Costa Smeralda hotels, Sardinia

Colonna Beach Hotel, near Porto Rotondo

The small and tranquil Porto Rotondo lies just 30 minutes away from Olbia and its large airport on Sardinia's beautiful Costa Smeralda. The four-star Colonna Beach Hotel is located in the middle of this pretty village, overlooking the piazza and the turquoise sea.

There is a range of comfortable accommodation including single, triple and twin rooms and all come equipped with air conditioning, direct-dial telephone, satellite TV, minibar and safe. The large lobby is the heart of this hotel, effortlessly moving from the shade of the interior to the dazzling sun-drenched terrace that overlooks the village below. From this vantage point, with the sea sparkling just beyond the roof tops, it is possible to see the outline of the many small islands and islets that are so characteristic of this part of Sardinia. The 24-hour concierge desk staff are happy to provide local information and maps and can easily arrange boat/car/bike hire so that you can explore the many hidden delights just off the coast. In particular, you must see the tiny island of Caprera, part of The Maddelena Archipelago National Park, where you can visit the house where Garibaldi lived (it has been left largely untouched) and is now a museum dedicated to the Unification of Italy.

As captivating as the largely uninhabited islands are, the swimming pool in the Colonna Beach Hotel will tempt you back before long with its selection of sun loungers and deck chairs. So too will the quality restaurant serving local and international cuisine and the melodic tones of the piano bar (just the place to relax, after a meal, with a drink) is perfect after a day spent exploring.

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Double room from €128