Full of adventure and raw natural beauty, Sardinia is a dream destination for travelers looking for a unique Mediterranean getaway. Clocking in as the second largest island in the Mediterranean, it is impossible to see all of Sardinia in a single week, or even two. Instead, plan to focus on a single region based on your personal passions. Looking for luxury? Costa Smeralda is for you. Maybe you’re seeking a thrilling adventure into the island’s rugged interior. If so, Cala Gonone and Orosei are your base camp to explore caves and mighty canyons. Or maybe you’re hoping to travel back in time. Sassari will be your time machine into the murky depths of pre-history. Whatever you decide, the Italian island will open your eyes to something entirely new and unforgettable. Keep reading to learn more about where to stay in Sardinia!
Read the Ultimate Sardinia Travel Guide for more details about the island!
Costa Smeralda – Best for Luxury & Honeymoon
Powdery white-sand beaches, glittering emerald waters, and chic hotels and beach clubs, make up Costa Smeralda. But there is much more to this stunning region on the enchanting island of Sardinia. Prince Karim Aga Khan put the stretch of coast in the northeast corner of Sardinia on the map in the 1960s. Now, this under-the-radar resort district is home to some of the most expensive real estate in all of Europe. Costa Smeralda’s main town, Porto Cervo, is the destination for yachts and jetsetters visiting Sardinia. While all the beaches here are incredible, some of the most popular are Spiaggia Capriccioli, Spiaggia di Liscia Ruja, and Prince Khan’s personal favorite, Spiaggia del Principe. If you’re looking to explore beyond the beaches, take a boat day and swim around the famous La Maddalena Archipelago, a collection of islands preserved as a national park. Looking to awaken your taste buds and quicken your pulse? Dine at the Michelin starred Somu then dance the night away at the electric night club Phi Beach. Costa Smeralda is the perfect destination for travelers looking to enjoy the beauty of Sardinia with a side of exuberant luxury. Reach Costa Smeralda by flying into the Olbia Airport and driving 30-minutes north.
Cagliari – Best for City Getaway
As the capital of Sardinia, Cagliari is the island’s biggest city. Located on the southern coast, Cagliari is a great year-round destination for anyone looking to for a dynamic urban getaway. The colorful city has lots to explore with museums, restaurants, and beaches all highlighting the unique and wonderful personality of Sardinia. The Archeological Museum of Cagliari is the best on the island. The museum tells the story of Sardinia’s rich history and features stunning artifacts. Poetto Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area stretching nearly five miles long. An hour outside of Cagliari is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Su Nuraxi—a must-see for history lovers. Access Cagliari by flying into the Cagliari Elmas Airport.
Cala Gonone & Orosei– Best for Hiking & Beaches
Cala Gonone and Orosei are both well-positioned for exploring the adventurous east side of Sardinia. Picturesquely set along the water, Cala Gonone offers easy access to the famous cave Grotta del Bue Marino and unmissable beaches like Cala Luna. Just half an hour from Cala Gonome is Gola di Gorropu, a dramatic canyon with trails for hikers of all skill levels. One of the world’s most intense and rewarding trails, Selvaggio Blu, ends by the coastal town. While Cala Gonone is a quiet beauty by the sea, the larger Orosei located inland and to the north has more options for dining and night life. Orosei is slightly farther from the hiking of Gola di Gorropu but has the advantages of a larger town. For adventurous travelers seeking stunning beaches and breathtaking hikes, you can’t go wrong with either of these towns. Access Cala Gonone & Orosei by flying into the Olbia Airport and driving 90-minutes south.
Alghero – Best for Unique Culture & Water Activities
Nicknamed little Barcelona, Alghero was ruled by the Catalans for hundreds of years. Consequently, the lively walled city on the sea is a unique mix of cultures. The historic city center is safeguarded by the Bastioini wall built in the 16th century along with several watchtowers. The wall offers an incredible perspective for watching the setting sun dip below the water. Other highlights within the city include the Catalan Santa Maria Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo. Alghero is known as much for its natural wonders as it is for its culture. As the capital of Riviera del Corallo, the city’s surrounding waters feature an impressive coral reef with the best snorkeling and scuba-diving in Sardinia. Full of vibrant red corals, the reef is a truly breathtaking sight beneath the shimmering water. When back on dry land, Alghero is well-located for day trips to the beaches of Stintino and the Nuraghe Santu Antine. To access Alghero, fly into the city’s Alghero Airport.
Stintino – Best for Beaches
Stintino is a coastal town situated on a peninsula. Covered in soft sandy beaches and outlined by glimmering blue water, the peninsula, also named Stintino, is known for its incredible beaches. Once a Ligurian fishing village, the seaside town has since been transformed into a charming resort district. One of the best beaches in all of Sardinia, Spiaggia La Pelosa features fine sand and tranquil blue shallows. At the edge of the beach rests an Aragonese watchtower built in 1578. Due to the beach’s popularity, reservations are required between June and September—so make sure to book in advance! Other idyllic beaches in the area include Spiaggia di Ezzi Mannu and Spiagga Le Saline. Just north of the peninsula is the island Asinara, where you can explore Asinara National Park. The island makes for a wonderful excursion from Stintino. To access Stintino, fly into Alghero Airport and drive 40 minutes to the north.
San Teodoro – Best for Families
San Teodoro is located just south of Olbia in eastern Sardinia. The charming resort town is known for its soft white-sand beaches and native pink flamingos. The famous Cala Brandinchi Beach nicknamed “Little Tahiti” is located here. Another popular beach ideal for small children is Spiaggia La Cinta. Just outside of town, the popular beach stretches two miles long. Home to pink flamingos and a variety of other bird species, the protected lagoon Stagno di San Teodoro is just inside of La Clinta. To reach San Teodoro, fly into Olbia Airport and drive 25 minutes south.
Sassari – Best for History
Built on the fringe of limestone hills, Sassari is the second largest city on Sardinia. Sassari features incredible architecture, museums, and archeological sites. While the city was officially founded in the Middle Ages, archeological findings in the area date back to the Neolithic period. The most noteworthy civilization of Sardinia’s history is the Nuragic, which flourished in the Bronze era. The Nuragic left behind thousands of Nuraghes, enigmatic stone towers. Nuraghe Santu Antine, one of the largest historic sites on the island, sits 40-minutes outside of Sassari. During your visit to Sassari, revel in the beautiful architecture of historic old town and Piazza d’Italia. Sassari is well-located for exploring other areas of northwest Sardinia. Stintino and its beautiful beaches are 40 minutes from Sassari. Known for its scuba diving and food scene, the coastal town Alghero is just 35 minutes from the city. Access Sassari by flying into the Alghero Airport and driving inland.
Google Map of Sardinia
How to Use this Map: Red markers indicate the various towns and cities mentioned in this article. To zoom in or out, click the plus and minus buttons in the bottom left corner of the map (on your computer) or pinch the screen (on your phone). Click the arrow in the top left corner to view the map index. To save this map to your Google Maps, click the star next to the map title.
