Costa Rei and Villasimius (south-east)
This is where most of our Sardinian villas are. Costa Rei is a long, gently shelving sandy beach with clear water, and Villasimius adds a small town centre with restaurants and a protected marine area offshore. Fly into Cagliari; the drive is roughly an hour, partly on winding coastal road.
Best for: Families who want long white-sand beaches and shallow water
Not for you if: You want nightlife or a lively town on the doorstep: outside Villasimius this coast is quiet and spread out.
Costa Smeralda and the La Maddalena coast (Porto Cervo, Cannigione, Palau, Santa Teresa di Gallura)
Granite headlands, small coves and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. From Palau the ferry to La Maddalena takes around 20 minutes, and day boats tour the archipelago's beaches. Cannigione and Palau are more relaxed and better value than Porto Cervo itself. Olbia airport is 30 minutes to an hour away.
Best for: Couples and groups who want boat trips, coves and a smarter scene
Not for you if: You're budget-led: Porto Cervo is the island's most expensive corner in July and August.
San Teodoro, Budoni and Agrustos (north-east)
Long sandy beaches such as La Cinta at San Teodoro, shallow water and plenty of villas a short drive from the sea. Olbia airport is around 30 to 45 minutes away, which makes this the easiest base for a shorter stay.
Best for: Families who want easy sandy beaches close to Olbia airport
Not for you if: You want somewhere quiet in August: San Teodoro is one of the island's busiest summer resorts.
The north coast (Valledoria, Badesi, Isola Rossa, Costa Paradiso)
Valledoria and Badesi sit behind long, dune-backed beaches, with more space and lower prices than the Costa Smeralda. Costa Paradiso is the opposite: red granite rocks, small coves and villas set into the hillside. The walled hilltop town of Castelsardo is nearby. Fly into Olbia or Alghero, each about an hour to an hour and a half by car.
Best for: Value, space and quieter beaches
Not for you if: You want calm water every day: this coast catches the mistral (maestrale) wind, which can bring wind and waves for days at a time.
The Gulf of Orosei and the east coast (Cala Liberotto, La Caletta, Santa Maria Navarrese)
The east coast below Olbia is quieter, with sandy bays near Orosei and the limestone cliffs of the Gulf of Orosei further south. Boats from Santa Maria Navarrese and nearby harbours run to coves that can't be reached by road. Cala Liberotto is about an hour from Olbia; Santa Maria Navarrese is closer to two.
Best for: Walkers and anyone who wants boat trips to wild coves
Not for you if: You want everything within walking distance: villages are small and the best coves are reached by boat or on foot.
Chia and Pula (south-west of Cagliari)
Chia's beaches, backed by dunes and juniper, are among the best known in Sardinia, and Pula has the Roman site of Nora on its doorstep. Cagliari airport is around 45 minutes to an hour away.
Best for: Beach lovers who want dunes and a short transfer from Cagliari
Not for you if: You want a wide choice of villas: there are far fewer here than on the south-east coast.
Alghero and Stintino (north-west)
Alghero's walled old town has a Catalan history, harbour restaurants and its own airport. Stintino, about an hour north, is the base for La Pelosa, one of Italy's best-known beaches.
Best for: Couples who want a historic town base with beaches nearby
Not for you if: You want to turn up at the famous beaches on a whim: La Pelosa near Stintino now has a summer entry charge and capped visitor numbers, booked in advance.
