6 Perfect Places to Stay in Sardinia with Family
- Maria DiCicco
- 1 day ago
- 14 min read
Being a first-time visitor to Sardinia, I was honestly overwhelmed by the amount of choices in cute towns to visit there. I knew that being off-season (I went in March) a beach vacation wasn't right for my family, so our multi-generational crew decided to rent a car in Cagliari and head north up the western coast of the island.
Perfect for stays with kids, Sardinia is an excellent choice for family travel. While my motley crew included a six year old, two adults and two grandparents, we made a Griswold-style vacation with our one week in Sardinia, packing the car full of bags, jackets and bodies for a great adventure.
Below, find the best places to stay for food, culture, and archaeological intrigue as you journey along the coast line from Cagliari to Castelsardo, and all the hot spots in between.
With my first-hand experience, discover which of these charming towns and regions fit the bill for your family itinerary - all you need is a car and at least a week to pack it all in!
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Short on Time?This article focuses on the western region of Sardinia, heading north from Cagliari to the northern tip at Castelsardo and back down. Towns and regions include: If you are looking for stays in Costa Smeralda, Palau, or Olbia, visit Booking.com. These are great areas for glamorous beach stays, nightlife and young living in the summer months. This list is built with families in mind and explores more authentic Sardinia, including the food, history and culture. |
Cagliari
Stay for food, culture and a launching point to the rest of Sardinia
Why Stay in Cagliari
The central hub for cruise passengers traveling through Cagliari Cruise Port, for ferry arrivals from Rome, and for easy transit into the country by air, Cagliari is a perfect place to start a trip around Sardinia.
First time visitors will undoubtedly pass through Cagliari, no matter where their ultimate destination leads.
Find lodging in the heart of the city, so you can walk to city sites like:
Save time to visit Cagliari's secret underground, a must see attraction in Cagliari.
Kids and parents young and in their grandkids phase will enjoy Cagliari's unique sites, but walking days can be beastly with multiple inclines and cobblestones. One or two days of siteseeing shouldn't overdo it, but be sure your hotel has an elevator for this round of the trip.
Where We Ultimately StayedOnly Rooms IV - Book for the sea views and free parking! We stayed here and it was not only very charming and historic, but also well located to attractions and restaurants on foot.  It had a fun old-fashioned elevator, which was a definite highlight to use.  For your first night's dinner I recommend booking a table at Sa Piola. |
Don't Have a Car? Stay in Cagliari at Sa Domu Cheta, just steps from the train station or Albergo Diffuso Birkin Castello because of its historic beauty. |
Oristano, Cabras and the Sinis Peninsula
Stay for seafood, ancient ruins and centralized lodging
Where to Stay in the Sinis Peninsula
This central west coast region is perfect for jumping off to area archaeological sites, coastal beach days, and more.
Cabras
Bottarga, known as the Sardinian caviar, is produced in the coastal town of Cabras.
Although not on the ocean, there's a body of water between the sea and the land that makes Cabras a charming and beachy stay. If you are looking for super relaxed vibes, Cabras could make for a good stay.
Contini Winery also boasts a tasting room with tours in Cabras, easy to book or cancel online at their website.
Torregrande
There is also the beachfront town of Torregrande, which if you are looking on a map, seems pretty hopping. We found instead a central heart near the literal 'large tower', and devised that it could be a very nice place for summertime retreats in a rental apartment. Otherwise, the off season was very quiet.
You'll find the beach there to be unique and full of 'seaweed balls', the strangest tribble looking thing you've ever seen before, and a nice little boardwalk for walking.
Unfortunately, I wouldn't call this one of Sardinia's best beaches. Evidence of much clearer water and wow-worthy sands were found elsewhere along the coastal route. This wasn't as attractive, but if you are traveling with kids to Sardinia, I can say with certainty - the kids don't care!
Oristano
Instead you may opt for a more bustling stay in the nearby town of Oristano, which operates at the touristic hub for the area. With shops, restaurants and an old town, Oristano is a good place to stay at least one night to explore area offerings like Tharros Roman Ruins.
As things go with travel in both the off-season and on a Sunday or Monday, our day in Oristano was unfortunately a bust for things being open.
On Sunday evening a few restaurants and bars opened up (we chose to have drinks and watch soccer with the locals), and there were no shops open - but clearly plenty to be discovered.
Central Oristano was cute and buzzy with life, but mostly for strolling about with family. Go on any other day and you'll likely be met with many more options for dining and shopping.
Other Stays Near Oristano
Inland, you'll find gorgeous old homes to stay in like Antica Dimora.
For a more bohemian and upmarket stay - consider Is Scabas rooms in Solarussa.
Both of these options are well suited for exploring the local nuraghe, like Su Nuraxi, or going wine tasting at area vineyards near Tramatza.
Where We Ultimately StayedWe stayed at the Mistral2 hotel in Oristano for the convenience of parking, breakfast and an onsite restaurant. In the summer, they have a pool - which my daughter would have loved in season.  Breakfast was excellent (I even randomly went viral for the first time with my 12-second clip of pump-your-own Nutella). |
Sant'Antioco and Sulcis Iglesiente
Stay for mining industry attractions and ancient sites
Things to Do in the Southwest Region of Sardinia
This area is the large part of land in the southwest region of Sardinia, East of Cagliari. Sulcis Iglesiente includes towns like Iglesias, Portoscuso and Sant'Antioco, all great launching points for a myriad of fun activities.
Honestly, I regretted not staying longer and felt that this area alone could be a 2-4 night stay.
When we first started driving into town a huge abandoned mine at Miniera di Monteponi
cropped up on the hillside. It was stunning and begged to be explored. Of course it was closed (off-season problems), so we missed it - but it looked worthy of a mine tour for sure.
Visit the mines at San Giovanni, where you can catch an underground train ride to the mines and caves at Santa Barbara.
Or, visit iconic Porto Flavia, where we discovered a very unique way that miners used to transport zinc and such to boats off the mountain's edge.
Truly fascinating and a bit of an adventure, Porto Flavia was worth the time to journey along the windy coast road to get there.
Drive to Sant'Antioco where you can visit the Necropolis of Sulcis and the Villaggio Ipogeo Grotte Sant'Antioco Sardegna, or venture further to Necropolis Montessu for a bit of hiking.
We visited the Ipogeo village at Sant'Antioco, below, which although short-lived (maybe 10-15 minutes to visit max), was really interesting to see. A combo ticket bought entry into multiple sites walking-distance apart.
We also enjoyed seeing the town's waterfront and had sandwiches and gelato while overlooking the fishing boats and tourist boats as they came in. It's worth a look for a few hours time, but the island does offer cute lodging there too.
Further towards Pula, find the Nora Ancient Roman Ruins and the Conti Salt Flats, where you can take a cute train tour and see the old production buildings. I wrote about these in my guide to Cagliari.
For a seaside retreat, try La Casa di Nina on the eastern part of this region, or B&B Sa Cruxitta in Portoscuso.
Where We Ultimately StayedWe stayed two nights in this area, at separate places. Stay in Il Rifugio dei Minatori if you are stopping in Iglesias for the night. Built as a 'miner's refuge' theme, the stone walls and modern touches blended together in perfect harmony.   The shared common spaces were perfect for our family, having 2 of the 3 available rooms, and we took over the space like it was our own rental apartment.   We even cooked steak dinner and had local snacks and cheese provided by both the host, and from a quick visit 4 minutes walk to the local supermarket. This was a super stay with family - just be comfortable sharing your passport info over WhatsApp with the host in advance of your stay.  Closer to Cagliari, we stayed at Corte Boero Bed&Breakfast to be closer to Nora and the salt flats. Comfortable and clean, this charming B&B stands out for its hospitality from the host.  We felt like family and enjoyed chatting at breakfast with him and his daughter.  |
Bosa
Stay for peace and calm, stunning coastal drives nearby
Things to Do in Bosa
Bosa in the off season was mildly disappointing as far as activity, however the town itself is simply too gorgeous not to stay a little while.
With just a handful of shops and restaurants open in March, we marveled at the waterfront tanneries (very picturesque), then meandered into the town's alleyways for a looky loo at life.
Every corner had another stunning photo opportunity.
After taking photos got old and we got hungry, the family split up - one group for pasta and pizza, one for shopping. I had heard that Bosa knives were a thing, but only saw them once. I didn't learn more.
We turned up empty in the shopping department, with a few souvenir shops and one very fun Chinese store that ultimately quenched our appetite for purchases.
Many visit Bosa for the beauty, and perhaps stay for the castle, the Malvasia wine, and the quiet.
Note that unlike Castelsardo (below), we didn't find an easy walking route to the castle (at least not one we were willing to endure - it was lunchtime after all). You may need to plan to drive to the top when you arrive.
Where We Ultimately StayedWe didn't! It turns out, Bosa is well suited between Alghero and Oristano, making it a perfect day trip. Although, tempted by their Tuesday market day, I felt perhaps we missed out on an overnighter. If you do book, stay at the gorgeous Palazzo Pischedda, a perfect place to stay in Sardinia for couples. |
Alghero
Stay for the best melting pot of food, ancient sites, waterfront activities and tourism options
What Makes Alghero the Best Place to Stay in Sardinia for Families?
Medieval, Catalan-influenced Alghero is great for a two night stay, and subjectively speaking, could be the best place to stay in Sardinia for first-time visitors and families.
My mother's personal favorite stop on the trip, it definitely had to most to see and do, and for the off-season it was the busiest (aside from Cagliari).
The main attractions, at least for my typical family activity, are to shop and eat and see the architecture of the city. With our hotel a good 20 minute walk from the old town of Alghero, we chose to take the slow pedestrian promenade down along the waterfront as the sun began to set.
Even in March, in the island's off season, the sun was warm and people were out arm in arm doing the same as us - "fare una passeggiata", or simply, taking a stroll!
We arrived late in the afternoon to the town, just in time for a couple of hours of browsing coral shops (the big souvenir sell there), along with gold and jewelry shops.
I'd been on the hunt for an Italian horn to add to my St. Anthony's necklace, so the hunt was real - and real fun. I found it for 65 euros, with an 18k gold cap. It's lovely!
Be sure to note - storefronts with a big red letter A on the top are part of a consortium of coral jewelers - the real deal - not to be confused with phony or dyed corals that are often sold cheaper. Go to the shops with the A for the real Alghero coral.
There are many gelaterias, and tons of restaurants to choose from. Simply wander the main thoroughfares, which all more or less connect to each other in the old town. If you wander outside the walls, just find your way back in to continue the tourist track.
We enjoyed our first taste of the delicious local seafood fregola at Al Vecchio Mulino that first night, and it was outstanding. It was off the beaten path a bit and clearly full of tourists, but that didn't bother us.
If unfamiliar with fregola, check out my Sardinia 101 guide, where I share about the foods of Sardinia. In essence, fregola served the way it is shown above is very much like a paella dish, full of hearty flavors of the sea and saffron. So good.
Be sure to walk along the marina and the city walls, and perhaps plan for a boat trip to Neptune's Grotto (often talked up but overrated apparently).
I might recommend doing a pass by like on this boat tour, which gets you in the water for snorkeling, paddling, and enjoying some aperitifs. It seems like the better way to go in good weather!
Do not miss the weekly Wednesday market in Alghero - it's a shoppers dream! Note that it is not walking distance from the old town of Alghero.
Another out of town delight is the small but fascinating Nuraghe Palmavera. Be sure to take the coastal drive to get there, it's a nice morning out!
As for stays, we enjoyed Hotel Angedras, a quiet and clean hotel tucked down some residential streets. It had a nice breakfast, garage parking and lovely balconies for relaxing.
Because Alghero makes one of the best places to stay in Sardinia for culture, you may want to amplify the experience with a charming apartment. In which case, I recommend Arc de San MartÃ!
Where We Ultimately StayedWe stayed in Hotel Angedras for two nights, a simple but lovely hotel with parking and breakfast. It's an enjoyable seafront walk into town and you don't have to venture into the heart of it all with your vehicle. |
Castelsardo and Sassari
Stay for culture, history, and fantastic views
Why Stay in Castelsardo and Sassari
Depending on your driving route, Castelsardo or Sassari may make for a great overnight stop. Generally a day time destination (to best enjoy the seaside views!), Castelsardo offers walkers a great chance to enjoy a medieval castle village atop a high hill.
The town was livelier than others, but still quiet in March, with a sense of serenity in the calm marina below the hill top village.
There are a number of souvenir shops on the way up, with expected off-season closures or high price tags, and several choices for dining, but I urge you to wait to dine until you get to the top of the hill!
If it hadn't been for the food and hospitality of Il Portico restaurant at the top of the castle hill, I may have felt like the walk to the top was solely for the views alone.
And, I'll admit that there were several moments of yelling among the family members on whether we wanted to continue walking up or not. Endure the leg shakes and keep going up! (Perhaps just don't plan for your overnight stay up the hill with all your bags).
Thankfully, with Il Portico greeting us after our uphill climb, we were met with a truly tremendous meal of local specialties including tuna bottarga, culurgiones done five ways, and a fabulous spread of antipasti.
Meanwhile, back down the hill, be sure to visit Castelsardo's Iper Mak Chinese store before you leave - it's a massive emporium for affordable housewares, souvenirs and clothing. Parking was free and easy, and there is a Conad grocery store adjacent for food souvenirs, too.
Nearby, seek out area wineries like Cantina Ligios Winery, where words cannot express the sheer amazingness of your visit. I'll save that story for another day, but will say that if ever there were a night to stay put - a night after drinking at Cantina Ligios would be it.
I would recommend staying in an agriturismo nearby like Tenute Costadoria, or at one of the beachfront properties like Bellevue Sardinia Resort Affiliated by Meliá.
If heading inland to Sassari, note that it's the second largest city on Sardinia to Cagliari, so expect city vibes and a bustling atmosphere. Les Suite Royales is the obvious choice for staying in Sassari proper, with adorable interiors that make you feel like a princess. Les Suite Royales is also a great option for couples.
Alas, we chose none of the above and opted to drive back to Alghero after a day of imbibing heavily at the winery. I do not recommend this! Stay and enjoy the area - it's beautiful.
Special and Unique Overnight Stays in SardiniaSome of the hotels in Sardinia you may want to consider aren't even hotels - they might be country homes, villas, agriturismos (farm stays) or locandas (which are homey hotels). Some of my favorite picks include: Antica Dimora: I booked and canceled this charming apartment stay at least two or three times. I really wanted to make it work for my itinerary, but we couldn't. It's simply one of the cutest, most "Sardinian" stays on this list - perfect for a family exploring the west-central area of the island for a few days. Su Cappeddu Agriturismo: this simple yet chic farmstay near to Nora and the Conti Vecchi Salt Flats offers a romantic evening meal for guests full of fresh and local produce that won't soon be forgotten. Omu Axiu: this special home near Lago di Mulargia is best for a one-night stay simply to enjoy the authentically prepared local cuisine. Not to be missed! |
Big Hotel Chains in Sardinia
Marriotts on Sardinia
If you are a Marriott member like myself, you may opt into using points for your stays in Sardinia. In this case, it is good to note that the only Marriotts in Sardinia are on the North part of the Island. There are no Marriotts in Cagliari, surprisingly.
Instead, you will find Marriotts in Olbia and the Costa Smeralda. Some of these hotels vary in availability depending on the season, too. So, if you're a points guy or gal, keep this in mind!
Hilton Properties on Sardinia
There are 8 Hiltons on Sardinia, with three in the South and five in the North, all generally fancy beachfront properties offered only in season.
Tips on Where to Stay in Sardinia with Kids and Family
Keep in mind that many places across Europe do not accept 3 people in a room. This constant challenge ramps up the overnight rate.
Most of the destinations we visited on this list are walkable, but leave the strollers at home! I honest to God don't know how we would have done half of the things we did if we had a stroller.
So that said, bring your kids once they are able-bodied, and if you're elderly, bring my senior travel tips.
Only book hotels you feel are accessible for your level of activity, considering comfort above all else including:
Heating and air conditioning systems (not always the norm in Europe)
Parking garages for secure overnight parking
Walking distance to town
Amenities nearby (are there restaurants? grocery stores? is there a restaurant on site?)
Many towns will be empty in the off-season, and you'll need to consider making dinner reservations in advance to ensure you have a meal during your stay. Optionally, the agriturismos (farm stays) tend to offer onsite dinners, which are not to be missed.
Above all else, when planning your trip to Sardinia as a first time visitors, determine where to stay that meets your needs.
On this trip, you may notice we stayed in a lot of established hotels versus cute agriturismos. Sometimes it is just easier to be comfortable and to have a front desk full of people waiting for you versus a self-check in with a code when you've got kids, bags, and generally no clue! (Trust me, there are always situations like that!).
And, if you are indeed traveling with kids then don't forget to take a look at my scavenger hunt scrapbook journal for kids here: Scavenger Hunt Italy: A Kid's Travel Journal. Here's my daughter filling hers out at the Hotel Angedras:
So fun!
In any case, start planning your adventure now - Sardinia is a beautiful island to discover!
Top Takeaways
Stay with comfort in mind! |
