The best hotels in Sardinia
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Mention Sardinia to people, and most will conjure up visions of the Costa Smeralda, the rugged stretch of limpid, azure waters and powder-soft white sand on the north-east coast of the island. The area was ‘discovered’ by Prince Karium Aga Khan IV in the early 1960s; these days billionaire jet-setters, royals and stars such as the Clooneys are drawn to the coast by its five-star hotels, designer shopping, dining scene and, of course, its ravishing natural beauty.
But there is a lot more to Sardinia than this immaculate (some would say too immaculate) strip of the coast; for starters, the rest of the contorted, 1,850km coastline has more gorgeous beaches than any other part of Italy. Towns and cities worth exploring include the pretty port of Cagliari (the capital) in the south, bustling, medieval Alghero on the northwest coast which has a distinctly Spanish vibe (it was once under the rule of the Catalans) and the colourful village of Bosa to its south.
Sardinia is Europe’s oldest landmass and there is a wealth of archaeological remains dotted throughout the wild, silent hinterland including over 7,000 nuraghi (remnants of the ancient, mysterious Nuragic civilization) and the tombs known as “tombe dei giganti”. Then there is the fabulous food and wine (look out for porceddu - whole spit-roasted suckling piglet-, a maggot-infested sheep’s cheese called cazu marzu, white Vermentino and red Cannonau), the bizarre folk festivals, the albino donkeys indigenous to the Isola dell’Asinara… DH Lawrence wrote in 1921 that “Sardinia is out of time and history; this land resembles no other place.” He was right.
How we choose the best hotels in Sardinia
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.
Whether you're looking to sneak away to the pastel-hued fisherman houses of Cala di Volpe or seek the seclusion of Petra Segreta, tucked into the hills of San Pantaleo, here are the best hotels in Sardinia to book right now.
Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda
Set between crescent-shaped white sandy bays facing the emerald waters of Costa Smeralda lies Romazzino. This hotel was designed in the 1960s by the celebrated architect Michele Busiri Vici, whose emblematic style paints the coast with low-lying whitewashed buildings made of sinuous, curved forms that blend in with the natural landscapes. This is Romazzino’s first season under the helm of Belmond, who commissioned Puglia-based designers Palomba Serafini to spruce up the exteriors with a laid-back, coastal mood that honours the island’s craftsmanship and local materials. There are one hundred rooms and suites, some of which are housed in the main building and featuring balconies or gardens that artfully frame the views of the Mediterranean, while others are in a series of splendid stand-alone villas with private pools. The outdoor spaces are a colourful feast; with fuchsia and bougainvillea climbing the walls and a garden with hydrangeas, hibiscus, and herbs that sprawl out to the private sandy beach lined with loungers and parasols at the water's edge. There are two swimming pools (one salt-water and one fresh-water), an open air gym and a kid’s club for the little ones to play; apparently there’s also a resident tortoise roaming the grounds so keep your eyes out for him. On the culinary front, you can chose between three restaurants but the Sardinian Fregula at beachfront Entú e Mari is a must.
Address: Via Romazzino, 4, 07021 Arzachena SS, Italy
Price: From around £1,819 per night.
7 Pines Resort Sardinia, A Destination By Hyatt, Baja Sardinia
Amid the scenic landscapes of Baja Sardinia stands 7 Pines, a large waterfront resort set in 15 hectares of Mediterranean scrub. This is your typical resort; perfect for those seeking a place to unwind and have all commodities at arm's length including the Cone Club, a vibey beach club that pumps music as the sun begins to set. Suitable for all travellers, including families with children, couples and friends who can tailor their stay according to local preferences: while adults indulge in wellness-infused spa days, little ones can play at the Kio House of Kids only to reunite later over a delicious Neapolitan-style pizza at Spazio, the poolside restaurant in collaboration with the pizza master Franco Pepe. The resort's second culinary venue, led by Executive Chef Pasquale D’Ambrosio, offers Mediterranean flavours to savour on a terrace overlooking the sea.
Address: Località Li Mucchi Bianchi, 07021 Baja Sardinia SS, Italy
Price: From around £1,053 per night.
Casa Clat, Cagliari
This charming Cagliari townhouse, one of two hotels in Sardinia to receive a Michelin key, is the result of the skilful renovation of a historical 19th century palazzo near the central landmark Bastion of Saint Remy. The nine suites, each designed in collaboration with local artists, offer a unique collection of artistic expressions, from monochrome themes to motifs inspired by Sardinian textiles, complemented by designer items such as the Antonio Lupi freestanding bathtub in the Isola Suite. There’s a lovely restaurant on the ground floor with an open kitchen that serves refined seafood and vegetable based dishes á la carte or four and five course tasting menu with the option of wine pairing. Wines can also be tasted in the former horse stable, now a stone-walled cellar. During the warmer seasons the garden is the place to be, with its swimming pool and it’s seated areas for aperitifs and al-fresco dining.
Address: V.le Regina Margherita, 55/57, 09124 Cagliari CA, Italy
Price: From around £286 per night.
Petra Segreta, San Pantaleo
On the heights of San Pantaleo, catching a glimpse of the Gulf of Arzachena is Petra Segreta, a 27-room hideaway surrounded by glorious nature, miles away from the coastal madness. The address is one of the first of its kind on the island, thought up by architect Rosella Marchese and her husband Chef Luigi Bergeretto over ten years ago. The interiors are designed by Rossella herself, whose eclectic but harmonious style brings together pieces collected throughout her travels world-wide. Most of the rooms, or little stone huts spread across the estate, have private gardens and small pools. Luigi oversees the two restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Il Fuoco Sacro, in consultation with acclaimed chef Enrico Bartolini. A must try is the linguine with black lemon sauce, raw local prawns and bottarga. A hidden gem within the property is also the Balinese hut, hidden among the trees, that's set up for massages. There’s also a separate spa and a small, open air gym near the shared pool.
Address: Via Stazzu Malcusa, 07026 San Pantaleo SS, Italy
Price: Doubles from about about £420
Gallicantu Stazzo, Luogosanto
An expanse of wild scrub and peculiar geological formations dating back to the Pre-Nuragic era leads the gaze towards a dark silhouette of Corsica which becomes even more spectacular against the ochre sunset sky. This energy is what attracted Golf coach Marco Berio and his partner Raffaella Manca to invest in this abandoned, rural settlement. It took five years to restore the ancient stazzo, the typical Sardinian farmhouse, and create a small village in granite that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings. The interiors, curated by Berio and architect Jean Claude Lesuisse, use reclaimed materials like old church doors and roof tiles repurposed as wall lamps, and reference Sardinian and Gallurese traditions. Although there are only nine rooms, the surrounding space is expansive: aperitifs are enjoyed in the courtyard under the shade of an 800 year old olive tree, wine tasting takes place in an airy cave and home cooked meals are served on a terrace enclosed between granite rocks and holm oak trees that overlook the French neighbours. There is also a swimming pool, a small spa with a sauna, hammocks scattered about, plus the possibility to book a massage.
Address: Gallicantu Stazzo Retreat, SP 14 Località Corrimozzu, 07020 Luogosanto SS, Italy
Price: Doubles from about £195
ANTONIO SABAAethos Sardinia, Cannigione
What started out as a honeymoon destination soon became a highly sought after location for Benjamin, co-founder of Aethos Hotels, to expand the portfolio as it perfectly matched the company’s philosophy. As their fourth hotel in Italy, following Milan, Saragano in the Umbrian countryside and Monterosa in the Italian Alps, it was fitting to offer travellers a sea-view location that extends out to the Maddalena archipelago, nestled amid the rustic, Sardinian landscapes. Only 30 minutes from Olbia Airport and 20 from Porto Cervo, Aethos Sardegna has a laid-back look and feel that encourages travellers to immerse themselves in the serene, Mediterranean lifestyle. The 57 rooms have been restyled following a design-forward approach whilst staying true to traditional Sardinian architecture. There are also two outdoor swimming pools, a Technogym equipped fitness studio, outdoor treatment cabins and a spa complete with a third pool, sauna and steam room. The culinary highlight is Zaia, centred around sustainable, local produce embracing Mediterranean recipes with a twist: think fermented ingredients, superfoods, herbs, nuts and dried fruits that enhance each dish. This philosophy is present throughout the day, from breakfast (the ginger, lemon and spirulina shot to start the day is genius) through to lunch and dinner including the artfully curated cocktail list.
Address: Via Monti Corru, 07021 Cannigione SS, Italy
Price: Doubles from about £376
antonio saba photographyCascioni Eco Retreat, Arzachena
Imagine walking along a narrow pebble path that divides an abundance of olive groves and wildflowers to your room dressed in white linen; that’s the mood at Cascioni. All fifteen rooms feature linen curtains, bed throws, and sofas to match this relaxed atmosphere, and are immersed in 18 hectares of Sardinian wilderness. The blessed spot is in the Gallura region up north, nestled amid a natural reserve where a small stream, which you can cross with a guided paddle board experience, leads to the Mediterranean. The farmhouse offers a softer, aesthetic take on traditional countryside dwellings, furnished with natural materials and colours. This essence extends to the cuisine too, which focuses on seasonal, homegrown ingredients or local supplies, reimagined into contemporary Sardinian dishes by the chef. Must-tries include Spaghettoni Coda di Lupo with clams and bottarga, and to finish up, the olive oil ice cream made with the property’s own olive oil. Each room has a private pool but there is also a central, naturally heated swimming pool lined by sun loungers that soak up the shade of the carob trees.
Address: SP 59 bis, 07021 Arzachena SS, Italy
Price: Doubles from about £573
Andrew UrwinDomu Antiga, Gergei
Sensitive soul Samuel Lai is adored by Sardinians and anyone who passes through his four-bedroom guest house. Inside whitewashed walls lie sacred objects: dyed sheep’s wool, antique cheese vats and mazzocchio (shepherd sticks), part of the tender revival of the pastoral idyll Samuel dreamt up while serving in Afghanistan. In 2022 he debuted Sinnos, a natural sheep cheesemaking project. Tastings of his Sa Mola olive oil-sealed pecorino take place in the courtyard garden.
Address: Domu Antiga, Via IV Mori, 08030 Gergei Provincia di Cagliari, Italy
Price: Doubles from about £180
Andrew UrwinSu Gologone Experience Hotel, Oliena
Less a rambling hotel than a temple complex worshipping Sardinian pastoral culture, Su Gologone even has a genesis story. In 1967 “Peppeddu” Palimodde opened a rustic food shack in the Nuorese mountains by the sacred spring of Su Gologone. So good was his porchetta that the place soon became a restaurant with rooms, and the rest is history. Under daughter Giovanna, the ever-expanding compound is now a colourful lifestyle concept and art installation, with 68 hand-crafted rooms and museum-worthy collections of Sardinian costumes, ceramics and 20th-century art.
Address: Su Gologone Experience Hotel, Località su Gologone, 08025 Oliena NU, Italy
Price: Doubles from about £329
Cala di Volpe, Porto Cervo
This place has been a magnet for A-listers since the 1960s. A cluster of pastel-hued fisherman’s houses with turrets, arches and porticoes built on the water’s edge, it has its own private marina. Inside, the look is cool, Sardinian rustic-chic with design details from local artisans, but that belies a serious level of luxury. There’s a brand-new Shiseido spa, a huge saltwater pool and the sleek Cala Beach Club, a five-minute shuttle boat-hop away. Eating and drinking options include the Barbecue restaurant, popular with celebrities who roll up by boat and jump ashore for a lunch of fishy fregola.
Address: SP160, 07021 Capriccioli SS, Italy
Price: Doubles from about £318