With an array of choices, it can be hard to choose a base for a Sardinian adventure, but, with the help of our experts, twin-centre holidays or stopovers, mean you can explore the island thoroughly.
There are many wonderful scenic areas, towns, and villages to be seen throughout Sardinia, it may be hard to choose where to stay during your holiday. Our experts have some great twin-centre suggestions that are perfect to make the most of your Sardinia adventure.
Starting in Alghero, a beautiful ancient town on the north west coast, there is plenty to see and do here, not to mention plenty to eat and drink! A wonderful hotel in the area is Hotel Punta Negra, just a 10-minute drive outside of the town. The hotel oozes peace and tranquillity, with a beautiful view out to the bay and the old town of Alghero. Choose a sea view room and wake up each morning to gentle waves lapping the beach below. You can enjoy breakfast in the morning sunshine before heading to the secluded and quiet beach to unwind further.
View out to Alghero Old Town
Breakfast with a view at Hotel Punta Negra
After enjoying all that Alghero has to offer, jump in the car and head on down to Oliena, working your way from the coast further into the interior of the island. Here you are in for a treat! Nestled in the countryside is Hotel Su Gologone, a quirky experience hotel, that is full of pops of colour, plenty of charm and hidden pockets within the grounds in which to relax. Hotel Su Gologone is the ideal base for keen walkers, with an abundance of stunning scenic routes to explore under a mountainous backdrop. The other large draw of this hotel is the mouth-watering cuisine, the food here is first-class and not to be missed, make sure to try the pork dish and home-made Tiramisu.
Outside terrace at Hotel Su Gologone
As you make your way back towards the coast, on the east of the island this time, you will discover a beautiful route, that takes you through Olbia and up to the Emerald Coast. Pass the many quaint towns mixed with sophisticated coastal resorts, where the rich and famous choose to holiday, your penultimate destination is Arzachena. Arzachena is a beautiful hillside town, with the focal point being the Church of Stella Maris, with its pretty painted steps leading the way to its doors. Spend a morning browsing the bustling market, where local cheeses, fruits, vegetables and even jewellery are sold, under a backdrop of beautiful countryside and old stone buildings. This is a wonderful place to sit back and relax with a coffee before making your back west to Alghero.
When staying in Arzachena, the 4-star Country Resort Parco Degli Ulivi is a wonderful option for couples and has the most stunning scenery to enjoy whilst relaxing by the pool. With restaurants on-site, it is perfect after a day of driving to check in and make the most of having nowhere to go!
Country Resort Parco Degli Ulivi pool area
Begin your adventure by flying into Olbia, a wonderful town with plenty to see and do, if you would like to spend a night or two here, Hotel Felix Olbia is a fantastic 4-star hotel in the town, with a rooftop pool and pristine rooms. Your car journey begins here as you head down the east coast towards the interior of the island, reaching Bitti. Bitti is a small town, with plenty of character, boasting a small selection of restaurants and bars, the unspoilt beauty of the area makes it the ideal place to soak up Sardinian traditions. Hotel Su Lithu is a great base in the area, with just 16 rooms, it is a quiet hotel and provides its guests with a wonderful night’s sleep, delightful meals at the hotel’s restaurant, and the opportunity to relax by the pool in a courtyard with a traditional feel.
Rooftop pool at sunset, Hotel Felix Olbia
Walled pool area at Hotel Su Lithu
As you skirt the coast and continue inland, passing many national parks, forests, and villages, you reach the coast, and slowly make your way down until you reach Villisimus. This southern point in Sardinia, provides a true feel of the island, with rugged coastline and unspoilt scenery, it has taken tourists a little longer to discover this gem and it pays off to visit the area! This hidden treat provides mountainous walks for keen hikers, interesting wildlife and birding opportunities and prehistoric sites. The town of Villasimius is a lively holiday base with a friendly atmosphere, and it is a great destination for families, boasting long white sand beaches, shallow crystal-clear waters, and a range of boat excursions. Hotel Stella Maris is a lovely hotel to provide you with a base for exploring this area, suitable for families as well as couples, with plenty of romantic spots to relax by day and a lovely restaurant to enjoy your evening meals.
The pool at Hotel Stella Maris
This fabulous coastal journey takes you to some of the most beautiful beaches along the east coast of Sardinia. Starting in San Teodoro, a town that boasts a 5km beach of pristine white sand, an ever-popular beach, it is well worth a visit, with plenty of water sports and snack bars to keep you entertained and fuelled during your beach day. Just north of the town is Relais Fenicottero Rosa, a charming hotel with just 12 rooms suites, sitting amongst large gardens, where tailor-made menus for its guests are the highlight here. Customer service is second to none at Relais Fenicottero Rosa.
The beach at Relais Fenicottero Rosa
Heading slightly inland to continue your route, you will travel through the unspoilt countryside and tiny villages before arriving at Cala Gonone. This wonderful pocket of dramatic views, remarkable bays and blue waters is a treat for its visitors. Cala Gonone is where you will find The Grottos of the Blue Marino and the stunning Cala Mariolu, one of Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches. Hotel I Ginepri Cala Gonone is a lovely hotel with plenty of character and beautiful views, the perfect location to discover the area’s coast. From here, head further down the coast to Santa Maria Navarrese, this is a convenient halfway point on the route down to the very south of the island, the small village of Santa Maria is a few miles off the main route and makes a great base for exploring the region. The large marina is a lovely place to spend some time, and for those keen to get on the water there are plenty of boat trips on offer. These boat trips will give you the chance to explore the lovely beaches of the area and Grotta del Fico. For a wonderful stay in Santa Maria Navarrese, Lanthia Resort is a charming hotel with beautiful grounds, right on the beach.
Pine forest meeting the sea at Lanthia Resort
Heading further south, through Bari Sardo and along the coast you will reach Costa Rei, a relaxing seaside town with plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants to enjoy. The Costa Rei area is blessed with crystal clear waters and pristine beaches, providing the most beautiful place to sunbathe, swim, and take part in water sports. Adults Only, La Villa del Re is a magnificent 5-star hotel and a member of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World Collection.” With stunning views out to the waters of Costa Rei, where comfort, style and indulgence surround guests staying here.
Aerial view of La Villa del Re
This twin-centre holiday incorporates two beautiful Mediterranean islands! Sardinia has so much to offer, and those who love the island should consider visiting its northerly neighbour, Corsica. Corsica’s French influences shine throughout the island, with fabulous cuisine, splendid scenery, and fantastic accommodation choices. This twin-centre holiday can easily be done within one week, with 3 nights on the southern tip of Corsica, starting in Bonifacio. This ancient citadel town is a delight to explore, with a pretty marina below, where you can spend your time relaxing amongst the many restaurants and bars. Once you have explored the marina and perhaps even embarked on a boat excursion, it is time to explore the citadel on the hill. Climbing up the steep steps is well worth the reward at the end, this walled town is full of character and charm, with stunning views out to sea and of the limestone cliffs that Bonifacio is famed for. Take time exploring the small roads and narrow alleyways and soak up the atmosphere before stopping for a refreshing drink and bite to eat. For those interested in a coastal walk, just outside the citadel walls, there is a great clifftop walk along to a lighthouse, the views are wonderful.
View to Bonifacio citadel from the marina below
Once you’ve spent 3 nights in Corsica, it is time to catch the ferry over to Sardinia. The ferry crossing is only 50 minutes and is very rewarding in terms of its views, both cars and foot passengers are welcome aboard. As you arrive in Santa Teresa Gallura, follow the main road slightly east, until you reach Palau, this seaside town is well worth a stopover. It is the main place to catch a boat over to La Maddalena Archipelago, this group of islands is well known for its beauty, as well as its excellent snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities.
Continuing to Cannigione, you will find yourself in the heart of the Emerald Coast. Spend the final part of your holiday, enjoying the sea views, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the delicious cuisine! Villa del Golfo Lifestyle Resort is a great choice, a luxurious 5-star hotel, sitting above Cannigione with breathtaking views out to the Gulf of Arzachena and beyond. The hotel oozes enchantment and makes for the ideal place to end your twin-centre holiday.
