The Nicest Hotels In Cagliari

by | Aug 21, 2020 | Visit Sardinia | 0 comments

hotels in Cagliari

Are you looking for good hotels in Cagliari? Look no further!

If you are planning a holiday in Cagliari, you will be happy to know that the capital city of Sardinia offers travelers incredible experiences, from art museums to flamingos! When visiting the sun-soaked Italian island of Sardinia, it can be challenging to choose where to stay in the capital city. That’s why I’m here! I’m a local, and I’m happy to share my knowledge of the best hotels in Cagliari. While Sardinia doesn’t have many big, name-brand hotels, there is a bevy of smaller boutique hotels that cover the spectrum from posh to cozy to budget-friendly.

Use my guide to choose your hotels in Cagliari match made in heaven. These are the best hotels in Cagliari, and all offer you the perfect pillow for a vacation to remember!

hotels in Cagliari

You’ll find many excellent hotels in Cagliari

Choosing The Best Hotels in Cagliari

When choosing the best hotels in any city, it’s always best to ask a local. Of course, consulting megalithic websites like TripAdvisor comes in handy, but what’s better than having a true insider’s opinion? I’m Claudia, and I’m a local! I grew up in Cagliari, and even though I’ve spent over a decade traveling, my true home is here. It’s where I grew up, and it’s where I belong.

Today, I have my own small place in Cagliari. Whenever my friends and family visit, I usually can’t host them at my home because it’s so small (I am actually looking for a bigger place as I write!). I’ve had to hunt through all the hotels in Cagliari to find the best ones to suit their style, vibes, and group size. Factoring in their budget is always a consideration, too.

Therefore, I’ve done my fair share of hunting for hotels in Cagliari. I’ve dug deep, phoned many friends, and been out and toured the places myself. Plus, over the years as friends and family have come and gone, I’ve gotten the chance to check out a lot of the hotels myself. I’m eager to share with you all my insider tips on the nicest hotels in Cagliari to help you decide on the perfect place to stay.

In this post, I will shine a spotlight on the best hotels in Cagliari and will separate them by areas, interest, and budget. To be clear, there are four main historical districts in Cagliari that I’ll cover and one that sits outside the center. These four main districts—Castello, La Marina, Villanova, and Stampace—do sit snugly around the city center and are all well-connected to each other.

The last district that I’ll discuss, Poetto, resides fairly well outside of the city center. However, it allows you easy access to many of Cagliari’s natural attractions, including the beach and the nature reserve of Molentargius. Poetto is truly a lovely area to stay, albeit a little farther outside of the city.

Ready to find your hotel match made in heaven? Let’s get right to covering the best Cagliari accommodation options out there.

Are you unsure where to start in your exploration? Check out one of these guided tours of Cagliari:

best hotels in Cagliari

The tower of T Hotel as seen from Parco della Musica

My Recommendations for the Overall Nicest Hotels in Cagliari — My Top Three Choices

Cagliari Hotels – Overall Best Picks

To be honest, some of my absolute favorite hotels in Cagliari are not even in the four historical districts of the capital city. They don’t even lie by the beach! My favorite hotels in Cagliari, which I’ll outline below, are centrally located; all are within easy walking distance of the top attractions and the best restaurants in Cagliari.

Best Hotel for Business Travelers in Cagliari: T Hotel

T Hotel is quite centrally located, nestled right by the Teatro Lirico and directly in front of the Parco della Musica, which is a quaint park. The T Hotel has stupendously spacious rooms but is most known for its out-of-this-world spa and the luxe lounge bar that mixes up mean cocktails. The public are allowed to access the spa and lounge, so you’re likely to see lots of locals there—not just tourists! I’ve definitely had my fair share of martinis there before…. T Hotel is one of the best hotels in Cagliari for business travelers.

Click here for the latest rates and here for reviews.

Best Hotel for Couples in Cagliari: Villa Fanny

Villa Fanny is near the University of Cagliari, very close to the top Cagliari attractions, like the Roman Amphitheater and the Botanical Garden. In fact, it lies only a brief ten-minute stroll from Stampace, the beating heart of Cagliari, where you can check out the best restaurants and bars the city has to offer. Villa Fanny has an extraordinary eye for detail; each room is decorated differently, with artisan furnishings and eye-catching style. There’s also a gourmet restaurant on-site to dine at. Planning a romantic getaway in Cagliari? This is the hotel for you.

Click here for the latest rates and here for reviews.

Best Hotel for Budget-Minded Travelers in Cagliari: Hostel Marina

Hostel Marina is located in the very center of La Marina district, an area jam-packed with restaurants, pubs, cafes, and bars. This is one of the best hostels in Cagliari for those looking to socialize and make new friends. Indeed, it does attract a younger clientele. Moreover, Hostel Marina hosts weekly events to keep the good vibes going! As Hostel Marina offers both private rooms and dormitories, if you weren’t looking to sleep in a bunk bed with roommates—don’t worry! Hostel Marina has budget-friendly options for everyone.

Click here for the latest rates and here for reviews.

Best Airbnb for families in Cagliari: Apartment in Via Firenze

Via Firenze is one of the best residential areas in town, at walking distance from the city center, close to the beautiful Basilica di Bonaria and Monte Urpinu park and at a quick bus ride from Poetto and the other beaches in Cagliari. This apartment is ideal for families and small group of friends, who can make use of the two comfortable rooms, the two bathrooms, kitchen and dining / living room. There even is free parking on the premises – so perfect if you are renting a car.

Click here for the latest rates.

what to do in Cagliari

Castello is home to some nice boutique hotels

The Nicest Hotels in Cagliari According to Neighborhood and Interests

Where to Stay in Cagliari for History Lovers – Castello District  

Do you have a hankering for history and mystery? I hear you, Sherlock. The Castello district is one of the most gloriously historic areas in Cagliari, and just happens to be in one of the most photogenic places in the city. Castello has some of Cagliari’s must-see sites, like the Towers, the Archeology Museum, the Cathedral, and the Palazzo Viceregio. The Castello district lies in the oldest part of the city, on a hill. It is filled with tiny, meandering streets that stream through the area, perfect for strolling and exploring.

One of the difficulties about staying in the Castello is the lack of public transportation. Since Castello has such narrow streets, the buses can’t reach there, and non-resident cars are only allowed access for a few hours a day. That being said, Castello is within easy walking distance of a few bus stops that will lead you to other areas of the city should you wish to go.

In Castello, you’ll find tiny guest houses filled with warm, friendly faces and boutique hotels oozing old-world charm. There are also a lot of self-catering apartments available to rent.

INSIDER PRO-TIP: If you intend to rent a car in Cagliari, make sure you double-check the timetable of non-resident vehicles being allowed in and out of the district. I would recommend utilizing the parking lots by the gates of the Castello, where it’s a lot easier to get in and out of. It will be a short walk to your hotel, though!

My Top Recommendations for the Best Hotels in Castello 

where to stay in Cagliari

La Marina is one of the liveliest parts of Cagliari

Where to Stay in Cagliari for Nightlife Lovers & Foodies – La Marina

La Marina district is a vibrant neighborhood with abundant historical and religious heritage. Once home to the fishermen and traders in Cagliari, La Marina is now home to the best restaurants and bars in Cagliari. I recommend dining at La Pola for mouth-watering seafood paired with a warm ambiance. Or if you’re in the mood for something a little posh, head to Kobuta for the best fusion food in tow!

When talking about Cagliari nightlife, La Marina is always top of the list. It’s multi-cultural, diverse, and chock full of fantastic clubs, pubs, and bars. There is even nightlife for those who don’t want to drink and dance— everything from jazz concerts to book readings.

La Marina is also positively brimming with gorgeous antiquated churches, like the Church of San Francesco da Paola, the Church of Sant’Eulalia, Church of Sant’Agostino, and the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate, to just name a few!

INSIDER PRO-TIP: La Marina is closed to non-resident cars. However, if you have rented a car, there is a large parking lot next to the train station that I recommend using. Another option is parking in the lots that line Roma.

My Top Recommendations for the Best Hotels in La Marina

Stampace

Stampace is packed with beautiful churches

Where to Stay in Cagliari for a Blend of History & Nightlife– Stampace

Stampace is a dynamic district in Cagliari that seems to be a perfect blend of the best the capital city has to offer. There are plenty of sights to see, restaurants to try, and bars to drink at. In terms of history, Stampace used to be where the medieval working class lived. The name Stampace comes from an adage, “stai in pace,” meaning, “go in peace.” It was a farewell to those who were tossed out of Castello. How’s that for a little taste of Cagliari historical fun facts?

I’ve always loved walking around Stampace, meandering through the alleys and soaking up colorful buildings and narrow streets. The ancient Roman amphitheater is also located in Stampace. Any trip to Cagliari isn’t complete without seeing this blazing example of history!

INSIDER PRO-TIP: Each year, there is an epic parade (Sant’Efisio parade) that occurs on May 1, which actually begins here in Stampace. If you’re planning a trip to Cagliari around the end of April to the beginning of May, make sure to book far in advance to get a great hotel to observe all the festivities below!

My Top Recommendations for the Best Hotels in Stampace

Piazza San Domenico

Piazza San Domenico, in Villanova, is one of the nicest in town

Where to Stay in Cagliari for Families – Villanova

Villanova is usually where I recommend people to stay if they are traveling with their family but still want to stay inside the historic city center. It’s the quietest and most peaceful of all Cagliari’s historic districts, yet still within a few minutes’ walk of the top sites in Cagliari. You won’t be trekking far to get anywhere! Restaurants, cafes, and sightseeing is all at your fingertips in Villanova.

Founded in the 13th century, peasants from the surrounding countryside around Cagliari began moving into this area to take advantage of new business opportunities. Entrepreneurs— come one, come all! This always makes me laugh thinking about 13th-century business options…

Villanova is also home to some of my favorite churches in Cagliari. My absolute favorite church is San Giacomo. San Giacomo was built in the Gothic-Catalan style around the year 1360. It sits right at the foot of Castello and at the end of two of Cagliari’s most famous shopping streets—Via Sulis and Via Garibaldi. Another beautiful place to visit there is the Cloister of San Domenico.

While the two shopping streets can get quite busy, overall, Villanova is a tranquil and subdued district, where you can find a peaceful oasis in the heart of Cagliari.

Keep in mind that there is very limited access to Villanova by non-resident cars. However, there are a few large parking lots right outside the district to utilize.

INSIDER PRO- TIP: Need groceries? The Mercato di San Benedetto is the largest market in the capital city and the perfect place to stock up on all kinds of goodies! Villanova is just a stone’s throw away from Mercato di San Benedetto.

My Top Recommendations for the Best Hotels in Villanova

Poetto

Staying in Poetto will give you easy access to the beach and Molentargius nature reserve

Where to Stay in Cagliari for Nature Lovers – Poetto

Are you in dire need of a hefty dose of nature? How does easy access to the beach, the trails, and a nature reserve sound? Poetto is for you.

Poetto is just a ten-minute drive from the city center and easily accessed by public transportation. With eight kilometers of sandy shoreline, Poetto is the main beach in Cagliari. You’ll find locals enjoying Poetto beach in all seasons, year-round, whether they are jogging along the path that runs parallel to the sand or lounging on a sunbed with a book. Poetto Beach is one of the best parts of Cagliari.

There are also lots of cafes and restaurants to enjoy on Poetto, perfect for soaking up some sunshine and crisp Mediterranean air. The cafes and restaurants on Poetto cover the spectrum from opulent and extravagant – like the Oasis – all the way to casual and funky, like the Twist.

Right behind Poetto Beach is a little lagoon and nature reserve where rare birds, including pink flamingos, gather. Seeing the flamingos never gets old!

As a side note, fairly close to Poetto is Calamosca, another incredible beach in Cagliari that has rewarding hiking trails.

TIP: All the restaurants, shops, stalls, and vendors are open for business during peak tourist season in the hot summer months. However, if you’re planning a stay in the winter, most businesses will be shut down in Poetto. Just a few local restaurants and bars will be open daily— make sure to call ahead to see if your eatery of choice is open!

Check out my complete guide to Poetto here.

My Top Recommendations for the Best Hotels in Poetto

I hope you found my top recommendations for the best Hotels in Cagliari helpful! Have you found your match made in hotel heaven? I would love to hear which Cagliari accommodation option you chose— let me know in the comments below!

Further readings about Cagliari

Make sure to read my other posts about Cagliari:

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Discover the best hotels in Cagliari - via @c_tavani

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