It’s hard to decide where to go in Sardinia. North or south? East or west? The famous Costa Esmeralda or other quieter regions?
In this article, we’ll answer all these questions to help you plan your trip to Sardinia. Our aim is to help you find the perfect place to enjoy your Mediterranean holiday, whether you’re an avid hiker or just want to relax.
Indeed, it’s important to identify where to spend your vacation in Sardinia and choose a place that suits your tastes and needs.
Going to Sardinia: to help you make your choice, we have divided the Sardinian region into 6 macro-zones:
- Northeast: Costa Smeralda – Maddalena – Gallura
- Northwest: Alghero – Stintino – Castelsardo
- Central East Sardinia: San Teodoro – Gulf of Orosei
- Central-western Sardinia: Gulf of Oristano – Costa Verde
- Southeast: Costa Rei – Villasimius
- Southwest: Pula – Chia
Bear in mind that with only a week’s vacation, it’s advisable to concentrate on one or two macro-zones so as not to risk returning home more tired than before you left! And the rhythm of the island lends itself to relaxation and contemplation, so don’t be too ambitious with your program.
After all, you’re going to Sardinia to relax, right? Let’s find out together where to go during your stay in Sardinia!
Where to go in Sardinia: which place to choose?
Northeast: Costa Smeralda – Gallura
The northeast is Sardinia’s most popular tourist region, home to some of the island’s most emblematic landmarks, such as the world-famous Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast). To reach the Costa Smeralda, simply land in Olbia and drive to Porto Cervo (40 minutes by car).
The Costa Smeralda is precisely the Sardinia we all imagine: dreamy beaches, hidden coves, a wide range of leisure activities, nightlife and a vast choice of bars and restaurants.
Good to know: the Costa Esmeralda is a mecca for the jet set, and therefore very posh.
A paradise? It almost would be, if it weren’t for the high-season crowds and rather high prices.
Fortunately, there’s a slightly cheaper alternative, and it’s not far away: Santa Teresa di Gallura.
It’s a charming little village, surrounded by enchanting sites, less than half an hour from some of the island’s most famous beaches.
During your stay, stroll through the charming alleyways of pretty villages such as San Pantaleo, Arzachena, Liscia di Vacca, Capriccioli, Romazzino and, of course, Porto Cervo.
Finally, if you’re really looking for paradise, you can’t miss the Maddalena archipelago.
There are two options: take a day trip by boat from Palau, or spend a few days on the island of La Maddalena.
A place not to be missed, with its lagoons, sandy beaches and breathtaking coves!
Northwest: Alghero – Stintino – Castelsardo
Now let’s discover another famous region where you can enjoy the beauties of Sardinia: the north-west, where you’ll find Alghero, Stintino and the Gulf of Asinara.
This is a very interesting area, combining one of Sardinia’s most beautiful towns with the dreamy sea that surrounds it.
Speaking of the sea, how could we not mention Stintino and the beautiful beaches of Pelosa and Pelosetta?
These are two real corners of paradise, where the fine white sand plunges into a sea so blue it seems to have been “photoshopped”.
For a great day out, head for the island of Asinara, home to the national park of the same name.
Finally, don’t miss the village of Castelsardo, a real “super Instagrammable” gem.
Central-eastern Sardinia: San Teodoro – Gulf of Orosei
Central-eastern Sardinia offers beautiful beaches and a little more peace and quiet than the Emerald Coast.
In fact, it’s one of the island’s best value-for-money regions and suits three categories of holidaymaker in particular:
- Families with children,
- Young people who want to have fun
- Sports enthusiasts looking for an adrenalin-fuelled vacation.
For families and young people, we recommend the San Teodoro area, with its child-friendly shallow waters. You’ll love the many entertainment possibilities.
For sports enthusiasts, we recommend the Gulf of Orosei, with its rugged, rocky coastline, popular with rock-climbers and scuba divers.
The former are attracted by the magnificent cliffs overlooking the sea, while the latter are drawn by the seabed set in crystal-clear waters.
Beaches not to be missed?
- Definitely La Cinta in San Teodoro
- Cala Gonone in the Gulf of Orosei.
Central-western Sardinia: Gulf of Oristano – Costa Verde
The central-western coast is the least touristy part of Sardinia, the wildest. It is still relatively unexplored.
It’s a region particularly suited to surfers and kitesurfers, or to those seeking a vacation in authentic Sardinia, a Sardinia light years away from the glamour of the Costa Smeralda.
We particularly recommend the Costa Verde, with its large sand dunes, and the Gulf of Oristano, with its low, even relief.
Beware, here you’ll rarely find resorts, the usual hotels or vacation villages, which confirms that the area is still untouched by tourism. Agritourism is more common here.
Southeast: Costa Rei – Villasimius
Costa Rei and Villasimius are located to the east of Cagliari, in the south-east of the island.
These are two of the most popular spots in southern Sardinia.
Cosat Rei is particularly popular with families with children, attracted by its crystal-clear waters and shallow seabed.
Villasimius, on the other hand, is characterized by a more indented coastline where rocks alternate with beautiful sandy beaches, frequented by young people in search of fun and picture-postcard scenery. Its azure waters and relief of granite rocks and delightful coves make it a dream destination.
The water at Villasimius is truly one of the bluest you’ll ever see, comparable even to that of Spain’s magnificent Formentera!
Southwest: Pula – Chia
The south-west of Sardinia is a little less touristy than the south-east. It is frequented mainly by travelers seeking authenticity in a setting far removed from the glamour of the Costa Smeralda. Travelers particularly enjoy staying in the picturesque village of Pula.
