The Best Boutique Hotels in Cagliari, Sardinia

Chandeliers hang from the ceilings and rich reds and purples colour the walls at this port-side boutique hotel. With around a dozen rooms – some overlooking Cagliari’s harbour – this place feels intimate but is still in the thick of the action. A pretty internal garden, filled with Sardinian flora, is a tranquil spot for an afternoon coffee but the real USP is the art: everything from the paintings to the furniture is for sale.

Italian opulence – think gilded bed frames and beamed ceilings – characterise The Place, tucked into the shady cobbled streets of the ancient Stampace neighbourhood. And yet, with an on-site sauna, crisp white linens and modern roll-top baths, it’s no time warp. Some of Cagliari’s best nightlife is on your doorstep: be sure to check out the bars and restaurants to the north and south of the main drag, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.

When you need a break from urban life, Hotel Villa Fanny’s garden, sun-licked and dotted with loungers and sofas, is the perfect medicine. The 19 bedrooms are just as pretty: a vision in white, painted in alabaster hues from cabinets to stone walls and, in the case of the Suite Ercole, the spiral staircase. If the great outdoors is your thing, check out the popular Cagliari botanical gardens, a short walk away.

A moments’ walk from Cagliari’s main train station, Il Gallo is one of the city’s most convenient stays. Great for couples who like to get out and explore, this boutique hotel is one of the city’s best, too, with statement wallpaper, delicious buffet breakfasts and terraces on which to pass warm afternoons. Friendly staff will help you book activities or find cosy local places to eat.

If your visit to Sardinia is all about the beach, look no further than Hotel Nautilus, perched on popular Poetto’s long, bleached sands. Start your day with a buffet breakfast of eggs and fresh fruit in view of the waves, then move out to the deck chairs for a day soaking up the sun. If you want to enjoy culture, central Cagliari is a easy taxi ride away.

This 14th-century hotel’s foundations are on a still-visible Roman cistern, which makes this an interesting place to stay. But it’s the colourful paintings, sculpted wooden headboards and patterned bathroom tiling that really adds to the atmosphere. You’re in one of the oldest parts of the city, near the port and train station, so Art Guest House is a great pick if you want to dig deep into Cagliari history.

The central city location of Brezza Marina Luxury Rooms is only two train stops from Cagliari airport. The bright and simple rooms have everything you need for a comfortable stay, including air conditioning and fast wifi. Start your day in the sunny breakfast room with fresh local pastries and a cappuccino before you head out to explore.

The waves will rock you to sleep in one of the city’s most unique hotels. Boat & Breakfast Cagliari’s cosy cabin area on the 10m-long (32ft) sailboat is beautifully wood panelled and houses a kitchen and lounge area in addition to two sleeping cabins. While moored in port sip prosecco on deck, or spend the day sailing to nearby beaches and coves.

A stay at the Cà del Sol B&B feels like staying in a family palazzo. The owners, Daniela and Michele, ensure you feel at home and are happy to share insider tips on the best places for a sunset drink and their favourite beaches nearby. The rooms in the 19th-century palazzo are a colourful mix of old and new, and the marina location puts you close to the sea and Cagliari’s historic sites.

This whitewashed charmer is the perfect destination for gourmet foodies. Settle into your room furnished with hi-tech electronics, neutral linens and lush velvets, some have balconies and fireplaces. The restaurant at Palazzo Dessy serves cherished family recipes made with impeccably sourced ingredients. Although you might find it hard to leave the comforts of the hotel, all of Cagliari’s sites are just steps away.

Your hosts, Antonello and Vanna, will warmly welcome you to their historic home in this peaceful location. La Peonia Boutique B&B features a relaxing patio with a lush garden view and a well-equipped gym. The rooms are furnished with family antiques and crisp linens, and the Mediterranean-style breakfast served each morning in the dining room will fuel you for a day of adventures.