The most beautiful cities and towns in Sardinia
Sardinia is an island with a strong and unmistakable character. It’s rugged, diverse, and rich in culture and tradition. Not your standard destination, but a place shaped by centuries of history, local pride, and striking natural beauty.
To truly experience Sardinia, start in its towns. This is where you feel the rhythm of daily life, taste the local flavours, and discover the island’s unique personality. Each town has its own atmosphere, its own story, and a distinct mix of sea air, stone walls, and the scent of citrus and salt.
In this article, we highlight some of the most beautiful towns in Sardinia:
Cagliari – The capital of light and layers
Cagliari isn’t a city that reveals itself all at once. Built on seven hills, it slowly opens up to those who take their time. The old Castello district rises above it all: a maze of sun-bleached facades, hidden staircases, and terraces with sweeping views of the sea.
Here, you wander from galleries to cafés, from cathedrals to local markets. In the early evening, the city glows golden, and the air fills with the hum of aperitivos and Sardinian dialects. Cagliari doesn’t live in the past, but it carries it gracefully—elegant, understated, and alive.
Alghero – Catalan charm by the sea
On the northwest coast lies Alghero, where the past speaks Catalan and the sun sets behind 16th-century bastions. The old town is warm in colour and wrapped in stone walls, with narrow alleys draped in bougainvillea and seafood restaurants tucked behind wooden shutters.
The sea is always close here. You hear it, smell it, and inevitably end your day with it—over a plate of sea urchin, a glass of Vermentino, and the silhouette of Capo Caccia bathed in evening light.
Bosa – A palette of colours along the river
Some towns seem made for travellers who love the unexpected. Bosa is one of them. Set along the Temo River, with pastel-coloured houses climbing the hillside and an old bridge tying it all together.
At the top, the Malaspina Castle watches over the town. Below, daily life moves quietly on—fishing boats sway gently, laundry flutters above narrow alleys, children run across sleepy piazzas.
Oristano – Noble calm on the western coast
Far from the busy roads and tourist trails lies Oristano. A town that doesn’t impress with grandeur, but with stillness. You’ll find Romanesque churches, hidden courtyards, and a calm elegance rarely seen today.
On Monday mornings, the market fills the streets with the scent of fresh bread, citrus, and thyme. From Oristano, you’re just a short drive from the poetic ruins of Tharros or the white sands of Is Arutas.
Castelsardo – Medieval magic on a cliff
Rising from the sea like a postcard from another time, Castelsardo sits dramatically atop a cliff on the northern coast. The old town winds upward to the castle, where panoramic views stretch to infinity.
Castelsardo is famed for its craftsmanship—especially basket weavers who still work by hand in shaded arcades. But the most magical moment? Sunset from the castle walls, when rock, city, and sea are lit in warm colour.
Why Nice2stay feels at home in Sardinia
At Nice2stay, we look for places with true character. Not superficial luxury, but depth. Authentic experiences, accommodations with soul, and landscapes that move you. Sardinia fits that vision perfectly. It’s an island that lives in its own rhythm.