Sardinia has some of the most extraordinary hotels in Italy, but choosing the right one depends heavily on the type of holiday you want. The glamorous resorts of the Costa Smeralda offer a completely different experience from the peaceful countryside around Oliena, the historic streets of Alghero or the beaches of southern Sardinia.
For this selection, I looked at location, character, facilities, access to beaches and availability through Trip.com. I have included celebrated luxury resorts, romantic hideaways and culturally distinctive hotels rather than simply choosing the ten most expensive properties.
Hotel prices in Sardinia change dramatically according to season. July and August are generally the most expensive months, while May, June, September and early October can offer warmer weather, fewer crowds and better value.
1. Hotel Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda
Hotel Cala di Volpe is one of Sardinia’s most recognizable luxury hotels. Designed to resemble an old Mediterranean fishing village, it overlooks an exceptionally beautiful bay on the Costa Smeralda.
The hotel’s curved architecture, pastel-colored interiors and handcrafted details give it far more personality than a conventional international resort. Guests have access to a private beach, swimming pool, restaurants, tennis courts and extensive water-sports facilities.
I would choose Cala di Volpe for a special occasion, a honeymoon or an indulgent Costa Smeralda holiday. It is also an interesting choice for cinema enthusiasts: scenes from the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me were filmed here.
Best for: Iconic luxury, couples and special occasions
Location: Cala di Volpe, near Porto Cervo
Nearest airport: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport
Check rooms and current prices for Hotel Cala di Volpe on Trip.com
2. Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda
Romazzino combines the sophistication of the Costa Smeralda with a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Its whitewashed architecture stands among gardens and Mediterranean vegetation beside a bay with pale sand and remarkably clear water.
Following an extensive renovation, the hotel retains its Sardinian identity while offering the polished service associated with Belmond. The beach, gardens and spacious outdoor areas make it attractive to couples, but its children’s activities and family accommodations also make it one of the better luxury choices for parents.
I particularly like Romazzino for travelers who want five-star service without being directly surrounded by the activity of central Porto Cervo.
Best for: Refined beachfront relaxation and luxury family holidays
Location: Romazzino, Costa Smeralda
Nearest airport: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport
Check rooms and current prices for Romazzino on Trip.com
3. Hotel Pitrizza, Costa Smeralda
Hotel Pitrizza occupies a secluded position overlooking Liscia di Vacca, only a short drive from Porto Cervo. Its low stone buildings blend naturally into the rocky Gallura landscape, creating a discreet atmosphere that feels more intimate than many large resorts.
The seawater swimming pool carved into the rocks is one of the hotel’s signature features. Guests can also enjoy a private beach, elegant restaurants, gardens and terraces overlooking the Mediterranean.
This is the hotel I would consider for privacy and understated luxury. Porto Cervo remains close enough for shopping and evening entertainment, but the resort itself feels comfortably removed from the crowds.
Best for: Privacy, romance and understated Costa Smeralda luxury
Location: Liscia di Vacca, Porto Cervo
Nearest airport: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport
Check rooms and current prices for Hotel Pitrizza on Trip.com
4. Petra Segreta Resort & Spa, San Pantaleo
Petra Segreta offers a very different interpretation of Sardinian luxury. Instead of sitting directly on the coast, the resort is hidden among granite hills and Mediterranean countryside near the artistic village of San Pantaleo.
Rooms and suites are distributed among stone buildings inspired by traditional Gallura farmhouses. The atmosphere is peaceful and romantic, with panoramic views, a swimming pool, a spa and cuisine that draws heavily on local ingredients.
I recommend Petra Segreta to couples who value quiet surroundings, food and rural beauty more than immediate beach access. A rental car is useful for visiting San Pantaleo, Porto Cervo and the beaches of the Costa Smeralda.
Best for: Couples, gastronomy and countryside tranquility
Location: Near San Pantaleo
Nearest airport: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport
Check rooms and current prices for Petra Segreta Resort & Spa on Trip.com
5. Hotel Capo d’Orso Thalasso & Spa, Palau
Set near Cala Capra, Hotel Capo d’Orso enjoys a beautiful position facing the waters and islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago. The surrounding coves, granite rocks and Mediterranean vegetation give the resort a secluded, natural character.
The hotel is particularly known for its thalassotherapy spa, small beaches, seawater treatments and romantic terraces. Palau’s harbor is within easy reach, making this an excellent base for boat excursions around La Maddalena and Caprera.
I would choose Capo d’Orso for a peaceful seaside holiday focused on wellness, swimming and exploring the islands of northern Sardinia.
Best for: Spa holidays, couples and La Maddalena excursions
Location: Cala Capra, near Palau
Nearest airport: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport
Check rooms and current prices for Hotel Capo d’Orso on Trip.com
6. Baglioni Resort Sardinia, San Teodoro
Baglioni Resort Sardinia is located within the protected marine landscape of Tavolara, close to Lu Impostu and some of northeastern Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches.
Its architecture uses stone, wood and colors inspired by the surrounding landscape. The resort offers spacious rooms and suites, swimming pools, a spa, restaurants and facilities for families. The setting feels natural and relatively secluded, although the restaurants and nightlife of San Teodoro are within driving distance.
This is one of my preferred choices for travelers who want a polished five-star resort near spectacular beaches without staying on the more formal Costa Smeralda.
Best for: Beach lovers, families and nature
Location: Lu Fraili, near San Teodoro
Nearest airport: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport
Check rooms and current prices for Baglioni Resort Sardinia on Trip.com
7. Su Gologone Experience Hotel, Oliena
Su Gologone proves that Sardinia is much more than beaches. Located near Oliena at the foot of the Supramonte mountains, this highly individual hotel celebrates Sardinian art, food, textiles, ceramics and rural traditions.
The property is filled with colorful terraces, collections of local crafts and inviting spaces overlooking the countryside. Experiences may include cooking, embroidery, painting and visits to nearby archaeological or natural attractions.
I would strongly recommend spending at least a few nights here as part of a Sardinian road trip. It provides a memorable contrast to the coastal resorts and offers a deeper connection with the island’s culture.
Best for: Sardinian culture, food, art and countryside exploration
Location: Oliena, Province of Nuoro
Nearest airport: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport
Check rooms and current prices for Su Gologone on Trip.com
8. Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa, Alghero
Villa Las Tronas stands on a private headland overlooking the sea, within walking distance of Alghero’s historic center. Once used as a royal residence, the villa has an atmosphere that is elegant, historic and distinctly different from Sardinia’s modern beach resorts.
Its position is the main attraction: guests can enjoy sea views and peaceful grounds while remaining close to Alghero’s walls, restaurants and Catalan-influenced old town. The hotel also has indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and waterfront terraces.
For travelers who want both cultural sightseeing and relaxation, I think Villa Las Tronas is one of the island’s most appealing choices.
Best for: Historic atmosphere, couples and exploring Alghero
Location: Alghero
Nearest airport: Alghero–Fertilia Airport
Check rooms and current prices for Villa Las Tronas on Trip.com
9. Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia
Conrad Chia Laguna overlooks the southern Sardinian coast near Chia, an area celebrated for broad sandy beaches, dunes and exceptionally clear water. The resort’s elevated position provides beautiful views across the lagoon and surrounding landscape.
Guests can use swimming pools, restaurants, sports facilities and beach services. The wider Chia Laguna complex offers activities for different ages, making the Conrad suitable for both couples and families seeking a complete resort experience.
I would choose it for a relaxed southern Sardinia holiday, particularly if beach quality and resort facilities are more important than proximity to a large town.
Best for: Families, couples and the beaches of Chia
Location: Chia, Domus de Maria
Nearest airport: Cagliari Elmas Airport
Check rooms and current prices for Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia on Trip.com
10. Almar Timi Ama Resort & Spa, Villasimius
Almar Timi Ama Resort & Spa is situated between a lagoon and the sea near Villasimius, one of southern Sardinia’s most popular beach destinations. Its setting combines white sand, turquoise water and a landscape where flamingos can sometimes be observed.
The resort offers a private beach area, swimming pool, spa, restaurants and numerous recreational activities. Villasimius is only a short drive away, while the Capo Carbonara marine area provides opportunities for snorkeling, diving and boat trips.
This is a strong all-round choice for travelers who want a full-service beach resort and easy access to the southeastern coast.
Best for: Beach holidays, wellness and water activities
Location: Notteri, Villasimius
Nearest airport: Cagliari Elmas Airport
Check rooms and current prices for Almar Timi Ama Resort & Spa on Trip.com
Which Area of Sardinia Should You Choose?
The right hotel becomes much easier to identify once you have chosen the right part of the island.
- Costa Smeralda: Best for luxury hotels, glamorous restaurants, yacht marinas and beautiful coves.
- Palau and northern Sardinia: Best for visiting La Maddalena and taking boat excursions.
- San Teodoro: Best for famous beaches and a livelier summer atmosphere.
- Oliena and central Sardinia: Best for mountains, traditional food and authentic cultural experiences.
- Alghero: Best for visitors who want a historic town, restaurants and beaches in the same holiday.
- Chia and Villasimius: Best for long sandy beaches, resort facilities and access through Cagliari Airport.
For more help choosing a destination, read my complete guide to the region of Sardinia and this practical introduction to choosing the best beaches in Sardinia. Travelers planning a longer coastal journey may also find inspiration in Italia Mia’s guide to the best coastal cities and towns in Italy.
Before Booking a Hotel in Sardinia
Distances in Sardinia can be deceptive. A hotel in the north is not a convenient base for regularly visiting the southern coast, and public transportation does not reach every beach or countryside property.
I recommend deciding whether your priority is northern, central or southern Sardinia before booking flights. Olbia is normally the most convenient airport for the Costa Smeralda, Palau and San Teodoro; Alghero Airport serves the northwest; and Cagliari is the natural arrival point for Chia, Villasimius and the south.
A rental car is extremely useful outside the main cities. If you want to visit several regions of the island, consider dividing the trip between two hotels rather than driving long distances every day.
Find More Hotels in Sardinia
The hotels above represent different parts of the island and several styles of travel. Availability can be limited during the summer, especially around the Costa Smeralda, Chia and Villasimius.
Use the individual Trip.com links above to compare room categories, cancellation conditions and current rates for your travel dates. Prices displayed by booking platforms can change according to demand, season and length of stay.
Italia Mia may earn a commission when readers complete a qualifying reservation through selected Trip.com links, at no additional cost to the traveler.
Recommended Books About Sardinia
Sardinia Travel Guides on Amazon
Compare practical guidebooks covering beaches, towns, scenic drives and archaeological sites across the island.
Lonely Planet Sardinia on Amazon
A useful choice for independent travelers planning itineraries, transportation and day trips.
Walking and Hiking in Sardinia on Amazon
Ideal for discovering the Supramonte, coastal trails and Sardinia’s mountainous interior.
External Links
Sardegna Turismo – Official Tourism Website
La Maddalena Archipelago National Park
Porto Cervo and Costa Smeralda