orosei Park)
If we decided to base in Tortoli would you say there are thigns to do at night? My thought was that we would have access to boat tours from Tortoli/Santa Maria. I do not know if San Teodoro has thease boats to the Orosei region and its beaches.
Thanks so much!
I was gonna suggest exactly that! Though really you guys, renting a car is almost a must here…
Hi Claudia,
Thank you for your wonderful advice. A friend and I are looking to spend a few days in Sardinia in July. We are single guys in our thirties that love the beach life, and while our nightclub days are past us want a beach area that has places to sit and meet people at night. We won’t have a car so ideally it would be somewhere easy to get to from Cagliari or Olbia airport. From your guide it seems San Teodoro is best, do you agree?
Evviva! 🙂
Grazie for all the effort you’ve put into this website! I’ll be coming for a solo trip for two weeks in July and your site is the most comprehensive and helpful one I’ve found. Sono così emozionato!
Of course! Honestly the hike is nice and easy – but you need a guide I think. And you really don’t realize you are walking around a crater until the guide tells you to look closer 😀
‘m sure he’d love to see an extinguished one. Really helpful information, thanks so much for taking the time to reply 🙂
Hello Diane, thank you for leaving a comment. There are no volcanoes in Sardinia, other than the crater of an extinguished ancient one which is in the area of Scano di Montiferro.
Any area would be great for a trip with your sons, really. I think since you have teenage sons you may want to stay somewhere where they can enjoy a bit more of social life – perhaps San Teodoro or Alghero, or down south in Villasimius. Hope this helps!
Hello Claudia,
Wow thank you for all of your efforts putting this in-depth guide together. I’m hoping to visit in the last week of July or first week of August. I have two teenage sons, and we love kayaking/watersports, visiting natural beauty spots and volcanoes, (I have a budding geologist), interest in history and a fishing trip for beginners. Ideally we would like to book an apartment hotel.
Would you have any recommendations of where to stay to do these activities or book tours from and if there are apartment hotels please?
Many thanks,
Diane
Cannigione or San Teodoro.
Looking to visit as a couple for a week at the end of July, flying into Olbia. Where would you recommend? walking distance to a beach and restaurants If possible, not nightlife
Alghero is probably a better option if you don’t want to rent a car. But make sure to visit La Pelosa (maybe rent a car for just a day!). Happy you are visiting for your honeymoon!!
Hi Claudia, your website is great and full of helpful information! My fiancé and I are considering Sardinia for our honeymoon towards the end of August. We’re looking for an area with beautiful beaches, good restaurants and bars. We don’t plan on renting a car. Would you recommend Stintino? Or any other areas? We’d be grateful for your help. Many thanks 😊
There is a bus from Alghero to Cagliari so it is doable for sure.
Such a fantastic page, so helpful! A friend and I are travelling to Sardinia in April for a week. We fly into and out of Alghero. Would you recommend spending the week in Alghero and exploring around there, or would we be better to do a few days in Alghero, and heading down to Cagliari? We won’t be renting a car, so we would be relying on buses or trains. Would really appreciate hearing your thoughts. Thanks so much
It really depends on what time of year you are visiting!
Depends on when in September but in general I love the area of Villasimius and Costa Rei.
Hello Claudia, love your page and I have been back and forth trying to decide on an area to stay. We are mid 30’s working couple looking for beach side break and great food. Would Tortolì be a great place to go for a week? or would you do half there and half on another spot on the island as we are also first time visitors. I love to swim in the sea
Hi Claudia,
I would love to visit the south of the island in September.
Where would you recommend?
Sounds like Costa Rei or Villasimius would be perfect for you. Check out my posts on both locations. I have plenty of info on the site already!
Hi Claudia,
Thanks for sharing your knowledge of Sardinia. We are looking to spend a week in Sardinia but have no clue where to begin. We would love to be close as possible to the sea. We are looking to rent a villa, looking for a kid/family-friendly experience.
If you want to explore the island, you will need a car. If you just want to stay in the same place for 3 months, you can make do without but will occasionally have to put up with slow bus rides, or rent a car on occasion. Santa Teresa di Gallura, Villasimius, Alghero fit your requirements. Alghero is the largest of the three and a major tourist hub too.
Hi Claudia. Great info. Thinking about long term stay – maybe 3 months. Where would you recommend so we don’t need a rental car the whole time? Not in a city but in a smaller town or village within walking distance of a beach. Gracie.
Baunei or Tortolì
Great article. Where would you say is the best area for enjoying the great food of the ‘blue zone’ while being somewhere that isn’t in the middle of a city?
Just read my guide to renting a car in Sardinia!
This is a great breakdown of Sardinia, thanks a lot Claudia! Planning a trip to Sardinia in August. Do you have any recommendations for local places to rent a car? thanks!
Hello Betsy, thank you for your comment and I am glad you are finding my site useful. May is the very beginning of beach season here and unless we hit a heatwave, it’s not really swimming season as water is very cold. If you only have 3 days, it’s best you base yourself in a city like Cagliari or Alghero and explore from there. Alghero has better beaches nearby, but Cagliari has better nightlife (it’s the capital).
Hi Claudia, thank you so much for all of your advice – your site is brilliant! I am planning a 3-day trip to Sardinia with my bridesmaids in May. We are hoping to have good beaches, good boat trips, and evening fun. Where would you recommend we go? (Parlo italiano se necessario.)
So happy to know you are finding my site useful!!
I have visited your site multiple times in planning a mother-daughter trip to Sardinia the first week of May. I appreciate your insights and am taking your advice on car rental, beaches, and accommodations. I am also looking at excursions. Thanks
Melissa & Sophie
You could base yourself in Cagliari for a week, and in Alghero for another. Fly into Cagliari and out of Alghero. You will need to rent a car.
We are planning a trip to Sardinia in June and plan to stay for 10-14 days. What cities would you suggest as base to avoid hopping from one hotel to another?
I am glad it’s helpful 🙂
Grazie for such a comprehensive article! I’m sure this will make my decision on where to stay in Sardinia much easier 🙂