Northern Sardinia has 30+ destinations — and picking the wrong one means a week of regrets. Stintino or Alghero? Palau or Santa Teresa? East Coast or North Coast? This guide answers with simple logic: we don't tell you where it's most beautiful, we tell you which destination is right for you.
We've been managing holiday rentals across northern Sardinia since 2011. What you read here is what we tell our guests before they book — not from a map, but from being on the ground.
The historic heart of AffittaSardegna — the area with the greatest variety: Italy's most famous sea, a unique medieval town, an international port and beaches that are still wild.
For those who want the very best of the Sardinian sea. Attention: La Pelosa has limited access and booking is required. · Budget: High · Families ✅ · Couples ✅
For anyone who wants town + sea + easy logistics. Lively even out of season. · Budget: Medium to high · Nightlife ✅
For anyone who wants Stintino, Alghero and Castelsardo within easy driving distance, at lower prices. Ferry port in town. · Budget: Low to medium · Base for exploring ✅✅
For couples looking for authenticity and spectacular sunsets. Lu Bagnu for families. · Budget: Medium · Couples ✅✅
For families who want space and for kitesurfing fans. Li Junchi: a long, free public beach, frequent mistral. · Budget: Low to medium · Sport ✅✅
For families looking for peace and quiet between Castelsardo and Badesi. A unique lagoon. · Budget: Low · Nature ✅✅
The northern tip of Sardinia — pink granite, Corsica on the horizon, frequent mistral. A more international soul.
Ferries to La Maddalena all day long, a 15–20 minute crossing. Pink granite beaches. · Budget: Medium to high · Excursions ✅✅
Ferries to Bonifacio several times a day. Lively nightlife. · Budget: Medium · Young people ✅✅
A one-of-a-kind contrast between red porphyry and turquoise sea. · Budget: Medium · Photography ✅✅
It's not all about Porto Cervo. Book direct and you get the same turquoise water without the booking portals' commissions.
Spiaggia del Principe, Capriccioli. Book direct: up to 15% less. · Budget: High · Exclusivity ✅✅
A few km from Porto Cervo, same sea. · Budget: Medium to high · Couples ✅✅
Fishing harbour, La Maddalena in 30 min. · Budget: Medium · Authenticity ✅✅
The arrival gateway from mainland Italy — Olbia airport, Golfo Aranci ferry port, the first big beach resorts.
The most complete destination in East Gallura. Nightlife, Olbia 25 km away. · Budget: Medium to high · Young people ✅✅
Zero transfer — you land and you're on the beach. · Budget: Medium · Logistics ✅✅✅
Step off the ferry and you're already there. · Budget: Medium · Logistics ✅✅
Less known, less touristy, more authentic. From the Gulf of Orosei, among the most spectacular landscapes in the Mediterranean, to beaches lined with thousand-year-old junipers.
Cala Luna, Grotte del Bue Marino, Selvaggio Blu. By boat, from Cala Gonone harbour. · Budget: Medium · Adventure ✅✅✅
More amenities than Cala Gonone, a medieval old town. · Budget: Medium · Families ✅✅
Berchida, reached by a dirt road through the junipers — unspoilt. · Budget: Low · Nature ✅✅✅
La Pelosa has limited access and booking is required: in high season places run out fast, so book as soon as you have your dates. How to book →
Porto Torres to Cala Gonone takes more than 2½ hours by car. The wrong area means half your holiday spent in the car.
Book direct and you save up to 15%: that's the commission the booking portals add to your bill. Search homes →
300+ homes in more than 30 places across northern Sardinia. Local support since 2011. No booking-portal commission.
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