Where to stay in Sardinia

Stintino

Best for postcard-perfect beaches

If your idea of a dream Sardinian escape involves dazzling turquoise waters and flour-fine white sand, pitch up in Stintino.

Tucked away on the island’s northwestern tip, this sleepy village is home to La Pelosa – often named among Europe’s most beautiful beaches – and once you see it, you’ll understand why.

The vibe here is super relaxed. There’s not much in the way of nightlife, but you won’t mind, as a stay here is all about early morning swims, long lunches and sunset strolls with an ice cream in hand.

Stintino is also a gateway to the wild Asinara Island, a national park just offshore where you can spot albino donkeys and explore craggy coves.

Alghero

Best for couples

On the island’s northwestern coast, Alghero is a charming town with Spanish roots and a sunset-facing promenade that’s practically made for an evening passeggiata.

Here, cobbled streets wind past old churches and bougainvillea-draped balconies, while seafood restaurants spill out onto piazzas buzzing with clinking glasses and soft guitar music.

It’s easy to fall in love with Alghero’s old-world charm – and even easier to fall for its beaches. Spiaggia di Maria Pia is just minutes from town, but if you venture a little further, you’ll find hidden coves and coastal walks along the dramatic Capo Caccia cliffs.

Costa Smeralda

Best for luxury lovers

Does your perfect holiday include designer shopping, luxury yachts and exclusive beach clubs? The ultra-swish Costa Smeralda is your spot.

This glitzy stretch of coastline on the island’s northeast is a magnet for the rich and famous – but beyond the polished marinas and high-end boutiques, you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia.

Porto Cervo is the heart of the action, known for its upscale resorts and swanky bars, while nearby bays like Spiaggia del Principe and Liscia Ruja serve up those signature emerald waters. It’s all a little extra in the best possible way.

Santa Teresa Gallura

Best for families

Santa Teresa Gallura, on the island’s northern tip, strikes just the right balance between kid-friendly fun and grown-up relaxation.

The town centres around a lively piazza and a calm, sandy beach – Spiaggia Rena Bianca – where little ones can paddle safely while parents soak up the sun.

There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained, with day trips to the nearby Maddalena archipelago, gelato runs along the promenade and ancient towers to climb all on the cards.

Cagliari

Best for culture vultures

Sardinia’s capital city is a great place to soak up the island’s rich history, architecture and laidback urban life.

Cagliari spreads across a series of hills, crowned by a medieval old town that’s perfect for aimless wandering – think narrow alleys, bright shutters and unexpected sea views.

It’s not all history, though. The food scene is brilliant, with everything from no-frills trattorias to cool rooftop bars. You’re also just a quick bus ride from Poetto Beach, so you don’t have to choose between culture and coastline.

La Maddalena

Best for an island escape

A short ferry ride from Palau on Sardinia’s north coast, the La Maddalena archipelago feels like another world entirely.

These rugged little islands are known for their crystalline seas, deserted beaches and dramatic granite cliffs – all protected within a national park.

Base yourself on La Maddalena island (the largest in the group) to explore by scooter, boat or foot. Days here are all about cove-hopping, lazy swims and seafood lunches with sea views.

It’s a fantastic option for nature lovers, water babies and anyone looking to truly unplug.

Villasimius

Best for beach hoppers

Down on Sardinia’s southeastern coast, Villasimius is all about the beaches – and there are a lot of them.

This is where soft sand meets calm, glassy seas, framed by rugged hills and fragrant scrubland. Whether you want to snorkel in a marine reserve or stretch out on a lounger, there’s a spot with your name on it.

The town itself is small and friendly, with a summery buzz in the evenings as locals and visitors head out for pizza, seafood or a scoop of mirto-flavoured gelato.

You’ll need a car to beach-hop properly, but that’s part of the fun – this stretch of coast is one of Sardinia’s best-kept secrets.

Oristano

Best for an authentic getaway

For a slice of real Sardinian life, look inland to Oristano. This under-the-radar city in the island’s west has managed to hold onto its traditions, from artisan workshops to age-old festivals like Sa Sartiglia, a medieval horseback tournament held every February.

The pace is slow, the food is rich and hearty, and the locals are welcoming. From here, you’re just a short drive to quiet beaches, Roman ruins and vineyards tucked into the countryside.

It’s the perfect base if you want to explore Sardinia beyond the beaches and get a feel for the island’s cultural heart.

Dorgali and Cala Gonone

Best for adventurers

If you’re after a bit of action, head to Sardinia’s east coast where the mountains meet the sea. Dorgali and the nearby coastal town of Cala Gonone are perfectly placed for hiking, climbing and exploring Sardinia’s wild heart.

Base yourself here to tackle the Gola di Gorropu gorge – one of Europe’s deepest canyons – or to sail along the stunning Gulf of Orosei, stopping at beaches you can only reach by boat or foot.

Cala Gonone has a mellow vibe and just enough going on in the evenings to keep things lively, so you can enjoy adrenaline by day and an aperitivo by dusk.

Bosa

Best for a laidback escape

Pastel-coloured houses climb up a hillside crowned by a castle in tranquil Bosa, and the River Temo meanders gently through the centre. Located on the island’s west coast, it feels worlds away from Sardinia’s glitzier spots.

The town is ideal for slow travel: think riverside walks, long lunches in family-run trattorias and lazy afternoons exploring local craft shops and galleries. The nearby beach is wild and windswept, and the drive here alone – along the coastal road from Alghero – is worth the trip.