Sardinia
The Mediterranean's best-kept secret at the top end of the market.
Price Range
£1,500 - £5,000
per night
Best Months
June, July, September
Best For
Families, Couples, Beach lovers
Properties
3 listed
Sardinia occupies a curious position in the luxury villa market. The Costa Smeralda has been billionaire territory since the Aga Khan developed it in the 1960s, yet the island as a whole remains less saturated than the Cote d'Azur, Ibiza, or Mallorca. That gap between reputation and rental stock creates opportunity.
The Costa Smeralda (Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo) is where the superyachts cluster and property values rival Cap Ferrat. Villa rentals here run GBP 15,000-50,000+/week for waterfront estates with direct beach access. But move 30 minutes south to the Gallura countryside, or west towards Alghero, and GBP 8,000-15,000/week buys a property of equivalent quality with more land, more privacy, and zero crowds.
Sardinia's beaches are the best in Europe - this is not a controversial opinion among people who've actually visited. White sand, Caribbean-clear water, and the kind of emptiness that the Balearics lost 20 years ago. Combined with a robust food culture (the island's interior cuisine is genuinely distinct from mainland Italy) and reliable summer weather, it's arguably the best-value luxury villa destination in the Mediterranean.
Sardinia
Highlights
Costa Smeralda's celebrity marina scene and superyacht culture
Europe's finest beaches with Caribbean-clear water
Gallura countryside offers Costa Smeralda quality at lower rates
Distinct Sardinian cuisine unlike mainland Italy
Less saturated than the Balearics or Cote d'Azur
Getting There
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) is the primary gateway for the northeast coast, with seasonal direct flights from London, Paris, Munich, and other European cities. Cagliari (CAG) in the south serves the western coast. Alghero (AHO) covers the northwest. Private aviation uses Olbia. Ferry services from mainland Italy (Civitavecchia, Genoa, Livorno) take 5-10 hours but allow you to bring a car.
Insider Tip
Look beyond Porto Cervo. The area around San Pantaleo - a village 15 minutes inland from the Costa Smeralda - has become the insider address. Lower rental rates, a genuine Sardinian village atmosphere, Thursday evening market, and easy access to the same beaches. GBP 2,000-3,500/night gets you a property that would cost double in Porto Cervo.
Sardinia
Available properties
3 luxury villas from £1,500/night
Villa Porto Cervo
A Costa Smeralda estate with private marina berth and 270-degree views of the Maddalena archipelago.
Stazzo Lu Palazu
A restored Gallura stazzo in northern Sardinia's granite hills, 15 minutes from the coast.
Villa Cala di Volpe
A contemporary waterfront villa on the bay of Cala di Volpe with private beach access.
Vetted Agents
Sardinia specialists
Agents who know the local market, have inspected properties, and provide concierge-level service.
Azure Luxury Villas
Est. 2009 · 85 properties
Specialists in Mediterranean luxury villa rentals with over 15 years of experience across Spain, France, and Italy. Azure hand-picks every property and conducts annual inspections. Their concierge team handles everything from airport transfers to private chef bookings, and they maintain relationships with the best local service providers in each destination.
Mediterranean Estates
Est. 2015 · 35 properties
A boutique agency specialising in historic estates and countryside villas across Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast. Mediterranean Estates focuses on properties with character - restored farmhouses, clifftop palazzos, and vineyard estates. They excel at sourcing properties that are not listed anywhere else, drawing on decades of local relationships.
FAQ
Sardinia villa rental FAQs
How does Sardinia compare to Sicily for luxury villa rentals?
Sardinia has the better beaches and a more established luxury infrastructure, particularly on the Costa Smeralda. Sicily offers more cultural depth (Greek temples, Baroque cities, Etna) and better dining at lower price points. For a pure villa-and-beach holiday, Sardinia wins. For a cultural immersion with villa as base, Sicily is stronger. Sardinia is typically 20-30% more expensive at equivalent quality.
Is the Costa Smeralda worth the premium over other parts of Sardinia?
If you want marina access, a social scene, and the specific Porto Cervo atmosphere, yes. The beaches within Costa Smeralda are excellent and the dining options concentrated. But the Gallura countryside 20-30 minutes away offers comparable villa quality, equally good beaches, and 30-50% lower rental rates. The interior villages like San Pantaleo provide genuine character that Porto Cervo lacks.
Do I need a car in Sardinia?
Yes, a car is essential. Unlike the Amalfi Coast, the roads in Sardinia are excellent and driving is pleasant. Distances between beaches and restaurants require transport, and public options are limited. Most agents arrange luxury car hire. Some villas include a vehicle or can arrange a driver for those who prefer not to drive.