North Sardinia Vacation Rentals: The Complete 2026 Guide to Beaches, Towns & Where to Stay

We've managed 300+ vacation homes across North Sardinia since 2011. Land in Olbia and you're minutes from the Gallura coast and Costa Smeralda; fly into Alghero and the Coral Riviera and Stintino's turquoise water are right there. This guide helps you choose the right area, the right home and the right time to come — no guesswork, no surprises.

Book directly with AffittaSardegna and save up to 15% compared to the big booking portals — and you'll talk to the people who actually run the home, not a call center in another country.

Why Choose North Sardinia

North Sardinia isn't one destination — it's several holidays in the same region. In a couple of hours' drive you go from a Caribbean-blue cove to a medieval hilltown, from granite hiking trails to dinner at a local winery.

  • Turquoise-water beaches and hidden coves
  • Historic towns perched above the sea
  • Boat trips, snorkeling and diving
  • Scenic hikes along granite coastlines
  • Local food and the wineries of the north
  • Homes for families, couples, groups and remote work

With the airports of 🏙️ Olbia and 🏛️ Alghero and the ports of 🏙️ Olbia and 🏛️ Porto Torres, North Sardinia is easy to reach from across Europe — and now direct from New York (JFK) into Olbia.

The 4 Areas of North Sardinia

Understanding the areas is the first step to getting your trip right — each one has its own character, landscape and pace.

⛵ Gallura — Santa Teresa, Palau, Costa Paradiso

Wind-sculpted granite, the La Maddalena archipelago a hop away, red-rock coves. Closest to Olbia airport.

🏖️ East Coast — San Teodoro & the Gulf of Orosei

White sand, easy services, real beach life. Cala Gonone is the gateway to the Gulf of Orosei.

🏛️ Coral Riviera — Alghero

A Catalan old town, evening buzz, seafront restaurants and beaches within reach. The blend of city and coast.

🌊 North-West — Stintino, Asinara, Porto Torres

Crystal-clear sea, the Asinara National Park, and the main ferry gateway for the west. La Pelosa beach country.

The Best Places to Stay in North Sardinia

Siniscola

One of the most loved spots for beaches and summer life. Cala Brandinchi and La Cinta are minutes away. Close to Olbia.

👉 Vacation homes in San Teodoro

Santa Teresa Gallura

Capo Testa and granite carved by the wind. A great base for La Maddalena and the day trip to Corsica.

👉 Vacation homes in Santa Teresa Gallura

⛵ Palau

The ferry port for the La Maddalena archipelago and an ideal base for Aggius, San Pantaleo and Punta Sardegna.

👉 Vacation homes in Palau

Cala Gonone

The gateway to the Gulf of Orosei — boat-access coves, sea cliffs and deep blue water. It's about 3 hours' drive from Stintino: a separate trip, not a day out.

👉 Vacation homes in Cala Gonone

🏛️ Alghero

A Catalan old town, sea and nightlife. Perfect if you want to mix beach days, culture and evenings out. Its own airport.

👉 Vacation homes in Alghero

🏖️ Stintino

Home to La Pelosa, one of Europe's finest beaches. Shallow turquoise water, the ideal base for Asinara. La Pelosa has capped access — book your entry online days ahead.

👉 Vacation homes in Stintino

🏛️ Porto Torres

The main north-west ferry port (Genoa, Civitavecchia, Barcelona). A strategic base for Stintino, Alghero, Castelsardo and Asinara.

👉 Vacation homes in Porto Torres

🏰 Castelsardo

One of Italy's most beautiful villages, crowned by a medieval castle, with views over the Gulf of Asinara.

👉 Vacation homes in Castelsardo

Loiri Porto San Paolo

Red rocks, hidden coves and sunsets over the sea. Raw nature between Trinità d'Agultu and Isola Rossa.

👉 Vacation homes in Costa Paradiso

→ See every destination in North Sardinia

The Best Beaches in North Sardinia

  • Cala Brandinchi & La Cinta (San Teodoro)
  • 🏖️ Rena Bianca (Santa Teresa Gallura)
  • Li Cossi (Costa Paradiso)
  • La Pelosa (Stintino) — capped access, online booking
  • Patelnie solne (Stintino)
  • Mugoni & Le Bombarde (Alghero)
  • Lu Bagnu (Castelsardo)

⚠️ Several top beaches (La Pelosa, Cala Brandinchi, Bidderosa) have capped daily access — you book your slot online days in advance. Don't leave it to chance.

Where to Stay: the Right Home for Your Trip

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

Villas with gardens, apartments near the beach, homes with pools and space for kids.

💑 Couples

Sea-view homes, historic towns and quiet corners for a bit of privacy.

👥 Groups

Standalone villas, big terraces and private pools — everyone together, no compromises.

💻 Remote Work

Reliable Wi-Fi, well-connected towns and longer off-season stays.

How to Get to North Sardinia

Airports: Olbia Costa Smeralda (north-east — now direct from New York JFK) · Alghero-Fertilia (north-west).

Ports: Olbia (from Livorno, Genoa, Civitavecchia) · Porto Torres (from Genoa, Civitavecchia, Barcelona).

North Sardinia gets the Mistral wind: check the forecast before booking boat trips — it can change everything in 24 hours.

What to Do in North Sardinia

  • A day in the Asinara National Park
  • Catamaran trips and the La Maddalena tour
  • Snorkeling and diving
  • Hiking at Capo Falcone and Capo Testa
  • Exploring the historic hilltowns
  • Wine tasting at local wineries

A car is almost essential for the coves — if you fly in, it's worth booking your rental ahead.

🚗 Compare car rental prices in Sardinia →

North Sardinia FAQ

Which part of North Sardinia is best?

It depends on your kind of trip. The Gallura coast and San Teodoro are closest to Olbia airport and big on beaches; Alghero blends beaches with a lively old town; Castelsardo is the historic-village pick; Santa Teresa offers the views toward Corsica.

How much does a vacation home in North Sardinia cost?

It varies by season, location and the type of home. Booking directly with AffittaSardegna gets you better terms than the large online portals.

Alghero or the Costa Smeralda area — where should I stay?

If you land in Olbia, the Gallura and Costa Smeralda side is closest and full of beaches. Alghero, on the west coast, gives you a town atmosphere and its own airport. Many travelers combine both in one stay.

How many days do I need for North Sardinia?

For a first visit, plan at least 7 days. To explore the whole area between Alghero, Stintino, Castelsardo and the Gallura, 10–14 days is ideal.

Book Your North Sardinia Vacation Home

300+ homes managed since 2011 across North Sardinia's top destinations.

Book direct and save up to 15% — no middleman, local support on the ground.

📍 Geographic entities covered by this guide: North Sardinia · Province of Sassari · Province of Nuoro · Province of Olbia-Tempio · Gulf of Asinara · Gulf of Orosei · Costa Smeralda · La Maddalena Archipelago · Coral Riviera · Gallura · Olbia · San Teodoro (40.7733°N, 9.6724°E) · Santa Teresa di Gallura (41.2329°N, 9.1891°E) · Palau (41.1798°N, 9.3823°E) · Cala Gonone (40.2920°N, 9.6259°E) · Alghero (40.5598°N, 8.3195°E) · Stintino (40.9317°N, 8.2269°E) · Porto Torres (40.8393°N, 8.4018°E) · Castelsardo (40.9103°N, 8.7133°E)