Last updated on 14 November 2023 | by Stefan Hotel Follower
You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting which part of Sardinia to stay in since the Mediterranean island has countless desirable spots that are conducive. There’s is over 1,300 miles of plush coastline on Italy’s second-largest island that features turquoise water, white sandy beaches, and spectacular ocean views.
Sardinia has a uniquely eclectic mix of rustic resorts, family-run inns, affordable hotels, and upscale apartments that offer all manner of accommodation. The hilly and forested inner parts of Sardinia offer lush wildness where hiking trails pass through fields full of sheep, prehistoric ruins and sparsely populated villages.
A colorful human tradition exists on the island, which despite having been spiced by tourists and visitors, Sardinia’s culture has remained defined in its individuality. Catalan heritage is evident in the architecture and whichever place you chose to stay in, be it city, town or village, Sardinia’s accommodationoptions also capitalize on Mediterranean cuisine.
From the Porto Cervo billionaire paradise of costa Smeralda with Olbia to Palau developments that feature a rash of golf courses and yacht bays to the south in the city of Cagliari, Sardiniaoffers a friendly welcome. Surfers, hikers, medieval history buffs, wine connoisseurs and myriad artists come to Sardinia seeking fun or stellar intrigue, each part of the island offering catering to their obsessions. Ancient cathedrals sit next to wartime forts, telling of a deeply religious place whose past is intermingled with decades of conflicts. What’s the best places to stay in Sardinia without a car ? Both Olbia and Cagliari are excellent choices, from where you can easily use public transportation.
What’s the best area to experience the city for tourists, what’s the best district for nightlife, town for swimming and the beach, or where to stay for diving or when with a family? Read on below to find out more best areas to stay in Sardinia Italy.
What is the Best Area to Stay in Sardinia?
Recommended Hotels & Resorts in Sardinia
- Best Luxury Hotels in Sardinia
Hotel Li Finistreddi • Petra Segreta Resort & Spa - Best Great Value – Top Rated Hotels
Hotel Villa Fanny • Excelsior - Best Beach Hotels in Sardinia
La Villa del Re – Adults Only • Cala Di Volpe, a Luxury Collection Hotel - Best Cheap Hotels in Sardinia
Arcupintau • Hotel Stella D’Oro - Best Bed & Breakfast
B&B Oltremare • Villa Nicoletta (with Pool) - Best Budget Hostels
Hostel Sardinia • MuMA Hostel
What are the best towns for swimming and the beach in Sardinia? Alghero, Villasimius, Stintino, Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro, Santa Margherita di Pula
Alghero is Sardinia’s city of preserved heritage, while Villasimius features architectural history, culture, and character. Stintino, Costa Smeralda and San Teodoro have delightful fishing harbors surrounded by admirable beaches, while Santa Margherita di Pula offers you the tepid warm shallow waters best for snorkeling.
What’s the best area to stay in Sardinia for nightlife? Cagliari, Costa Smeralda, Santa Teresa Di Gallura
Cagliari is Sardinia’s capital city and Costa Smeralda is packed with exquisite nightlife, and hours fly by when you are exploring the vibrant dining spots, bars, and nightclubs. Set in timelessness, Cagliari is the best place to stay in for a fast-paced night scene and attractions that are abuzz with nocturnal activity in Santa Teresa Di Gallura.
Where to stay in Sardinia with a family? Stintino, San Teodoro, Villasimius
Ideal for families with little ones, Stintino is on the headland northwest of Sardinia, boasting gorgeous beaches with shallow waters that are conducive for sunbathing. Self-catering apartments and resorts with pools litter the popular town of Stintino, while with family-friendly options near Pelosetta and la Pelosa beaches make San Teodoro kids-conducive. Villasimius is another family-friendly destination.
Best place to stay for romance (romantic trip)? Cala Gonone
A favorite romantic spot on Sardinia, Cala Gonone is the ultimate getaway and is sited on the eastern coast of the island. Backdropped by mountains and fronted by a spectacular ocean view, Cala Gonone is full of romance and discoveries, and a good place to stay in Sardinia for couples.
Where to stay in Sardinia for upscale holiday? Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast), Porto Cervo
This is the posh and pretty Sardinia that offers upmarket accommodation and features lavish beaches near the romantic Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast). Stroll past the yacht docks down the port for a boat trip to La Maddalena, or take in the jet setting nightlife of Porto Cervo.
What’s the best area to stay for diving in Sardinia? Alghero, Villasimius
The waters around Alghero are great for underwater forays that include snorkeling and scuba diving, seeing that they are endowed with rocky outcrops. The Villasimius waterfront offers opportunities for deep-sea explorations and accommodation options will make arrangements for you.
The 9 Best Cities & Towns in Sardinia for Tourists (Holiday)
1. Porto Cervo
This is the super posh district of Sardinia and features mainly upmarket tourist options that include the lavish Costa Smeralda. Porto Cervo is situated on a natural port with two harbors and a shipyard for luxury yacht repairs, while the marinas host a mix of restaurants, newsagents, supermarkets, and bars.
The town is a creation of prince Karim the Aga khan and fellow investors who, in the 1950s and 60s, developed an almost bare beachfront into one of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Away from the prestigious billionaire’s magnet, there are two major tourist beach areas in the south and the northern part of Porto Cervo, each with its unique characteristics for your discernment. The southern beaches will appeal to the fun-loving and crowd oriented thrill seeker while the north side beaches cater to the reclusive tourist. It’s the best place to stay in Sardinia for couples looking for upscale holiday.
Why stay in Porto Cervo?
This is one of the best-sheltered harbor towns in Sardinia, nestling over 700 berths and 100 mega yacht slips, with accommodation options that reflect upmarket luxury. Take a trip to the beaches around Porto Cervo and Costa Smeralda, where the entire town facilities were designed with you in mind.
- Best Hotels (Luxury): CPH | Pevero Hotel • Pitrizza, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- Best Great Value Hotels: Relais Villa Carola • Bagaglino I Giardini Di Porto Cervo
2. Villasimius
Villasimius is a south Sardinian town that’s well known for its sandy white beaches and welcoming resorts. There are crystal clear warm waters and Mediterranean scrub topography where exploration will uncover hidden coves. The town’s population almost triples during the summer months, proving that it’s one of the best neighborhoods for tourists on the island of Sardinia.
Among the tourist attractions in Villasimius are beautiful beaches, the blue-hued sea and the Capo Carbonara marine protected area that offers a unique diving experience. A large lagoon near Stagno di Notteri is home to rare bird species including hosting migrating flocks of flamingoes. Underneath the waters are schools of barracuda and lush meadows of seagrass where many tropical species of fish frolic.
Accommodation in Villasimius is centered on boutique stays, or hotels offering beachfront views and boating trips while you can also hire a car and visit notable sites such as the 16th century Aragonese tower. Beaches in Villasimius include la Spiaggia Del Riso, Porto Giunco, Porto Sa Ruxi, Cala Caterina, Campulongu and Punta Molentis.
Why stay in Villasimius?
This town is dotted with bougainvillea and palm trees, featuring 5-star accommodations adjoining more affordable options that serve to attract hordes of tourists during the high season. There are beachfront hotels right within the capo Carbonara reserve with private pools and beaches where families engage in all manner of outdoor activities.
- Best Hotels (Luxury): Pullman Timi Ama Sardegna • Falkensteiner Resort Capo Boi
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels (Great Value): Arcupintau • Suimi’s Hotel
3. Alghero
Alghero is a harbor town on the northwestern coast of Sardinia and is characterized by gothic-era medieval citadels that act as centerpieces for narrow winding streets. One of the best tourist neighborhoods on the island, Alghero is a favorite for art lovers and medieval history lovers who flock the many restaurants and boutiques in town. Getting pretty tourist crowded in July and August, Alghero has street sights in both Italian and Catalan, a testament of Aragon Spanish rule for more than 300 years.
The areas surrounding Alghero provide scenes of natural beauty laden with historic character and you can rent a car to explore. Tourist accommodations in town include options located on the beachfront with stellar views of the Mediterranean Sea, and the nightlife in Alghero is relaxed and low key. Sit in a tucked-away bar where bottles of Italian wine are shared and gelato is aplenty, or visit the modern quarter with its restaurants and nightclubs.
Why stay in Alghero?
Apart from Sardinian style and Spanish architecture alongside vibrant marinas, Alghero has accommodation that offers exclusive lounges, open-air swimming pools, rooftop terraces, and 24-hour fitness centers. Alghero also boasts a wide variety of continental, Italian and Catalan cuisine, with many eateries seeking to offer tourists set-apart panoramic sea views together with their menus.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Villa Las Tronas Hotel & SPA • Hotel Sa Cheya Relais & Spa
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels (Great Value): Hotel Alguer • Hotel Angedras
4. San Teodoro
This was once a fishing village that has since become one of the best neighborhoods for tourists, and San Teodoro features powdery sand beaches lapped gently by warm seawater. Lying on the eastern coast of the Sardinian island, san Teodoro is far removed from the bustle of the major towns and holds a lot of secluded old-world charm. There is a permanent part atmosphere however in this town, with vibrant beach bars and cosmopolitan nightclubs dotting san Theodora’s waterfront.
Accommodation options for tourists in san Teodoro include low key lodgings and some Mediterranean upscale offerings, and the town is famous for its kite surfing scene. The peaceful retreat town gives tourists options that have air-conditioned rooms to cool off the Italian summer, and most will have rooms with balconies that overlook the spectacular ocean. Expect Mediterranean cuisine with a Catalan flavoring at its best when visiting san Teodoro, for which you can work off at your chosen hotel’s wellness and fitness center.
Why stay in San Teodoro?
The town of San Teodoro is inundated with amazing scenery, and accommodation establishments here offer rooftop terraces to catch these spectacular views, and there’s complimentary free parking. There is a lot of lush greenery amongst and you can lounge in the sun or enjoy cool outdoor swimming pool experience with water-jet technology massage.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Paradise Resort Sardegna (Beachfront) • Due Lune Resort Golf & Spa (Private Beach)
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels (Great Value): Il Viandante • Hotel Lu Pitrali
5. Cagliari
Once described by DH Lawrence as Jerusalem without the trees, Cagliari is the capital city of Sardinia and a beautiful historic town with some of the best tourist neighborhoods to boot. This is the place where your wandering spirit achieves free reign, and attractions include baroque cathedrals, roman era ruins, the Castello district, and an ancient piazza. There is a famous 2nd-century roman amphitheater in this city and the remnants of the city’s southern gate once called Lions Door.
Pale blue waters lap at the long swath of white sandy beach known as Poetto beach, and Cagliari can get quite busy during the peak tourist season. The city offers you a chance to lodge in restored medieval buildings, boutique hotels, self-catering apartments, and modern villas or resorts. Late-night bars, restaurants, and nightclubs are aplenty in Cagliari, and the outdoorsy can hire bikes for explorations of the countryside around the city.
Where to stay in Southern Sardinia ?
Accommodations in the tourist neighborhoods of the Sardinian capital city almost all overlook the powdery white sandy Poetto beachfront, with amenities that include deck chairs or beach umbrellas. You can expect an intimate atmosphere in the clean architecture that houses Cagliari hotels and resort villas, with continental, Italian and Catalan menus to satisfy any palate. It’s one of the best places to stay in Southern Sardinia.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Neko Boutique Hotel • Palazzo Doglio
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels (Great Value): Hotel Aristeo • Hotel L’ Ambasciata
6. Olbia
Olbia is located in the northeast of Sardinia, and is the island’s main gateway, seeing as it has the main ferry port and the international airport is nearby. An authentic Sardinian port town, Olbia has impressive credentials for the best neighborhood for tourists due to its Corso Umberto I shopping street that stays open after dark. A bustling party atmosphere makes this city the perfect spot to book your stay in, where you can sip wine while dining on the cobbled streets or terraces in any one of the versatile piazzas and restaurants.
There are myriad terracotta-roofed facilities that range from the rustic to the modern and plush, and many offer a colorful view of the ocean or are surrounded by palm trees. Historic churches and cream-colored architecture characterize Olbia with tourist accommodation options range from offering basic amenities to 5-star a la carte dining.
Where to stay in Northern Sardinia ?
Olbia is the undisputed economic powerhouse of the northeastern Sardinia and also hosts commercial centers for the food industry. It’s one of the best places to stay in Northern Sardinia. The city is also very near beautiful Costa Smeralda, providing splendid beaches alongside culturally interesting places to visit.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Casagliana Suite Resort (Aparthotel) • Hotel Panorama
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels (Great Value): Hotel Abbaruja (Beachfront) • Hotel Mare Blue (Beachfront)
7. Santa Teresa Gallura
Located on the northern tip of the Sardinian island, Santa Teresa Gallura has a population that almost triples with the influx of summertime tourists. Famed to be one of the possible locations of the ancient city of Tibula, the town has a square that hosts restaurants and shops catering to tourists, some of them closing their doors during the off-peak season. Featuring warm waters and sandy white beaches, Santa Teresa is home to throngs of visitors, spreading to Rena Bianca town.
This busy resort town features warmth and local charm, and Santa Teresa Gallura was founded in 1808 during modern times as a smuggling deterrent. Inland and to the north of the town are the secluded Capo Testa hiking area and accommodation options here range from resort villas, large hotels, quaint inns, and apartment rentals.
Why stay in Santa Teresa Gallura?
Typical of this Mediterranean region, Santa Teresa Gallura is characterized by whitewashed buildings alongside the white sand beach coastal strip, a paradise from where the southern tip of Corsica Island can be seen. Most hotels and villas in this town overlook the gulf of capo Testa and provide private sea-view balconies, town shuttles, and kid-friendly activities.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Grindi Suite Relais de Chambre (near beach) • Hotel Corallaro (near Rena Bianca beach)
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels (Great Value): Hotel Muita di Mari • Hotel Canne al Vento
8. Cala Gonone
Cala Gonone is situated in the middle of Sardinia’s east coast and is accessible by a scenic byway that twists and tunnels through the hillside. The town is located in an area once inhabited during the late neuralgic era, and a relic settlement remains at Nuraghe Mannu outside Cala Gonone. At the start of the 20th century, Ponza island fishermen founded the village but it remained isolated due to the lack of mainland access until 1860.
The show cave of blue Marino is a major tourist attraction to Cala Gonone, which is reachable by boat. Traveling further south of the coast will bring you to Cala Luna, where caves hollowed out by the ocean invite tourists to explore, or you can laze around bathing in the warm azure waters. Inside the caves, you will most probably follow in the tradition of writing your name on the solid rock walls, with a stick of charcoal from a small fire.
Why stay in Cala Gonone?
This is a popular tourist neighborhood, mainly due to the quality of the beaches, and Cala Gonone’s natural environment. The town is also included inside the territory of the Gennargentu National Park, and you can visit the secluded beach at Cala Fuili, the Ispinigoli cave, Supramonte, and the aforementioned blue Marino grotto.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Hotel Villa Gustui Maris • Hotel Brancamaria (with pool)
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels (Great Value): Hotel Nettuno • Hotel La Favorita (Beachfront)
9. Stintino
Sitting on the northwestern Sardinian headland, the small town of Stintino is the site of Pelosetta and la Pelosa beaches, huge tourist attractions and especially those with families. The town is also close to the island of Del’Asinara, a stunning paradise surrounded by shallow warm waters that are conducive for snorkeling and diving. This is a postcard-friendly little town with eons of history to its name, seeing as its Torre Della Pelosa tower dates back to 1578.
The town of Stintino is also part of the Asinara national park and provides the nearest embankment point into the marine reserve. You can take a boat trip around the tower to Del’Asinara Island or hire a kayak for a glide down the lazy bay. This is the ultimate Mediterranean holiday destination and acts as a magnet to vacation seekers, and Stintino’s provides you with three ports.
Why stay in Stintino?
Apart from the famous la Pelosa beach, Stintino is in close proximity to the ferry terminal at Porto Torres and is a delight in itself squeezed in between two harbors. Signposts will lead you from your accommodation to several other beaches around the town, including the Corsia di Donna which loosely translates to a lady’s upper leg.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): 103 Stintino – Boutique Hotel • Domo Sul Porto (Bed and Breakfast)
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels (Great Value): Lina Hotel • Hotel Cala Reale (with pool)
Best Places to Stay in Sardinia
There are so many great places to stay in Sardinia Italy, but we have three places that we can certainly recommend. Here we’re going to recommend you our favorite luxury hotel, mid-range hotel, and hostel.
Best Luxury Hotel in Sardinia: Faro Capo Spartivento
Faro Capo Spartivento is a 5-star high-quality hotel located a few miles from Chia town center and offers pet-friendly accommodations. There are hotel shuttle services to and from the beach and the airport, which is approximately an hour’s drive away. The Faro Capo Spartivento features an underground cinema, an in-house restaurant, and outdoor pools, while the Cala Cipolla beach is nearby the hotel’s property.
Offering their guests free parking without reservations, hotel Faro Capo Spartivento is family-friendly, providing a child’s cot for kids under 2 years of age who stay free of charge.
Best Mid Range Hotel in Sardinia: Hotel Corte Bianca – Bovis Hotels – Adults Only
The hotel Corte Bianca offers you relaxation areas within a large park and allows its guests to have direct access to their private Marina di Cardedu beach. An in-house a la carte restaurant serves specialist Sardinian dishes, and the hotel’s beachfront terrace has a terrific ocean view. For ferry services to or from mainland Italy, the Arbatax port is about a 35-minute drive from the hotel for which it offers shuttle services.
There’s a variety of staff-organized excursions and sports activities for the summer at the hotelCorte Bianca, as well as a rich itinerary of entertainment. A four-star service that gives access to a 24-hour fitness and gym center is conversant in Italian, English, and German.
Best Cheap Hostel in Sardinia: MuMA Hostel
For family-friendly accommodation and organized Sardinia excursions, the MuMA hostel is located near the village of SantʼAntìoco. Guests at this hostel can relax in the shared lounge or take in Mediterranean sunsets in the garden, while bike and car rentals are available here. Wake up to the sound of the sea lapping at the sandy rocks, or seagull singing as the fresh catch comes in, and experience a stay on the SantʼAntìoco seafront at MuMA hostel.
The rich history of the region, along with its naval carpentry and aquatic wildlife is preserved in the reception of MuMA hostel, with their Museum of the Sea and Shipwrights. Named for the patron saint of Sardinia, the town of Sant’Antioco presents the great Phoenician history, beaches and cliffs dotted in with the humanity of its seafaring past.
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