Arzachena is idyllically positioned, close to the Bay of Cannigione, La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, and just behind long stretches of pristine beach. You might expect to find the best places to stay in Arzachena hugging this beautiful coastline tightly, but our recommendations climb up into the picturesque, rural hills, where you can still see the Mediterranean, and a lot more besides. We have discovered traditional hotels, fancy resorts, and converted farm estates aplenty, plus a number of very nice spa hotels, making Arzachena a great destination for a relaxing escape.

In addition to beach lovers, Arzachena works for outdoors folk of all types: horse riders, walkers, climbers, divers and sailors, and for travellers with an interest in archaeology — there are some fascinating archaeological digs nearby. This is also a great place for a family beach break, with a great choice of activities on offer for all ages.

The town of Arzachena is charming too, with a typically Sardinian look of granite facades, and plenty of exposed rock and beams. It has a number of beautiful churches, and a charming collection of Piazzas lined with cafes and restaurants. However as with all of the island, the best places to stay in Arzachena get incredibly busy during the peak summer months. So if you're planning to visit in July or August, get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Arzachena

For the Views

• The Hotel Relais Villa del Golfo & Spa perches on the edge of the stunning Bay of Cannigione, close to La Maddalena Archipelago National Park and its pristine coastline, so its views are incredible. And if you want the view all to yourself there are plenty of rooms and suites among the hotel’s 59 with their own private terraces. Or you could book up the hotel’s private yacht… Spacious and verdant, the grounds include a huge pool, and inside there’s another, plus a spa, with sauna and hot tubs, and three equally good restaurants to choose from.

For a Rural Escape

• Peaceful and rustic, the Petra Segreta is a truly elegant escape, with a fabulous spa in caves carved into the hillside, a gourmet restaurant, a lovely pool and spectacular views of the Gulf of Arzachena and Sardinia’s islands. Accommodation is spread between a number of rustic buildings perched on a hillside, and within are 22 rooms and two suites — the suites have private pools, and many rooms have private terraces. The decor is warm and earthy, peaceful, even. Yet you’re only a few kilometres from glamorous Porto Cervo.

For Great Value

• Tenuta Pilastru is a small farmhouse turned small agriturismo resort, in an incredible rural setting. The original building has rustic charm written all over it, inside and out, with exposed stone walls and beamed ceilings, but there’s also a state-of-the-art spa and a huge pool. The restaurant specialises in regional specialities, using produce grown as locally as possible, and the chef is obliging about passing on his recipes. If you really want to be part of the farm you can ride out on horseback and check on the estate’s cows. Families very welcome too.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Sardinia has three airports, and Olbia Airport is closest to Arzachena, about half an hour away by car or bus. Alghero Airport is the next closest, about two hours away by car, or four and a half by public transport, then there’s Cagliari Airport, which is at the southern end of Sardinia, about four hours drive from Arzachena. Sardinia also has a number of ferry ports worth considering. Again, Olbia is closest, it has a ship and ferry terminal just a short bus or taxi ride from the centre of town.
• If you want to hire a car — which we strongly advise if you want to explore further afield — we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Sardinia’s Mediterranean climate means long, warm summers and short, mild winters, with most of the rain sandwiched between. It is also known for being windy, and in some regions humid; in fact, for a small island, Sardinia has a number of microclimates. But generally speaking most of Sardinia is a pleasant destination almost year round. From the start of spring it starts to get pretty sunny, though of course summer is the most popular time to visit, when the water is warm, and temperatures are in the mid-twenties. The temperature averages 18°C in October, so if you prefer a quieter holiday then early autumn is a good time to visit.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Sardinia
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.