The Best Places to Stay in Sardinia

If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Sardinia, you can’t go wrong in the island’s capital Cagliari. Besides all the eateries, craft breweries and wine bars, you’ll find historical sites like the castle and necropolis, fascinating museums and a bustling marina. The main beach is Poetto Beach – 8 km of fine, soft sand, with an amazing running and biking path. Head for the headland, Capo Sant'Elia, to feel like you’ve left the city entirely; it’s encircled by great walks, bars with sunset views and secluded coves like ruggedly beautiful Spiaggia di Cala Fighera and Cala Bernat. Surfers can also catch waves within an hour’s drive of the capital, at Villasimius for example.

History fans should consider Pula one of the best places to stay in Sardinia. On the south coast, just 25 minutes from Cagliari, the pretty settlement is right next door to the archaeological site of Nora. The ruins of this Phoenician town run almost down onto the sand, with plenty of mosaics, columns and amphitheatres with a sea view. You can also explore the verdant coastal trails around Batteria Boggio. The most local beaches are Spiaggia di Su Guventeddu and Spiaggia Nora. You could also make the 25-minute drive south to Su Giudeu Beach, a huge expanse of white sand and crystal-clear ocean surrounded by beautiful greenery, and also popular with kite surfers in the right conditions.

Oristano is one of the best places to stay in Sardinia – for food, history and gorgeous countryside – and yet, not many tourists come here. It retains an authentic Sardinian feel, with sun-drenched streets, pretty piazzas and elegant buildings like the Chiesa di San Francesco and the cathedral. Visit the Museo Diocesano or the archaeology museum, or head to charming Cabras, which is home to a flamingo lagoon and the famous Contini winery – since you’re in the heart of wine country. Nearby beaches include the sprawling sands at Spiaggia Abarossa and the ruggedly beautiful Capo San Marco peninsula, where you’ll find breath-taking beaches, fabulous walks and stunning archaeological sites.

For true Sardinian elegance, make a beeline for stunning Alghero. The pretty historical centre is a maze of cobbled streets lined with cafes, bars and boutiques, spattered with sunny piazzas and lively side streets. You can visit the coral museum, the nearby caves Grotta di Nettuno and hike the spectacular cliffs at Capo Caccia. The cape is particularly stunning at sunset and you can catch a romantic sunset in town too, on the west-facing Bastioni. Of course, the beaches are impeccable, with Lido di Alghero being the most popular and easy to access. For something lesser-known, try Punta Negra, or snorkel off the rocky landing point at Spiaggia di Las Tronas.

Sardinia’s north coast is pretty unrivalled in its popularity and beauty. The fishing village of Stintino is a peaceful spot with an abundance of seafood and incredible beaches. It’s a classic seaside holiday, Sardinian style. La Pelosa and del Gabbiano are the two most popular beaches, with loungers and facilities, a shallow, warm sea and a view to Isola Piana. For a day adventuring, take a boat trip to the uninhabited isle. To find quieter beaches with a more untouched feel, walk the coast path around Punta Negra or follow the locals to Spiaggia della Pelosetta where they swim off, and sunbathe on, the rocks. Dedicate at least an afternoon to exploring the natural beauty of Capo Falcone.

When looking for the best places to stay in Sardinia, you can’t beat the wild beauty of Santa Teresa di Gallura, situated on the north coast. Most people think any beach in Sardinia is incredible, but those in the know make a pilgrimage here. Even the bustling town beach Rena Bianca is stunning, but just 4 kilometres away you’ll find the paradisical Capo Testa. This enchanting cape is encircled by tiny coves with impeccably clear water where bathing feels luxurious – pack a snorkel or goggles for incredible underwater sights. It’s strewn with mysterious, wind-warped rocks and explorers can don their walking boots and eat their hearts out.

Palau is one of the best places to stay in Sardinia on the north coast. The coast here is an exquisite palette of white sand, bleached rocks, azure sea and greenery speckled with bright wild flowers. It’s a small, fairly modern town with a laid-back vibe. Start your beach exploration at Spiaggia dell'Isolotto and Spiaggia di Palau Vecchio, then try Baia Saraceno and secluded Spiaggia dei Cristalli. It’s also got gorgeous walking nearby, like the Capo d'Orso with its alien-esque rock formations and the Punta Palau headland. The enchanting Maddalena island is also just a 40-minute boat ride for a magical day trip.

Holidays don’t get much more romantic than a visit to the chocolate-box Sardinian town of La Maddalena, the capital of a protected archipelago, with colourful houses, boutiques and restaurants nestled around the picturesque harbour. It’s the perfect base from which to explore the tranquil islands, by boat or on a dive tour, and then head back for exquisite food in an utterly romantic, harbour-side restaurant. Every beach on the island is more impressive than the last, but some top-rated spots include Bassa Trinita, Cala Francese and the seemingly endless sands of Spiaggia Monti d'à Rena. For seclusion, try Cala Lunga, where the forest runs down onto the sands, or deserted-feeling Spiaggia dello Strangolato.

Costa Smeralda, ‘the emerald coast’, is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Sardinia, attracting famous and wealthy holiday makers to its glamorous shores. Some of the most popular spots include the yacht-filled harbour of Porto Cervo, heavenly Romazzino and luxurious Cala di Volpe. Poltu Quatu is a tiny, yet incredibly glamorous and photogenic locale gathered around a serene marina. The beaches around Romazzino are all sugar-white sand and, although they’re quite busy, you still feel like you’re in on a fantastic secret, especially at Spiaggia Poltu Di Li Cogghj. The beach at Pevero is almost-indescribably beautiful and definitely a spot for snorkelling below the water’s exceptionally clear surface. Capriccioli has some of the best, family-friendly beaches with a laid-back feel but the same exceptional swimming conditions and very shallow waters.