Where to stay

Best neighbourhoods in Sardinia

Every neighbourhood scored for accessibility, value, local feel, and more. Honest trade-offs on each — no superlatives without substance.

AllBudgetLocal feelNightlifeFamiliesWalkabilityMost central

Top pick

Cagliari

The islands working capital — Castello quarter on a hill, flamingos in the lagoon, Poetto beach to the east.

Cagliari — Castello quarter walls above the port

Cagliari

Top pick

The islands working capital — Castello quarter on a hill, flamingos in the lagoon, Poetto beach to the east.

8/10

Walk

8/10

Price

9/10

Local

9/10

Central

Alghero — Catalan-walled old town at sunset

Alghero

Good

Catalan-walled old town on the northwest coast — Bombarde and Lazzaretto beaches and Neptunes Grotto by boat.

9/10

Walk

7/10

Price

7/10

Local

5/10

Central

Sinis Peninsula — Tharros ruins above quartz-grain beach

Oristano & Sinis Peninsula

Trade-off

West-coast wild card — quartz-pebble beaches, the Phoenician ruins of Tharros and Sa Sartiglia carnival.

7/10

Walk

8/10

Price

9/10

Local

3/10

Central

Villasimius — Punta Molentis bay with turquoise water

Villasimius

Trade-off

Southeast cape with marine protected area — Punta Molentis, Porto Giunco, and Caribbean-grade water.

5/10

Walk

4/10

Price

5/10

Local

4/10

Central

Costa Smeralda — Porto Cervo marina with yachts

Costa Smeralda

Trade-off

Aga Khan-built luxury enclave — Porto Cervo super-yachts, Hotel Pitrizza, and €30 cocktails on every terrace.

5/10

Walk

1/10

Price

2/10

Local

4/10

Central

Not sure when to go?

Find the best time to visit Sardinia →