Two very different coastlines. One has the dunes and the value; the other has the Costa Smeralda sparkle. Here is how to decide.
The north-west and north-east of Sardinia attract very different travellers. We compare beaches, pace, dining and price so you can pick with confidence.
Beaches and scenery
Both coasts are stunning, but the character differs. The north-west, around Stintino and the Sinis, is all wide pale-sand beaches and shallow turquoise water, with La Pelosa as its showpiece. The north-east trades in pink granite, juniper-scented coves and the emerald shallows of the Costa Smeralda, plus the matchless Maddalena archipelago offshore.
If you want long, sandy, walk-out-forever beaches, lean north-west. If you love sculpted rocks, secret coves and the best boat days in the Mediterranean, the north-east edges ahead.
Pace and atmosphere
The north-west feels relaxed and local, with fishing-village dinners and an unhurried rhythm even in summer. Alghero gives it a walkable old-town heart, but nobody is dressing up to be seen. It is the more laid-back of the two.
The north-east has a glossier energy, especially around Porto Cervo, where smart bars and yacht-watching are part of the appeal. There are quiet corners of Gallura too, but the headline scene is dressier and livelier. Match the coast to the holiday you actually want.
Food and dining
You eat well on both coasts, but the experience differs in tone. The north-west leans into honest, regional cooking: fresh seafood, Vermentino from nearby vineyards, and Alghero's prized spiny lobster done simply and superbly. Prices feel fair and portions generous.
The north-east offers that same Sardinian larder alongside a tier of polished, higher-end restaurants and beach clubs. You can eat very well at any budget, but the top end climbs higher here. Foodies happy with rustic excellence may prefer the west's value.
Price and getting there
In broad terms, the north-west offers more for your money, particularly on accommodation in peak months, while the north-east commands a premium for its glamour and scenery. Shoulder season narrows the gap on both.
For arrivals, the north-west pairs naturally with Alghero airport, and the north-east with Olbia, each a manageable transfer to its respective coast. Hiring a car is wise either way, as the loveliest beaches reward those who can drive to them. Pick your airport to match your base and you will spend less time in transit.
