I still recall the feeling of getting out of the ferry into Sardinia, and the sea salt and sunscreen smell, and I swear it seems like light here. The type of coziness that makes you immediately slow down.
If you’ve ever wondered where to stay in Sardinia, or which part of the island hides those unreal beaches you see on Instagram, we’ve got you covered.
It is not one of such generic guides. I literally drove around the island and lost my way at more than one point, and discovered which areas are worth your time (and money).
Where to Stay in Sardinia for Beaches
When you want the clear blue water and soft sand, you are in heaven when it comes to the beach. The coast of Sardinia has over 1,800 km of coastline, and, frankly speaking, each turn is unique.
When I am asked by people where to stay in Sardinia, the question is beaches, I always respond: it depends on your vibe:
- North Sardinia (Olbia, Costa Smeralda) – glam beaches, polished resorts, celebrity yachts.
- South Sardinia (Chia, Villasimius) – quiet, local, endless sand, more “real” feeling.
- West Sardinia (Bosa, Alghero) – primitive and savage, meeting with deep blue water.
- East Sardinia (Cala Gonone) – adventure seekers, hikers, and coves that require a bit of effort.
If you are a sea lover but a crowd-hater, avoid July and August. I vow that June and September are the magic months.
Best Beaches in Sardinia
I won’t lie. The first time I saw La Pelosa Beach, I thought someone was playing a trick with filters. The water was unnatural, like a turquoise glass floor.
The beaches that impressed me most:
- Spiaggia di Tuerredda (Chia) – calm, tropical vibes.
- La Pelosa (Stintino) – whitest of the sand on the island.
- Cala Brandinchi (San Teodoro) – nicknamed Little Tahiti, and it really feels like it.
- Su Giudeu Beach (Chia) – massive stretch, perfect sunsets.
- Cala Goloritzé (East Sardinia) – a bit of a hike, but the most photogenic view ever.
Best Beaches in Sardinia North
Postcards are made in the north. Everything sparkles.
Olbia, Costa Smeralda, Palau : Each has a different rhythm.
- Costa Smeralda is all about elegant designer boutiques, beach bars, and super yachts.
- Santa Teresa Gallura gives you wild cliffs and perfect swimming coves.
- Maddalena Islands are the real deal. You take a ferry and spend a whole day beach-hopping between islands that feel untouched.
Stay near Porto Cervo for luxury or Palau for a local charm. I’d do both if you can.
Best Beaches South Sardinia
South Sardinia feels softer.
As I was driving out of Cagliari, the scent became warmer, the hills became more concave, and all at once there it was, dunes and turquoise lagoons.
Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
- Chia Beach: shallow turquoise water, kid-friendly but magical to all.
- Su Giudeu: that ideal “we are going to walk into the sea” beach.
- Cala Pira & Cala Sinzias (Villasimius), where time actually slows down.
One of the nights I spent in the beachfront B&B in Chia, I still recall waking up to waves. It was the type of morning that spoils urban life forever.
Best Beaches in Sardinia Near Olbia
Most of the travelers start with Olbia.
Every morning, I used to take a 10 or 15-minute ride and reach another idyllic location:
- Cala Brandinchi – shallow, perfect for photos.
- Lu Impostu – calm, less thronged.
- Porto Istana – shining blue, with the Island of Tavolara in front of it.
Even the beaches towards Olbia on the side appear to be covered in magazines. I mean it.
👉 Compare prices for hotels near Olbia here
Best Beaches in Cagliari Sardinia
Cagliari is the center of Sardinia, a city and a beach town.
You can have an espresso in the old town, and within 10 minutes, you can be at Poetto Beach.
It is long, it is very long, and people like it. Running, drinking spritz, playing volleyball on the beach till the sun is down.
Nearby, I’d suggest:
- Mari Pintau – translates to painted sea, and the colors describe why so.
- Cala Regina – secret, cliffy, good afternoons.
When you crave a sea view and convenience at the same time, then Cagliari is your location.
Best Beach Resorts Near Olbia Sardinia
You would have that waking up to the waves life, then the coast of Olbia is heaven.
The following are my personal favorites:
- Hotel CalaCuncheddi – the sort of place where breakfast is accompanied by sea air.
- Baglioni Resort Sardinia – isolated, classy, nature encircles it.
- Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites – on the sand, but not excessive.
All are close to San Teodoro or Pittulongu Beach – ideal for an afternoon with nothing to do.
👉 See current deals on Sardinia beach resorts
Sardinia Beach Resorts
Now, when people say “Sardinia beach resorts,” it can mean two very different vacations.
One, sipping champagne by an infinity pool in Costa Smeralda.
Or two, sitting on an uncrowded piece of sand before Chia, and having nothing to entertain but waves.
The following is how I would characterise the different types of travellers as far as my visit was concerned:
- Luxury Lovers – Forte Village around Pula (south): private beaches, tennis courts, and spa where you never want to leave.
- Romantic Escapes – Hotel Pitrizza or Cala di Volpe (north): evenings that feel film-like, endless meals, and sunsets spent over yachts.
- Chill Travelers – Resort Valle dell’Erica (northwest): peaceful, picturesque, family-friendly, and calm enough for solo travelers. I met two digital nomads here who ended up staying a month.
And if you are traveling alone as I am, smaller hotels near Olbia or Villasimius are perfect. There is something liberating in being able to eat breakfast with bare feet on a terrace and socialize with people who are just wandering around.
Beach Resorts in Sardinia
Let us be realistic, not everybody is in the pursuit of five-star luxury.
Some of us simply desire a clean and comfortable resort within easy reach of the beach and a bar that can recall our order in a drink.
Here are some beach resorts in Sardinia that won’t empty your wallet but still feel special:
- Hotel Flamingo Resort – family hotel, easy access to the beach, and convenient bus service to Cagliari.
- Cruccuris Resort Villasimius – couples-only vibe, beautiful gardens, and killer breakfasts.
- Tirreno Resort – large and casual, great for groups or extended stays.
All these are close to beaches where one can spend days, the kind where you doze off under a towel and wake up sun-drunk and smiling.
At the time of reservation, seek out spiaggia privata (private beach) – even more modest resorts may have loungers and umbrellas.
👉 See Sardinia beach resort deals here
Where to Stay in Sardinia Without a Car
Okay, real talk: Sardinia without a car is doable. I survived it for three days, but it takes planning.
And in case you are not able to drive, or even if you do not want to, use these two bases:
- Cagliari – has buses, taxis, and a nearby beach, Poetto. You can do everything on foot.
- Olbia – has ferry, train, and airport connections. From here, taxis or local shuttles take you to a number of beaches.
Pro tip: when choosing a hotel, remember to choose one near a bus line or ferry station, and you will save a lot on taxi fares.
Where to Go in Sardinia
Sardinia is huge. Like, deceptively huge. It is the type of island that fools you. You see a map and think, I will just drive across it.
Then it goes four hours since all the curves are beautiful.
Some parts of it that I have seen would be divided as I would say:
- North Sardinia – luxury, yachts, crystal-clear water. Think Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo, and La Maddalena Islands.
- South Sardinia – relaxing, cheap, and domestic. Chia and Villasimius are must-stays for relaxed beach days and that golden light photographers love.
- West Sardinia – raw, dramatic coastlines. I met an old fisherman in Bosa who pointed me to a cove I’d have never found on Google Maps.
- East Sardinia – scattered cliffs and adventure. Cala Gonone and Baunei are where you’ll find hiking trails that end in hidden coves.
Start slowly, walk past little villages, and allow yourself time to become lost. At that point, Sardinia becomes home.
Where to Stay in Sardinia for First Timers
And first coming, do not get complicated.
Olbia provides you with beaches, boats, and short drives.
Cagliari provides you with a culture, markets, and a convenient urban beach ratio.
I had numerous first-time visitors who attempted to see it all. Don’t. Pick one base and soak it in.
The second visit will be self-organized after you see how you have missed out.
Sardinia in 3 Days
And when you have only 3 days, you can concentrate on one area.
Option 1: Northern Sardinia
Day 1: Arrival at Olbia Pittulongu Beach – evening in San Teodoro.
Day 2: Ferry to Maddalena Islands – rent a scooter – explore beaches.
Day 3: Costa Smeralda – sunset at Capriccioli.
Option 2: Southern Sardinia
Day 1: Cagliari – Poetto – dinner at Bastione.
Day 2: Chia Beach – Tuerredda.
Day 3: Villasimius – seafood lunch by the sea.
5 Days in Sardinia
Five days is just right. Not too many to get jaded.
My 5-Day Plan:
Day 1: Arrival in Olbia – rest at Pittulongu.
Day 2: Explore Costa Smeralda beaches.
Day 3: Maddalena Islands day trip.
Day 4: Drive to Cala Gonone – boat to Cala Luna.
Day 5: Gelato – lazy breakfast – goodbye Sardinia.
Sardinia Travel Tips
Hire a car, really, there is no other way to explore the island. Avoid August, too hot, too congested, too costly.
June or September are ideal, sunny, less noisy, and less expensive. Try culurgiones (Sardinian ravioli). Life-changing.
Always bring cash to the beach for parking.
And never hurry, any winding path could bring you to your new favourite view.
Sardinia Vacation Guide
For a balanced trip:
The beach is luxurious near Olbia.
Keep close by Cagliari to rollicking culture.
Rent a car and wander freely.
👉 Book your Maddalena boat tour
👉 Find hotels and villas in Sardinia
👉 Compare ferry routes to Sardinia
Final Thoughts
Sardinia is not just any other island in the Mediterranean, but an attitude.
You not only see it, but feel it in the air with its smell of salt and rosemary, the silence of the hills, the color of the sea, which you can find nowhere else.
I have toured around, but Sardinia made a mark on me. It’s not flashy, it’s timeless.
And the best part? It still feels like a secret.
You will be dreaming of turquoise water and small towns that come to a whisper in the evening, and that peculiar quietness that islands appear to possess only.
That is the charm of Sardinia, the place that once you are there, it will never release you.
FAQs : Where to Stay in Sardinia (2025)
Where to stay in Sardinia for beaches?
If beaches are your thing, stay near Olbia or Villasimius. Both areas have crystal-clear water, sandy coves, and tons of beachfront hotels in Sardinia where you can literally walk out of bed and step onto the beach. In my case, it is hard to beat the sound of the waves at sunrise.
Where to stay in Sardinia without a car?
If you’re traveling Sardinia without a car, stick to Cagliari or Olbia. Both towns have good public transport, ferries, and beach shuttles. I have done this once and even visited more than a dozen beaches only by taking local buses. It is so easy to do with proper planning.
What are the best beaches in Sardinia?
It’s hard to pick, but Cala Brandinchi, La Pelosa, and Spiaggia di Tuerredda are the ones that stole my heart. Every beach appears to be touched with Photoshop. You are going to think you have seen half the beauty Sardinia conceals, even after a week.
How many days do you need in Sardinia?
If it’s your first trip, plan for 5 days in Sardinia minimum. One region can be done in three days, and five or seven will allow you to cover the north and the south at a leisurely rate. It is a large island, be in your good time, you will miss nothing.
When is the best time to visit Sardinia?
Honestly, June or September. The sea is hot, prices are low, and people retain that summer glow. Not in August, it is such a busy time and so costly. It is late spring and early fall when Sardinia seems to have it all to itself.
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