The best hotels in Sardinia

This small hotel sits in the Villanova district, a short walk from Piazza Yenne and the old city. Rooms are basic but clean, with good air conditioning for the hot Sardinian summers. The staff are friendly and genuinely helpful with local recommendations. Breakfast is simple but included in most rates. A solid base for exploring Cagliari without spending much.

The Hostel Marina is right inside Alghero's medieval walls, steps from the seafront promenade. Private rooms are small but have good beds and decent bathrooms. The location is hard to beat for exploring the Catalan-influenced old town on foot. Noise from the surrounding streets can be an issue on weekend nights. For the price, it delivers real value in one of Sardinia's most charming towns.

Hotel Calabona sits directly on Calabona beach, about two kilometers north of Alghero's old town. The sea views from the balcony rooms are genuinely impressive, especially at sunset. The pool area is well maintained and rarely overcrowded compared to bigger resort hotels. Food at the on-site restaurant is reliable, with fresh seafood featuring heavily. A good pick for anyone who wants beach access without the resort-scale crowds.

Su Gologone is set in the Barbagia mountains near Oliena, surrounded by cork oak forests and close to the natural spring of the same name. The property feels like a Sardinian village in itself, with handcrafted interiors, local art, and traditional textiles everywhere. The restaurant is one of the best on the island for authentic Barbagian cuisine, including roast suckling pig and local cheeses. Hiking and excursions into the Supramonte can be arranged directly through the hotel. This place rewards guests who want to understand inland Sardinia rather than just the coast.

Hotel Riviera faces the sea in Castelsardo, a medieval hilltop town on Sardinia's northern coast. Most rooms have direct sea views and the sunsets from the terrace are a regular highlight for guests. The hotel is a short walk from the castle and the narrow streets of the old town. Service is friendly and the breakfast spread includes local pastries and fresh fruit. It fills up fast in July and August, so booking early is necessary.

Hotel Nora Club is located in the Santa Margherita di Pula resort strip, close to the archaeological ruins of ancient Nora and a long sandy beach. Rooms are spacious enough for families, and the pool complex keeps children occupied during the midday heat. The beach is a five-minute walk and has a calm, shallow entry suitable for younger kids. Dining on-site is decent, though the nearby town of Pula has better local restaurants worth trying. The area has a good balance of beach relaxation and cultural day trips.

This boutique hotel occupies a restored 19th-century palazzo on Corso Vittorio Emanuele in Sassari's historic centre. The rooms are elegantly furnished with period details, high ceilings, and polished stone floors. It is a quieter, more cultural choice compared to beach resorts, positioned well for visiting Sassari's cathedral and the national museum. The breakfast room inside the original palazzo hall is a real highlight. Couples looking for character over pool facilities will appreciate this property.

Hotel Corte Bianca sits near the beaches of Budoni on Sardinia's eastern coast, a less commercialised stretch compared to the Costa Smeralda further north. The whitewashed buildings and gardens give it a relaxed, Mediterranean feel. Rooms are well sized, with good air conditioning and comfortable beds. The stretch of sandy beach nearby is accessible on foot and gets quieter as you move away from the main access point. A practical and pleasant option for the east coast.

Forte Village is a large-scale luxury resort on Sardinia's southern coast, repeatedly ranked among the best in Europe. The property includes multiple pools, a world-class thalassotherapy spa, and over 20 restaurants ranging from casual beachside dining to fine-dining Italian. Accommodation ranges from hotel rooms to private bungalows spread across the resort's pine and eucalyptus grounds. The beach here is pristine, with organised water sports and a dedicated kids' club for families. Rates are high but the level of service and facilities genuinely justifies the cost.

Cala di Volpe is one of the most iconic hotels on the Costa Smeralda, designed by Jacques Couelle to resemble a Sardinian fishing village and opened in 1963. The property sits on its own private bay with a jetty, pristine water, and views across to the surrounding rocky coastline. Rooms and suites are large, decorated in warm local materials, and every detail reflects the original architectural vision. The main pool and beach bar attract a stylish international crowd throughout the summer season. This is the benchmark luxury property in Sardinia and pricing reflects that without apology.