Often, I have been asked these questions:
What is the most beautiful part of Sardinia?
Is North or South Sardinia better?
Honestly, there is no easy answer. Even though Sardinia is an island, the north and the south are very different.
North Sardinia
The north is more touristic especially Alghero (northwest) and Costa Smeralda (northeast) which is the VIP part of the island.The Costa Smeralda is a 20km long coastline area and popular tourist destination. This location has lured celebrities andwealthy people because of its golf clubs, private jets, helicopters, yacht services, and expensive hotels and resorts. The coasts of northern Sardinia are generally rocky and made of coves and inlets however it is possible to find white sand beaches as well.
The north, which is primarily focused on summer vacations due to a resort-like feel, is more touristy, busy, and pricey in the high season.
How do you get to North Sardinia?
There are two ways to travel to Sardinia: by plane or by ferry.
The flight to Sardinia is quicker and cheaper, but the ferry allows you to take a car with you and save on rental fees. In North Sardinia, there are two airports, one in Olbia (northeast) and one in Alghero (northwest). Check out the best flights with Expedia.
The Sardinian language in the north also differs from the south and can be somewhat confusing even for a Sardinian. They speak mainly: Logudorese and Nuorese but depending on the area Sassarese and Gallurese are also spoken.
South Sardinia
The south is generally less touristy, especially the southwestern part, so it offers a different style of holiday, I would say a more authentic experience. The south of Sardinia is generally flat, with long stretches of beautiful sandy beachesand blue seas (check the blog article dedicated to the bestSardinia beaches). The long beaches in the south, being less famous, are less crowded in the high season. The most tourist part of the south isCagliari, the Sardinian capital, and Villasimius (south-east), a favourite area for families. To know more about the southwest read the article: Let's learn a bit more about the southwestand check our holiday ideas page to discover what you can do in the southwest part of Sardinia.
How do you get to South Sardinia?
Cagliari Elmas Airport is the island's main international gateway, connecting it to major European towns. This airport handles 3 million passengers per year. It serves southern Sardinia and popular destinations like Carloforte, Iglesias, the Costa Verde, Chia, Teulada, and Villasimius, to name a few.Check out the best flights withExpedia.
The Sardinian language in the south is Campidanese.
To help you decide between north and south I will compare the two cities where you can find international airports:
Alghero VS Cagliari;
sounds like a football derby right?
Alghero
Alghero is a town in the northern Sardinian province of Sassari. A part of the population is descended from Catalan invaders who ruled Sardinia during the end of the Middle Ages when it was part of the Crown of Aragon. As a result, the Catalan language is co-official and referred to as the Alguerès dialect (just to make the speaking language in the north more complicated). The name Alghero derives from the Medieval Latin word Aleguerium, which means "stagnation of algae".
Main sites:
- Historic centre, the antique atmosphere of the era of Catalan dominance pervades this part of the city. Surrounded by sturdy honey-coloured walls, it's a tight little enclave of cobblestone alleys, Gothic buildings, and squares.
- The city walls which date back to the 13th century; were built according to the Genoese system. In 1354 the city was occupied by the Catalans, who restored and expanded the defensive system. Along the walls there are 7 towers and 3 forts.
- Handicraft stores. Alghero's handicraft is mainly linked to the creation of red coral jewels, for which the city is famous, but also for basketry; the tradition is mainly linked to fishing, the baskets are made of rush and olive tree roots were used until the seventies for lobster fishing, a typical Alghero's food.
- San Giovanni's beach is the city beach. It stretches for about 3 kilometres long and can be reached on foot. There are many bars and stores in the area in front of the beach. The seabed is shallow, the water is transparent, and the sand is fine and white.
Nightlife
Many pubs and open-air clubs are located primarily around the waterfront, while street performers and folk groups liven up the port evenings. Most bars close around 1 or 2am. After that, you can head towards the waterfront south of the city, which stays busy until around 4am in summer if you want to extend your night. In the summer months (June to September), head to the city's outskirts to discover late-night discos.
**Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (the author of ‘The Little Prince') lived in the Bay of Porto Conte, in Alghero, from May to July 1944 during WW2 when he was a pilot for the Allied American air force stationed at the military airport of Fertilia**
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Cagliari
Cagliari's Sardinian name ‘Casteddu' means castle. It is an ancient city with a long history, having been ruled by several civilisations. In fact, it was founded by the Phoenicians, colonized by the Carthaginians, occupied by the Romans, fought over by the Pisans and the Spanish, and ruled for a long time by the Piedmontese.Cagliari is the island of Sardinia's primary port and transportation hub. The city is divided into four historic quarters - Villanova, Stampace, Marina and Castello. Poetto Beach, a vast stretch of fine sand flowing smoothly into a deep turquoise sea, is the principal summertime hangout for locals.
Main sites:
- The old medieval town (‘Casteddu de susu' means "the upper castle") lies on top of a hill with a view of the Gulf of Cagliari (also known as Angels' Gulf). Most of its city walls are intact and include two early 14th-century white limestone towers, typical examples of Pisan military architecture.
- The Bastion of Saint Remy was built between 1896 and 1902 on top of the ancient Spanish bastions to connect the castle to the lower town. The style is classical in granite and limestone.
- The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonaria, after which the city of Buenos Aires in Argentina is named (see the blog ‘An Unusual Introduction to Sardinia' if you want to know more) was built by the Catalans between 1324 and 1329. The style of the church is Gothic-Catalan. The exterior features a modest Gothic entrance, while the inside features a wooden figure of Our Lady of Bonaria.
- The San Benedetto's market is the largest food market in Cagliari where one can find all kinds of local products.
- Poetto Beach is the city beach of Cagliari. It stretches for about 8 kilometres, from Sella del Diavolo ("Devil's Saddle") up to the coastline of Quartu Sant'Elena. From the centre of Cagliari, it can be reached by public bus. There are many bars and stores in the area in front of the beach.
Nightlife
Cagliari's nightlife is fantastic: there are clubs and pubs (to suit all preferences) all around the city. Some are laid-back, some allow you to dance all night, some cater to the LGBTQI community, and some are located directly on the beach and provide both food and beverages. You can choose to enjoy your time at Poetto Beach or at the multiracial, colourful Marina district, or at the historic district of Castello or the central pedestrian streets and along the harbour front.
**D. H. Lawrence, in his travel book ‘memoir of a voyage to Sardinia-Sea and Sardinia', compared Cagliari to a "white Jerusalem" **
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Have you decided which part to visit?
Otherwise, I suggest you take a two-week holiday and spend a week on each side, it takes about four hours to cross Sardinia. To do this you will need a rental car (check here for offers).
To help you organise your holiday in Cagliari and Southwest Sardiniacontact NxtStopSardinia
To help you organise your holiday in the Alghero area contact BluAlghero-Sardinia
Also, remember that Sardinia is not just coast and beaches, the island has a diverse range of activities, historical and natural locations for travellers to explore.
With NxtStop Sardinia tour prices can be customised according to budget, the number of days and experiences agreed at the time of booking, Contact us!
Are you curious to know more about Sardinia?
Check our tour templates
Check our Holiday ideas page
andcontact us for a customised tour!
