The capital city of Sardinia in Italy, Cagliari, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It may be known as a summer favorite, but it’s amazing no matter the time of year. Think – artisanal ice cream, long stretches of beaches lined with restaurants and cafes, gluten-free pizza, and stunning sights.
Sardinia is cheaper than many other destinations in Europe. However, during peak summer season, prices inevitably skyrocket.
May and September are the best times to travel there, and enjoy your vacation with less crowded beaches and piazzas. You’ll still get to spend days soaking in the sun, all the while saving money on accommodation and travel. Of course, my favorite places to stay are hostels when watching the pennies.
These are some of the best hostels in Cagliari that will help you stay on budget!
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Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Cagliari
- Best Overall Hostel in Cagliari – Hostel Marina
- Best Hostel in Cagliari for Solo Travelers – Villa Beach City Guesthouse
- Best Cheap Hostel in Cagliari – B&B Casa Devoto
- Best Hostel for Couples in Cagliari – La Peonia Boutique B&B
- Best Budget Stay for Digital Nomads in Cagliari – Kaliè Rooms Guest House
The 5 Best Hostels in Cagliari
Itching to pack your bags and start backpacking Italy? Hold your horses! Let’s take a look at the best hostels in Cagliari.
1. Hostel Marina – Best Overall Hostel in Cagliari
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $39
- Private Room: From $105
- Address: Scalette San Sepolcro 3, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
Hostel Marina is my favorite Cagliari stay and one of the best hostels in Sardinia! It’s located in a building that used to be the city’s first hospital built in the 16th century. The hostel has been renovated and equipped with the amenities needed to make your stay comfortable and convenient – though it still retains its unique character and long history.
Located next door are various restaurants and cafes, it’s normal for the delicious smell of traditional Italian food to be wafting through the air. You can head down and sample local dishes just steps from the hostel. The beach is not too far away either! In a short walk, you can be lounging on the sand.
There is plenty of public transportation nearby for further afield trips.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Bar
- Café
- Book exchange
- Self catering facilities
When you are too tired to head out for dinner, you can order their meals from the on-site café. Drinks are available in the bar, too. Travelers of all ages are welcome, including children and those who are handicapped. There is a comfortable spot for everyone at this epic Sardinia stay between the meeting hall, garden, bar, and TV lounge.
Stay out as late as you like! The hostel doesn’t have a curfew messing with your nights out.
A traveling bookworm? The book exchange invites you to leave books you have already read, and take new ones.
The hostel has 24-hour security, and key card access for guests’ safety.
2. Villa Beach City Guesthouse – Best Hostel in Cagliari for Solo Travelers
- Private Room: From $58
- Address: via dei Villini, 70, Cagliari, Italy
Villa Beach City Guesthouse, is another one of Cagliari’s hostels and an excellent option for solo traveling on this Italian island. As you can guess from the name, the property is within walking distance to Poetto Beach, only 50m which was truly unmatched for me! Perfect for those who can’t get enough of the sea, sand, sun, and water sports. You can sunbathe, swim, and relax to your heart’s content.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Good location
- Public transport is close
- Outdoor garden
Aside from its proximity to the beach, the property is close to restaurants, bars, lounge cafes, and supermarkets. You can easily get everything you need, find an excellent place to eat, and a cozy spot to enjoy a cocktail, or two. Fancy showing off your dance moves? You’ll find clubs nearby, too.
Although it is close to lots of amenities, it is still a peaceful and relaxing spot to unwind after a long day. It may even be one of the best hostels in Italy for those looking for a seaside place to stay.
3. B&B Casa Devoto – Best Cheap Hostel in Cagliari
- Private Room: From $73
- Address: Via Malta 1, Cagliari, Italy
Catering to the young and hip crowd, Casa Devoto is geared more toward travelers who love having more for less. Unlike other cheap hostels in Italy, you won’t be suffering in a 10-person dorm here – all their rooms are double beds with shared bathrooms!
Free breakfast is delicious and fantastic, and beach towels and umbrellas are also provided. However, if you would rather try the local restaurants and bars, there are so many within walking distance you can tuck into authentic pasta and pizza all day long! It’s the ideal budget base to enjoy this Italian island.
The hostel is set in a lovely building with stunning architecture. It is the perfect place to meet other like-minded travelers and share tips about the town, and other destinations.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Homey feel
- Security lockers
- Airport transfers
Wi-Fi is free throughout the premises, to keep in touch with your loved ones. There is even a gaming area equipped with a PlayStation, pool table, board games, and even some DVDs.
The dorm rooms have security lockers to stash your things when you’re out and about, and airport transfers are available, just let the staff know in advance.
With a BBQ and bike parking, you have everything you need for a magnificent Italian stay.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. La Peonia Boutique B&B – Best Hostel for Couples in Cagliari
- Private Room: From $187 (2-night stay)
- Address: Via Riva Villasanta, 77, Cagliari, Italy
Named after Sardinia’s beloved flower – the pink peony – La Peonia Boutique B&B is located in a house built in 1921. Restored and equipped with modern amenities, the hostel still retains a lot of its original features. There are flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and there’s Wi-Fi throughout the property.
The B&B is lovingly run by a local family, can offer you genuine Sardinian hospitality. One of its winning features is its central location. It is the ideal base for taking day trips and tours to explore all that Sardinia has to offer.
A huge Mediterranean breakfast spread is by the owners every morning in the garden, or the lounge. They use nothing but fresh local products, and it is the perfect opportunity to fill up before a day of adventures.
Why you’ll love this bed and breakfast:
- Mini-bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Safety box
- Dedicated fitness studio
Only a few steps away from the bus station, you can visit the city’s historic center to immerse in architecture and history, or head to the beach if you would rather take a dip in the blue waters.
Spend days hanging out in the garden, and admiring the mandarin, orange, lemon, and myrtle trees for a moment of relaxation. It’s the best spot for a drink or for reading a good book! The B&B’s fitness studio is exclusive for those staying, as is ideal for keeping on top of your routine while traveling.
Just a 15-minute drive from the airport, and with a pick-up service available, La Peonia Boutique B&B is a convenient Cagliari hostel.
5. Kaliè Rooms Guest House – Best Budget Stay for Digital Nomads in Cagliari
- Private Room: From $67
- Address: Via Ancona 2, 09125 Cagliari, Italy
More of a bed and breakfast than a hostel, Kaliè’s Guest House has a central location that makes it convenient and sought-after, especially for digital nomads who need a but more peace and privacy.
Located at the foot of the great Basilica of Bonaria, it is only a 5-minute walk away from the city center but remains peaceful. You can even hop on a bike or bus to make the journey quicker.
Train and bus stations are nearby, about a 7-minute walk from the hostel. It is easy to travel from Cagliari for day trips to nearby spots for sightseeing, such as Serdiana, Barumini, the ancient city of Nora, and the beaches of Costa Rei. Prepare yourself, as there is a myriad of adventures to be had!
The hostel is so close to the beach you will be able to hear the seagulls!
Why you’ll love this bed and breakfast:
- Mini-bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Airport transfers
- Luggage storage
There are mini-bars in each room that you can stock up with your own snacks and treats for those late-night munchies.
You can keep in touch with your loved ones and read reviews on the best nearby restaurants with the free Wi-Fi available throughout the property.
For a comfortable and memorable stay, Kaliè’s Guest House is one of those epic Cagliari budget hotels that won’t break your budget.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Cagliari Budget Hotels
There aren’t any more cheap hostels on this Italian island but do check out some of these affordable options for your Italy itinerary!
Guest House Aio Sardegna
- Private Room: From $36
- Address: Viale Francesco Ciusa 24, 09131 Cagliari, Italy
This fab budget hotel in Cagliari offers you tons of space for incredible average prices. We’re talking family-sized rooms with private bathrooms AND free parking! There’s also air conditioning (a must for Sardinia summers) and self-check in which is super convenient if you’re arriving late.
The host is super friendly and responds quickly – just note that there is a €100 deposit you’ll get back before you leave.
Davi
- Private Room: From $31
- Address: Via Turbigo 10, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
I absolutely LOVED this cute little guesthouse – from the traditional building it’s housed in, to the design and cleanliness of the rooms, it’s truly one of the best value options in town. Rooms do have shared bathrooms – but that’s a small price to pay for every other overall ideal feature.
The hosts are helpful and really make sure you get the most out of your stay. It’s a 15-20 minute walk from the Old Town and the bus station is right around the corner.
Cagliari 4U
- Private Room: From $29
- Address: 35 Via Logudoro, 09127 Cagliari, Italy
This guesthouse’s location is absolutely perfect – you’ll literally be near everything you need to see in Cagliari. The rooms are clean and some even have balconies! There’s plenty of parking close by, and the hosts are helpful with everything you need. The space is pretty close to the city center too, but is still quiet and peaceful. There’s even a view of the Basilica and you have an easy walk to the beach.
Gentarrubia
- Private Room: From $64
- Address: Via Berna 8, 09012 Capoterra, Italy
This small and cozy bed and breakfast is just a 10-minute drive away from the Cagliari Elmas Airport, and the city center. It is a super convenient place to stay and it also offers free cancellation on Booking.com!
The indoor and outdoor swimming pools are perfect for relaxation after a long day spent exploring the area. All of the comfortable rooms are air-conditioned and come with a minibar, safe, LCD TV, and Wi-Fi.
Breakfast and parking are both free, and currency exchange is available on the premises, too. There are lots of additional services that will make your stay more enjoyable!
Cagliari Affittacamere Castello
Fancy staying in a place that was built in the 17th century? Cagliari Affittacamere Castello is perched in the highest part of the city with majestic views of the city down below. Located in the historical center, it is in proximity to some of the most famous tourist attractions.
Surrounding the bed and breakfast are various bars and restaurants, which eliminates the hassle of walking far when you need to grab a quick meal, or if you want to indulge in a few drinks. You can shop for a few souvenirs for yourself, or friends and family back home.
Airport transfers can be arranged for guests at a small price, just let the staff know. And with easy access to public transport, day trips to Barumini and similar spots are a breeze.
Wi-Fi is available throughout for a small fee of €1 per night. The luggage deposit service costs €5 each. The B&B has double bedrooms and 3-bed types with ensuites, or shared bathrooms.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Cagliari
Grab some solid travel insurance before making your way to Sardinia!
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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Cagliari Hostels FAQ
What to Pack for your Cagliari Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Final Thoughts on Cagliari’s Hostels
Hostel Marina is my favorite hostel in Cagliari. Set in a historical building and just a short walk from local restaurants and hotspots, you have everything you need at your fingertips.
A stay in this Sardinian dream doesn’t need to be expensive, with these affordable accommodations you can bask in the magic of the city without breaking the bank.
Oh and if you are interested in seeing a bit more of the Sardinia region, then there are some great hostels in Barumini too.
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Italy for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Italy covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Italy if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Italy before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Italy to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
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