Where to Stay in Sardinia: 9 Top Escapes for Every Type of Traveller

This enchanting Italian island, in the sparkling Mediterranean, is a patchwork of rugged peaks, secluded bays, glamorous resorts and timeless villages. With such a wealth of stunning places, choosing where to stay in Sardinia can be a challenge (of the best kind!). From lively coastal cities and sleepy fishing ports to pristine paradise islands and vast national parks, we’ve rounded up nine unforgettable destinations to help you plan your perfect island escape.

The emerald coastline needs little introduction. Since the 1960s, Costa Smeralda has been the playground of the international jet set, thanks to Aga Khan’s visionary development that transformed this tranquil corner into a haven of luxury. Think superyachts, boutique shopping, golf courses and dreamy white-sand beaches lapped by warm water in varying shades of emerald green and turquoise.

Beyond the glamour, you can still find glimpses of local Sardinian life. Visit early to see local fishermen quietly unloading their catch at the marina in Porto Cervo. Or venture slightly inland to find shepherds making pecorino cheese in traditional stone huts.

On Sardinia’s northwest coast, Alghero is one of Sardinia's most beautiful medieval cities. Its honey-hued sea walls, built by the Aragonese in the 16th century, now form a promenade lined with coral jewellery shops, lively bars and seafood restaurants, with superb views of scenic Capo Caccia.

Though bustling with visitors in summer, Alghero’s independent spirit remains proudly intact. Wander the narrow streets of the old town, where you’ll still hear Catalan spoken, and discover beautiful churches and the cathedral’s striking 16th-century campanile (bell tower). With its appealing mix of ancient architecture and golden beaches, it's perfect for couples or families after a bit of everything.

If you're wondering where to stay in Sardinia if you don’t have a car, Cagliari makes a fantastic base. The island's capital is well connected by train and bus, and compact enough to explore on foot.

Wander through its maze of historic quarters, from the café-studded Marina to the elegant hilltop Castello, crowned by domes, towers and aristocratic palazzi. Spend some time browsing the lively San Benedetto market and learning about the island's past at the Museo Archeologico, before unwinding along the sweeping sands of 7-km Poetto Beach.

• Where to stay: Housed in a splendid 1920s building overlooking the marina, the Palazzo Tirso Hotel Cagliari - MGallery Collection offers an elegant setting for luxury holidays or exclusive events, complete with a rooftop boasting breathtaking views and a serene L’Occitane spa.

Olbia is a lively little town with Roman ruins, trendy bars and excellent connections to nearby beaches. Often overlooked in the rush to Costa Smeralda, Olbia reveals its charm in a historic centre packed with boutiques, wine bars and café-lined piazzas. Don't miss the archaeological museum or the beautiful San Simplicio church.

For excursions, consider touring the nearby Tenute Olbios wine estate or taking a 20-minute boat trip to the spectacular Maddalena Archipelago National Park, with its turquoise lagoons, deserted islands and pristine white-sand coves.

Where to stay: The 4-star Mercure Olbia is an authentic, affordable alternative to the flashier resorts of Costa Smeralda. With its wellness centre, excellent transport links and short stroll to the city’s buzzing Corso Umberto, it makes a great jumping-off point for exploring the northeast.

Drive east from Cagliari for about an hour and you’ll hit Villasimius, one of Sardinia’s top places to stay for families. With calm, clear waters and gently shelving sands, it’s tailor-made for days spent paddling, snorkelling or building sandcastles. Spiaggia di Simius is the most popular beach, but locals often head to Porto Giunco for slightly fewer crowds. Away from the sand, you’ll find horse riding, diving schools and small pizzerias where kids are welcomed with open arms.

When it comes to Sardinia's most picturesque townscapes, Bosa surely wins the prize. Its jumble of rainbow houses spilling down the hillside to the palm-lined Temo River is an impossibly photogenic sight. Spend your days exploring the majestic Malaspina Castle, sampling Malvasia wine in a riverside bar or simply getting lost in the winding lanes. Located on the island's west coast, it’s also a great base for hiking in the nearby Montiferru hills.

On the east coast, about 30 minutes south of Olbia, San Teodoro is the place to stay in Sardinia for vibrant nights and sun-drenched days. The town comes alive in summer with open-air clubs and beach bars, while daytime is all about the sublime sands of La Cinta and the turquoise shallows of Cala Brandinchi. It’s ideal for teens and groups of friends who want somewhere to stay in Sardinia that offers a good balance of fun and relaxation.

If you’re keen to swap Sardinia’s coastline for its untamed heartland, head to Gennargentu. This rugged region is a paradise for hikers, with trails that wind through forests, remote villages and dramatic mountain landscapes – including Punta La Marmora (1,934 m), the island’s highest peak, and Gola Su Gorropu, one of Europe’s deepest canyons, with sheer walls over 500 metres high. Many local guides speak excellent English and love sharing tales of local folklore.

For a stay in Sardinia that’s truly off the beaten track, head to the southwest islands of San Pietro and Sant’Antioco. On San Pietro, the cheerful town of Carloforte feels almost Ligurian (it was settled by Ligurian families centuries ago), with pastel houses and a proud tuna fishing tradition. Explore rocky coves by bike or or watch fishermen mending nets along the quay. The Girotonno festival each spring celebrates Carloforte’s tuna traditions with cooking shows and tastings.

Over on Sant’Antioco, you'll discover ancient Phoenician ruins, quiet beaches and low-key trattorias where the seafood couldn’t be fresher, all wrapped in a laid-back charm that’s a world away from Sardinia’s busier hotspots.

With its toll-free roads and good public transport network, getting around Sardinia is refreshingly straightforward. Hiring a car provides the greatest flexibility and allows you to reach many of Sardinia's hidden gems, including beautiful beaches and archaeological sites, easily. But also consider these more sustainable options:

• Train: Sardinia has a good rail network run by Treinitalia and Ferrovie della Sardegna (FdS), connecting larger towns and cities. It takes 3.5 hours to travel between Cagliari and Olbia. The Trenino Verde (Green Train) is a slow, scenic tourist train with picturesque routes across the island.
• Bus: Sardinia has a good network of public ARST buses connecting most locations, including smaller towns and villages.
• Ferry: Several ferries connect Sardinia with the small islands off its coast, including San Pietro and the Maddalena Archipelago.

From the historic allure of Caglieri to the beautiful beaches of Olbia, Sardinia offers some wonderful places to stay. Whether you're seeking a sun-soaked family holiday or a romantic escape, your island retreat is ready to be discovered. Can't get enough of the Mediterranean? Check out our guide to Corsica's best beaches.