Our favourite towns, villages and places to stay in Sardinia
Sardinia is the second largest island on the Mediterranean Sea and is located just west of Italy. The island is known for its picturesque coastlines, crystal clear waters and traditional cuisine. These are our recommendations for the most beautiful places to stay and a selection of small boutique hotels and cute holiday homes in Sardinia.
On the north of the island, you will find the Costa Smeralda, one of the most famous parts of Sardinia. Here you will find luxurious resorts and chic beach houses, elegant restaurants and amazing beaches. Particularly recommended are the beaches of Capriccioli and Liscia Ruja, both surrounded by turquoise waters. Another must is the beach of La Spiaggia del Principe on the Costa Smeralda, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Not far away is Castelsardo, a delightful medieval village by the sea. Here you'll find narrow streets, historic buildings and a castle perched on a hill, as well as some of the island's best nuraghi sites. Visit Su Nuraxi in Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the complex of Nuraghe Santu Antine in Torralba.
Most visitors choose to stay in Porto Cervo or Olbia, both of which offer a good selection of accommodation, from seafront hotels to simple guesthouses.
To the south of Sardinia is the capital city of Cagliari. Here you can visit the historic old town, which is surrounded by medieval city walls. Cagliari Cathedral and the Torre di San Pancrazio are also worth a visit. In the surroundings of Cagliari there are also some beautiful beaches, such as Poetto and Mari Pintau, as well as the famous and picture-perfect beaches of Costa Rei and the beach of Chia with clear water and fine sand. Here it's wonderful to stay in romantic holiday villas or cosy boutique hotels.
There are also many archaeological sites to visit that date back to the Nuraghic civilisation. One of the most famous is Su Nuraxi, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can visit the remains of an ancient tower and settlement from the Bronze Age.
Whether you choose a beach holiday or a cultural exploration, the south of Sardinia has something for everyone and a wide choice of luxury hotels in Sardinia and self-catering holiday flats.
In the east of Sardinia there are also some beautiful beaches, such as Cala Gonone and Cala Luna and the beaches around the coastal town of Villasimius. It's also worth visiting the Grotta del Bue Marino, a spectacular cave that can be accessed from the sea.
In addition, you can find the Gennargentu Mountains, the highest mountain range in Sardinia, which offers a landscape of scenic villages and untouched nature that is worth seeing. From hiking and cycling to getting to know the local culture, anything is possible there.
As you can imagine, every area of Sardinia presents a distinct atmosphere and side of the island, and each part is special and worth visiting:
Costa Smeralda: With its pristine beaches, premium resorts, and elite yacht clubs, Costa Smeralda offers a sumptuous ambience.
Alghero: Take a stroll around the picturesque old town of Alghero, where Catalan influences merge with Sardinian traditions to create a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.
Cagliari: Discover Cagliari, the dynamic capital city with historic ruins, a charming old town, and spectacular panoramic views from its hilltop castle.
Olbia: Explore the lively port town of Olbia, which serves as a gateway to the stunning Costa Smeralda and its surrounding natural beauties.
Nuoro: In Nuoro, noted for its traditional crafts, folk festivals, and stunning mountain scenery, you may immerse yourself in the heart of Sardinian customs.
Whether you're seeking relaxation on sandy beaches, exploring ancient ruins, or savoring the island's delectable cuisine, Sardinia promises an unforgettable journey filled with the beauty and authenticity of this Mediterranean gem.