Grand Relais Dei Nuraghi
A polished resort base for slowing down near the Costa Smeralda.
Italy · Travel guide
Sardinia
A first-trip guide to Sardinia, Italy: choosing the north or south, getting around and planning the best beach and boat days.
The short answer
What should first-time visitors know about Sardinia, Italy?
Choose one coast rather than trying to cover the island: the north for Costa Smeralda resorts and boat days, or the south for broader beaches and a slower road trip. Sardinia uses the euro, and a rental car is the practical choice outside the main resort areas.
For a first trip to Sardinia, Italy, choose one coast instead of trying to cover the whole island: the north for Costa Smeralda resorts and boat days, or the south for broader beaches and a slower road trip. Sardinia uses the euro, and a rental car is the practical choice outside the main resort areas.
International connectivity
Set up mobile data before you land.
Compare Airalo and Saily plans for Sardinia, including the data allowance, duration, destination coverage and total price, against your normal carrier before purchasing.
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Book the experience
Browse Sardinia boat trips on Viator
Check the exact marina and driving time from your hotel.
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Plan before you land
Price the airport transfer before booking the hotel car.
Compare the exact pickup point, vehicle, cancellation terms and total price before arrival. For tours, use the destination-specific experience link above.
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01
Where to stay
The hotel note
Hotel Dei Pini
A useful second base for a different side of the island.
02
What earned the time
Do this
Cove-hopping by boat
The island’s most beautiful water is best accessed from the sea.
One completely unscheduled resort day
Sardinia is not improved by turning every day into a drive.
03
The food edit
Eat here—or eat this way
Cone Club
A stylish coastal stop to build into an elevated beach day.
Phi Beach
Go for the sunset setting and stay into the evening.
Before you go
The details that change the trip.
Choose north or south rather than trying to cover the whole island.
A car is essential outside the main resort pockets.
Reserve boats and the best sunset tables before arrival in high season.
Questions travelers ask
Sardinia, Italy Travel Guide: North or South?
What currency is used in Sardinia?
Do you need a car in Sardinia?
How many days should you spend in Sardinia?
Where are Sardinia’s best swimming coves?
Saved for the complete edit
The useful 30%.
The public guide gives you the honest overview. We save the highest-value planning work for the premium version:
- Our two-hotel island route
- Beach and boat days by coast
- Driving times and reservation sequence