# Where to Stay in Sardinia: Pick Your Perfect Area Based on Your Holiday Vibe

![[HERO] Where to Stay in Sardinia: Pick Your Perfect Area Based on Your Holiday Vibe](https://cdn.marblism.com/Y2foArFE3F8.webp)

Choosing where to stay in Sardinia can feel overwhelming. The island stretches over 1,800 kilometres of coastline, with each area offering something completely different. Should you head north for glam beach clubs? South for family-friendly bays? Somewhere quiet in the middle?

Here's the thing: there's no "best" area in Sardinia. There's only the best area *for you*. Whether you're after turquoise waters and luxury villas with pools, medieval hilltop towns, or budget-friendly holiday apartments near the beach, this guide breaks down Sardinia's main regions so you can pick the perfect base for your holiday vibe.

## 🏖️ North West Sardinia – Glamour Meets Authenticity

The north west is probably Sardinia's most famous stretch, and for good reason. This is where you'll find the legendary **Costa Smeralda** (Emerald Coast), known for exclusive resorts, designer boutiques, and superyacht-filled marinas. Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo are the poster children here: think champagne beach clubs, upscale dining, and that unmistakable jet-set atmosphere.

But here's what most guides miss: the north west isn't *all* glitz. Just a short drive away, you'll discover **Alghero**, a Catalan-influenced town with cobbled streets, seafood restaurants, and significantly more affordable accommodation options. It's perfect if you want coastal beauty without the Costa Smeralda price tag.

**Best for:** Luxury seekers, couples wanting romance with a side of nightlife, and travellers who appreciate both glamour and authenticity.

**Accommodation style:** Villas with private pools dominate the Costa Smeralda area, while Alghero offers a brilliant mix of holiday apartments and boutique stays. You'll find everything from high-end properties to budget-conscious options depending on exactly where you base yourself.


## 🌊 North East Sardinia – Family Beaches & Peaceful Escapes

The north east offers something the glitzier areas can't: proper family-friendly beaches with shallow, calm waters and space to breathe. **San Teodoro** is the buzzing heart here, particularly popular with younger families and groups. La Cinta Beach stretches for miles with powder-soft sand, and the town centre comes alive at night with gelato shops, casual restaurants, and bars.

If you're after something quieter, **Golfo Aranci** delivers. This peaceful seaside village offers crystal-clear snorkeling spots, excellent seafood restaurants overlooking the water, and none of the crowds. It's close enough to busier areas if you fancy a day trip, but feels worlds away.

For an even more serene experience, **Stintino** in the far north west (technically on the border of our regions) gives you that proper laid-back island vibe with stunning beaches like La Pelosa.

**Best for:** Families with young children, couples seeking quiet relaxation, and anyone who wants beautiful beaches without fighting for space.

**Accommodation style:** Holiday apartments work brilliantly here, especially for families who want kitchen facilities and a bit more space. You'll also find gorgeous villas with pools that won't completely break the bank compared to Costa Smeralda prices.

## 🏛️ Central Sardinia – Culture, History & Hidden Gems

Most visitors stick to the coast, which means central Sardinia remains wonderfully undiscovered. This is where you come for medieval hilltop towns, authentic Sardinian cuisine, and landscapes that shift from rolling hills to dramatic granite peaks.

**Cagliari**, the island's capital in the south-central area, deserves more than just a ferry stop. The **Castello district** perched above the city offers medieval charm, winding alleyways, and panoramic views. Down below, you'll find bustling markets, modern shopping, and some of the island's best restaurants serving traditional dishes you won't find in tourist areas.

Head inland slightly and you'll discover **Castelsardo**, a stunning medieval town crowned by the imposing Doria Castle. The town is famous for its basket-weaving tradition, and wandering the steep streets at sunset is genuinely magical. Further along the coast, **Bosa** charms visitors with its colorful riverside houses and Malaspina Castle overlooking the Temo River.

**Best for:** Culture enthusiasts, history lovers, and travelers who want to experience "real" Sardinia beyond the beach resorts.

**Accommodation style:** Central towns offer characterful holiday apartments in converted historic buildings, giving you an authentic base while keeping costs reasonable. You're trading pool access for cultural immersion: though some properties do offer stunning terraces with views.


## 🌅 South Sardinia – Pristine Beaches & Ancient Ruins

The south remains less developed than the north, which means more natural beaches and better value for money. **Villasimius** anchors the south-eastern coast with some of Sardinia's most beautiful beaches: think Simius Beach and Campulongu Beach with their white sand and turquoise waters that rival anything further north.

What makes the south special is how much you get for your budget. Villas with pools here cost significantly less than equivalent properties up north, and you'll still have access to incredible beaches, excellent restaurants, and fantastic snorkeling spots.

**Pula** offers a brilliant combination of beach life and culture, with the **ancient Roman ruins of Nora** right on the doorstep. You can explore 2,000-year-old mosaics in the morning and lounge on beautiful beaches in the afternoon.

On the western side, **Arbatax** provides a proper off-the-beaten-track experience. It's laid-back, unpretentious, and serves as your gateway to Lido di Orrì: 16 kilometres of pristine coastline with hidden coves and far fewer crowds.

**Best for:** Budget-conscious travelers, families wanting value without compromising on beach quality, and anyone seeking a more authentic, less touristy experience.

**Accommodation style:** The south offers brilliant value in both holiday apartments and villas with pools. You'll find spacious family properties with gardens and pools at prices that would only get you a basic apartment further north.


## 🏡 Villas vs Holiday Apartments: Which Works for Your Trip?

Both accommodation types have their place, depending on your holiday style:

**Villas with pools** work brilliantly for families with young children (no worrying about pool timings), groups wanting privacy, and anyone planning to spend significant time at their accommodation. You'll have space to spread out, often a barbecue area, and that luxury of diving into your own pool after a beach day.

**Holiday apartments** offer better value for couples or small families, put you in the heart of towns (easier for restaurants and shops), and mean less responsibility: no pool to maintain or large property to look after. They're perfect if you're planning to be out exploring most days.

At World Wide Apartments, we offer both options across different regions and price points, all backed by our best price guarantee and London-based secure booking system. You're not dealing with random overseas property managers: you've got a UK team handling everything.

## Making Your Decision: Quick Matching Guide

- **Luxury & glamour:** North West Costa Smeralda
- **Family beaches on a budget:** South Sardinia  
- **Peaceful couples retreat:** North East (Golfo Aranci) or North West (Stintino)
- **Culture & authenticity:** Central Sardinia towns
- **Young travelers & nightlife:** North East (San Teodoro)
- **Best value villas with pools:** South Sardinia
- **Mixing beach & history:** South (Pula) or Central (Cagliari)

## Book Your Sardinian Stay With Confidence

The beauty of Sardinia is that you genuinely can't go wrong: each region offers something special. The trick is matching the area to your travel style rather than just picking the "most popular" spot.

Ready to find your perfect Sardinian base? Browse our [North West Sardinia properties](https://worldwideapartments.co.uk/properties/location/North%20West%20Sardegna) or [explore all locations](https://worldwideapartments.co.uk/locations) to see what fits your vibe. Every property comes with our best price guarantee and the security of London-based booking, so you can focus on the important stuff: planning which beaches to hit first.

Still not sure which area suits you best? [Get in touch](https://worldwideapartments.co.uk/contact-us): we're happy to help match you with the perfect spot based on your travel dates, budget, and what you're hoping to get from your Sardinian escape.