Cala Gonone, Sardinia – panoramic view of the sea and mountains

How to plan a holiday in northern Sardinia: a practical guide in 5 steps (2027)

Planning a holiday in northern Sardinia, from Alghero to Gallura, comes down to 5 choices: when to go (June and September are the best months), a base to stay in (two if you're staying 10 days), a hire car booked early, limited-access beaches such as La Pelosa, and a pared-down suitcase. Book your home, ferry or flight and car 3–6 months ahead and you'll spend less. Here are the 5 steps, one by one.

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Step 1 · When to go and what budget to plan

The first choice — the one that changes everything

In northern Sardinia, when you go is the main lever on your budget. The same home, the same car and the same week cost very different amounts depending on the time of year.

Period Sea Crowds Costs Ideal for
May–mid-June Cool but lovely Minimal Low Hikers, couples, anyone escaping the heat
Mid-June–July Very good Medium Medium to high Those who want the best without the August chaos
August At its best Maximum High Families with school-age children
September Still very good Easing Medium (falling) Adults with flexible dates — for many, the best month
October Acceptable Minimal Low Trekking, villages, autumn in Barbagia

Once you've chosen your dates, book flights (or ferry) and car straight away. They're the items whose prices rise most if you wait — the longer you wait, the more you pay.

Sample budget — family of 4, 1 week
Item Low season High season
Holiday home (7 nights) €500–800 €1,200–1,800
Return ferry (car + family) €200–350 €400–600
Car hire (7 days) €150–250 €350–500
Groceries and food (week) €300–450 €300–450
Activities and extras €150–300 €200–350
Indicative total ~€1,300–2,150 ~€2,450–3,700

Indicative figures based on 2026 prices: for 2027, check the updated rates. If you arrive by ferry with your own car, remove the car hire and budget for fuel. Book your home direct and save up to 15%.

Step 2 · Where to stay in northern Sardinia

The most common mistake is wanting to move to a different home every 2 days. Northern Sardinia is best explored area by area — with a central base and day trips.

Base Ideal for exploring Style
Alghero North-west coast, Stintino, Sassari, caves Urban, services, relaxed nightlife
Porto Torres / Stintino La Pelosa, Asinara, Platamona, Sassari Sea, handy port if you arrive by ferry
Castelsardo / Badesi North coast, Valledoria, western Gallura Sea + authenticity
Santa Teresa / Palau La Maddalena Archipelago, Gallura, Costa Smeralda Nature, excursions, islands
San Teodoro / Budoni North-east coast, Olbia, Golfo Aranci Iconic beaches, nightlife
Orosei / Cala Gonone Gulf of Orosei, wild coves, Nuoro Raw nature, silence
👇 Start here (and avoid mistakes)

• First time in Sardinia → mistakes to avoid
• Want to understand the budget → what it really costs
• Not sure when to come → August or September?
• Need to plan the journey → how to get here

👉 Or write to us and we'll help you directly.

It's not just about when you come

The time of year also plays out completely differently depending on the area and the home you choose.

👉 We'll recommend the right option for your dates.

Step 3 · Getting around northern Sardinia

A car is essential. Many of the most beautiful beaches can't be reached by public transport. After flights and accommodation, it's the third booking to make — and the sooner you book, the less you pay.

  • Pick up your car directly at Alghero or Olbia airport
  • Always check excesses and insurance cover (see the car hire guide)
  • With a car, staying 2–3 km from the sea reduces the location disadvantage to almost nothing
  • Average daily distance: 40–80 km on a relaxed itinerary

Step 4 · Beaches not to miss

You don't need to see them all. Better to choose a few beaches, arrive early and really enjoy them. Northern Sardinia's iconic beaches:

North-west coast

  • La Pelosa – Stintino (limited access with booking: in 2026 from 15 May to 15 October)
  • Argentiera – a sheltered beach next to the old mining village
  • Le Bombarde – near Alghero, easy to reach

North-east coast and Gallura

  • Cala Brandinchi – San Teodoro (the “Sardinian Tahiti”, limited access with booking: in 2026 from 1 June to 30 September)
  • Capriccioli and Romazzino – Costa Smeralda
  • Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu – by boat from Cala Gonone

The real surprises often aren't in the guidebooks: ask us for a tip and leave room for the unexpected.

Step 5 · What to pack

The essentials list (nothing more):

☑ SPF 50+ sunscreen (bring it from home — it costs more in seaside resorts)
☑ Water shoes
☑ Mask + snorkel
☑ Microfibre towel
☑ Beach mat (compulsory at La Pelosa)
☑ Power bank
☑ Light sweatshirt (evening wind)
☑ A few tens of euros in cash

Planning your holiday in northern Sardinia (stress-free)

  • Ferry or plane? It depends on where you're coming from and how long you're staying: we'll help you choose
  • Car recommended? Yes, essential for hidden coves and total freedom. Book here with discount
  • Best period? June and September — fewer crowds, better prices, more privacy
  • Where to stay? In a home with a terrace or garden: more space, more freedom, Sardinia lived from the inside.

👉 With AffittaSardegna you have everything: home + advice + local tips since 2011.

→ See available homes

Where to stay in northern Sardinia

We help you choose the right home based on the period, area and type of holiday.

👉 Book direct and save up to 15%.

Plane or ferry?

  • Short weekend → plane
  • Family → ferry
  • Want freedom → car + ferry

👉 The choice completely changes your holiday. If you're weighing up the journey → read this complete guide.

If you want to avoid common mistakes that spoil a holiday, here's the complete guide: 7 mistakes to avoid in Sardinia.

FAQ

How far in advance should you plan a holiday in Sardinia?
For July and August: at least 3–4 months ahead, ideally 5–6. Accommodation, cars and ferries with cabins sell out quickly. For September, 2–3 months is enough. If your dates are flexible, booking early brings significant savings on every item.
Alghero or Cala Gonone: which is the better base?
They're two completely different experiences. Alghero is more urban, with an old town, nightlife, services and easy-to-reach sandy beaches. Cala Gonone is wilder, smaller and more natural — ideal if you love coves by boat, trekking in the Supramonte and silence. If you have 10 days, use both as separate bases.

Holiday homes in northern Sardinia

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