Sardinia for a week

Flip a coin? I am only half joking--as long as both have direct flights from Naples, which I think is the case, I think the only distinguishing factor is which one you want to see more. The south has nice beaches also, but the north is the part that is world famous (I did not like the north as much as the east and mountains--I am allergic to resorts, but you can definitely avoid those in the north).
Do note a car is a real help on the island, not mandatory of course, but you'll pay for transfers and boat trips without one.
To complicate matters, you also have the Alghero region to choose from.
There have been some recent posts with similar discussion, so I would check those out too, but rest assured you can't go wrong--as long as you choose one area and don't try to do too much.

Thank you for your reply. we will definitely be getting a car. Any particular area in the north that you would suggest? And since you mentioned it to confuse me more lol, what about the east? what areas

I roughly break the country up into three parts based on the airports--Alghero (north/west), Olbia (north/east), and Cagliari (south). I chose the east because of the large national park (avid hikers), plus you get all the rest--mountains, beaches, villages, archaeological sites. I went in May, and I have read that the east side can have less wind and we lucked out in regards to weather. We only dipped into the north because we flew out of Olbia--you have to be more selective because of the development, but there are some areas that are still appealing. I liked south of Olbia better than north, but it was just a peek at that area.
I will definitely be returning--it'll come down to whatever good flights we get. If I were to go to the north, I'd go to Alghero and check out the northwest part of the island (say, roughly between Castelsardo and Bosa). If you want some city time, that works, or Cagliari, but both have proximity to nature/beaches.
I know that it is possible to have a wonderful trip in the northeast, but I just really hate what the resorts did to that area and I'd be fine with sticking to other parts. So much of that is about personalities--my husband and I will drag ourselves thorough woods for miles, but we're not going to get up early and take boat excursions. So, take that into consideration--pick what works best for you and the types of things you like. I'd also suggest flipping through a guidebook to see if there is some site that draws you to one region. It is not as easy as the mainland because there are not thousands of equally beautiful villages.
Aside from Lonely Planet, DK, or whatever book I used, these resources are helpful:
https://www.sardegnaturismo.it/en
https://strictlysardinia.com/
https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspot.com/2024/07/sardinia-in-may-trip-report.html

As Valadelphia says, you can't go wrong. I too avoid Costa Smeralda but many many people go to Sardinia especially to go there....
If you decide on the south, Cagliari is worth at least one full day, and Chia in one direction and Villasimius in the other are the nearest and best beaches.
To the north both San Teodoro and Santa Teresa Gallura make good bases. The beaches of San Teodoro tend to be more crowded because they are so close to Olbia.
If you can fly into Alghero I'd spend a couple of nights there and then head for ST. But I love nature and quiet beaches ....
Here's our May visit this year for some ideas
https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspot.com/2025/07/sardinia-in-may-2025-trip-report.html

Thank you all for your input and information.