Where to stay in Sardinia: the best areas for every type of holiday

Costa Smeralda, the Gulf of Orosei or southern Sardinia: the island offers very different experiences depending on the area you choose. Here are the best places to stay in Sardinia for beaches, family holidays, nature or a quieter escape.

With its crystal-clear waters, some of the best beaches in Sardinia, rocky landscapes, villages and historic towns, the island offers far more than a simple beach holiday. From the sophisticated coastline of the Costa Smeralda to the unspoilt west coast, every area gives a different feel to a holiday in Sardinia.

So, where should you go in Sardinia for your holiday? The choice depends above all on what you are looking for: beaches and entertainment, family holidays, hiking, heritage or peace and quiet. And for those who would like to return regularly, a stay can also be an opportunity to identify the ideal area to buy a second home in Sardinia.

1. Costa Smeralda and north-east Sardinia: turquoise beaches and prestigious addresses
2. Gulf of Orosei: secluded coves and spectacular Sardinian scenery
3. Alghero and north-west Sardinia: beaches, culture and discoveries
4. Cagliari and southern Sardinia: beaches, culture and city life
5. Costa Rei and Villasimius: family-friendly beaches and holidays by the sea
6. Sardinia’s west coast: wild beaches and quieter landscapes
FAQ: Planning a holiday in Sardinia

1. Costa Smeralda and north-east Sardinia: turquoise beaches and prestigious addresses

The north-east is home to some of Sardinia’s most iconic landscapes. Around Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, Arzachena and Palau, pale beaches, granite coves and marinas shape a renowned coastline, particularly along the Costa Smeralda.

Must-see excursions include the La Maddalena archipelago, accessible in particular from Palau; Santa Teresa Gallura and its views over the Strait of Bonifacio; as well as the Nuragic archaeological sites in the countryside around Arzachena.

This part of the island will appeal to travellers looking for beautiful beaches, water sports, restaurants and a lively atmosphere, with a particularly well-developed tourist offering.

It is also Sardinia’s most prestigious property market. The Costa Smeralda is particularly sought after by buyers looking for villas for sale in Sardinia, including contemporary properties with swimming pools and sea-view homes, with values generally higher than elsewhere on the island. Moving slightly inland from the coast, particularly around Arzachena or Olbia, the range of properties becomes more diverse.

Homes for sale on the Costa Smeralda

2. Gulf of Orosei: secluded coves and spectacular Sardinian scenery

On the east coast, the Gulf of Orosei offers a much wilder setting, dominated by the Supramonte mountains and high limestone cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean.
Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzé are among its best-known sites. Cala Gonone is a good starting point for boat trips, while Orosei provides access to long beaches as well as an attractive historic centre.

The area is primarily suited to lovers of hiking, nature, sailing and unspoilt beaches. It is particularly well suited to travellers looking for a less glamorous Sardinia than the north-east.

The second-home market in the Gulf of Orosei remains more accessible and is more focused on detached houses, small residential buildings and villas around Orosei, Dorgali and the coastal municipalities. For buyers looking for a second home in Sardinia, immediate proximity to the sea and views naturally remain the main factors driving value.

Homes for sale in Orosei

3. Alghero and north-west Sardinia: beaches, culture and discoveries

Alghero is one of the best options for those who want to combine a beach holiday with cultural discovery. Its fortified historic centre, shaped by Catalan influence, offers a different atmosphere from resorts focused exclusively on the beach.

Nearby, the Bombarde and Mugoni beaches, the cliffs of Capo Caccia and Neptune’s Grotto are the main excursions. Further north, Stintino and the famous La Pelosa beach can round out the stay.

Alghero therefore suits couples, families and travellers who want to alternate sightseeing, restaurants, beaches and excursions, without necessarily needing to get around by car.

Alghero is therefore an attractive place to stay in Sardinia if you want a base close to the sea while remaining near shops and services.

Homes for sale in Alghero

4. Cagliari and southern Sardinia: beaches, culture and city life

The island’s capital, Cagliari makes it possible to combine an urban city break with a beach holiday. Its historic Castello district, markets and restaurants contrast with the large beaches that can be reached just a few kilometres away.

Poetto beach lies on the edge of the city. Further west, Pula, the archaeological site of Nora and the beaches of Chia offer excellent options for day trips.

The south suits travellers looking for a stay balanced between beaches, heritage, gastronomy and city life, as well as those travelling outside the very peak season.
Property in southern Sardinia is particularly varied: apartments in Cagliari, houses in the surrounding municipalities and villas close to the coast around Pula or Chia. This diversity makes it possible to consider either a city base or a holiday home by the sea.

Homes for sale in Cagliari

5. Costa Rei and Villasimius: family-friendly beaches and holidays by the sea

East of Cagliari, Villasimius and Costa Rei are two reliable choices for a holiday focused mainly on the sea. Both destinations stand out for their long sandy beaches, shallow waters and the possibility of enjoying a wide range of water sports.

Around Villasimius, Porto Giunco, Punta Molentis and the Capo Carbonara marine protected area are among the major sites. Costa Rei is especially appreciated for its long stretches of sand and residential atmosphere.

It is a particularly suitable choice for families and travellers looking for a beach-focused holiday, with little need to travel once settled in.

Costa Rei and Villasimius also offer many holiday properties, both to rent and to buy. Small villas, terraced houses and apartments with terraces dominate the market, with particularly strong demand for properties within walking distance of the sea.

6. Sardinia’s west coast: wild beaches and quieter landscapes

Less visited than the Costa Smeralda or the south-east, Sardinia’s west coast offers more rugged landscapes and an often quieter atmosphere.

The Sinis Peninsula, the beaches of Is Arutas, the ancient site of Tharros, Bosa and the Costa Verde are among the places worth visiting. Here, dunes, cliffs and long beaches gradually replace highly developed seaside resorts.

This coast will appeal to those who want to leave the busiest tourist routes, discover natural landscapes and take the time to explore the island.

On Sardinia’s west coast, village houses, properties with land and homes in small coastal towns — less exclusive options than on the east coast — may appeal to buyers looking for a quieter environment and a generally more manageable budget.

FAQ: Planning a holiday in Sardinia

What is the most beautiful part of Sardinia?

There is no single answer. The north-east and the Costa Smeralda are renowned for their beaches and turquoise waters, the Gulf of Orosei for its spectacular coves, while the west coast is more likely to appeal to lovers of wild landscapes and tranquility.

North or south Sardinia: which is better for a holiday?

The north is particularly well suited to lovers of beaches, sailing and lively resorts, especially around the Costa Smeralda. The south offers greater variety between Cagliari, the beaches of Chia, Villasimius and Costa Rei. For a first one-week stay, it is generally better to focus on just one part of the island.

Where are the best beaches in Sardinia?

The Costa Smeralda, the La Maddalena archipelago, the Gulf of Orosei, Villasimius, Chia and Stintino are home to some of the best-known and most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. Travellers looking for less crowded shores can also explore the Sinis Peninsula and the Costa Verde.

Where to stay in Sardinia for a family holiday?

Villasimius, Costa Rei, Alghero and several resorts in north-east Sardinia offer a wide choice of accommodation, restaurants and easily accessible beaches for a family holiday. Costa Rei is particularly appreciated for its long beaches and generally shallow waters.

When is the best time to visit Sardinia?

June and September often offer a good compromise for a holiday in Sardinia, with pleasant temperatures, swimming and more moderate visitor numbers. July and August are the high season, with a livelier atmosphere but also larger crowds and higher prices.

How many days do you need to visit Sardinia?

One week is enough to explore one part of the island properly. To combine several areas, it is better to allow ten days to two weeks. The distances and terrain make it unrealistic to discover all of Sardinia in just a few days.

How to get to Sardinia: plane or ferry?

Sardinia can be reached by plane or ferry all year round. The island has three main airports: Cagliari-Elmas for the south, Olbia-Costa Smeralda for the north-east and Alghero-Fertilia for the north-west. Travellers who want to bring their own car can opt for the ferry, with arrivals including Olbia, Golfo Aranci, Porto Torres and Cagliari from mainland Italy and certain French or Spanish cities.

How to get around Sardinia: do you need a car?

A car remains the most practical way to get around Sardinia, particularly for reaching beaches, villages and natural sites far from the main towns. Trains and buses also serve a large part of the island, but some journeys require connections and services can be less frequent in rural areas. For a stay mainly focused on one town or seaside resort, however, it is possible to visit Sardinia without a car.

Discover a wide selection of houses and apartments for sale in Sardinia on Meretdemeures.com:

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