Near the beach, in the historical city center, close to the local market or facing the port, if you are deciding where to stay in Cagliari, you will be spoilt for choice. Here we make it easy for you with our choice of the best hotels in Cagliari, including a range of B&Bs and guesthouses to meet all needs and budgets.
Summer, winter, spring, or fall, Cagliari is always a beautiful travel destination for the European in-the-know traveler who likes to explore cities steeped in history and boasting old traditions. Even if you are traveling to Sardinia to explore its many towns, villages, beaches, and archaeological sites, spending a couple of days in Cagliari will give you the perfect insight into Sardinia’s history and culture.
For your stay in Sardinia’s regional and administrative capital, we have picked a diverse selection of Cagliari accommodations fit for different needs and budgets.

Where to stay in Cagliari – Best neighborhoods
The historical quarters of Cagliari are essentially four: Castello, Villanova, Marina, and Stampace. These are fantastic areas to book your Cagliari hotels, but there are other, more modern districts that might be more affordable and are well-connected to the older part of town. Here, we go through each of them to make it easier for you to pick the best neighborhoods in Cagliari for your travel preferences.
Castello
This is Cagliari’s oldest quarter among the four historical neighborhoods. It was founded in the 13th century by the Pisans who turned it into a stronghold by raising walls, towers, and bastions. They immediately moved here the seats of civil, military, and religious power from the old capital of Santa Igia that they had previously destroyed.
Castello, Italian for “castle”, translates into the Sardinian language “casteddu”, which is the name this quarter is commonly called in the local dialect. Apart from being home to several historical buildings, here there are the seats of the Prefecture, the Council Hall, and the main headquarters of Cagliari’s university.
This is obviously a fantastic quarter to book your hotel room in Cagliari. It might be a little more expensive than other areas, so probably not where you would choose if you are visiting Sardinia on a budget. But if you are on a short trip and are mainly interested in the cultural and historical side of the city, Castello is one of the best neighborhoods in Cagliari to stay.

Villanova
“Bidda noa” in Sardinian, literally translating into “new town”, Villanova quarter stands next to Castello and, historically, is where the farmers moved from the countryside to be closer to the city. The buildings here look clearly more modest than the notable palaces of the Castello quarter and also booking your accommodation here will be slightly cheaper than in the old town, even though not the cheapest of Cagliari.
If you want to spend Easter in Italy and are visiting Sardinia in spring, this is the coolest neighborhood to be in Cagliari because of the religious celebrations and processions organized by the two local confraternities.

Marina
Contemporary to Castello, also the Marina quarter was founded by Pisans in the 13th century.
Bordering the walls of Castello on the northern side, Via Roma shopping street on the south, the large Viale Regina Margherita road on the east, and Largo Carlo Felice west, Marina used to be the home of the workers employed in the nearby port, traders, and fishermen.
The quarter expanded and thrived with the Aragonese and Spanish and gradually became one of the busiest neighborhoods in Cagliari. This is also where the city’s first hotels were built and where throughout the years, several prominent guests including the French novelist Honoré de Balzac, the English writer David Herbert Lawrence, and the Italian writer Carlo Levi found a shelter.
It’s understandable if you want to follow in the footsteps of so many notables, but keep in mind that this is not the cheapest area to stay in Cagliari.
Stampace
Of the original stronghold erected by the Pisans, today we only have the Sperone tower. Nearby are also Baroque San Michele church and the crypt of Santa Restituta that was used during the bombings that destroyed the city in 1943. If you are in Cagliari on May 1st, the procession for the famous festival of Sant’Efisio, one of Sardinia’s most famous, begins in this area.
If you are looking for affordable accommodation options near Cagliari’s old town, Stampace is a nice neighborhood to try because it has several nice restaurants and lively hubs like the famous Piazza Yenne.
Sant’Avendrace
Next to the quarter of Stampace, Sant’Avendrace – Santa Gilla is a large neighborhood located at the foot of the Tuvixeddu mount where you can visit Europe’s largest punic necropolis. Even though not included among the historic quarters, very ancient traces of settlements in the area were found, and this was mainly thanks to its location on the shores of Santa Gilla lagoon.
In Sant’Avendrace, you can find some pretty cool Cagliari hotels, including the famous Villa Fanny.

San Benedetto
This is the busy Cagliari neighborhood sprawled around Mercato San Benedetto market. A very modern district, its first residential buildings date back to the 1930s and the whole area knew a thriving period at the end of WWII.
Accommodation-wise, this is a handy neighborhood because full of shops, bars, places to eat, and well connected to the nearby historic quarters.
Poetto
Just like the name reads, this is the quarter laid out along 4 km of the local Poetto beach. So obviously the best neighborhood if you want to stay near the beach.
Staying here, you will have easy access to the city’s natural highlights such as Sella del Diavolo for fantastic scenic hikes and Parco Molentargius where you can see the pink flamingos when it’s their season

Bonaria
Last time we were in Cagliari, we stayed in the Bonaria quarter and enjoyed it. There wasn’t much to do at night apart from a few eateries, but we picked this neighborhood because it was more affordable than the historical quarters and we reached downtown walking every day.
The area features some places that are worth visiting such as Bonaria Basilica and the Bonaria monumental cemetery, apart from being very close to the port.
The best luxury hotels in Cagliari + their neighborhoods
Villa Fanny Hotel in Cagliari (Sant’Avendrace)
A no-nonsense luxury combined with a minimalist chic décor defines Villa Fanny, a beautiful hotel within walking distance of Cagliari’s historical heart.
One of the charming Cagliari accommodations right in the pulsing heart of the city, Villa Fanny is perfect whether you are traveling for business or just to enjoy a holiday in Sardinia. The elegance of the surrounding garden and the sophisticated design enshrine the memory of a quiet and proud girl hailing from a high-profile family from Cagliari.
Fanny didn’t limit her education to her surroundings and spent years in Paris where she was often seen in the city’s aristocratic salons. In 1952, Fanny met her future husband, a young man from Italy’s Piedmont region, and both settled in Cagliari. Today their sons named this sumptuous hotel after their mother who taught them the values and the importance of hospitality.
Each room stands out for its own details, while the suites allow their guests to linger in their own private wellness center. Among the rooms’ facilities, guests can enjoy a soundproofing environment, complimentary WiFi, flat-screen LED TV with satellite and SKY channels, a walk-in shower and climate control. The Fanny Suite features a walk-in wardrobe, a Finnish sauna, a hammam and an emotional shower to stimulate your senses.
Hotel Nautilus beach accommodation in Cagliari (Poetto)
A great accommodation in Cagliari overlooking Poetto beach is Hotel Nautilus. A minimalist nautical blue-and-white decor combined with breathtaking views of the beach is the perfect combination for a relaxing and chic retreat.
The rooms feature free WiFi, air conditioning, a minibar, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, working desk, a safe, and private bathroom equipped with spacious shower, hairdryer, free toiletries.
Located at literally one minute from the beach, guests will enjoy a delicious buffet-style breakfast that includes coffee, fruit, croissants, cold cuts, cheese, cakes, bread, and more. From the Hotel Nautilus, you can easily visit the Parco Molentargius, home to the beautiful flamingos, by bike or walking, and reach the city center via public transport. Very close and within walking reach are
Very close to your hotel and within walking reach are modern beach resorts, bars, and restaurants. The area surrounding the Nautilus is served with a pharmacy, running, bike and pedestrian lane, a market, a hospital and a kids’ playground.

La Villa del Mare beach hotel in Cagliari (Poetto)
Located right on the seafront, if you are visiting Cagliari in the summertime, La Villa del Mare is the hotel for you.
Set in an early 20th-century villa, the apartments and suites of this Art-Nouveau historical mansion feature a minibar, air conditioning, LCD TV with satellite channels, a private terrace and access to the hotel’s garden. Some of the apartments have their own private garden, kitchen, fridge and washing machine. Among the services available upon request are surfing equipment, bike, and boat rentals, luggage deposit, laundry service, pick up from and transfer to the airport.
Literally a one-minute walk from the beach, La Villa del Mare hotel is where to stay in Cagliari if you are looking for some relax as well as a historical and cultural holiday since the city center can be easily reached by public transport. An unbeatable view of the Golfo Aranci bay and the Sella Del Diavolo (Devil’s Saddle) completes the Mediterranean scene.
The hotel’s premises feature also a reading room and a furnished garden where guests can linger and spend some time on the beach and sightseeing.
Mid-range accommodation in Cagliari
Birkin Marina (Marina)
Located in Viale Regina Margherita, on the eastern side of Marina, this is a guesthouse but its services, furnishing, and décor make it a favorite place where to stay in Cagliari in this area. The position of this cozy guesthouse is great because you are surrounded by cultural landmarks for your day and cool hubs and pubs for the night.
Among the on-site facilities, you will find free WiFi, a common hall, private bathroom, and buffet breakfast both continental and Italian style.
Colibrì Prestige Rooms (Stampace)
Colibrì Prestige Rooms is a guesthouse in the historic quarter of Stampace located near several famous hubs and cultural highlights. Among its facilities, you can enjoy a fully-equipped room featuring working desk, kettle, minibar, flatscreen TV, and private bathroom.
Their breakfast is diverse and caters to all preferences, including vegetarian and vegan.
Budget hotels in Cagliari
CeO LUXURY SUITE DI CAGLIARI (Villanova)
Located in Via Sonnino in the Villanova neighborhood next to San Benedetto quarter, this budget hotel is a favorite and where to stay in Cagliari if you are looking for cool clothing stores and nice restaurants near the historic center but in a less touristy environment.
By booking your room here, you will enjoy a balcony or a patio and a common garden and terrace. The breakfast is buffet continental style and every room features a private bathroom.

Best guesthouses and B&Bs in Cagliari
L’Antica Torre (Castello)
This is a simple guesthouse offering basic services in the Castello old town of Cagliari. With a price range of around 100€ per night, it’s really not a very expensive accommodation, especially given its privileged location close to the city’s cathedral, the royal palace, and the famous tower of the elephant.
Decorated with tiled floors and wood-beamed ceilings, the amenities of L’Antica Torre include free WiFi, TV, air-conditioning, and private bathroom in every room, mostly inside the room itself, sometimes external but still for private use.
Families wishing for more privacy can book the family studio inclusive of kitchenette complete with microwave and fridge.
Domo 5 Teste (Castello)
Located in the Castello quarter, Domo 5 Teste is close to several historical landmarks such as the cathedral of Saint Mary and the archaeological museum.
The rooms are classic, comfortable, and well furnished with marble floor and private bathroom. Services include autonomous air conditioning/heating, tea and coffee-making facilities, streaming TV, and safe.
Onda Marina Rooms (Marina)
Even though not very cheap to be a B&B, this is one of the most affordable accommodation options in the Marina quarter. Also, rather than in the heart of the neighborhood, it’s located on the southern border, in the wonderful Via Roma large street facing the port.
The rooms are decorated in a classic style, minimalist, and well-fitted with all the necessary facilities including a minibar, tea and coffee-making supplies, and courtesy set in the private bathroom.
FortyFour B&B in Cagliari (Bonaria)
We stayed at FortyFour B&B and loved it. Room and bathroom were very modern and well-equipped, and the location ideal as it was in a quiet residential area. This comfortable bed and breakfast in Cagliari is well connected to the city center with public transport, within walking reach to Monte Urpinu, Bonaria basilica, and cemetery, close to bus 5 stop for Parco Molentargius and Poetto beach, and around 15 minutes walk to central Via Roma.
Every morning, you will wake up to the scent of fresh coffee, freshly baked pastries, toasts that you can enjoy with cheese and jam, fresh fruits, and a selection of teas and juices.
This is where to stay in Cagliari if you want to experience the city in different ways, both the city center and its more natural areas and parks, if you have rented a car as there is plenty of space to park in the back streets surrounded the bed and breakfast, and if you would rather stay in a quiet area far from the noisy nightlife of central restaurants, bars, and clubs.
The owner has lived in the UK for twenty years so she speaks perfect English and is happy to help you out with itineraries and tips about her city. Highly recommended.
Maison Garibaldi guesthouse in Cagliari city center (Villanova)
Located in central Via Garibaldi 120, a small door opens your way to a narrow grey-marbled staircase of the lovely Maison Garibaldi.
Since all rooms happened to be available, two of them having been just vacated, I got to choose which one I liked. My initial choice went for the first vintage room. Until we saw the second brown one, classy, elegant, with the priceless view of a ceiling embellished by its original juniper rafter, and a balcony attached.
The building of this Cagliari guesthouse was an old mansion related to the church located on the road behind Via Garibaldi. All rooms had been recently renovated with a lovely taste of state-of-the-art intertwined with tradition. One of the rooms is truly picturesque, being a mezzanine, the upper space to be reached via a wooden staircase. Bathrooms are brand new, with a super comfortable shower and, a thing seldom seen in B&Bs, equipped with plenty of towels: three each.
The location can hardly be more convenient: Via Garibaldi lies in the very heart of the city. Situated in the most exclusive shopping area of the city, from here you can easily reach all the main attractions and sites of interest, even the beautiful Poetto beach, adored by tourists and locals alike.
Breakfast was not served in the house but we were provided with vouchers to be used at L’Antico Caffè, possibly Cagliari’s oldest café, serving also lunch and dinner. Vouchers included a pastry of your choice plus the drink (either coffee, cappuccino or tea) and water.
As a fan of fruit-based breakfasts, I found this a little limited, but being this already a complete morning meal, I only added freshly squeezed orange juice myself. Since the vegetarian restaurant I wanted to try was closed, we went back to L’Antico Caffè for both lunch and dinner and all the dishes we ordered were remarkable.
While the check-in is usually at 3 pm, with the possibility to go earlier if agreed with the manager, there is no closing time. In addition to your room key, you are also given the one for the entrance door and you can come back anytime at night.
Chambres Du Monde budget accommodation in Cagliari (Marina)
A B&B in the heart of Cagliari, the stylish Chambres Du Monde is located in the beautiful Marina quarter. A stone’s throw away from Via Roma shopping street, 5 minutes walk from the popular hub Piazza Yenne, a favorite evening hang-out spot, and nestled between the Palazzo Civico and the city’s Port, this is the perfect hotel for the in-the-know traveler who’s visiting Cagliari for its historical and cultural landmarks.
The rooms, boasting a contemporary minimalist design, different in colors and furniture, are spacious and equipped with all modern comforts such as a minibar, satellite TV, free WiFi, room service. Some rooms feature a sitting room and all include disposable sleepers and free toiletries. The new Chambres Du Monde Suites & Spa (same hotel but separate location) includes a fully-equipped kitchen, a living room, and a private sauna.
B&Beach B&B in Cagliari (Poetto)
If you would rather stay right on the beach side, a good option with affordable prices is B&Beach. This great bed and breakfast accommodation features two rooms, one double/twin and one double.
Located 5 km away from the city center, albeit well connected via public transport, it’s only 1 minute from the beach, so if you are looking for a relaxing summer holiday, this is where to stay in Cagliari. Among the amenities, you can enjoy here are a sweet and savory daily breakfast, free parking, free WiFi, and a garden.
Decorated in a modern and minimalist style, the rooms of B&Beach accommodation in Cagliari feature air conditioning, Smart TV with satellite channels, a minibar, and a private bathroom complete with shower, hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries.
From this hotel, Cagliari city center and Parco Molentargius where you can see the pink flamingoes are easy to reach by public transport.
Al Corso (Stampace)
This cozy B&B is located in Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and is one of the cheapest accommodation options you can find among the historical quarters of Cagliari. While the facilities make it a basic, no-frill hotels, from here, you can easily reach several landmarks including the archaeological museum and the botanical garden.