Alghero
Best for: Couples, history, diverse beaches
A Catalan-influenced town with coral-coloured walls, excellent seafood, and Neptune's Grotto nearby. The best all-round base — culture + beaches + affordable. Ryanair flies direct.
Cagliari
Best for: Culture, urban explorers, food
Sardinia's capital — the Castello quarter, flamingos at Molentargius, and Poetto beach. Best restaurants on the island. The most flights. Good for a first/last night base.
Costa Smeralda (Porto Cervo area)
Best for: Luxury seekers, beach purists
Billionaire beaches and yacht harbours. Emerald water, granite rocks, astronomical prices. Beautiful but not "real" Sardinia. Visit for a day, don't stay unless budget is no object.
Ogliastra (East Coast)
Best for: Hikers, adventure, authentic
The wildest coast — Cala Goloritzé, Cala Luna (boat access), and the dramatic Selvaggio Blu trek. Baunei and Santa Maria Navarrese are the bases. Raw, magnificent, uncrowded.
La Maddalena Archipelago
Best for: Beach purists, boat lovers
A national park of granite islands and crystal water. Take the ferry from Palau. La Maddalena town has restaurants and nightlife; Caprera is wild nature (Garibaldi's island).
Our recommendation
Alghero for the best all-round experience (culture + beaches + value). Ogliastra east coast for the best beaches and adventure. Avoid Costa Smeralda unless you're a billionaire.