Wondering where to stay in Sardinia? This comprehensive guide reveals the 14 best areas to stay on Italy’s most beautiful island, from the historic capital Cagliari to the luxurious Costa Smeralda. Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, authentic culture, vibrant nightlife, or family-friendly resorts, I’ll help you find your perfect base in Sardinia based on my extensive local experience.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Sardinia 🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Petra Segreta Resort & Spa
- 🔮 Boutique Hotel: Su Gologone
- ✨ 5-Star: Hotel Cala di Volpe
- 🏨 4-Star: Hotel La Bitta - Bovis Hotels
- 🌴 Beach Hotel: Falkensteiner Resort Capo Boi
- 💸 Budget-friendly: Hotel Residence Ulivi E Palme
- ✈️ Near Airport: Jazz Hotel
- 🌇 Best Views of the City: Hotel Regina Margherita
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Pullman Almar Timi Ama Resort & Spa
Quick Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Sardinia 📃
- 👀 For the First Time: Cagliari
- 🏄🏻♀️ Best Beaches: Villasimius, Olbia
- 👛 For Luxury & Nightlife: Costa Smeralda
- 👦🏻 For Families: Olbia
- 💑 For Couples: La Maddalena
- 🗿 For History Lovers: Alghero, Sassari, Oristano
- 🕊 For Quiet Stay: Bosa, Pula, Sant'Antonio di Gallura
1. Cagliari – Best Place to Stay in Sardinia for the First Time 👀
🏰 Historic capital: Cagliari serves as the Italian island’s capital and largest city. With its prime location, picturesque beaches, historic sites and lively culture, Cagliari offers an enjoyable base to explore Sardinia.
⛰️ Panoramic spot: For first-time visitors, Cagliari’s Castello neighborhood provides a convenient home base. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the city, Castello puts you steps away from top attractions like the 13th century limestone Bastione San Remy.
🏡 Charming streets: Winding streets lined with cafes, galleries, and shops also make Castello delightful for strolling. However you can easily access other districts, with buses, trains, and scenic elevated pedestrian walkways connecting across Cagliari’s central districts.
When visiting Cagliari, be sure to see:
- The Torre dell’Elefante, an imposing 14th century fortified tower
- The 13th century Cattedrale di Santa Maria, with its ornate façade
- The collection of modern art at the Galleria Comunale d’Arte
- The Botanical Garden’s peaceful trails and 3,200+ plant species
Don’t miss the opportunity to check out the lively daily markets, such as Mercato di San Benedetto, where you can buy fresh produce.
☀️ Beach & trails: With mild weather year-round, Cagliari offers plenty of options to enjoy the outdoors. Stroll along the Poetto Beach lined with bars and restaurants. Or soak in panoramic views along hiking trails in parks like Parco Naturale Regionale Molentargius.
🍷 Food & wine: To sample authentic Sardinian food and wine, head to the Marina neighborhood. Sit at an outdoor table and feast on local specialties like malloreddus pasta, seadas desserts, and cannonau wine.
Best hotels in Cagliari
Palazzo Tirso MGallery Cagliari
Palazzo Doglio
Casa Clàt
Residenza le Scalette
CASACRIZIA
Residenze al Castello
Ichnusa Rooms
Affittacamere Easy Cagliari
Casa dei Talenti
2. Alghero – Best Historic Town in Sardinia for Culture Lovers 🗿
On the northwest coast of Sardinia lies the beautiful port city of Alghero, with its picturesque medieval center, gorgeous beaches and Catalan culture.
🏰 Exotic old town: Inside the old town, wander the narrow lanes and alleyways lined with honey-stone buildings, stopping to admire the palazzos and ornate churches around every corner.
🏛️ Catalan influences: The city has an exotic feel with its heavy Catalan influences – from the local dialect to the Spanish style architecture. Don’t miss the Metropolitan Cathedral and the ethnographic museum showcasing Sardinian and Catalan heritage.
🔝 Top attractions within the old town include:
- The lively 🍸 Happening hub: Piazza Civica filled with bars and restaurants
- The imposing 🏰 Impressive tower: Torre de Sant Jaume
- Boutique shops and artisanal workshops
Must-try local dishes like lobster, sea urchins and paella. I recommend having dinner at the Nautilus restaurant. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s worth it.
🌊 Idyllic beaches: Some of Sardinia’s finest beaches lie just minutes from Alghero’s old town. The famous Spiaggia di Maria Pia with its crystal-clear azure waters makes an excellent spot to relax or try water sports.
🚌 Well-connected: With frequent buses running from the city center, it’s easy to get around the local area. Or take the efficient rail service from Alghero station to sightsee further afield.
Best hotels in Alghero
Hotel Florida
Hotel El Balear
Casa dei Liuti Luxury GuestHouse
Amelia Apts & Rooms
Atteros
B&b Angolo 29
La Tanchetta
The Whale B&B
Aigua
3. Olbia – Where to Stay in Sardinia for Families 👪
🌊 Coastal charm: Inside the old town, wander the narrow lanes and alleyways lined with honey-stone buildings, Olbia offers the perfect introduction to Italy’s second-largest island. With its strategic location on the Costa Smeralda, Olbia provides easy access to many of Sardinia’s renowned beaches and attractions.
🚢 Ferry access: From the city’s main port downtown, travelers can quickly reach gorgeous locales like Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo via ferry. Or stay closer to home and lounge on Olbia’s very own white sand beaches, including Le Saline Beach located minutes from the city center.
🏛️ Must-see attractions and landmarks include:
- The Archaeological Museum – traces Olbia’s history from prehistoric to medieval times
- Historic Center – web of charming alleys with boutiques and traditional cafés
While small enough to easily navigate, Olbia still packs plenty for visitors to explore – history buffs especially will appreciate top sites like the 11th century Romanesque San Simplicio Basilica.
🚍 Some key conveniences for getting around Olbia:
- Local buses to key beaches and villages
- Bike rentals and scooter rentals downtown
- Main taxi stand by the port
- Boat tours to Isola Tavolara from the main pier
In this way, Olbia allows you to see authentic island life while staying close to the top spots.
Best hotels in Olbia
Grand Hotel President
Hotel For You
La Locanda Del Conte Mameli
L'Essenza Hotel
NG Guest House il Gallura
4. Sassari – Best Medieval Town in Northern Sardinia 🏰
🏰 Royal past: The historic city of Sassari offers visitors charming piazzas and palazzos interwoven with traces of its past ruled by the Spanish House of Aragon. As the second largest city on the island, it serves as an ideal base to take day trips across northern Sardinia.
🚶♂️ Walkable city: Sassari’s downtown center lies less than three miles from the main train station, with several buses running frequently along the major Viale Italia thoroughfare. Most attractions cluster within walking distance of the three main squares – Piazza Castello, Piazza Tola, and Piazza d’Italia.
🏛️ Gothic palace: From Piazza Castello, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II leads past aristocratic palaces like the Gothic Palazzo Ducale, housing Sassari’s first university. As Sards’ second most important language, Catalan influences reveal themselves through landmarks such as the Fountain of the Rosello.
🖼️ Arts & culture: Other attractions for art lovers:
- Museo Sanna houses Sardinia’s top archaeological collection
- 19th century Teatro Civico provides opera, concerts, and summer arts festivals
If you are a history and architecture buff, you should stay here. But keep in mind that the sea is 16 km away.
Best hotels in Sassari
Album Boutique Rooms
NG Guest House il RIS
Locanda Carra Manna
14 B&B
Il giardino di Iole Via Giovanni Amendola n36
5. Costa Smeralda – Where to Stay in Sardinia for Nightlife & Luxury 💃🏻
🌴 Idyllic resort: Costa Smeralda radiates luxurious charm. Known as the “billionaire’s playground,” it attracts jet setters and glitterati from across the globe. But don’t let its ritzy reputation intimidate you – beyond the yachts and boutiques awaits natural beauty and cultural delights accessible to travelers of all budgets.
✈️ Well positioned: Just a 30 minute drive northeast from the port city Olbia, Costa Smeralda offers phenomenal proximity to top area attractions. The stunning beaches and coves remain the biggest draw – from the renowned Spiaggia del Principe Beach to secluded bays like Cala di Volpe. Don’t miss a boat tour to survey them all!
🚶♂️ Hiker’s paradise: For outdoor adventures, trails crisscross the surrounding area with spectacular views. Highlights include Capo Figari and the coastal walk to Spiaggia Romazzino.
🚌 Car-free friendly: Though having a car allows exploring farther-flung areas, it’s easy to navigate Costa Smeralda itself car-free. For example, Bus Nr 9 links key destinations like Porto Cervo, San Pantaleo, and Palau.
🛍 Shoppers’ heaven: Beyond natural splendor, Costa Smeralda offers no shortage of ways to indulge – from Michelin-star dining to designer shopping sprees. While options like the Pegolotti couture boutiques and Nikki Beach club cement Costa Smeralda’s reputation for catering to the one percent, more reasonable prices can be found, especially off-season.
Best hotels in Costa Smeralda
Hotel Sporting
CPH | Pevero Hotel
Hotel Moresco
La Suera San Pantaleo
6. Bosa – Most Authentic Town in Sardinia for Local Experience 🏘️
⭐ Rich history: Nestled along Sardinia’s northwestern coast, the neighborhood of Bosa offers visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional Sardinian culture. This quiet community provides a peaceful home base to explore the region’s renowned beaches, medieval architecture, and stunning mountainous interior.
Some of Bosa’s top attractions include the stately Castle of Serravalle and the elegant Church of Saint Peter, originally constructed in the 11th century.
🏘️ Charming views: Bosa is best known for its pastel-colored traditional homes clustered along the hillside . From your accommodations, take an evening stroll down the neighborhood’s streets to enjoy panoramic vistas of the river valley. Time your walk to catch the sunset over the river for an unforgettable travel moment.
🚶♂️ Walkable: Getting around Bosa could not be simpler. The efficient neighborhood layout places cafés, grocers, bakeries and artisan shops all within a 5-10 minute walk from hotels and vacation rentals. And with a direct bus line connecting Bosa to:
- Bosa Marina beach and boardwalk – 10 mins
- Scenic coastal drives down the SS292 – 20-40 mins
- Alghero and its international airport – 55 mins
You can conveniently access both relaxation and adventure without the need for a rental car.
Best hotels in Bosa
Palazzo Pischedda
Corte Fiorita Albergo Diffuso
Casa Pagiò
Locanda di Corte
Le Camelie camera
Appartamento Sa Molina
7. Nuoro – Hidden Gem in the Central Part of the Island 💎
🌄 Scenic city: Tucked amongst the rolling green hills and granite peaks of central Sardinia lies the vibrant city of Nuoro. As the capital of the province by the same name, Nuoro makes an ideal base to explore this less-travelled area of the island.
🛍️ Local boutiques: The city lies in a valley basin, surrounded by forestry and villages where ancient traditions still endure. As you wander Nuoro’s streets, you’ll discover local boutiques filled with artisanal wares, as well as restaurants dishing up hearty pasta dishes.
🌅 Panoramic views: Truly getting to know central Sardinia though means heading just outside the city. A 15 minute drive brings you to the base of Monte Ortobene. From the mountain’s 955 meter apex, panoramic views unfurl across Nuoro and the sea beyond.
🎨 Vibrant murals: Further inland, the village of Orgosolo depicts Sardinia’s spirit through larger-than-life murals plastered across building facades. And scattered throughout the region, archaeological sites like Serra Orrios immerse you in the island’s storied past.
🏛 Historic sites: Within the city itself, top sights include the Grazia Deledda’s Museum displaying traditional masks and costumes, as well as charming Piazza Sebastiano Satta lined with cafes.
So while many tourists flock to Sardinia’s picturesque beaches, Nuoro’ll uncover islands’s soul.
Best hotels in Nuoro
Hotel Sandalia
Domo Silvia E Paolo
8. Villasimius – Where to Stay in Sardinia for the Best Beaches 🏖
🌊 Idyllic coast: Nestled along Sardinia’s stunning southeastern coast, Villasimius charms visitors with its idyllic beaches, crystalline waters, and abundance of outdoor activities.
🏝 Sheltered charm: Villasimius lies tucked inside the protected oasis of Marine Protected Area Capo Carbonara, sheltering it from development and preserving its delightful small-town charm.
Just minutes away you’ll find sprawling white sand beaches such as
- the Spiaggia del Riso
- the Spiaggia di Simius
and Campulongu Beach lined with turquoise waters and scenic coves.
☀️ Beachside plaza:The main square, Piazza Gramsci, sits just across the street from the sandy shores of Simius Beach – making it easy to pop over for a refreshing swim during breaks from shopping and strolling through town.
🌲 For accommodations, villas nestled in pine and eucalyptus groves provide an oasis of relaxation after days spent beach-hopping.
🌆 As the sun sets across the sea, you’ll understand why visitors have been coming to bask in the magic of Villasimius for decades.
Best hotels in Villasimius
Hotel Simius Playa
Domu Simius Life Style Hotel
Admayora Guest House
9. Oristano – Best Town for Traditional Sardinian Culture 🏺
🏰 Historic hub: Nestled on the western coast of the Italian island of Sardinia lies the port city of Oristano. As the island’s historic gateway and capital from the 11th to 15th centuries, Oristano offers visitors a window into Sardinia’s rich cultural past alongside modern amenities.
🚶♂️Walk and explore: Oristano’s city center hosts many of the main tourist attractions within an easily walkable area:
- the 12th century Oristano Cathedral with its towering spires anchors the Piazza Eleonora d’Arborea
- the 19th century Eleonora d’Arborea Municipal Library lies just opposite
- north of the piazza, the Saint Francis Church contains intricate 14th century frescoes
Southwest of the city center, the star-shaped 19th century Portixedda Tower stands as the lone remnant of Oristano’s medieval protective walls.
🛒 Shop and dine: While Oristano offers history buffs ample opportunities for exploration, more modern conveniences also abound. The city contains plenty of shopping centers stocked with local Sardinian delicacies like roasted piglet, pecorino cheese, and sweet seadas pastries.
🏨 Stay and go: Visitors have a wide selection of hotel and dining options, while rental cars and public buses provide easy transport to Oristano’s beaches just 10 minutes west.
Best hotels in Oristano
Maison Belle Époque & suites
Hotel Mistral
Sardinia for you
10. Pula – Best Quiet Resort Town in South Sardinia 🌅
🏛️ Roman relics: Nestled along Sardinia’s southern coast, the small city of Pula provides a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and modern convenience. Located 18 km from the vibrant regional capital Cagliari, Pula makes an ideal base to explore the area.
🍃 Sandy shores: The main attraction is the sprawling Nora Archaeological Site, displaying well-preserved Roman ruins dating back over 2,000 years. Other popular sites nearby include the protected beaches of Chia and the 14th century towers guarding the old port.
🚶♂️ On foot: Getting around by foot is recommended to appreciate Pula’s relaxed pace. But taxis, buses, or rental cars provide more transportation options for those looking to venture further to wineries, villages and ancient sites scattered throughout the cape.
This sun-soaked Sardinian city has much to offer any visitor seeking Mediterranean magic.
Best hotels in Pula
Hotel Stele di Nora
Villa Alberta Hotel
11. La Maddalena – Best Place to Stay in Sardinia for Couples 💖
🌊 Island getaway: La Maddalena is a small island city brimming with historic charm. Though slightly off the usual tourist trail, it remains one of Sardinia’s hidden gems – perfect for those seeking a relaxing island getaway.
🚢 Easy access: La Maddalena itself is conveniently located just a 15 minute ferry ride from the island of Sardinia, making it easy to access. Upon arrival, you’ll immediately notice pastel-colored houses. Here cafes and restaurants buzz with activity as locals and visitors alike take in the lovely sea views over a glass of Vermentino.
🚶♂️ Compact & walkable: The island’s compact size makes it a breeze to explore. Top attractions like the hilltop Caprera Island, the old town and various beaches are no more than a 30 minute from each other. Some highlights worth visiting include:
- Compendio Garibaldino Museum – dedicate to national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi who once lived here
- Cala Coticcio Beach – picture-perfect cove good for swimming and snorkeling
🍽 Food & drinks: While decidedly quieter than nearby resort towns, La Maddalena still offers plenty of charming restaurants serving fresh seafood, as well as intimate wine bars and cafes to while away the afternoon.
So if you seek an authentically Sardinian experience filled with natural beauty, history and laidback island living, look no further than the lovely city of La Maddalena.
Best hotels in La Maddalena
Grand Hotel Resort&SPA Ma&Ma - Adults Only
Isola nel Parco Villas & Rooms
Villa le Bougainvillea
12. San Teodoro – Best Beach Town in Northeast Sardinia ⛱
✈️ Quick trip: Conveniently located just 25 minutes ride south of Olbia Airport, San Teodoro sits close enough for easy airport access yet far enough to retain its small-town charm.
🔝 This small town is home to a huge number of excellent sights:
- La Cinta Beach – This crescent-shaped stunner boasts powdery white sand and shallow
- Cala Brandinchi Beach – Known for its Caribbean vibe and turquoise hue, this spectacular beach often lands on “Top Beaches in Italy” lists
- Capo Coda Cavallo – Dramatic limestone cliffs drop down to the sea at this rugged cape
🍦 Charming spot: Beyond its photogenic shores, San Teodoro offers scenic hiking trails, shops and eateries in the Old Town, and a charming main square – Piazza Gallura – where visitors watch the world go by with a gelato in hand.
Best hotels in San Teodoro
Residence SardegnaSummer
Hotel Stella Marina
Le Dune
13. Sant’Antonio di Gallura – Where to Stay Away from the Crowds 🕊
🌅 Peaceful gateway: Sant’Antonio di Gallura is a peaceful yet lively neighborhood that serves as the gateway to the island’s famous beaches and historic sites.
📍 Well-located: Sant’Antonio offers easy access to Arzachena’s more bustling city center and the top regional attractions like the UNESCO archaeological site at Nuraghe la Prisciona, just a quick 10-15 minute drive away.
🚶♂️ Walkable charm: Getting around Sant’Antonio itself however is easily accomplished on foot. The neighborhood layout unfolds along narrow laneways peppered with colorful buildings and gardens. The highlights include:
- The Chiesa di Sant’Antonio – a picturesque 14th century church adorned with traditional Sardinian artwork
- Local restaurants dishing out hearty plates of malloreddus pasta and porceddu pork
- Little public squares hosting lively village events and festivals
The neighborhood also provides proximity for day trips to top regional sights like La Maddalena National Park, Roman ruins, and acclaimed wineries.
All hotels in Sant'Antonio di Gallura →
14. Budoni – Less Popular Seaside Vacation Spot 🌴
Budoni sits about an 45-minute drive from Olbia-Costa Smeralda Airport.
📍 Central plaza: Within Budoni itself, many attractions and restaurants congregate around the central Piazza Giubileo and adjacent church. From here, travelers can access both the modern town and historic Old Town.
🚲 Small town: Getting around Budoni requires little effort. The town center is easily walkable, dotted with cafés, pizzerias, ice cream parlors, and small locally-owned shops. Alternatively, rental bicycles offer budget-friendly transportation to neighborhood sights.
🏖 Beachside: The pebble beaches also fringe the downtown area, allowing visitors to easily intermix sightseeing with sunbathing. The central city beach provides stunning vistas of the Bay of Budoni stretching out to the islands of Tavolara and Molara.
Though often overlooked for the more famous northern resort towns, Budoni rewards visitors with a peaceful seaside escape.
Best hotels in Budoni
Residence Solaria
Resort Abbaia Ba
Casa a schiera Budoni
Where to Stay in Sardinia Without a Car 🦶
When exploring Sardinia without a car, consider staying in Alghero, a charming town with convenient public transport. Its cobblestone streets and harbor offer a mix of history and modern amenities. Villasimius, on the southeast coast, is another great option with beachside accommodations and easy bus access to attractions.
For a tranquil retreat, Bosa along the Temo River provides a picturesque setting with riverside accommodations and bus accessibility. In Olbia, in the northeast, you’ll find a blend of culture and convenience with hotels near the city center and a bus system connecting you to beaches and attractions.
Choose accommodations strategically located near public transit hubs to make the most of your car-free stay in this Mediterranean paradise.
Top Tips for Your Trip to Sardinia 🔝
Here are 5 tips to make your stay as comfortable as possible
1. 🧳 Pack smart for varied activities: Ensure a comfortable trip by packing versatile clothing for diverse Sardinian experiences, from beach days to mountain hikes. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.
2. 🍖 Savor local cuisine and customs: Immerse yourself in Sardinia’s culinary delights. Try traditional dishes like “porceddu” and embrace leisurely dining customs. Engage with locals for authentic recommendations and explore family-run trattorias.
3. 🧭 Navigate with confidence: Rent a car for flexibility, but be mindful of diverse road conditions. Familiarize yourself with driving regulations, use GPS, and enjoy the scenic routes Sardinia offers.
4. 🙏🏻 Respect local traditions: Greet locals warmly, dress modestly at religious sites, and embrace the relaxed pace. Participate in local festivals to deepen your understanding of Sardinia’s rich culture.
5. 💦 Stay hydrated: Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Stay hydrated with a water bottle, especially in the summer heat.
Best Areas and Hotels in Sardinia on a Map 🗺
FAQs about Traveling to Sardinia ❔
What is the best part of Sardinia to stay in?
Choosing the best part of Sardinia to stay in depends on your preferences, but the northeastern region, around the Costa Smeralda, is often considered a top choice. This area boasts stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, upscale resorts, and a vibrant nightlife scene. If you’re looking for a mix of relaxation and excitement, this could be an ideal spot for you.
Which part of Sardinia is most beautiful?
In terms of sheer beauty, the entire island is a treasure trove, but the Gulf of Orosei on the eastern coast stands out with its breathtaking limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters. Exploring the Cala Luna and Cala Goloritze beaches is a must for nature enthusiasts and those looking for picture-perfect landscapes.
What is the most touristy part of Sardinia?
For a more touristy vibe, head to Alghero on the northwest coast. This charming town boasts a well-preserved historic center, lively atmosphere, and a plethora of shops and restaurants catering to visitors.
Where to avoid in Sardinia?
To avoid the crowds and experience a more authentic side of Sardinia, consider steering clear of the overly touristy spots during peak seasons. The southern part of the island, such as Iglesias and the Sulcis region, offers a quieter ambiance with historical sites, local traditions, and a chance to immerse yourself in Sardinian culture.
Where to stay in Sardinia with family?
If you’re planning a family trip, the resort areas of the Villasimius in the southeast are ideal. These locations offer family-friendly beaches with shallow waters, suitable for children, and a range of activities for the whole family. The town provide a welcoming atmosphere and amenities catering to visitors with kids.
Where to stay in Sardinia for best beaches?
For the best beaches in Sardinia, the options are plentiful, but the southern coast, near Villasimius, stands out. With its fine sand and clear waters, this area provides a paradise for beach lovers. Consider staying in Villasimius or nearby areas to have easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
