Honeymoons in Sardinia: Romantic places for your honeymoon in Sardinia – Sardinia4all

Sardinia has long been a favourite with couples seeking a honeymoon that combines dramatic coastline, quiet coves and a distinctly Italian sense of romance. The island’s mix of secluded beaches, boutique hotels and slow-paced inland villages makes it well suited to a first holiday as newlyweds.

The Costa Smeralda and the north-east

The north-east coast is the island’s most polished corner. Porto Cervo, the Costa Smeralda’s principal resort, is known for its marina, designer boutiques and evening promenades, while the surrounding coastline hides smaller bays that feel far removed from the crowds.

Further north, the Maddalena archipelago offers boat trips between granite islands and clear water, and the town of Palau makes a convenient base for exploring both the archipelago and the Costa Smeralda. Inland from here, the Gallura region is hill country of cork oak and granite outcrops, with small towns such as San Pantaleo that have become known for their weekly markets and low-key artistic character.

Santa Teresa di Gallura and the far north

At the island’s northern tip, Santa Teresa di Gallura looks across the Strait of Bonifacio towards Corsica. The town’s beaches and the nearby Capo Testa, with its wind-shaped rock formations, are popular with couples who want sea views and a relaxed pace. The resort of Badesi, on the north-west coast, offers long sandy beaches backed by dunes.

Alghero and the north-west

Alghero, on the north-west coast, retains a strong Catalan character in its old town, its language and its cuisine. The city walls facing the sea make an atmospheric setting for an evening walk, and the surrounding area includes the Riviera del Corallo and the Neptune’s Grotto sea cave. Inland, the village of Bosa, with its pastel-coloured houses along the Temo river, is one of the island’s most photogenic small towns.

The east coast and Ogliastra

The east coast is more rugged. The Ogliastra region, centred on the towns of Tortolì and Arbatax, is known for its cliffs, its hiking and the coves of the Gulf of Orosei, many of which are reachable only by boat or on foot. Further south, the Costa Rei and Villasimius areas offer long beaches and a range of resorts.

The south and Cagliari

Cagliari, the island’s capital, combines a historic hilltop centre with a long urban beach at Poetto. The city works well as a base for the south of the island, including the Nora archaeological site and the beaches around Chia. Inland, the Marmilla and Sarcidano areas are home to the island’s nuraghe towers and the Giara plateau, known for its wild horses.

The interior

Sardinia’s interior rewards couples who are willing to travel beyond the coast. The Gennargentu mountains, the Supramonte and the gorge of Su Gorropu offer walking and dramatic scenery, while the Barbagia region retains traditions of craft, music and food that are distinct from the coastal resorts. Agriturismo stays in this part of the island provide a quieter, more rural alternative to beach hotels.

When to go

Late spring and early autumn bring warm weather with fewer visitors, while midsummer is hot and busy, particularly along the Costa Smeralda. Many coastal hotels and restaurants open from Easter and close in October.

Practical notes

Sardinia has three main airports, at Cagliari in the south, Olbia in the north-east and Alghero in the north-west, which makes it straightforward to combine two or more regions in a single trip. A hire car is generally the most practical way to reach quieter beaches and inland villages, as public transport is limited outside the main towns. Ferries also connect the island with mainland Italy and with Corsica.