The Best Holiday Apartments in Sardinia

These simple apartments are perfect for families and groups of friends searching for a relaxed getaway at a good price. Their position in Pula is strategic, right between Cagliari’s airport and some of Sardinia’s most popular beaches, with easy bus rides to the cities of Cagliari and Nora, or to Santa Margherita and Chia beaches. Owner Luigi is a born-and-bred Sardinian who loves to surf, travel and make people feel at home: he can advise you on Pula’s best bars, restaurants and shops.

This may be a resort offering small, private villas near Valledoria, but the traditional Sardinian-style architecture at Sa Fiorida – all whitewashed walls, arched entryways and wood-shuttered windows – gives it the air of authenticity. There are countless options to choose from: some with country-style open hearths, others with barbecue areas or al fresco terraces. Take the Fisherman’s House, for instance, with its earthen terracotta tiles and a roof terrace overlooking the sea – just 20 metres (66ft) away. Whichever you choose, all get access to the family-friendly perks, such as a volleyball pitch, football field, bowling green, children’s playground and bike rental. And, unlike many hotels on the island, these cottages can be booked year-round, so you can stoke the fire and enjoy Sardinia’s mild tourist-free winters, minus the crowds.

If you don’t want to choose between home-spun privacy and hotel-style services, such as a restaurant and a swimming pool, you’ll love this resort in the beach-fringed town of Pula, close to Cagliari. A stay in one of the bougainvillea-bordered apartments (all with kitchens and some with space for up to seven people) also includes the chance to play a round on the resort’s nine-hole golf course, pad about on ping pong tables, have a kick around on the football field and, finally, collapse in the wellness centre. Sigh.

These decently-priced, family-friendly homes with private terraces offer front-row seats to Sardinia’s show-stopping sunsets. They’re located in quiet Badesi, a small fishing village on the north-west coast, dubbed “the Sardinian California” thanks to the never-ending white beaches and pellucid waters of the Gulf of Asinara. Walking to the main square will take you about five minutes, while the nearest beach is 2km (1mi) away. Free perks include access to the pool, private parking and a barbecue area.

San Pietro, a small island off Sardinia’s south-western coast, makes for a great weekend getaway. Named after the main town of Carloforte, this collection of apartments, studios and villas are actually dotted round in different locations. There’s a pair of country-style villas that can be rented together; an apartment with couch-lined lounges and a full kitchen; and a selection of sand-hued suites, with simple kettles and fridges. Outside, roam the cobblestone streets and seek out some seafood (don’t miss the tuna at Osteria della Tonnara). The owners offer their accommodation year round and will help you organise an unforgettable trip – even in low season.

Kilometres of soft white sand, Caribbean-coloured waters, a mild climate year-round and delicious seafood: Pula is hard to top. And as if that wasn’t enough, staying at Blue Moon’s Villa Erika (with space for seven and far-reaching views of the area’s coast) also grants you access to a 27-hole golf course, a swimming pool and your own private garden with a stone barbecue and a furnished veranda.

This coastal residence is a great option for travellers wanting the full Sardinian beach experience without breaking the bank: the apartments meet all your basic requirements (comfy bedrooms, ensuite toilets, a small fridge, worktop and kitchenware) and you even get access to a private pool, where you can relax after a busy day. La Ciaccia Beach is only a five-minute stroll away, where you’ll find beach bar Le Onde and restaurant La Locanda del Mare, with its impressive ocean-view terrace and wine cellar.

Leonardo, the owner of these holiday apartments on the island’s north side, is a Sardinian native who can help you with all things sun, sea and sand: he organises fun excursions and boat trips while sharing his hush-hush insider’s tips. His family-friendly apartments are located in Badesi, 2km (1mi) from the nearest beach, and Isola Rossa, less than 100m (330ft) from the nearest beach. All the apartments have large sea-view verandas, barbecue areas and small kitchenettes.