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Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025

Best places to stay in Sardinia: handpicked hotels, villas, boutique hotels, and rural retreats

Sardinia offers more than stunning beaches and turquoise seas - it’s a land of diversity, where each part tells a different story. Choosing the right place to stay can shape your entire experience on the island.

At Travel Motus, we specialize in designing tailor-made itineraries and have personally explored and selected some of the most inspiring accommodations across the island. From elegant seaside resorts to authentic rural retreats, here is our guide to the best areas to consider for your stay in Sardinia.

1. Costa Smeralda and the Northeast Coast

Best for: exclusive travel, luxury resorts, refined beach holidays, boutique hotels, yacht charters

This region is known for its glamour and crystal-clear bays. It offers a high level of service and privacy, making it ideal for travelers looking for discreet luxury. You'll find elegant luxury resorts and private villas with direct beach access, along with stylish boutique hotels tucked into the hills.

2. Alghero and the Coral Riviera

Best for: families, cultural travelers, those who enjoy a mix of sea and town life

This area combines beautiful coastline with a charming historic center. It’s well-suited for those looking to balance days at the beach with cultural exploration. Accommodation options include boutique hotels, restored villas, and rural estates surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.

3. Southern Sardinia: Chia, Pula, and Cagliari

Best for: Beach lovers, couples, nature-focused retreats, and urban charm

Southern Sardinia is a region where expansive white beaches, coastal lagoons, and historical landmarks coexist beautifully. The areas of Chia and Pula are known for their natural beauty, offering a sense of calm and space, ideal for travelers seeking serenity close to the sea. Accommodations here include refined seaside resorts and charming countryside estates.

Just a short drive away, Cagliari, the island’s capital, offers a very different experience. With its historic neighborhoods, lively markets, and panoramic terraces overlooking the sea, Cagliari is perfect for travelers who enjoy blending coastal relaxation with urban exploration. Boutique hotels and restored heritage buildings in the city center provide stylish accommodation with immediate access to local culture and one of the island best restaurant experiences.

4. Eastern Sardinia: Cala Gonone, Gulf of Orosei, and beyond

Best for: adventurous travelers, hiking enthusiasts, off-the-beaten-path experiences

Eastern Sardinia is one of the island’s most unspoiled regions. The coastal village of Cala Gonone serves as an excellent base for exploring the Gulf of Orosei, known for its towering limestone cliffs, marine caves, and secluded coves.

This is the ideal destination for those seeking active travel and immersion in nature. From Cala Gonone, it’s possible to reach some of Sardinia’s most spectacular wild beaches, accessible only by boat or through scenic hiking trails. These hidden gems offer a true sense of discovery and are rarely crowded, even in high season.

Accommodation in the area tends to favor small-scale, family-run lodgings and eco-conscious stays that reflect the natural surroundings and traditional hospitality.

5. Inland Sardinia: Barbagia, Marmilla, and the blue zone

Best for: Cultural discovery, food and wine, immersive travel

For a truly authentic Sardinian experience, consider staying in the heart of the island. Here, time moves slowly, and hospitality is genuine. You’ll find charming rural retreats, historic estates, and handpicked agriturismi that offer a deep connection to local traditions, cuisine, and craftsmanship.

Why Book With Travel Motus?

As a locally based tour operator, we don’t just recommend - we know. We personally select each property to ensure it aligns with your expectations for comfort, location, and service.

Whether you prefer a luxury resort, a quiet coastal villa, a boutique hotel or a charming country retreat, our travel designers will guide you to the best places to stay in Sardinia, tailored to your preferences and travel goals.

Ready to Plan Your Stay?

Contact us for a personalized travel consultation and let us help you build an unforgettable Sardinian experience, from the perfect base to curated local experiences.

Plan Your Trip with Travel Motus →

Cagliari view - where to stay in Sardinia

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