I have stayed at Antica Dimora del Gruccione, in Santu Lussurgiu (a small town in the heart of Sardinia), and loved it. This is one of the best boutique hotels in Sardinia, and one of the few hotels that’s actually worth the trip.
What I love about it is the incredible care put into the 12 rooms, the personal touches by each and every member of staff. I also love the gorgeous scenery of Santu Lussurgiu and its surroundings.
The Antica Dimora del Gruccione is a fine example of “Albergo Diffuso” (Dispersed Hotel). This means that rather than being a series of rooms located inside a single building, it has several rooms and apartments scattered around the lovely small town of Santu Lussurgiu.
A bonus point? There are a few in-house cats that welcome all guests. They are incredibly friendly!
Are you still unsure if this is where to stay in Sardinia for you? Let me tell you a bit more.
You should also read my posts Where To Stay In Sardinia and The Best Boutique Hotels In Sardinia.
Antica Dimora Del Gruccione Review
Location
You will find the Antica Dimora del Gruccione in Santu Lussurgiu, a pretty small medieval town in the center of Sardinia, not far from Oristano. It is an ideal place for a weekend immersed in nature (there are some of the nicest parks in Sardinia nearby) and away from the chaos of modernity.
There are some of the best nuraghe in Sardinia in the area, in case you are into archaeology, and the San Leonardo Siete Fuentes Park is perfect for a picnic and a walk in nature.
Santu Lussurgiu celebrates some of the most famous festivals in Sardinia, and I would highly recommend visiting the city during one of those. There are winter and summer festivals, religious and civil ones. The most famous ones are the Holy Week celebrations, the Ardia (a horse race), and the patron Saint festival on August 22.
The immediate surroundings of Santu Lussurgiu are rich in nature. You will find some of the best hiking trails in Sardinia, and lots of walks in the Sardinian mountains. The river and the general abundance of water have created quite a few suggestive trails, waterfalls, and natural pools worth some pictures and, sometimes, a quick dip.
If you feel like driving a bit further, you can also head to the Sinis Peninsula where you can explore Tharros archaeological site, visit San Giovanni di Sinis, and check out the Cabras Civic Museum, where you can see the unique Mont’e Prama Giants.
Make sure to read my post, A Useful Guide To Santu Lussurgiu, for even more information on what to see and do in the area.
How to get there
The best way to get to Santu Lussurgiu is by car: I recommend renting a car in Sardinia if you want to get off the beaten path.
It takes about 1.5 hours to get to Santu Lussurgiu by car from Cagliari, along one of the most scenic drives in Sardinia around the many hidden wonders of Montiferru. You just need to follow State Road SS 131/E25 to Oristano and then the road signs pointing to Santu Lussurgiu.
If you are staying in Oristano, it will take you around 35 minutes by car.
If you wish to travel by public transportation, you’ll have to take Bus 423 from Oristano (around 50 minutes). From Cagliari, you’ll first have to take the regional train to Oristano, and then the bus to Santu Lussurgiu.
Once you get to Santu Lussurgiu, it’s easy to find the Antica Dimora del Gruccione. The town is quite small, and you will just need to head towards the city center. Parking is free and easy to find around the various rooms.
Rooms at the Antica Dimora del Gruccione
Hotel Antica Dimora del Gruccione is spread across four buildings in the historic center of Santu Lussurgiu, each offering different types of rooms and services.
Antica Dimora del Gruccione
This is the main house, where you will find the reception and the restaurant. The interiors are decorated with oak wood and traditional Sardinian furniture.
There are two double rooms, a triple room, and a suite. It’s where I stayed when I visited. The rooms are very cozy, even in the cold winter months.
Annex
Annex is a whole apartment, perfect if you want a self-catering kind of place. It consists of two double rooms, two single rooms, a bathroom, a living room, and a kitchen with everything you might need.
This kind of accommodation is ideal for families and groups of friends who prefer staying in a house and having a much more relaxed schedule.
Sos Geminos
Taking its name from the jasmine trees right outside the property, here you will find three double rooms and one single room. These are furnished with traditional Sardinian furniture.
In this building, you will find the library, the café, and the common lounge.
Sa Murighessa
The biggest of the four buildings, it features a common lounge with various teas and coffee to welcome the guest and an area dedicated to Antonio Gramsci, a famous Sardinian politician and philosopher who spent some of his youth in Santu Lussurgiu.
There are four double rooms, three triple rooms, and a quadruple room equipped with every comfort.
The restaurant
One of the features I enjoyed the most at Hotel Antica Dimora del Gruccione is the restaurant. All the food you will eat here is prepared with locally farmed ingredients and is as close to tradition as it could get.
There are various vegan and vegetarian options for breakfast. You will eat in the cozy main house, near the fireplace during winter, and in the garden during the warmer months.
At dinner time, the restaurant serves a unique tasting menu of five courses, which changes regularly depending on the season and available ingredients. Make sure to inform the staff about any dietary requirements, as they will gladly accommodate any special requests.
Services to visitors
The Antica Dimora del Gruccione also features a small library with tons of books. It’s the perfect place if you like the idea of reading in a relaxing, cozy environment.
Hotel Antica Dimora del Gruccione regularly hosts events, classes, and workshops, and you will love every single one of them. From the Vulcani Blues Festival to the traditional bread-making workshop, you can plan your trip around one of these events. Just make sure to enquire about them upon booking.
Final Considerations
If you are looking to stay in a lesser-known place in Sardinia for your trip, if you want a truly unique hotel, and if you are visiting Sardinia in the off-season and want to explore the mountainous interior, you should definitely consider staying at Antica Dimora del Gruccione.
This is one of my favorite places to stay on the island, away from the chaos of the bigger cities and from the tourist crowds of the beaches. You will find a cozy room, a unique location, and staff that’s ready to help you so that you can have a memorable experience.
Recommended Readings
How To Visit La Lavanda Di Elvio, Sardinia’s First Lavender Field
Where To Find The Best Street Art In Sardinia (Including Orgosolo Murals)
San Sperate: 7 Best Things To Do In Sardinia’s Artsy Village
Pin It For Later!
Claudia Tavani
Claudia Tavani was born and raised in Sardinia, and after moving between the United States and the United Kingdom, she's now back living in her hometown, Cagliari. She's a travel blogger and certified travel designer who loves planning trips and publishing guides, travel tips, and packing lists so that you don't have to. Owner of Strictly Sardinia, cat mom to Minnie. Loves pizza, hiking, archeology, cities, beaches, swimming, and running. Hates peppers.