The Best Places to Stay in Sardinia (Where to Base Yourself)

Published January 6, 2026

If I had to pick somewhere to return to time and time again for the beaches, it would be Sardinia. The sandy beaches are, hands down, some of the clearest and most pristine I’ve seen anywhere in Europe. We spent three weeks on the island during our 3-month trip through Europe last fall. I absolutely fell in love.

I spent a lot of time researching where to stay. The island is massive, with impeccable beaches, lively towns, and incredible historic sights. Picking where you stay really does matter, as it will cut down on your travel time. So I’ve put together this guide on where to base yourself.

If you’re going for under 10 days, my suggestion is to stick to one region of Sardinia. This guide focuses on the northern part, which is where I recommend going for a first visit.

Below, I break down the best places to stay, with guidance on which bases make the most sense depending on how much time you have and how you want to travel. This guide is built around a 7–10 day trip, but I’ve included options for extending further south if you have more time.

Where to Stay in Sardinia: Best Towns to Base Yourself

---

The Best Towns to Stay in Sardinia (For a Week+)

When we were planning our own route, the thing that made the biggest difference was treating Sardinia region by region. Rather than trying to see everything, we focused on one area at a time. After three weeks on the island, I’d base first-timers in northern Sardinia for the best mix of beaches, day trips, and manageable drives. If you have 7–10 days, I would split my time between Baunei Coast, Costa Smeralda, and Alghero; with two weeks, you can add the south more comfortably.

Read: My curated 10-Day Sardinia itinerary for exactly how I’d organize my time.

Here’s a quick summary of my top picks for where to base yourself in northern Sardinia and why:

Region	Best For	Vibe	Top Hotel Pick
Costa Smeralda	First-timers & beach access	Turquoise coves, polished, coastal	Romazzino, A Belmond hotel
Baunei Coast	Nature & wow-factor scenery	Wild, rugged, boat-only beaches	Su Gologone Experience Hotel
Alghero	Culture & flexible day trips	Historic, lively, coastal town	Villa Las Tronas

Travel Tip: Public transportation is pretty nonexistent in Sardinia for the places in this guide. My recommendation is to pick up a rental car upon arrival at your airport, so you can explore on your own. We rented our car with Discover Cars, picking an automatic car with a reputable company, and it was so easy.

If you won’t have a car, choose a walkable base (like Alghero, or Cagliari, if extending south). Most of the coastline in this guide isn’t accessible by public transit. So plan on fewer beaches unless you book guided day trips. I include recommendations for the top guided tours below.

---

Best Location for Costa Smeralda: Porto Cervo or Cala di Volpe

Costa Smeralda is Sardinia at its most polished. Think turquoise coves, beautiful sandy beaches, beach clubs, and a high concentration of standout hotels. All of which is paired with just enough rugged coastline to still feel wild between towns. If you want the easiest first-time base with strong dining and classic beach-hopping, this is it.

Read: My complete guide to Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

If you want restaurants within walking distance and an evening town feel, base yourself near Porto Cervo. If you’d rather be central for beach-hopping with quicker access to multiple coves, stay closer to Cala di Volpe. The two are only a short drive apart (about 15 minutes), and both make it easy to drive up to Palau for day trips to the La Maddalena islands.

You can also venture inland from Costa Smeralda, visiting places like the charming village of San Pantaleo and nearby Nuraghe sites such as Nuraghe La Prisgiona and Nuraghe Albucciu. You have it all here, and the best part is you’re only about an hour from Olbia Airport.

Where to Stay in the Costa Smeralda Area (Recommended Time: 3-4 nights)

Best Hotels

1. Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel ($$$$), for my top pick for the best luxury boutique stay, plus a prime base for Porto Cervo and beach hopping
2. Hotel Cala di Volpe ($$$$), for the best elevated luxury hotel, plus a central Costa Smeralda location
3. Pitrizza ($$$$), for the best romantic stay, with a secluded feel near Porto Cervo
4. 7Pines Resort, ($$$$), for the best luxury resort stay, plus an easy base for coves and beach days
5. CPH, Pevero Hotel ($$$), for the best relaxed resort stay, plus easy access to Costa Smeralda beaches
6. Hotel Capriccioli ($$), for the best budget beachfront hotel, steps from Capriccioli Beach
7. Hotel Balocco ($$), for the best design-for-dollar hotel, plus a Porto Cervo-adjacent location

Best Vacation Rentals

1. Cala Granu 2 Bedroom with View/Garden ($$$ / Where We Stayed)
2. 2 Bedroom Stone Villa House ($$$)
3. 2 Bedroom Luxury Villa in Capriccioli ($$$)
4. 2 Bedroom Private Villa in Porto Cervo ($$$)
5. 1 Bedroom Garden Condo Near Cala di Volpe ($$)

---

Best Location for Baunei Coast: Near Cala Gonone

One of the most incredible parts of Sardinia, and often overlooked, is the Baunei Coast with the Golfo di Orosei (Orosei Gulf). The gulf is framed by dramatic, sky-high cliffs and beautiful beaches tucked into coves along the coastline. The catch: most are only accessible by boat or long hikes. I recommend spending at least 2 nights here so you can fit in a full boat day along the coast without rushing. The Baunei Coast is truly the wildest, most untouched part of Sardinia, and a must-visit.

Along the Baunei Coast, Cala Gonone is the most practical hub for getting on the water. It’s where most boat departures leave for the famous calas like Cala Luna, Cala Sisine, and Cala Mariolu, which are difficult to reach any other way. Inland, you can also visit smaller, more local villages like Dorgali and Oliena.

Travel Tip: For me, the big draw to coming to this area is staying at the very famous Su Gologone Experience Hotel. The hotel is about a 30-minute drive inland from the coast (there is not much to gain by staying in Cala Gonone itself), but it is one of the most special, immersive stays on the island. The large hotel is an art experience, set with several daily experiences on the property, a top restaurant for the area, a studio boutique, and more. I’d go out of my way to come to this property, even just for a meal at its restaurant.

Where to Stay in the Baunei Coast Area (Recommended Time: 2 nights)

Best Hotels

1. Su Gologone Experience Hotel ($$), for the best immersive hotel stay in Sardinia, plus an ideal base for Golfo di Orosei day trips
2. Hotel L’Oasi ($$), for the best budget hotel stay near Cala Gonone boat departures
3. Hotel Barbagia ($), for the best countryside budget resort with a quieter inland setting

Best Vacation Rentals

1. 2 Bedroom Condo with Views ($$)
2. 3 Bedroom Apartment with Sea Views ($$)
3. 1 Bedroom Modern Chic Apartment ($)

---

Best Location for Western Sardinia Coast: Alghero

As you start to look west, you’ll see that the northern part of Sardinia is dotted with a few towns. The two most popular are the port towns of Alghero and Bosa. I suggest staying in Alghero, as it makes for a great base for a day trip down to Bosa and then up to Stintino to visit the famous La Pelosa Beach. Bosa is further away and not quite as large, making it a better fit for a day trip.

The port town of Alghero is all things classic charm. The old town feels like a living, local citadel with cobbled streets, dozens of restaurants, and narrow streets lined with local shops. The town is very lively in the best way. It was one of my favorite parts of Sardinia, and it makes for a wonderful base for a few different day trips with a good selection of accommodations. Be sure to walk the city wall at sunset one evening before dinner. And you can’t miss a drive out to the Regional Natural Park of Porto Conte, home to the famous Neptune’s Grotto.

Alghero is also convenient if you’re arriving by ferry via Porto Torres, which is only a short drive away.

Where to Stay in Alghero (Recommended Time: 3 nights)

Best Hotels

1. Villa Las Tronas ($$$), for the best luxury hotel close to Alghero’s historic center
2. Hotel Domomea ($$), for the best boutique hotel near the citadel
3. Hotel Catalunya ($$), for the best modern design hotel, plus a central Alghero base
4. Hotel Calabona ($$), for the best elevated resort stay just outside the old town

Best Vacation Rentals

1. 1 Bedroom Condo with Terrace & Parking ($$ / Where We Stayed)
2. 2 Bedroom Modern Design Apartment in Citadel ($$)
3. 1 Bedroom Chic Apartment in Citadel ($)

---

More Towns in Sardinia to Visit With More Time

If you have more than 10 days to visit Sardinia, I would start to look south. You can easily add on a few extra gems, like coastal beach towns, alongside the capital city of Cagliari. Here are the places I would add to an extended itinerary if you plan to travel further south. If I had to pick from this list, I’d consider Cagliari for history and city experience, then look to Villasimius or Costa Rei.

Cagliari

As the largest city in Sardinia, Cagliari is the island’s historical focal point. As the main political and economic hub, think of an established city with several neighborhoods and historical sights to visit. Cagliari is also a very popular cruise ship port. This, in part, is why I don’t recommend it during high season unless you’re flying in and out of Cagliari Airport. From Cagliari, you can explore the southern beach areas like Spiaggia di Su Portu and further east to Simius.

Where to Stay in Cagliari

1. Casa Clat ($$), for the best luxury boutique hotel
2. Palazzo Tirso ($$), for the best luxury hotel with a pool
3. The Place Cagliari ($$), for the best historic boutique hotel
4. 3 Bedroom Historic Home in City Center ($$)
5. 2 Bedroom Chic Apartment with Terrace ($)

Sant’Antioco

Connected to the mainland by a short road, Sant’Antioco is a little island just off the southwestern tip of Sardinia. The area is more popular with locals, as the quiet island has impeccable beaches and is generally uncrowded. I’d look to this part of Sardinia if you’re craving a more “off-the-beaten-path” island experience.

Where to Stay in Sant’Antioco

1. Lu Hotel Maladroxia ($$), for the best boutique hotel stay
2. 2 Bedroom Private Modern Home ($)
3. 2 Bedroom Historic Modern Home ($)

Costa Rei

Set with a 12km beach, Costa Rei is one of the most popular areas for family travelers due to its long, flat beach. It’s a slow-going, resort-forward part of Sardinia. You’re close to dunes, could day trip into Cagliari, and even consider a day trip up the coast to Baunei. There are plenty of restaurants and typical resort attractions here.

Where to Stay in Costa Rei

1. La Villa del Re, an SLH Hotel ($$$), for the best luxury hotel
2. Villa Escargot ($$$), for the best beachfront boutique hotel
3. Spiagge San Pietro ($$), for the best luxury design boutique hotel
4. Cala Sinzias Resort ($$), for the best budget stay
5. Villa Ginestra ($$), for the best private luxury home

Villasimius Region

Known for its protected marine area of Capo Carbonara and pristine beaches, the Villasimius Region, just under an hour from Cagliari, is a top choice. The area is incredibly popular with tourists due to its location, and the beaches here are known for their clear, turquoise waters.

Where to Stay in the Villasimius Region

1. Alma Timi Ama Villasimius ($$$), for the best elevated resort stay
2. Falkensteiner Resort Capo Boi ($$$), for the best luxury hotel
3. Hotel Cala Caterina ($$), for the best elevated boutique hotel
4. Domu Simius Life Style Hotel ($$), for the best design for dollar hotel
5. 2 Bedroom Raggio di Luna Chic Home Rental ($$)
6. 2 Bedroom Private Home with Garden ($$)
7. 2 Bedroom Villa with Ocean View ($$)

---

FAQ: Where to Stay in Sardinia

Is it Better to Stay in North or South Sardinia?

For first-time visitors or trips under 10 days, I’d recommend northern Sardinia because it offers the best mix of beaches, day trips, and efficient bases. Southern Sardinia is best added with extra time, especially if you want a slower pace anchored around cities like Cagliari.

Do You Need a Car to Get Around Sardinia?

Yes. If you plan to explore beaches, move between bases, or visit smaller towns, a rental car is essential in Sardinia. Public transportation is limited outside of major cities. Travelers without a car should base themselves in more walkable towns like Alghero (or Cagliari if heading south) and expect limited beach access unless joining guided tours.

Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car in Sardinia is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

Where Should You Stay in Sardinia for the Best Beaches?

For the clearest water and most dramatic beaches, northern Sardinia is the best choice. Costa Smeralda offers easy access to multiple sandy coves, while the Baunei Coast is known for its wild, boat-only beaches, like Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu. These areas are ideal for first-time visitors focused on beach time.

How Many Places Should You Stay in Sardinia?

For a 7–10 day trip, two to three bases is ideal. This allows you to experience different parts of the island without spending too much time driving. A common split is Costa Smeralda, the Baunei Coast, and Alghero. With two weeks or more, you can comfortably add southern Sardinia.

---

Save This Post for Later on Pinterest