Sardinia is full of surprises, not just beaches that look Photoshopped, but towns so lovely you’ll swear they were painted straight out of a dream. From pastel-painted riverbanks to cliffside castles and yacht-studded marinas, these are the prettiest towns in Sardinia.

Boats are docked along a waterfront with colorful buildings and a mountainous backdrop under a partly cloudy sky.
Bosa, Sardinia
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I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger who’s explored Sardinia from its hilltop castles to its turquoise coves.

After road-tripping through Gallura and wandering pastel-painted towns like Bosa and Castelsardo, I’ve rounded up the prettiest towns in North and West Sardinia – all chosen from first-hand experience and possibly too many gelato stops.

Note: While Sardinia’s south has its own stunners (hello, Cagliari and Villasimius), this guide focuses on the northern and western gems I’ve explored first-hand.

Bosa: A Rainbow on the River 🌈

Perched along the Temo River, Bosa looks like it’s been plucked from an artist’s palette.

There are rows of pastel houses tumbling down the hillside, each one catching the sun in a slightly different hue.

Picturesque woman sightseeing in the colourful coastal town of Cefalù, Sicily, with historic buildings, boats, and a medieval castle on a hill in the background, perfect for travel enthusiasts.

Stroll the cobbled lanes up to Malaspina Castle, where the views stretch from terracotta rooftops to the sea, and don’t miss a lazy coffee by the river.

Bosa is the kind of place where nothing much happens – and that’s exactly its charm.

Castelsardo: Medieval Magic by the Sea 🏰

Crowning a rocky headland on Sardinia’s northern coast, Castelsardo is part fortress, part fairytale.

Colourful coastal village on a hillside with a historic fortress at the top, overlooking the sea and beach on a clear sunny day, perfect for travel and holiday photography.
Castelsardo, Sardinia - Woman standing on a bridge overlooking the colourful coastal town of Castelsardo with hills and sea in the background.

Narrow alleys wind past lemon-yellow houses, handwoven baskets hang in shop doorways, and the sea sparkles just below the old Doria Castle.

It’s a joy to explore at golden hour, when the whole town seems to glow.

Alghero: Old Walls, Young Spirit 🌊

Alghero feels like a little slice of Catalonia washed up on Italian shores.

Its honey-coloured old town is ringed by 16th-century sea walls, best walked at sunset when locals gather for a gelato stroll.

Old town of Algheoa, Sardinia. Narrow cobbled street lined with pastel houses and a historic church façade in the background.

Slip down to Via Carlo Alberto for boutiques and tapas bars (yes, tapas – the Catalan influence runs deep here), or simply sit by the ramparts and watch the sun sink behind Capo Caccia – it makes for a truly stunning sunset.

Vibrant coastal town at sunset with historic buildings and red-tiled roofs in a Mediterranean setting, showcasing scenic views and warm sunset lighting for travel and tourism.
Sunset view over Alghero

La Maddalena: The Island Beauty ⛵

Reached by ferry from Palau, La Maddalena town is the laid-back heart of its namesake archipelago. It’s all pastel facades, bobbing boats, and sea-salty breeze.

A woman in a blue dress stands on a waterfront boardwalk. Boats are docked in the harbor, and colorful buildings are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
Crystal-clear beach, La Maddalena — Sparkling turquoise water and pale sand on one of La Maddalena’s scenic coves.

It’s the perfect base for exploring the islands’ secret coves and pink-sand beaches, but the town itself is worth time too: an evening passeggiata along the harbour, dinner al fresco, and the sound of waves just beyond the tables.

Porto Cervo: The Polished Gem of the Costa Smeralda 💎

Built by the Aga Khan in the 1960s, Porto Cervo is Sardinia’s glossy side – all designer boutiques, curvy architecture, and cocktail bars overlooking a marina of floating mansions (otherwise known as yachts).

Mediterranean-style villa in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, with peach-coloured walls, arched balconies, and lush greenery under a bright blue sky.
A woman in a black dress stands on a pier by a blue body of water, with hills and buildings in the background.

But it’s not all glitz. Wander the quiet backstreets and you’ll find Mediterranean-style villas, bursts of bougainvillaea, and glimpses of turquoise water at every turn.

Even if you’re not shopping for a superyacht, it’s worth visiting for the sheer spectacle.

San Pantaleo: Bohemian Charm in the Hills 🎨

Just inland from the Costa Smeralda, San Pantaleo feels like a bit of a secret. It’s an artist’s village framed by dramatic granite peaks.

Traditional house in San Pantaleo, Sardinia - Rustic pink-toned building with a lemon tree and potted plants outside.
San Pantaleo, Sardinia

Its pretty stone houses, artisan workshops, and Thursday market make it one of Sardinia’s most characterful inland escapes.

Stop for a coffee in the sun-drenched piazza, watch locals chatting between easels and espresso cups, and you’ll wonder why more people don’t come here.

Tempio Pausania: Granite Grace and Mountain Air ⛰️

Tucked away in the Gallura hills, Tempio Pausania trades beaches for cool mountain air and handsome grey-stone streets.

Art street in Tempio Pausania, Sardinia — Colourful woven carpet installation stretching down a traditional Sardinian street.

It’s a working Sardinian town rather than a resort, which gives it authenticity in spades. Think quiet piazzas, ornate churches, and cafés where time seems to stretch. A refreshing change of pace after the coast.

Map of the Prettiest Towns in Sardinia 🗺️

Planning your route? Here’s a map showing all the prettiest towns in Sardinia featured in this post, from Bosa’s riverside colours to the coastal castles of Castelsardo and beyond.

FAQs for Towns in Sardinia, Italy 💡

Are these towns easy to visit without a car?

Some, like Alghero and Bosa, are accessible by bus or train, but to truly explore Sardinia’s smaller towns, renting a car is best. It gives you the freedom to reach places like San Pantaleo and Tempio Pausania at your own pace. I recommend Discover Cars for car rentals.

How many days should I spend exploring Sardinia’s towns?

Around a week is ideal. Split your time between the north (Castelsardo, La Maddalena, Porto Cervo) and the west (Bosa, Alghero) for a good mix of coastal and inland charm.

When’s the best time to visit Sardinia?

May, June, and September are the sweet spots. You’ll get warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices than July and August. See my Sardinia Travel Guide for more details.

Which town in Sardinia is the most beautiful?

Tough call… but Bosa wins hearts for its colours, while Castelsardo steals the show for sheer drama.

Do people speak English in these Sardinian towns?

In tourist areas, yes, but in smaller towns, a few Italian phrases (and a smile) go a long way.

Final Thoughts on Sardinian Towns ✨

Sardinia’s prettiest towns prove the island’s beauty goes far beyond its beaches. From Bosa’s rainbow riverfront to Castelsardo’s medieval clifftop and Porto Cervo’s coastal glamour, each one shows a different side of the island’s personality: colourful, creative, and quietly proud.

Whether you’re road-tripping, island-hopping, or simply chasing pretty streets, these prettiest towns in Sardinia are the ones that will linger in your memory long after the tan fades.

Related Reading for Sardinia 📚

Planning your Sardinia trip? You might also like:

🏖️ Things to Do in North Sardinia
🍝 Food in Sardinia: 11 Traditional Dishes.
🌊 Sardinia Travel Guide: Turquoise Bays & Hilltop Towns.

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