We have managed more than 300 holiday homes in northern Sardinia since 2011. From La Pelosa in Stintino to the Catalan walls of Alghero, from seaside Castelsardo to the coves of Gallura: this guide helps you choose the right area, the right home and the right time — no mistakes, no surprises.
Book direct with AffittaSardegna and save up to 15%, and you talk to the people who actually manage the home — not to a call centre in another country.
Northern Sardinia isn't one destination: it's many different holidays in the same area. Within a few hours' drive you go from a Caribbean-like sea to a medieval village, from hiking on granite to dinner at a winery.
With airports at Alghero and Olbia and ports at Porto Torres and Olbia, it's easy to reach from all over Europe.
Understanding the areas is the first step to getting your holiday right: each has its own character, landscape and pace.
Crystal-clear sea, Asinara National Park and a practical base if you arrive by ferry. Home of La Pelosa.
A Catalan old town, lively evenings, seafront restaurants and beaches close at hand. The mix of town and relaxation.
Wind-sculpted granite, the La Maddalena Archipelago a stone's throw away, coves among red rocks.
White sand, good facilities, seaside life. Cala Gonone as the gateway to the Gulf of Orosei.
La Pelosa beach, one of the most famous in Italy. Shallow turquoise sea, the ideal base for Asinara. La Pelosa has limited access: book your entry in advance on spiaggialapelosa.it.
👉 Holiday homes in StintinoA Catalan old town, sea and nightlife. Perfect if you want to mix beach, culture and evenings out.
👉 Holiday homes in AlgheroThe main ferry port in the north-west (Genoa, Civitavecchia, Barcelona, plus Corsica and France). A strategic base for Stintino, Alghero, Castelsardo and Asinara.
👉 Holiday homes in Porto TorresA member of the “I Borghi più belli d'Italia” club (Italy's most beautiful villages), crowned by its medieval castle, with views over the Gulf of Asinara.
👉 Holiday homes in CastelsardoCapo Testa and its wind-sculpted granite. A great base for La Maddalena and Corsica: Bonifacio is about 50 minutes away by ferry.
👉 Holiday homes in Santa Teresa di GalluraRed rocks, hidden coves and sunsets over the sea. Unspoilt nature between Isola Rossa and Vignola, in the municipality of Trinità d'Agultu e Vignola.
👉 Holiday homes in Costa ParadisoThe port for the La Maddalena Archipelago (a 15–20 minute crossing) and the ideal base for Capo d'Orso, Porto Pollo and the Costa Smeralda.
👉 Holiday homes in PalauOne of the best-loved destinations for beaches, facilities and summer life. Cala Brandinchi and La Cinta are right on the doorstep.
👉 Holiday homes in San TeodoroThe gateway to the Gulf of Orosei. Coves you reach by boat, sea cliffs and deep water. It's about 3 hours' drive from Stintino: a different holiday, not a day trip.
👉 Holiday homes in Cala Gonone→ See all destinations in northern Sardinia
⚠️ Some of the top beaches have limited access in summer and must be booked online in advance: La Pelosa on spiaggialapelosa.it, Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu from 1 June to 30 September on santeodorospiagge.it. At the Oasi di Bidderosa (Orosei), entry for cars and motorbikes is capped. Don't leave it to chance.
A fishing village facing the red islet it is named after, Isola Rossa (Trinità d'Agultu) combines wide beaches, a lively little harbour and spectacular sunsets. A great base for exploring the north coast.
Long golden beaches and sand dunes: Badesi is perfect for families, with shallow water, fine sand and a relaxed atmosphere, between Costa Paradiso and the mouth of the Coghinas river.
Villas with gardens, apartments near the sea, homes with a pool and space for children.
Homes with sea views, historic villages, quiet areas if you're looking for privacy.
Detached villas, large terraces and private pools, so you can be together without compromise.
Reliable Wi-Fi, well-served locations and medium to long stays out of season.
Airports: Alghero-Fertilia (north-west) · Olbia Costa Smeralda (north-east).
Ports: Porto Torres (Genoa, Civitavecchia, Barcelona) · Olbia (Livorno, Genoa, Civitavecchia) — ideal if you're heading for San Teodoro, Palau or Santa Teresa.
Northern Sardinia is swept by the mistral: check the forecast before any boat trip — everything can change within 24 hours.
⛴️ Up-to-date ferry fares and routes →
In Sardinia a car is almost essential for reaching the coves: if you're flying in, it pays to book your hire car in advance.
🚗 Compare car hire prices in Sardinia →
It depends on the kind of holiday you want: Stintino for the sea, Alghero for a mix of beaches and town, Castelsardo for its historic village, Santa Teresa di Gallura for the views towards Corsica.
The price depends on the season, the location and the type of accommodation. Book direct with AffittaSardegna and save up to 15%.
Alghero offers more services and town life; Stintino is ideal if you're after crystal-clear sea and relaxation. Many people combine the two in a single stay.
For a first visit we recommend at least 7 days. To explore the whole area across Alghero, Stintino, Castelsardo and Gallura, 10–14 days is ideal.
AffittaSardegna has managed holiday homes in northern Sardinia since 2011 and today is based in Porto Torres: more than 300 homes in the main destinations of northern Sardinia.
Book direct: save up to 15%, no middlemen, local support.
📍 Geographic entities covered by this guide: North Sardinia · Metropolitan City of Sassari · Province of Gallura Nord-Est Sardegna · Province of Nuoro · Gulf of Asinara · Gulf of Orosei · Costa Smeralda · La Maddalena Archipelago · Riviera del Corallo · Gallura · Porto Torres (40.8393°N, 8.4018°E) · Stintino (40.9317°N, 8.2269°E) · Alghero (40.5598°N, 8.3195°E) · Castelsardo (40.9103°N, 8.7133°E) · Santa Teresa di Gallura (41.2329°N, 9.1891°E) · Palau (41.1798°N, 9.3823°E) · San Teodoro (40.7733°N, 9.6724°E) · Cala Gonone (40.2920°N, 9.6259°E)
