You’ve been working at your desk for hours but instead of focusing on work, images of white beaches and clear blue sea keep coming to mind. This means that you need to unplug and take some time for yourself. It would be so nice to have a second home by the sea, a place to take refuge from the stress of everyday life. Perhaps in Sardinia… How can you turn your dream into reality? Actually, it is very simple. Nowadays, thanks to the Internet, the search of houses for sale in Sardinia Italy has never been easier. As a matter of fact, today you can rely on the precious help of many online real estate agents who will help you find your second home in a few clicks. If you are planning to make a change in your life by making the purchase of a new home in Sardinia, keep reading: in the following paragraphs we will show you the best reasons to take this important step.
Sardinia: a slower pace of life
Forget the stress and the hectic pace of the city, traffic queues, crowds at the supermarket and public offices. Sardinia is a place where life flows more slowly and the days are marked according to different rhythms, less frenetic, more on a human scale. Having a second home in Sardinia means being able to choose your own lifestyle, slow down, be able to afford healthy and pleasant walks in the interval between one work session and another. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to take a break from work and stroll by the sea or in the beautiful hinterland of the island for a complete immersion in nature? Sardinia is an island with a thousand faces, thanks to the extreme variety of its landscapes that range from the most transparent sea to the wild mountains of the innermost regions, the ideal place to temporarily disconnect from the world, collect your thoughts and finally find some time for yourself.
Not only sea
Sardinia is famous above all for its sandy beaches and a sea that has nothing to envy to that of the Caribbean. The island has almost 1900 kilometers of extremely diversified coastline, with low and sandy coasts, but also jagged and inaccessible rocky stretches. The most famous beaches are La Pelosa, with its thin white sand and the thousand shades of blue of the sea, the exclusive beaches of the Costa Smeralda, those around Orosei, the beach of Chia in the south of the island and many others.
But besides its wonderful sea, Sardinia also offers a wide variety of landscapes for all tastes. The hinterland is mainly mountainous, with high peaks and picturesque villages that are always covered by a thick blanket of snow in winter. Majestic massifs, hills with gentle curves and underground caves make Sardinia an extremely varied area to visit in any season of the year. In winter, you can also ski on the Gennargentu, the mountain area that includes the highest peaks in the region and is equipped with ski lifts and facilities for practicing various winter sports. Read more about 7 Modern Advantages of Virtual Home Tours.
Ancient art, culture and history
For lovers of ancient cultures, having a second home in Sardinia is a dream come true. One of the main historical attractions are the “nuraghe”, the characteristic stone buildings that are the expression of an ancient Sardinian civilization. There are more than 7,000 of them on the island. They are prehistoric fortress-houses made up of stones of different sizes in the shape of a truncated cone. It is not yet clear what function nuraghe had: perhaps they had a military function, of defense or as lookout towers, or maybe they had a votive and religious function or they were used as astronomical observatories. In any case, they are worth a visit. Wouldn’t it be great to have them a stone’s throw from your second home?
Where Is Sardinia?
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Sicily is the largest. Sardinia is an autonomous region of Italy. Its capital is Cagliari, in the south. The island has about 1.6 million people. It is known for its beaches, its mountains, and its ancient history. The island is about 24,000 square kilometres. It is larger than Wales. The north has the Costa Smeralda, a famous luxury coast. The east has the Gennargentu mountains. The west has long sandy beaches. The south has Cagliari and the beach of Chia. The island has its own language, Sardinian. Italian is also spoken everywhere. The island is easy to reach. Flights go to Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero. Ferries run from mainland Italy.
Sardinia’s Blue Zone
Sardinia is famous for long life. It is one of the world’s Blue Zones. A Blue Zone is a place where many people live to 100 or more. The mountain area of Ogliastra, in the east, is the heart of the Blue Zone. Researchers have studied the people there for years. They eat a simple diet. It includes beans, whole grains, vegetables, and olive oil. They drink local wine in small amounts. They walk a lot. They live in close-knit families. They have a strong sense of community. No one knows the full reason for their long lives. Diet, activity, and social life all play a part. A second home in Sardinia puts you in this healthy setting. It is not a cure for anything. But the slow pace and the fresh food suit many people.
Buying a Second Home in Sardinia: What Foreigners Should Know
Foreigners can buy property in Italy. There is no general ban on foreign buyers. But the process is different from other countries. In Italy, a property sale must go through a notaio. A notaio is a public notary. The notaio checks the title. The notaio draws up the deed. The notaio also collects the taxes. You should also hire a lawyer. The lawyer checks the contract and the planning rules. Taxes matter. For a second home, the registration tax is 9 percent of the cadastral value. For a first home, it is 2 percent. The cadastral value is a tax value. It is often lower than the market price. You will also pay notary fees and agent fees. Get a tax code, called a codice fiscale, before you buy. You need it for the sale. Ask your notaio and lawyer to explain every cost before you sign.
Best Areas for a Second Home
Different areas suit different buyers. The Costa Smeralda is the most famous. It has luxury villas and clear water. It is also the most costly. Porto Cervo is its main town. Alghero, in the northwest, is a historic town with Catalan roots. It has beaches and a lively old town. Cagliari, in the south, is the capital. It has shops, restaurants, and an airport. It suits buyers who want city life. Olbia, in the northeast, is a transport hub. It has a port and an airport. It is close to the Costa Smeralda. Chia, in the south, has long sandy beaches. It is quieter than the north. The interior has mountain villages. They are cheap and quiet. They suit buyers who want peace. Visit the area before you buy. Stay for a week. See what daily life is like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Sardinia?
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is an autonomous region of Italy. Its capital is Cagliari. The island has about 1.6 million people.
What is Sardinia’s Blue Zone?
Sardinia is one of the world’s Blue Zones. These are places where many people live to 100 or more. The mountain area of Ogliastra is the heart of the Blue Zone.
Can foreigners buy a home in Sardinia?
Yes. Foreigners can buy property in Italy. A property sale must go through a notaio. You should also hire a lawyer. Get a codice fiscale before you buy.
What tax do I pay on a second home in Italy?
For a second home, the registration tax is 9 percent of the cadastral value. For a first home, it is 2 percent. You will also pay notary and agent fees.
What are the best areas for a second home in Sardinia?
The Costa Smeralda is the most famous and costly. Alghero, Cagliari, Olbia, and Chia suit different tastes. The interior has cheap, quiet mountain villages. Visit before you buy.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. This guide gives no investment advice for readers. Property rules and taxes change. Talk to a notaio and a lawyer before you buy.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026