Hostels, airbnb and holiday villas in Sardinia

The Italian island of Sardinia is the second largest island in Mediterranean and was named Italy's Capital of Culture in 2015. It's home to the dazzling Emerald coast, ancient monuments, hidden coves and a unique cuisine. Choose a beach hotel to visit a host of pristine beaches or find a holiday rental in Sardinia to explore the more remote countryside. For visitors, the island is split into North and South. The North is home to many coves and small rocky bays, dotted with picturesque villages. The Northwest also offers long sandy beaches and a number of destinations with lively nightlife in the summer months. The South of the island has plenty of beaches which can be less crowded than those in the North as well as the capital historic city, Caligari. Likibu has a range of accommodation across the island to suit everyone with our trusted partners Booking.com, Airbnb and TripAdvisor.

When to go to Sardinia:

The summer months in Sardinia are sunny and hot, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees. The main cities can become very crowded with tourists in the high season of July-August so be prepared to manoeuvre through the crowds. In the spring and autumn, the weather sits at around 20 degrees with few rainy days so can be a perfect time to explore the outdoors without feeling the heat. In the winter, the temperature doesn't drop below 0 degrees, but many of the areas which attract tourists

How to get there and get around in Sardinia:

It takes around 2 hours to reach Sardinia from most UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Bristol and Manchester. There are 3 airports in Sardinia, Olbia in the north east, Cagliari in the south and Alghero in the north west. Once you arrive in Sardinia, the best way to get around and explore the island is by hiring a car, but there are also buses and trains that operate between the main destinations.

Eat and drink:

The cuisine of Sardinia is varied with influences from Spain, Italy and Arabia. Roasted meats are the speciality in the interior areas of the island and the Sardinian's are not shy about using all parts of the animal with it not being uncommon to find lamb's feet on the menu. Freshly caught fish is rife at the coast, especially the lobster that comes from the Gulf of Alghero. A speciality worth trying is a blend of Italian and North African cuisine of a pasta dish with fregula, a coarsely ground semolina which creates the perfects base for a pasta sauce. For those with a sweet tooth, sweets and cookies are made with almond paste, and to drink, the traditional syrupy Sapa and local wines are a must to sample.

Where to stay in Sardinia:

Olbia

Olbia is a coastal city in the northeast of Sardinia named "the happy city" by the Greeks. It has a historic centre filled with small boutiques, cafes and restaurants which line piazzas and the impressive medieval San Simplicio basilica. Check out Likibu's selection of apartments and Airbnbs in the city to be at the centre of all the hustle and bustle. A must see is the ‘giant's grave' which is a tomb dating back to the Bronze age. Head down the side streets away from the harbour to taste delicious clam and mussel dishes in more authentic and traditional Sardinian restaurants. In a 30-minute drive from Olbia it's also possible to reach the popular destination of Costa Esmeralda which offers luxury hotels, charming beaches, high-end shops and exclusive nightlife.

Alghero

Alghero is the main city and tourist destination on the northwest of the island and is packed with apartments to rent. The centre of the city is lined by sea walls and inside lies quaint cobbled lanes and plenty of piazzas. The city has a Spanish feel to it, due to its past as a Catalan colony. Accommodation in Alghero puts you at the ideal base for exploring the sandy beaches and beautiful nearby Riviera del Corallo. Alghero is the perfect place to take a boat trip out to one of the many surrounding islands or coves and it's also possible to spot wild dolphins and whales around the Gulf or Alghero throughout the year. There are many different tour providers which take you out on trips to snorkel, dive and swim with the wild dolphins and it's particularly special to go in the evening to catch a glorious sunset at the same time.

Cagliari

You could be mistaken for being in an Italian city with Vespa's around every corner, yet Cagliari is Sardinia's historic capital filled with ancient Roman ruins, museums, churches and a central citadel. The Poetto beach is popular in summer with its crystal-clear waters and lively nightlife scene. There are a selection of beach hotels and apartments on Likibu which place you right on the doorstep of the golden sands and the buzzing bars. The hilltop citadel, Il Castello, rises above the city and is well worth a trip to explore the cathedral, palaces, narrow alleyways and museums inside. There is also a university inside the citadel, meaning there are plenty of popular student bars, restaurants and cafes. For those travelling on a budget, staying in a hostel in Cagliari is the perfect way to experience what Sardinia has to offer for young travellers.

Ogliastra

On the Eastern coast of Sardinia lies the Olgliastra region which is full of archaeological sites, rugged mountains and friendly locals. The area is less populated by tourists but is popular with those who enjoy adventurous holidays filled with hiking, sailing and caving around the scenic landscape. Browse a selection of rental homes in the area to experience a quieter, more rural version of Sardinia, or alternatively check out B&Bs on Airbnb in the area to experience life with a local to guide you.