17-07-2025
17 of the best hotels in Sardinia
Upliftingly for somewhere with such a well-known bevy of beautiful beaches, Sardinia has largely resisted over-development. Even when its resorts are large, for instance — and many are, in fact, uncommonly small — they have been carefully built to fit in with the landscape. That means mostly low-rise buildings alongside the Med-lapped sand, or unobtrusive additions to nature reserve. Elsewhere, Sardinia's best hotels also include traditional stone houses facing vineyards, mountain-set creative retreats with a hippie vibe and an art nouveau villa in the capital, Cagliari. There are places that will delight everyone from couples to families, foodies to keen walkers, located from the glitzy Costa Smeralda to the quieter south coast and the escapist La Maddalena island.
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This south-coast resort overlooks a lagoon occupied by a flamboyance of flamingos and is sandwiched between two of the Chia coast's most beautiful beaches; Monte Cogoni and Campana Dune are both reached by a free shuttle. Designed to sit seamlessly within its natural environment, the hotel itself is low-rise with 107 rooms split across two areas, one zoned for families. There's an ample supply of activities and restaurants, including sushi restaurant and lounge Flow.£ | POOL
Book one of six rooms at this traditional stone house in the island's north and you'll feel like you're holidaying at the country retreat of a friend with impeccable taste. Service is relaxed and personal: instead of a restaurant, guests dine 'family-style' on a terrace with views over surrounding vineyards. Decor is both chic and traditional — wooden furniture and whitewashed walls — while the 20m pool is a knockout, set within rolling green lawns and fringed with fragrant rosemary bushes. Hosts can also arrange massages and cookery lessons on request. £££ | SPA | POOL
This most recent addition to the Italian luxury hotel chain sits within the Tavolara marine reserve, an extraordinarily scenic strip of coastline even by Sardinia's high standards — the nearby cove of Cala Brandinchi is entirely deserving of its nickname, 'Little Tahiti'. The resort's interiors are equally appealing — from the restrained colour scheme of creams and greys, enhanced by pieces by local artisans, to the dreamy daybeds dotted around three swimming pools. Its 78 rooms range from spacious accommodation for families to dazzling sea-view suites, and there are two restaurants — one, Gusto by Sadler, has a Michelin star.££ | SPA | POOL
The only Relais & Chateaux property in Sardinia, every inch of this hillside resort inclines its guests towards relaxation. Its 25 rooms are spread across traditional stone cottages, and suites all have private heated pools. Interiors blend seamlessly with the earthy tones of the surrounding landscape, and the resort's two restaurants encourage languorous meals. Both use ingredients from the owner's farm, which can be visited on a private tour and tasting experience — alternatively, book a spot on their day cruiser for a trip around local islands.£ | POOL
Situated in the idyllic rural village of San Pantaleo, just a 20-minute drive inland from the Costa Smeralda beaches and resorts, this exceptionally pretty four-star hotel sits against a backdrop of craggy peaks and lush vegetation. The inside is charming too, with stone walls in shades of ochre and gnarled wooden beams, while its 35 rooms are finished with terracotta tiles and natural fabrics — the best with a balcony or terrace. Staff provide warm and discreet service, and an infinity pool adds to the sanctuary-esque atmosphere.££ | SPA | POOL
This little island just off Sardinia has few upmarket hotels, but this relative newcomer — its only five-star offering — makes a good base for exploration of the Maddalena archipelago. Rooms here are decorated in high Italian style and the adults-only resort has all the amenities expected by holidaying urbanites: a spa with sauna, Turkish bath and heated pool, plus a cocktail bar, pizza joint and fine-dining restaurant. The real draws are all outside, though — just beyond the lovely pool there are countless pristine beaches to sunbathe on.£
In a quiet residential district of Sardinia's capital and surrounded by gardens, this art nouveau villa offers a greater sense of respite than staying downtown — though it's only a five-minute walk from the action. Inside, the look is restrained: a mix of pale walls and exposed brickwork and beams, plus monochrome details and original artworks. Of the 19 rooms, the best is a suite with its own hammam and sauna. Well-placed for airport departures and arrivals, it's also less than a 20-minute drive from Poetto beach, a four-mile stretch of sand beloved by visitors and locals alike.
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Su Gologone is a mountain retreat and creative enclave that offers guests everything from movies under the stars to cookery classes. Whitewashed rooms showcase local crafts and textiles, while traditional Sardinian dishes and wines are served on delightful terraces and in the herb garden. There are 65 rooms and suites and ample amusements for their occupants — including a 25m pool, tennis courts and mini golf course — while those in search of a sandy beach can make the 30-minute drive to the coast.££ | POOL
This country estate is a mere hop from a prized north-coast stretch of beach, but feels a world away. It was once a farm and guests can expect well-spaced rooms and suites that look out over olive groves and fruit trees. Interior features such as wooden beams and terracotta floors pay homage to its rustic roots, but overall the look is one of restrained elegance — the pool, surrounded by perfect lawns, is particularly appealing. Meanwhile, the restaurant makes excellent use of abundant local produce, with a special tasting menu of local dishes such as Sardinian gnocchi with sausage sauce.£
In the historic centre of one of the biggest towns in the Medio Campidano province, this small three-star property is a rare departure from the prevailing local hotel aesthetic, with a modish look combining stripped floorboards, Chesterfield-style red sofas and industrial light fittings. Good-sized family rooms and a garden make it an excellent choice for those travelling with children to see the sights of the interior — it's only a 20-minute drive from Su Nuraxi (a megalithic complex and Sardinia's only world heritage site), and even closer to the thermal waters of Sardara.££ | SPA | POOL
This characterful hotel is hidden among the lush foliage of a tropical-style garden and each room has a small terrace from where you can enjoy the view. The rooms are simple but well-sized, and shared spaces feature items brought back from the owner's extensive travels. Staff are friendly; they'll be happy to book excursions or get you a table at a recommended restaurant in Pula, though there's a bar on site serving tempting snacks such as Sardinian-style flatbread. After a day exploring excellent beaches and crystalline waters in the Bay of Chia, you can recuperate in the bijou spa.£
Seaside Alghero is one of the island's best-preserved medieval cities, and this low-key three-star property is one of few hotels in the historic centre, offering excellent value for money for those on a budget. Housed in a former monastery, it remains peaceful, with 20 simply furnished but comfortable rooms — be sure to book one with windows opening on to the courtyard. In summer, the hotel hosts classical concerts, which guests can enjoy for free — glass of local wine in hand — from a seat in one of the cloisters.£ | POOL
Opened in 2023, this low-rise hotel is beautifully integrated into the rugged surrounding Sardinian landscape, its pool hewn amid pale rockface and surrounded by a smattering of trees. Delightfully far-flung — it's about 30 miles from both the coast and the city of Olbia — this is a place built for rest and recuperation. Its wellness offer includes activities such as yoga classes or bike and walking tours, as well as massage, a hot tub and a 'zero kilometre' breakfast. The 12 rooms — all doubles, bar one junior suite — are pale and sanctuary-like, making abundant use of natural materials such as wood and marble.£££ | SPA | POOL
This extensively renovated, ultra-lux Belmond property is designed for villeggiatura: an extended stay in a single location for the sole purpose of rest and recreation, here made effortless by service so attentive it's practically preemptive. Like former guests Grace Kelly and Princess Margaret, the hotel possesses an aura of timeless glamour: its sinuous white architecture complemented by lush gardens and geometric decorations drawn by Sardinian artisans. Its two exceptional restaurants also showcase bold local flavours; there's a private beach and two pools, and the villas have private pools.
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Four-star Le Sabine, one of several hotels within the Le Dune resort, provides the best value of the many upmarket options geared towards those in search of a straightforward family holiday. Those with children will find absolutely everything they need on site, including multiple pools and playgrounds and activities to satisfy all comers, from aspiring medieval knights (riding and archery) to ardent underwater adventurers (snorkelling and scuba diving). Rooms are well kitted-out and decorated in neutral pastel shades, set among gardens replete with colourful planting and surrounded on all sides by blue-flag beaches.
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This resort is so huge that it comprises not one but two hotels, and the facilities here are an embarrassment of riches: among them a kids' club, seven restaurants and four swimming pools (have your own Wham! video moment in the one with a swim-up bar). Despite its size, it feels unobtrusive within the surrounding landscape — its 271 rooms and suites are spread across low-lying structures and are made from the granite rock characteristic of the area. Spectacular natural formations of this stone are a short drive away in Capo Testa, but with yoga classes, a golf course and water sports all available on site, you may never make it that far.
Read our full review of Valle dell'Erica Thalasso and Spa Resort
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Set between two sandy beaches, this family-run four-star property is classically Mediterranean in look, with Moorish arches and Sardinian-made ceramics and furniture. More than half of its 89 rooms have a village or sea view, and the five best suites have private infinity pools overlooking the coast. The shared pool has an almost-as-lovely aspect and is mere steps away from the hotel's private beach, where guests can book in for a massage in a linen-shrouded gazebo. The restaurant is also a highlight, serving a modern take on local dishes — and yet more ocean views.
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Additional reporting by Richard Mellor
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