The Best Beach Hotels to Book in Sardinia
Though Italy is not short of drop-dead gorgeous beaches, the ones in Sardinia are particularly breathtaking. Bone-white sand and startlingly blue seas are just the start. The beaches on this Italian island also come with dramatic cliffside scenery, rugged dunes or flamingoes strutting through lagoons. There are warm shallow waters for families who fancy a paddle, or wild waves for wannabe windsurfers. And a range of handy beachside hotels means the sand is only ever a stroll away – we’ve selected the best, bookable on Culture Trip.
Hotel Romazzino
Hotel
Beaches don’t get more picturesque than the one just steps from the Hotel Romazzino in Sardinia. It’s reached through the resort’s spectacular garden, scented with juniper trees and the island’s distinctive Mediterranean macchia, and is completely private so hotel guests can have the clear emerald water and powder-white sand to themselves. After a hard day relaxing, head back to dine in one of the hotel’s two restaurants or pop by the Spa My Blend by Clarins to soothe sun-weary limbs.
Santo Stefano Resort
Resort, Spa Hotel
What’s better than a beautiful Sardinian beach? How about your very own private island in La Maddalena Archipelago with 125 acres (50ha) of untouched nature, two beaches, pink granite rocks and even the occasional dolphin sighting if you’re lucky. The resort is the only accommodation on the island and offers three tennis courts, canoeing, beach volleyball, diving excursions and two restaurants, plus a full spa to make relaxing even easier.
Hotel La Coluccia
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
If giant beachside resorts leave you cold, choose this delightful boutique property on the northern coast of Sardinia opposite Isola di Spargi instead. With just 49 rooms, you’re guaranteed a more personal service from friendly staff so you can make the most of this chic, contemporary property. Pull up a lounger at the pool or stroll through the pine trees to the beach, where parasols and towels are provided free, and pedalos and dinghies can be hired if you’re keen to get out on the water.
Hotel Nautilus
Budget Hotel
No need to choose between a city break and a beach holiday at this hotel close to Cagliari’s popular landmarks, including Santuario e Basilica di Bonaria and Marina Piccola. If you’d rather take it easy, there’s a large pool and access to Poetto Beach, with bicycles, deck chairs and parasols available for free. Spend even more time gazing seawards by asking for breakfast at the beachfront bar instead of in the restaurant, and staff will serve your meal right on the sand.
Perdèpera Resort
Resort, Hotel
There’s no chance of getting bored at this large, all-inclusive resort sandwiched between a forest-draped mountain and an unspoilt beach. There are water and land sports galore for even the most active traveller, with free sailing and windsurfing lessons, kayaks and SUPs, free bikes to borrow, a PADI dive centre where you can book scuba diving, a full fitness programme and two tennis courts. Childcare and kid’s clubs are included, too, so you can make the most of everything on offer or slip off to the spa and take it easy.
Hotel Calabona
Hotel
The Hotel Calabona is a great choice for pet owners, as dogs and cats can stay on the property for free, with food, pet sitters and even beauty services available at an extra cost. There’s plenty for those without a four-legged friend in tow, too, with two open-air swimming pools and a small, pretty beach with sun loungers and parasols provided in the summer months. Located in the Cala Bona district of southern Alghero and overlooking the Riviera del Corallo, the hotel is also on a panoramic bike trail making it a great choice for passing cyclists.
El Faro Hotel
Spa Hotel, Hotel
There are sea views in every direction at this sprawling resort covering 12,000 acres (4,850ha) in the natural reserve of Porto Conte. Sun terraces lead directly into the mirror-clear waters of the Baia delle Ninfe, or you can luxuriate in sea-water swimming pools, then call into the Thalasso and Spa with its Dead Sea salt bath, Finnish sauna and Turkish bath. Be sure to book at least one romantic dinner on the pool terrace to dine alone under the stars.
The Pelican Beach Resort and Spa – Adults Only
Resort, Hotel
Hotel La Bitta
Airport Hotel, Hotel
A much-loved Sardinian bolthole since the late 1960s, this hotel on Porto Frailis bay near Arbatax feels like a real escape from it all. Most rooms have sea views or balconies, while some even have their own jacuzzi overlooking the water. The hotel’s private Blue Flag beach is also hard to beat, with its loungers, beachside bar service and translucent water just 10m (33ft) from the property.
Stay in style by seeing the best boutique hotels in Sardinia, or these options in Alghero, bookable with Culture Trip.
This is an updated version of an article originally by Gillian McGuire.