North or South Sardinia? How to choose the ideal coast for your holiday

Sardinia is tough but refined, wild but welcoming. It boasts incredible seas and out-of-this-world landscapes. But once decided upon a visit, the very legit question comes up: North or South Sardinia? Each side of the island offers something different, from vibe and activities to food, and landscapes, so here’s a guide to how to choose the Sardinian coast that’s right just for you.

Northern Sardinia

Northern Sardinia is more developed for tourists, especially along the famous Costa Smeralda. Here you’ll see luxury, yachts, shopping, and beach clubs with a view.  But you can still see wild, windy beauty and peaceful hidden inland villages. If your idea of the perfect summer includes tiny beaches, sipping cold wine in a luxury location, or sailing in the wind — Northern Sardinia is just the destination for you. 

The sea here sparkles in glitter of blues and greens you didn’t imagine you knew. There are famous resorts like Porto Cervo and Baja Sardinia, but also very small villages like San Pantaleo or Cannigione, which are quite rural. It’s also a great destination for day-trips. You may go from the Palau port to the La Maddalena Archipelago, a national park made up of islands and islets in a breathtaking scenery of water. Excellent for families, couples, and nature lovers.

And while there it’s easy to get caught up in the resort life, the inland part of the north has its own story to tell such as stone villages, ancient Bronze Age towers, and quiet roads that curve through olive groves and past grazing sheep.

If you’re considering exploring the island in detail, this Northern Sardinia travel guide is a great place to start planning.

Southern Sardinia

Southern Sardinia, on the other hand, is more relaxed, more local. The beaches are wider, the water just as crystal clear. But slower-paced. There aren’t as many high-gloss magazines writing about it, but that sort of defeats the purpose for some tourists. There’s more space, more authenticity, and a sense of comfort.

Italians head to Southern Sardinia when they want an authentic beach holiday without the glitz. You experience the perfect mix of ocean and culture from cities like Cagliari, the capital city of the island, while local beaches like Poetto or Mari Pintau are just a perfect destination for day trips with the family or slow afternoons of relaxing and reading.

To the south, the coastlines of Chia and Villasimius are famous for their unique beaches and postcard scenery. These are more exposed and accessible than those in the north’s coastal coves and typically less crowded. 

If your idea of the perfect beach holiday is quieter and less high-end, southern Sardinia will be perfect for you.

Of course, the best thing to do might be to split your time and visit both. The roads inside Sardinia connect the two sides with ease, and island driving itself is a pleasure with its unique scenic views.

It’s important to remember that you really can’t go wrong with Sardinia. Sardinia is the kind of destination that will take you by surprise, no matter which coast you choose.