Sardinia, beyond the postcard.
Where to stay, which coast to explore, and how to plan beach days that are as effortless as they are beautiful. Start with the practical details, then discover the island at your own pace.
A wonderful trip starts with the right base.
Sardinia rewards travellers who resist trying to see it all at once. Its north-western towns, north-eastern beaches, dramatic eastern cliffs and lively southern capital each offer a different holiday.
For a short stay, choose one part of the island and explore it well. If you have a week or more, two bases may make sense. Think about your arrival airport, whether you’ll have a car and what you want within walking distance of your accommodation.
Where to stay in Sardinia
The best place to stay isn’t always the place with the prettiest photograph. Compare atmosphere, nearby beaches, transport and the kind of days you want to have.
Cagliari
A lively city with a historic centre, restaurants, museums and access to Poetto beach. A practical starting point if you don’t intend to rent a car.
Consider if: you want city life alongside time at the sea.Alghero
An atmospheric old town with seaside walks, cafés and beaches around its bay. A good choice for travellers who value evenings on foot and a mix of coast and culture.
Consider if: walkable town evenings matter as much as beach days.Olbia & San Teodoro
Olbia is a transport gateway, while San Teodoro is popular for a beach-focused stay. Check the precise location of your accommodation: the airport city and resort beaches aren’t interchangeable.
Consider if: you want to explore beaches of the north-east.Cala Gonone & Orosei
Excellent starting points for the Gulf of Orosei’s rugged scenery and boat excursions. Some celebrated coves require a hike or a boat outing rather than a simple drive-up beach day.
Consider if: cliffs, boat trips and outdoor adventure are priorities.Beaches worth planning for
Some of Sardinia’s best-known shores need advance planning. Others work beautifully as an easy day near your accommodation. Check access conditions, local rules and sea conditions before setting off.
La Pelosa
Famous for clear water and a memorable setting. Access was reservation-controlled during the 2026 season, so check the official booking information before planning a future visit.
Official beach access information ↗
Cala Goloritzè
A spectacular cove beneath limestone cliffs, but not a casual roadside stop. Plan for its managed access and the physical effort of reaching it; check current rules with the local authorities.
Explore Sardinia’s east coast ↗Poetto · Cagliari
A long urban beach that pairs naturally with a city stay. A useful option for travellers who want beach time without building the whole holiday around a rental car.
La Cinta · San Teodoro
A broad sandy beach in the north-east. Check access, transport and parking for your travel dates, particularly in peak summer.
Getting around Sardinia
There isn’t one right way to travel here. The right choice depends on whether you’re staying in one town or hoping to reach remote coves across the island.
You’ll have more flexibility for scattered beaches, villages and changing plans. Compare parking and road access at each accommodation, not only the distance to the sea.
It’s possible, especially with a carefully chosen base. Prioritise walkable amenities, verified bus routes and realistic connections. Some rural beaches are difficult without a vehicle.
Public transport connects cities and towns, but longer trips may involve changes. Check the official transport overview and operator timetables.
A few things to check first
Choose an airport that fits your itinerary.
Olbia, Alghero and Cagliari serve different parts of the island. A cheaper flight may not be cheaper overall if it adds a long transfer or a second overnight stay.
Look closely at your hotel’s location.
“Ten minutes from the centre” doesn’t always mean a pleasant pedestrian route. Check road frontage, sidewalks, hills and whether restaurants are reachable on foot.
Allow time for travel between regions.
Sardinia is a large island. For a week-long holiday, trying to visit every famous beach can leave you spending too much time travelling and not enough time enjoying your destination.
Check seasonal beach requirements.
Reservation rules, fees and access restrictions can vary between beaches and seasons. Look for official announcements rather than relying on a previous year’s travel blog.
Planning for 2027? Some access rules change from year to year. La Pelosa’s published 2026 reservation season ran from 15 May to 15 October. Confirm the current season’s requirements on the official La Pelosa website before booking.