The very best Sardinia hotels for the perfect island break next summer
Our favourite Sardinia hotels to check into this year, from historic hideaways to family-friendly resorts
The Italian island has lots of charming places to stay – and these are the very best hotels in Sardinia, whether you’re in search of a sunny seaside resort or a family-owned retreat that’s been run by the same clan for generations.
Sardinia is the second-biggest island in the Mediterranean (after Sicily), with almost 2,000 kilometres of coastline. Away from its sandy beaches, the interior is mountainous, making it a dream destination for hikers. Like other islands in the Med, such as Malta, Crete and Mallorca, Sardinia is the perfect place for a sun-kissed escape and is home to a whole host of fabulous hotels, which we've rounded up below.
Around the island, Costa Smeralda in the north-east is famous for its emerald-coloured waters and the glitzy town of Porto Cervo, popular with the jet-set since the early Sixties, when it was established by a prince seeking a new holiday playground. He certainly put it on the map and, 60 years later, the super-yachts continue to drop anchor come high summer.
In the capital, Cagliari, cultural highlights include the walled medieval castello, a 13th-century cathedral and an archaeological museum housing Roman ceramics and Byzantine treasures.
In the south of the Italian island, Il Castello is a hotel within the holiday hotspot that is the Forte Village Resort, where sports fans can practise their skills at one of the regular academies, with visiting stars lending their expertise, and there are endless eating and drinking options to enjoy once you've done all the hard work.
Film lovers heading for the sparkling Costa Smeralda will want to check into Hotel Cala di Volpe. The luxury hotel, which is more like a village, featured in 1977 Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me.
Or for a historic hideaway, book a stay at Hotel Lucrezia in the village of Rialo Sardo, Antica Locanda Lunetta in the comune of Mandas, or San Francesco Heritage Hotel in the walled medieval city of Alghero.
This is Italy though and the chances are you're here primarily for the beaches – luckily for the summer sun-seekers, Sardinia has plenty. Costa Smeralda is, naturally, a perfect place to stay for exploring this most glamorous of shorelines, up there with the French Riviera and other equally fabulous parts of Italy, from the Amalfi Coast to Capri. This is where to stay if you're hoping to get out to the turquoise lagoons and beaches of the pristine La Maddalena archipelago.
But you'll also be rewarded with glorious sandy shores in the south and east of the island. In Domus de Maria, an hour's drive south of Cagliari, Conrad Chia Laguna is an excellent choice for anyone seeking endless golden beaches.
These are the best Sardinia hotels for a Mediterranean island getaway…
Hotel Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda
On one of the most romantic stretches of the Costa Smeralda, Hotel Cala di Volpe is high on our list of the best hotels in Sardinia for a few good reasons. It resembles an old-fashioned, charming fishing village, with sandy-coloured typical Sardinian houses, ceramic tiles and private terraces for you to enjoy the breathtaking views of land and sea. The glamorous hotel has also appeared on the big screen in the 1977 Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, making it the perfect spot for lovers of vintage Hollywood.
You could easily spend your entire holiday here, as there's plenty to help you while away the days. There are several restaurants and bars, including a Matsuhisa outpost, and Beefbar Cala di Volpe, which serves up high-end street food and enormous steaks (it's best to arrive hungry). The impressive swimming pool, one of the largest saltwater pools in the Mediterranean, is the place to have a dip and sunbathe. There's also a luxurious Shiseido Spa, four tennis courts and two padel courts.
Il Castello, Pula
At the highest point of Sardinia’s Forte Village, the five-star Il Castello has access to the resort’s vast array of facilities, which include 120 acres of gardens, several swimming pools, a piazza to shop at, a whole range of sports academies and enough dining options to keep you busy for a fortnight (in total, there are a staggering 21 restaurants and 14 bars). These include a pizzeria of course, along with a restaurant celebrating cuisine from Emilia-Romagna further north in Italy, a restaurant by star chef Heinz Beck and a grill serving the highest quality meats from Italy, Ireland and Australia.
The sunny Sardinia stay is a short drive south of Cagliari (and its handy airport), with the beach a few steps away, as well as a Med-facing infinity pool. Families will love the bungalows in the gardens, or you can book a room with a view of the sea served straight to your terrace.
Romazzino, a Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda
Some of the finest hotels in Italy are part of the esteemed Belmond collection, including Grand Hotel Timeo over in Sicily, and Splendido Mare in Portofino. Continuing the tradition is Hotel Romazzino, which translates as 'Hotel Rosemary', a herb that grows in abundance the full length of the Costa Smeralda. Sitting between emerald waters and an aromatic Mediterranean garden, this gorgeous hotel is a must-visit for wellness and spa lovers, with its endless sports and leisure facilities that take in the incredible views of the sea and surrounding landscape. These include an outdoor fitness centre, a yoga studio, the Rosemary Wellness & Spa and a saltwater swimming pool.
Room options include three- and five-bedroom villas that are inspired by traditional Sardinian villages and allow for privacy while inviting you to enjoy everything the hotel has to offer – from Sardinian cuisine at La Terrasse to a night cap at Bar Ginepro with a soundtrack of some late-night piano music.
Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia, Domus de Maria
Its miles of beautiful beaches make this island a brilliant choice for families, and many of the best hotels in Sardinia offer all sorts of facilities for younger guests. So if you're in search of a family-friendly resort in Sardinia or a hotel with plenty to keep you entertained for the duration of your stay, look no further. Overlooking Chia Bay in the island’s south, Conrad Chia Laguna is just an hour’s drive from the capital of Cagliari. In addition to its award-winning golden beaches, the resort has lots of facilities to ensure guests of every generation stay busy, including a spa, a tennis court, an array of watersports and lots of restaurants and bars to work through.
Of the latter, the highlight is undoubtedly Bar Bollicine, which specialises in all things fizzy – and you’ll be able to drink your sparkling wine while sitting on its panoramic terrace. And at the spa, guests can enjoy Turkish baths and Rasul mud treatments.
Su Gologone, Oliena
For something peaceful away from the flashier international resorts, look no further than this charming stay on the eastern side of the island. At Su Gologone, authentic Italian food cooked by nonnas awaits guests at its Bread Nest (officially: Nido del Pane). Here, you'll watch Sardinian women, dressed in typical Oliena costumes, making bread the way islanders have been for centuries.
In fact, the entire hotel is a love letter to Sardinia, whether it's the locally made artworks, the traditional fabrics or the woodwork carved on the island. Some of the rooms have a terrace with a view of the herb garden, along with an outdoor hot tub and a hammock to really appreciate Sardinia’s great outdoors. It offers guests a chance to see a different side to the island – instead of the glitzy coast, you'll be in the heart of the rugged Barbagia area.
Cervo Hotel, Costa Smeralda
Designed with pink stone and whimsical pastel architecture, Cervo Hotel overlooks the famous Piazzetta of Porto Cervo. Where other hotels are situated a little along the coast, offering serene evenings and peaceful days, this luxury address is deeply connected to the original heritage of Porto Cervo, right at the epicentre of the town, ready for when it comes to life each summer.
A meeting point for both locals and explorers who want to experience the lively village atmosphere, the hotel is just a short walk from the marina and Cervo Tennis Club, plus the town's best shopping and nightlife. Not that you need to venture far to dine out: Novikov Porto Cervo and Quattro Passi al Pescatore are two of the most popular restaurants in the hotel, with the former serving up its signature Asian fusion cuisine, and the latter offering menus designed in partnership with three-Michelin-starred restaurant Quattro Passi near Sorrento.
Antica Locanda Lunetta, Mandas
Lots of the best hotels in Sardinia are big resorts with lots of bells and whistles, but the island is also home to smaller-scale stays that are just as tempting, especially if you're in search of the Mediterranean's famous slower pace of life. This charming bed and breakfast is in the comune of Mandas in southern Sardinia. It was built in the 17th century and, after a stint as a post station, it’s now a characterful inn. The country house is on the hills of Trexenta in the centre of what was once a Spanish duchy.
Family-run Antica Locanda Lunetta is full of souvenirs and stories passed down through the generations – the current custodians’ great-grandparents Calogero and Dondina Lunetta welcomed DH Lawrence and his wife Frieda when they travelled to Sardinia in 1921. Modern-day guests can choose between the rooms in the ancient house, which feature sandstone walls, beamed ceilings and tiled floors, and the garden suites, which are located in the estate's former stables.
Hotel Aquadulci, Domus De Maria
Also in the south of Sardinia and close to one of its best beaches (and its many quiet coves), Hotel Aquadulci in Chia Bay has 41 rooms. Helping guests to feel even better are the spa in the garden, which offers treatments that use homegrown medicinal plants such as myrtle and lavender, and the palm-lined pool on the edge of the lagoon, surrounded by palm trees and sunloungers.
The food served at the restaurant is simple but wholesome, with local ingredients put to good use, such as lobsters from the island comune of Sant’Antioco, smoked ham from Villagrande, tomatoes from Pula and bottarga from Cabras.
Chia Bay is the ultimate beach destination, with towering dunes that are backed by juniper bushes, surfer-ready waves and a crystal-clear sea. Appropriately enough, the name translates as ‘sweet water’, which was once the name of the region.
Gabbiano Azzurro, Golfo Aranci
A little south of the Costa Smeralda, but with equally white sand and just as turquoise water, Golfo Aranci is a peninsula near Olbia, known for its steep cliffs and natural beauty. A short stroll from its namesake fishing village, Gabbiano Azzuro has been run by the Datome family since 1968.
Breakfast is served each morning on the sea-facing terrace, and you'll only have to move as far as the beach for your next meal. For dinner, head to Blu Restaurant in time for sunset. The restaurants and pizzerias of Golfo Aranci will be within strolling distance, too, so it's an ideal hotel in Sardinia for guests who like to get out and about to experience the local nightlife and culture.
There are suites with private pools on their decks that seemingly merge into the sea, and the hotel has its own beach at the edge of the lagoon. This is one of the best areas in Sardinia for snorkelling and scuba-diving, and the natural reserve of Capo Figari is nearby.
Hotel Abi d'Oru, Porto Rotondo
It isn't hard to see why Sardinia has been a popular holiday destination for decades. Another hotel on the island with a glamorous, Golden Age past is Abi d’Oru, a five-star retreat that has been welcoming guests since the Sixties. The storied stay is in Porto Rotondo, an elegant town with a marina. There’s lots to keep you busy within this beach-edge resort, starting with three restaurants and as many bars, which include a seafood restaurant on the sand and a Mediterranean option with a terrace overlooking the water.
Activities on offer include sailing trips over to La Maddalena islands, windsurfing, scuba-diving and stand-up paddleboarding, along with hiking the trails of the Capo Figari reserve. Within the resort, there’s a tennis court and a spa with a couples’ treatment room that has a hot tub beneath a canopy in its garden. We feel relaxed just thinking about it.
Hotel Lucrezia, Oristano
Many of the best hotels in Sardinia are shiny contemporary resorts, but there are plenty of options on offer for fans of a more classic decor, too. And if you like your hotels to feel more like staying at a friend’s house, you’ll love Hotel Lucrezia, which has enough trinkets and treasures to seem like a private residence – and one with an owner that has great taste. The hotel’s namesake was the hostess of the house from 1895 up until 1934, and her great-great-grandchildren are ensuring it is just as homely and welcoming today.
There’s a garden with a courtyard, and a suite that once housed the oil press and millstone. It’s in the village of Riola Sardo, a few miles inland from Sardinia’s western shores. A short drive south is the city of Oristano, which is a little off the beaten track – here, you'll be able to explore the pretty piazzas, lively cafés and attractive architecture.
Hotel Villa Fanny, Cagliari
Of course, many visitors to Sardinia are here for the dazzling coastline, but if you're in search of a city stay rather than a beach-front resort, this boutique hotel is the ideal option. In a residential area close to the centre of Cagliari, Hotel Villa Fanny is surrounded by gorgeous, peaceful gardens. There are just 19 bedrooms within this art nouveau villa, which was named, in case you're wondering who Fanny is, for the matriarch of a prominent Sardinian family. Each has inimitably Italian stylish interiors that feature wooden beams and trusses, stone walls and lots of bright, breezy white accents.
The staff at the boutique hotel will be able to craft your dream island itinerary, whether you want to discover the most beautiful beaches in the south, tour the coves by speedboat or learn all about Cagliari’s history. Cultural highlights to see in the island's capital include a basilica, a cathedral and an archaeological museum, as well as, of course, the famous hilltop citadel, Il Castello.
7Pines Resort Sardinia, Baja Sardinia
This spacious resort, close to the island’s fabled Costa Smeralda, arrived a couple of summers ago, in time for the princely holiday playground’s 60th anniversary in 2022. It took over a prime piece of real estate on Sardinia’s north-eastern shores (holiday homes here sell for eye-watering sums). The grounds feature various coves and beaches, including a setting that proved the perfect backdrop for the hotel’s Cone Club by the water’s edge, which is the ideal place to spend a sunny summer’s day.
There are more laid-back dining options at 7Pines Sardinia, which is part of the Destination by Hyatt collection, including a poolside lunch spot. But for extra indulgence, don’t miss sea-facing Capogiro, which serves a delicious tasting menu, the somewhat surprising star of which is the elaborate selection of breads served at the start. It is an almost impossible feat to resist it in order to not spoil your appetite.
Gallicantu Stazzo Retreat, Luogosanto
If you want to dip in and out of the glamorous Costa Smeralda, rather than immerse yourself fully in it, Gallicantu Stazzo Retreat near Luogosanto is the ideal Sardinia hotel. The rustic retreat is formed from a series of old stables (hence stazzo), which have been meticulously restored by the owner, a former professional golfer who is more than happy to take guests out for lessons.
There are live jazz nights and barbecues during the summer, freshly baked breakfasts and table d'hote-style nightly suppers. And when the glitz of the coast is calling, the jet-set-favoured emerald shores are only a half hour’s drive away, with this peaceful rural idyll awaiting you on your return. It really is the best of both worlds, and the owner's passion for his project is heartwarmingly evident.
Petra Segreta, San Pantaleo
Charming San Pantaleo is a pretty town that’s close to Porto Cervo, for when you want a little more bustle (or to admire some super-yachts). In the hills and forests surrounding it, you’ll find Petra Segreta, which is a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection and one of the very best hotels in Sardinia. The peaceful resort enjoys incredible views from its lofty vantage point. There’s the Michelin-starred Il Fuoco Sacro restaurant, along with a more traditional osteria and a terrace so that you can admire the panoramic perfection on show as you dine.
As though the surrounding scenery wasn’t tonic enough, the resort has a spa in a thatched hut, where guests can book in for ayurvedic treatments, yoga classes and hammams. It's the perfect holiday combination of relaxation, great food and the beach in reach.
Hotel Pitrizza, Costa Smeralda
For a hotel that knows how to celebrate its natural surroundings, look no further than Hotel Pitrizza. It's ideal for travellers who seek privacy and uninterrupted views, offering precisely that: privacy in pristine nature. The hotel – which is located in one of the most secluded parts of the island – is made up of romantic rooms and discreet villas that overlook the glittering bay.
Hotel Pitrizza is also home to what is said to be the first infinity pool in the history of hospitality and one that is truly unique. The saltwater pool is carved into the rocks below and scented by the aromas of hibiscus, juniper and the surrounding olive trees. For the utmost privacy, opt for a two- or three-bedroom villa – these come with their own private heated pool so you won't have to venture very far for a swim.
Albero Capovolto, Golfo Aranci
Live the good life at Albero Capovolto, a family-run boutique hotel in the Gallura countryside, near the fishing village of Golfo Aranci and the town of Olbia in the island’s north-east. The name means ‘upside-down tree’, chosen to give guests an indication of the family roots at the rural retreat’s heart.
It won't take you long to fall into a relaxed pace, especially after a swim in the peaceful pool, which is surrounded by olive trees and perfumed plants. After a day spent reposing in the gorgeous grounds, guests can partake in the Italian tradition of aperitivo – the tipples of choice are sourced from wineries, distilleries and breweries in Sardinia, and are accompanied by locally made cheese and charcuterie, and vegetables from the kitchen garden.
Baia di Chia Resort Sardinia, Curio Collection by Hilton, Domus de Maria
In the south of the island, within the Chia Laguna resort, Baia di Chia Resort Sardinia, Curio Collection by Hilton is the Sardinian hotel for you if you’re in search of an adults-only retreat. This peaceful stay overlooks a lagoon and Monte Cogoni beach, a beautiful bay with golden sand and turquoise water. The latter is home to a beach club, which is the perfect destination for whiling away the days, sun-worshipping on a lounger or shade-seeking in a gazebo. There are cabanas, too, for poolside spa treatments.
When the heat cools off a little, walk up the ‘Stairway to Nature’ path for spectacular sea views and sundowners, or even a romantic dinner and some stargazing. And if you’re hoping to bring along older kids or grandkids, over-16s will be welcome.
Hotel Village, Domus de Maria
And for when you do want to bring the whole clan along, Chia Laguna is also home to Hotel Village, which is one of the best family hotels in Sardinia and perfect for all generations of your nearest and dearest. Especially well catered to are the younger guests, with a newly renovated kids’ club opening this summer. Parents will be able to make the most of those long, European summer nights, since the crèche stays open until 11pm – while the kids are kept entertained, the grown-ups can explore the rest of the resort and its various restaurants and bars.
Other facilities at the hotel include a cinema, and the activities on offer range from wind-surfing to horse-riding, via football with Juventus FC, capoeira, yoga and fencing.
San Francesco Heritage Hotel, Alghero
If you like your hotels to have a historic backdrop, San Francesco, set within a 14th-century cloister, is the Sardinia stay for you. Alghero is the one of most picturesque medieval destinations on the island – and if you want to explore its ancient walls and cobblestoned centre, book a stay at this centuries-old retreat. The heritage hotel is close to St John Tower and the Coral Museum (as well as its antiquities, the city is also known for its red coral).
The property is near Alghero's bustling Piazza Civica as well as the port, but you won’t need to travel far to appreciate some history, since you can explore the original cloister and courtyard right here at the hotel first.
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