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The choice to visit Sardinia out of season, perhaps in June or September is often led by the desire to save a little and still enjoy the enchanting sea in the summer. Excellent idea, because the sea in June or September is even more beautiful and no doubt you will find less crowds and slightly better prices. But the seasons in which you should consider a trip to the island are even more. Winter is the most unusual and authentic period. In front of a good glass of red wine, the cold season is tinged with suggestions, colours, things to do and traditions to discover from the north to the south but especially in the centre, the beating heart of the island.
Why visit Sardinia in Winter
You should do this at least once in your lifetime. Beyond the charm of Sardinia out of season is the winter and how it takes on hundreds of different shades. From 20 degrees in Cagliari, even in late December, where you can celebrate Christmas on the beach, eating fish at the Poetto beach. Or by having a coffee or an aperitivo in Alghero or even on the then empty Costa Smeralda, kissed by the warmth of the winter sun. But you’ll also find the minus temperatures in central Sardinia, the snow that whitens the Gennargentu mountains and the plateaus. The long, mild autumn that colours the forests of Marmilla and Sulcis. A winter of bonfire in town squares and homely fireplaces, but also of open-air events. Also, to start a new year in the right way, don’t miss many of the spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Why visit Sardinia in winter? Because it is interesting, familiar and fun. It’s also less expensive, you can choose between the cold and the heat, the sea and the mountains. Even in winter, Sardinia is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and all those who are looking for experiences with an eye to culture and the lifestyle also known overseas as the Blue Zone.
The Fires of Sant’Antonio: the Symbiosis between Humans and Earth
Those who do not think it can be exciting to take a trip to Sardinia in January haven’t yet seen the lit fired in the island between the 16 and 17 January. Big bonfires organized in honour of Sant’Antonio Abate, a religious event that at these latitudes takes on all the charm of the profane, charged by mysticism and magic. Attending the fires of Sant’Antonio means experiencing a special atmosphere of community in a Sardinian village.
Trials of dexterity and gastronomic specialities are associated with this magical night. We are in the heart of the island and it is not strange that it will take one of the robust Sardinian wines or a nice “abbardente” (the local brandy also known as filu ‘e ferru) to face the cold. Among the towns where this celebration is most felt there are Sadali, Seui, Gairo, Arbus, Samugheo and many other all over the island.
Carnevale di Mamoiada
Sardinian Carnivals: Unmissable Events
And if the night of Sant’Antonio is so magical, it is also because it is on that night that some of the most fascinating masks of the Sardinian carnival, and in particular of the Barbagian one, make their appearance. In Mamoiada, Ottana, Orotelli, Orani, Gavoi, Sarule the fires of Sant’Antonio are an even more special event thanks to the presence of these popular and ancestral masks.
The same happens in other inland towns such as Samugheo and Orroli. This is just a taste of the tradition of the carnival in Sardinia, a moment truly felt throughout the island. Alongside the charm of folklore and traditional masks there are also more colourful and profane parades, but no less festive and spectacular. The Carnival of Tempio for example (Lu carrasciali tempiesu) is one of the most famous allegorical carnivals in Italy.
In Bosa tradition and fun give rise to one of the most anticipated events. We cannot fail to mention the Carnival of Oristano with the spectacular Sartiglia, a colourful mysterious equestrian joust of medieval origin.
New Years’s Eve between Bitti and Orgosolo: the Children’s Tradition
The province of Nuoro is popular in the summer for the beautiful beaches that reach from the Gulf of Orosei to the Protected Area of Tavolara, as well as being a paradise for hiking and trekking even out of season (the Supramonte, Selvaggio Blu, and other caves and canyons among the most impressive in Europe). But it is also the historical region where traditions, customs and language have been preserved almost unchanged since ancient times.
Not everyone knows that on December 31st the children of some towns like Bitti and Orgosolo go around euphoric for the houses of the town since the dawn to ask for sweets, money and other offers. It is a very ancient rite that in the past saw the exchange of basic necessities such as flour in Bitti (Arina Capute) and bread (Sa Candelaria) in Orgosolo. A real Halloween in Sardinia even if unrelated to the cult of the dead. This never-ending custom is one more reason to choose to spend an original and unusual New Year’s Eve in Sardinia.
Museums that Preserve and Show Sardinian Traditions: Which Ones to Visit
When you are in Nuoro, you can’t miss the sensational Museo del Costume, the largest regional ethnographic museum characterized by a multimedia and compelling exhibit that will immediately bring you into the heart of the local culture.
In Mamoiada, the Museum of Mediterranean Masks shows the main masks of the carnivals and traces links and similarities between distant territories and cultures.
The Museum of Tenor Singing in Bitti will take you on a wonderful journey into the world of Sardinian singing and dances. Not to be missed is the Murats of Samugheo, dedicated to the rich Sardinian textile tradition.
In Luras in Gallura in the province of Sassari there is the unique Accabadora Museum that collects tools and evidence of a controversial figure in Sardinian society until the dawn of the 20th century. In many towns of the Campidano and Nurra you will find well-kept museums of local traditions that will show you the peculiarities of each place.
Useful Tips and Suggestions for your Vacation full of Folklore and Tradition
Customize your winter tour for a truly unforgettable vacation, an intense and original experience that deserves to be organized differently than a summer trip. Beware of closed hotels (especially those in small seaside resorts) and weather forecasts. Do not be fooled by the reputation of the island, pack good winter clothes and comfortable boots, you will need them.
How to get to Sardinia in Winter
The air and sea connections with the main national destinations are always assured but of course operate fewer flights so it is important to book in time.
How to Move in Sardinia in Winter
The whole island is connected with the regional bus line ARST whose main routes stop at every port and airport. However, connections can get difficult, rare and not very functional. For this reason, if you plan to make a trip on the road it may be preferable to rent a car. If you move between the main cities of Cagliari, Oristano, Sassari and Olbia you will also have the train.
