Castelsardo is a charmingly historic and colourful town, tumbling down the rock slopes below a fortified castle, towards a peaceful scoop of blue bay. The location is ideal for anyone travelling between western Sardinia and the beach resorts and islands on the eastern coast, and because of that Castelsardo is geared up to provide an atmospheric Sardinian welcome to day-trippers. The town's historic lanes are lined with boutiques selling arts, local produce and handicrafts, and there are lots of attractive little restaurants with incredible views. There is a good range of accommodation options here from cosy B&Bs to large beach resort. Our pick of the best places to stay in Castelsardo is a charming clifftop property with epic seaviews and great facilities.

Castelsardo’s main sight is the castle, the Castello dei Doria. Now a museum, the Museo dell’Intreccio del Mediterranean, which has, an impressive exhibition about basketweaving (one of the primary local and traditional industries). Castelsardo’s cathedral is another impressive local landmark, positioned upon a terrace overlooking the sea and spectacular at sunset. The old town is definitely the place to hang out, and explore, but there is a new town, with all the facilities you might find you need if you’re holidaying here.

If you’re looking for a Sardinian beach, the best places to stay in Castelsardo offer easy access to Lu Bagnu, which is one of the nicest beaches on the whole island, known for its emerald waters and mix of sand and tiny pebbles; Spiaggia San Pietro is about 18kms away, and is known for its wonderful shells, and crystal clear water; and the surf beach of Li Junchi. Castelsardo’s own beach is sandy and pleasantly protected, close to many of the town's hotels, and with a small cafe and bar open in the summer months.

The Best Places to Stay in Castelsardo

For an Island Escape

• Bajaloglia is a contemporary style resort on the cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Asinara, and Castelsardo. Accommodation is in a collection of rooms, suites and individual cottages, arranged around sunny terraces, charming gardens, and a very inviting pool with an incredible view. You’ll find plenty of privacy and comfort, whoever you’re travelling with, in these simply decorated rooms. The hotel’s Sardinian restaurant is excellent, and there’s a little spa.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you’re looking for a self-catering option browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Sardinia has three airports, but the closest one to Castelsardo is Alghero Airport, which is just under an hour away by car or taxi, and about two and a half hours away by public transport (bus). Olbia Airport is the next closest, about an hour and a half away by car or taxi, or about four hours away by public transport. Cagliari Airport is on the far south of the island, about thee hours drive away, or six and a half hours by public transport. Of course this is Sardinia, so you can quite easily travel places by ferry, or other boat. The closest port to Castelsardo is Porto Torres, a rather industrial centre about half an hour away by road.
• If you want to hire a car — which we advise if you plan to explore the island — we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Sardinia’s Mediterranean climate means long, warm summers and short, mild winters, with most of the rain sandwiched between. It is known for being windy too, and in some regions humid; in fact, for a small island, Sardinia has a number of microclimates. But generally speaking most of Sardinia is a pleasant destination almost year round. From the start of spring it starts to get pretty sunny, though of course summer is the most popular time to visit, when the water is warm, and temperatures are in the mid-twenties. The temperature averages 18°C in October, so if you prefer a quieter holiday then early autumn is a good time to visit.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You expand your search to include all the best places to stay on Sardinia
• Consider the dazzling beauty of the Costa Smerelda which runs from easily accessed Olbia to the Golf di Arzachena
• Or focus on the best places to stay in glamorous Porto Cervo
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.