Where to Stay in South Sardinia (neighboorhood + hotel guide)
Wondering where to stay in South Sardinia? You’ve found the right guide!
While the north of Sardinia is often associated with the Costa Smeralda and its luxurious beach resorts, the south is known for its authenticity and raw beauty. So, if you’re seeking to immerse yourself in a more authentic culture – and enjoy more attractive prices – then you’re making the right decision to head south.
To help you choose the right town, I’ve listed here the best places to stay in South Sardinia, with their features, attractions, and more.
Let’s go!
No Time to Waste? Here’s my #1 Favorite!
- Local experience
- Laid-back atmosphere
- Main transportation hub
Where to Stay in South Sardinia for YOU
⭐️ THE BEST Place to Stay in South Sardinia: Cagliari
🏖️ Best Place to Stay in South Sardinia for Beaches: Chia
👨👩👦👦 Best Place to Stay in South Sardinia for Families: Costa Rei
💑 Best Place to Stay in South Sardinia for Couples: Villasimius
💰 Where to Stay in Southern Sardinia on a Budget: Muravera
Keep scrolling to learn everything about these best places in South Sardinia, with pros & cons + hotel options. 👇
The Best Places to Stay in South Sardinia – Pros & Cons
South Sardinia is overall a fantastic destination. Less famous and cheaper than the northern half of Sardinia, it still boasts breathtaking views and thus has fewer tourists… which is ideal for a relaxing getaway!
If you need help deciding where to stay, I have combined all of the best areas, depending on your situation. Enjoy!
THE BEST Place to Stay in South Sardinia: Cagliari
We are starting off this list very strongly with the capital of the entire island, Cagliari. It is probably the first town you’ll reach when arriving in Sardinia, and most certainly if you’ve decided you would stay in the southern half of the island, as it has the only airport in this area.
Don’t worry, there are plenty of reasons for me to believe that Cagliari is the best place to stay in South Sardinia, other than the fact that it is easily reachable.
First off, it is the main transportation hub of the island, which means that you can have prime access to all of it. Then, if you are looking for a more genuine, local experience that you cannot find in northern Sardinia, Cagliari has just that. And lastly, the atmosphere there is pretty relaxed and laid-back, so you are in for a peaceful holiday.
Local experience
Laid-back atmosphere
Main transportation hub
Quite touristic
Where to Stay in Cagliari
So, you now want to stay in Cagliari and are looking for accommodation. Let me tell you that there are tons of them and that it can be pretty rough to find the one you are looking for. Don’t worry though, I have narrowed all of the options down to only three:
✅ Best Hotel: Quarzo. Modern Rooms
If you want the best accommodation in the best town of Sardinia, look no further: the Quarzo. Modern Rooms are the perfect pick!
There, you will enjoy whitewashed decoration in a beautiful interior, and will be warmly welcomed by a caring and smiling host; also, there are plenty of comfortable amenities and a perfect location in the heart of Cagliari!
✨ Luxury Choice: Palazzo Doglio
For those of you who are looking to take their stay in Cagliari to a whole new level, check out the Palazzo Doglio. It is one of the classiest and most comfortable hotels in Sardinia!
In this accommodation, you will live in a spacious and fully equipped room and will be assisted by a skillful and responsive staff. Oh, also, the on-site restaurant is of gastronomic standard.
💰 Budget Pick: Mercury Rooms
Although it would usually be a struggle to find a cheaper hotel in Cagliari, I think the Mercury Rooms are a nice compromise.
You will enjoy a private and sunny balcony, as well as clean and bright rooms. Also, the center of the capital isn’t too far, and there are tons of parking spots nearby.
Check this guide to get even more hotel options in Cagliari.
Best Place to Stay in South Sardinia for Beaches: Chia
For those of you who don’t know, Chia is a lovely, small haven situated in the southernmost tip of Sardinia. Pretty close to Cagliari, it is easily reachable from the capital of the island, and it features the best beaches you can find in the southern half of Sardinia.
Believe it or not, the reason I think Chia is the best place to stay for beaches isn’t even the beach, despite how stunning it is. There, you will have access to tons of fun activities and water sports, all the while you will live in peaceful scenery, surrounded by nature and lush gardens.
However, remember that, if you are heading to Sardinia for nightlife, then this might not be the best place for you (pick Cagliari instead). Still, it is fantastic!
Exceptional beachfront
Water sports
Fewer tourists
No real nightlife
Where to Stay in Chia
Want a stay by the beach? Go to Chia, that’s a given. But what about the hotels there?
I have made it easy for you; here are my 3 favorite picks in Chia, sorted by budget:
✅ Best Hotel: Casa vacanze Richi&Michi Chia
Although it isn’t particularly coveted for now, this place is a stunning hidden gem: book it while you can!
For such an affordable price, you will live in an amazing hotel with caring hosts and will be located in a peaceful part of nature. Don’t worry though, the beaches are mere minutes away!
✨ Luxury Choice: Faro Capo Spartivento
If you’re looking for comfortable and fancy accommodation in Chia, I give you the Faro Capo Spartivento, which is nothing but exceptional.
In a superb location, sat atop a rock and right by the beachfront, it gazes at the deep blue sea and offers incredible views.
💰 Budget Pick: B&B I Colori di Chia
On the other hand, if you need an affordable hotel, the B&B I Colori di Chia is your go-to.
As its name implies, it is indeed very colorful. Plus, you will enjoy lovely views of the quiet village and will have easy access to restaurants, a supermarket and, obviously, the beach.
Best Place to Stay in South Sardinia for Families: Costa Rei
Are you heading to South Sardinia with your family? Lucky you!
I can guarantee you will have a fantastic holiday, as the island offers unforgettable views, fun times, and relaxing days by the beach. And, if you want to get the most out of it, head to Costa Rei, my favorite pick for families.
Not only are the beaches of Costa Rei some of the best of the entire island, but there are also water sports and great hiking trails, making it a prime destination for outdoor activities, which I’m sure you and your loved ones will adore.
On top of that, the town is very safe, and you won’t have to worry about your children, who can enjoy the warm waters of Sardinia as much as they’d like.
Safe town
Outdoor activities
Peaceful place
Mostly for nature
Where to Stay in Costa Rei
If you want to stay in Costa Rei, you are in luck: there are tons of hotels, suitable for every kind of need or budget.
In my opinion, though, 3 of them stand out, have a look:
✅ Best Hotel: Hotel Ristorante Il Vascello
Want the best hotel in Costa Rei for you and your family? Look no further: the Hotel Ristorante Il Vascello is right there for all of you.
Boasting a particularly large and gorgeous swimming pool, this fantastic hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms, whilst being relatively small and cozy, for the best family times on the island.
✨ Luxury Choice: Villa del Moro
Your loved ones will adore you if you decide to book the Villa del Moro for them: it is for sure the best luxurious hotel in Costa Rei!
The reason I’m saying this is, first off, that it is an entire villa, where you will all feel comfortable, on your own. Also, the interior is very spacious and fully equipped.
💰 Budget Pick: Casa Teresa
Looking for a cheaper hotel in Costa Rei? Have a look at Casa Teresa, the best compromise you can find in my opinion.
In this hotel, you will enjoy absolutely fantastic views of the beachfront, as this is exactly where you will be located. So, if you want to just sunbathe on the sand, this is your go-to!
Best Place to Stay in South Sardinia for Couples: Villasimius
Going on a holiday with your special someone is one of the few things that are better than one with your family: I can tell you that South Sardinia has romantic places to offer, as well as quiet beaches and intimate, unforgettable areas. For you and your other half, I give you Villasimius, an incredible town for couples, as it is particularly suitable for a honeymoon.
Situated near Cagliari, Villasimius is amazing because there are so many things you can do there. Obviously, the best of them is the paradisiacal beaches the city has to offer, which is where you’ll want to spend most of your time.
On top of all of that, there are plenty of water activities you could enjoy, such as diving or snorkeling, as well as unique archeological sites to learn more about. Also, the overall atmosphere is lovely and cute!
Paradisiacal beaches
Archeological sites
Water activities
Lost its authenticity
Where to Stay in Villasimius
If you are traveling with your loved one, you are going to need a suitable hotel: that choice will be even more important than usual! So, if you want to make sure you have a successful holiday, pick one of these 3 accommodations:
✅ Best Hotel: Appartamenti Shardana
Despite the humongous amount of hotels you can find in Villasimius, I believe the Appartamenti Shardana is easily the best one.
In this hotel, you and your other half will enjoy stunning decoration, as well as a fully equipped and modern interior with comfortable beds. Plus, the outdoor area is the ideal relaxing spot, with how spacious it is.
✨ Luxury Choice: Palazzo Michelangelo
In Villasimius, you won’t find a better luxury hotel than the Palazzo Michelangelo, an incredible accommodation, even more for couples.
In a well-designed and wide complex, this hotel features superb swimming pools, as well as tasty breakfasts and a skillful staff.
💰 Budget Pick: Paraiso Sardo 1
Even after all these years of traveling, I still have a hard time realizing how cheap the Paraiso Sardo 1 is. If you pick this hotel, you won’t have to spend much to enjoy a memorable holiday with your special someone.
In this small, cozy guesthouse, you will feel authentic, local vibes. Also, the hosts will cook exquisite Sardinian cuisine for the both of you!
Where to Stay in Southern Sardinia on a Budget: Muravera
Last but not least on this list is Muravera, the best area you can target for a cheaper holiday in Sardinia.
And yes, I am saying cheaper, because Sardinia is an overall pretty expensive destination, but if you respect a few tips, you should be fine: travel off-season, don’t stay in the larger cities, and consider cooking your own food.
Let’s talk more about Muravera though! Situated northeast of Cagliari, this small haven is definitely worth a visit. Just because it is more isolated than larger cities, and it isn’t the most famous area for tourists doesn’t mean it’s not suitable for a memorable holiday; actually, I believe the quieter, wilder areas of the island are the best ones.
You will find incredible beaches in Muravera, as well as all you need when it comes to restaurants and shops.
Affordable hotels
All amenities
Beautiful beach
Not much to do
More difficult to reach
Where to Stay in Muravera
If you want to save a few pennies and are looking to stay in Muravera, you will need suitable accommodation. And, depending on your budget, I can recommend 3 of them to you:
✅ Best Hotel: Agriturismo Dolceluna Le Capanne
The Agriturismo Dolceluna Le Capanne is one of the most unique and intriguing accommodations you can find in South Sardinia: it is literally a hut, by the beach, and is for sure worth checking out.
In this accommodation, you will stay in isolated, peaceful scenery, and will enjoy tons of modern amenities, as well as a wide and sunny terrace.
✨ Luxury Choice: Hotel Rio Molas
For those of you who are looking for a more luxurious hotel in the cheapest area of South Sardinia, I think the Hotel Rio Molas is exactly what you need.
This accommodation is absolutely amazing; it is surrounded by lush greenery, boasts magnificent terraces and swimming pools, and offers plenty of unique activities such as a pool table.
💰 Budget Pick: B&B I Fenicotteri
Are you looking for the cheapest option in the cheapest area? Then the B&B I Fenicotteri is what you’ll want to have a look at.
This hotel has it all, and for such low pricing, you will have access to all of the comfort and space you’ll need.
More Hotels in Sardinia
Couldn’t find the right area for you? Or you’d prefer to see other options before making up your mind?
Check out our main Sardinia guide to find the best location for you:👉 The Best Places to Stay in Sardinia 👈
Or, here are other guides to help find the right location in Sardinia depending on your travel purpose:
- Where to Stay in Sardinia for families
- Where to Stay in Sardinia for couples
- Where to Stay in Sardinia for beaches
- Where to Stay in Sardinia without a car
- Where to Stay in Sardinia for nightlife
Or by location:
I have even more Sardinia guides, click here to check them out.
Final Thoughts
Well, that’s it, you now know my favorite areas to stay in South Sardinia! I hope you loved them, and most importantly that you found the one you needed.
Just in case you are still hesitating, let me tell you once more that Cagliari is the overall best choice you can go for. With its authentic vibes, huge amount of transportation options, and relaxed atmosphere, it offers all the best of Sardinia.