Strictly Sardinia – "Where To Stay In Sardinia"

Host: Claudia Tavani
Date: February 13, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Claudia Tavani—lifelong Sardinian, travel blogger, and local expert—tackles the question every traveler asks: “Where is the best place to stay in Sardinia?” Claudia explains why the answer isn’t simple, given the island’s size, diversity, and the variety of experiences it offers. Using her local expertise, she guides listeners through factors to consider when choosing where to stay and gives detailed recommendations for regions, towns, and specific hotels around the island, packed with personal insights and stories.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Complexity of Choosing Where to Stay

• Sardinia's Size: "Remember that Sardinia is a big, big island. It’s the size of Vermont, and it takes a long time to explore." ([00:50])
• Seasonality: Where you should stay depends on when you visit—summer is for beaches, while winter or spring may be better for cities, food, or hiking.
• Point of Entry: Sardinia has three airports (Cagliari, Alghero, Olbia) and four main ferry ports. Where you land will naturally influence your base.

2. Claudia’s Recommendations: Destinations & Favorite Hotels

(Each place below includes transport info, travel highlights, and her recommended accommodation)

Cagliari (The Capital) [03:25]

• Why Stay: Accessible year-round; vibrant history, kayaking, nature parks, flamingos, great restaurants, and city beaches.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Cagliari is a wonderful city to visit throughout the year...In the summer months you have wonderful beaches just at your doorstep.” ([04:00])
• Accommodation:
  • In Town: Villa Fanny (boutique, central, close to gourmet restaurants)
  • At the Beach: Nautilus Hotel (on Poetto Beach—“you’re literally walking out the door and your toes are in the sand”)

Villasimius [06:40]

• Why Stay: Endless beaches, best for beach resorts, nightlife, great for excursions.
• Highlights: Punta Molentis (protected beach, needs booking), Porto Giunco, Porto Campulongu.
• Accommodation: Simius Playa (beachfront, pool, spa)
• Proximity: ~1 hour from Cagliari.

Costa Rei [09:05]

• Why Stay: Best for families, long sandy beaches, fewer restaurants but close to Villasimius.
• Personal Connection: “My parents bought a holiday home here when I was a child... I visit them all the time now.” ([09:17])
• Accommodation: Free Beach Resort (pool, tennis courts, spa; “I remember sneaking in as a child to jump in the pool”)

Santa Margherita di Pula & Chia [11:25]

• Why Stay: Combination of beautiful beaches and archaeological sites (e.g., Nora).
• Highlights: Hiking trails, Su Giudeu beach.
• Accommodation:
  • Forte Village Resort (huge, check reviews for different hotels within)
  • Hotel Faro Capo Spartivento (“located in a lighthouse—impressive views that are just out of this world” [12:48])

Carloforte (San Pietro Island) [14:05]

• Why Stay: Unique heritage, beautiful colorful town, best visited June–September.
• History: Genoese dialect, founded by settlers from Tabarca, Tunisia.
• Highlights: Tuna fishing, excellent seafood.
• Accommodation: Dimora Ferralasco (“7-8 min walk from the center, beautifully secluded, amazing breakfast, warm owner”) [16:12]

Oristano (Western Sardinia) [17:55]

• Why Stay: Off the beaten path, great base for Carnival (Sa Sartiglia), archaeological sites, food.
• Highlights: “One of the most unique festivals...men and women wearing traditional costumes...trying to catch a star hanging in the street.” ([18:52])
• Beaches: Is Arutas, Mari Ermi, San Giovanni di Sinis.
• Accommodation: Hotel Il Duomo (in a 17th-century noble house, historic center)

Alghero [21:40]

• Why Stay: Year-round destination, car not required, direct public transit to beaches and attractions.
• Highlights: Medieval center, Neptune’s Cave boat tours, Nuraghe Palmavera, Sella & Mosca Winery.
• Accommodation: Casa Villa Marina (in vineyard, “quiet and peaceful” [23:13])

Sassari [23:50]

• Why Stay: Alternative to crowded spots, Cavalcata Sarda festival in May, rich history, good food.
• Accommodation: Hotel Carlo Felice (“plain but comfortable rooms, excellent buffet breakfast, friendly staff” [24:30])

Stintino (La Pelosa Beach) [25:18]

• Why Stay: Home to Sardinia’s most famous beach (must book ahead), gateway to Asinara island.
• Wildlife: Albino donkeys on Asinara.
• Accommodation: Guest House Amare (sea views, terrace, modern rooms)

Castelsardo [26:30]

• Why Stay: Colorful hilltop village, Doria castle, excellent seafood (Il Cormorano).
• Accommodation: Bajaloglia Resort (balcony rooms with sea view)

Costa Paradiso [27:20]

• Why Stay: Hidden coves (Li Cossi), ideal for adventure-seekers with cars.
• Tip: Limited restaurants/services; best for those comfortable with less infrastructure.
• Accommodation: Hotel Costa Paradiso

Santa Teresa di Gallura [28:12]

• Why Stay: Beautiful summer beaches (Rena Bianca), jazz festival in late August/Sept.
• Accommodation: Hotel Canne al Vento (slightly outside center, large rooms)

La Maddalena Archipelago [29:15]

• Why Stay: Boat tours, hikes on Caprera, heavenly beaches (Cala Coticcio—“Little Tahiti”, Budelli’s Pink Beach).
• Access: Easy ferry from Palau (no need to book in advance; “there’s a ferry roughly every 15 minutes” [29:53])
• Accommodation: Hotel Villa del Parco (“basic, but comfortable, amazing breakfast, owner gives top boat tours” [31:10])

Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) [32:22]

• Why Stay: Super-exclusive, luxury destination—Claudia admits she rarely visits due to high prices and less Sardinian character.
• Accommodation: Petra Segreta Resort in San Pantaleo (luxury, Fuoco Sacro restaurant)

Olbia [33:42]

• Why Stay: Cheaper than Costa Smeralda, close to airport, handy for exploring northern and eastern beaches.
• Accommodation: Casauno (boutique hotel, historic center, budget-friendly options)

San Teodoro [34:40]

• Why Stay: Popular with younger crowd, lively nightlife, famous beaches (La Cinta, Lu Impostu, Cala Brandinchi—booking required for beach).
• Accommodation: Baglioni Resort (“very expensive, but a wonderful place to stay if you can find a good deal”)

Orosei & Bidderosa [35:50]

• Why Stay: Stunning national park (Oasi Bidderosa), Capo Comino, and Berchidda beaches.
• Accommodation: Domo Pro Vois (in Orosei town, car necessary for beach access)

Baunei, Tortolì & Santa Maria Navarrese (Gulf of Orosei/Baunei Coast) [36:38]

• Why Stay: Gateway to Sardinia’s most spectacular coastline.
• Must-dos: Boat tours to Cala Goloritzé, Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Sisine; hiking to Cala Goloritzé (demanding, for fit travelers).
• Accommodation: Hotel Nascar (Santa Maria Navarrese – “wonderful small hotel, great restaurant and location”)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Distances:
  “Try to spend at least three days in each location to make the most of it and not to make your itinerary too packed.” ([38:45])

• On Every Part Being Special:
  “There’s no bad places to stay in Sardinia…Wherever you’re staying, you’re going to have access to wonderful beaches, hiking trails, lots of history and more.” ([39:15])

• On the Emerald Coast:
  “It doesn’t really have much of a Sardinia feel. It’s mainly a place for billionaires, I want to say.” ([32:43])

• On Boat Tours in La Maddalena:
  “The main reason we locals and people from all over Italy and the world visit La Maddalena is to go on a boat tour of the archipelago...the most impressive beaches you’ll ever see in your life.” ([30:50])

Summary Table: Claudia’s Recommendations

| Region | Why Stay? | Top Hotel(s) | |-------------------|---------------------------|---------------------------| | Cagliari | Urban + beaches | Villa Fanny, Nautilus | | Villasimius | Beach paradise | Simius Playa | | Costa Rei | Family-friendly | Free Beach Resort | | Santa Margherita/Chia | Beaches & ruins | Forte Village, Faro Capo Spartivento | | Carloforte | Colorful, unique, food | Dimora Ferralasco | | Oristano | Culture, food, beaches | Hotel Il Duomo | | Alghero | Car-free, medieval vibe | Casa Villa Marina | | Sassari | Offbeat, history | Hotel Carlo Felice | | Stintino | Iconic beach, Asinara | Guest House Amare | | Castelsardo | Hill town, views, food | Bajaloglia Resort | | Costa Paradiso | Hidden coves, wild | Hotel Costa Paradiso | | Santa Teresa | Beaches, jazz, summer | Hotel Canne al Vento | | La Maddalena | Boat trips, hikes | Hotel Villa del Parco | | Costa Smeralda | Luxury | Petra Segreta Resort | | Olbia | Practical base | Casauno | | San Teodoro | Nightlife, beaches | Baglioni Resort | | Orosei/Bidderosa | Nature lovers | Domo Pro Vois | | Baunei/Santa Maria| Wild coast, boat hikes | Hotel Nascar |

Tips & Takeaways

• Base Selection: Consider your arrival point and the season. Sardinia’s winding roads mean travel is slower than you might expect.
• How Long: Spend a minimum of 3 nights in each area to maximize enjoyment and minimize rushing.
• Transportation: A car unlocks the best of Sardinia, but certain cities (Cagliari, Alghero) can be enjoyed car-free.
• Booking: For famous beaches like La Pelosa, Punta Molentis, or Cala Brandinchi, booking is mandatory.
• Email Claudia: Personalized advice available by email; she encourages listeners to reach out directly.

Final Thoughts

Claudia closes by reminding listeners that almost everywhere in Sardinia offers beauty and adventure. She advises travelers to balance relaxation and exploration and teases next week’s topic: Sardinia’s best beaches. Whether you crave untouched nature, exclusive luxury, or cultural immersion, Claudia’s local picks will shape a memorable Sardinian holiday.

For personalized recommendations, Claudia invites listeners to email her (details in episode description).