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Travel guide for holidays in Sardinia
Just starting from the origin of the name Sardinia, you can see the richness of this land. It is said that Sardinia has had several names over the millennia, the Greeks for example called it Ichnusa (which in Italian means footprint) while the Romans christened it Sandalion (i.e. sandal) because of its shape resembling a shoe sole.
Despite this, studies on the etymology of the word have not yet been concluded and remain shrouded in mystery. The ancient name is certainly contained in the Phoenician Stele of Nora, which can be seen today in the Archaeological Museum of Cagliari, which bears the name SRDN, or Shardana.
But not only is the name of the island surrounded by legends and mysteries, even the creation of Sardinia has its own wonderful traditional narrative. It is said that when God created the earth, he first forgot about Sardinia. When the angels pointed it out to him, to make up for his oversight, God took the most beautiful features from every continent already created and placed them all on the island.
This is the legendary explanation for the beauty of the Sardinian landscape, characterised by wild mountains, caves and caverns, verdant forests, sand dunes, steep cliffs and sandy beaches. It is precisely this natural wealth that contributes to making Sardinia unique and interesting, earning it the nickname ‘the small continent’.
Useful numbers
- Area 24,089 km²
- Cities and Villages: 377
- Population: 1.587.413 (2022), 1/10 in Cagliari
- Density: 67 inhabitants/km²
- Length: 270 km
- Width: 145 km
The Best Destinations for Holidays in Sardinia
Sardinia is an island that should be seen in its entirety, from north to south and from west to east. First of all you should get to know its main cities: Cagliari, Olbia, Alghero, Sassari, Nuoro and Oristano. Spending a weekend in Sardinia will let you discover the culture, nature and food and wine of these territories, which are so similar but at the same time so different. Furthermore, a city break in Sardinia is ideal for out-of-season trips because you can enjoy the mild climate and the beaches and places without the typical summer crowds.
It is true that the sea in Sardinia is beautiful, but it is also true that each coast has its own peculiarities. The Emerald Coast is perfect for a glamorous and elite holiday, the beaches of Orosei and the coves of the east such as Cala Luna, Cala Gonone and Cala Goloritzé are recommended for those who are looking for natural paradises that are not easily accessible by car.
The resorts in the south, such as Villasimius, Costa Rei and Chia, are characterised by golden sands and the scent of Mediterranean maquis; and what reminds you of Sardinia more than these smells. If, on the other hand, you are looking for the wildest and most unspoilt nature, the west coast will be your ideal destination.
Sulcis Iglesiente, Costa Verde and Penisola del Sinis are the places where you can fall in love with the power of the sea and the most unspoilt nature. The rest of the north coast, up to the Costa Smeralda, is a continuous succession of granite rocks and Caribbean beaches.
Among the most famous are the Porto Ferro beach in Alghero, La Pelosa in Stintino and the legendary pink beach of Budelli. And let’s not forget the island’s islands: wonderful treasure chests of biodiversity that are unique in the world. And there are many islands to visit: They are the island of Asinara, the archipelago of La Maddalena, the island of Sant’Antioco and the island of San Pietro.
If for you the sea is just an accessory and you are more fascinated by the traditions, history and customs of Sardinia, you absolutely must visit the inland territories. Barbagia, Marmilla, Marghine, Mandrolisai and Barigadu; it is in these and other historical regions of the interior that the roots of the Sardinian population are to be found and it is here that you will find the ancient celebrations, typical recipes and millenary traditions that characterise this extraordinary land.
Sardinia is a mix of beautiful and unique souls. For a personalised holiday that allows you to get to know them all, write to us and we will build your tailor-made trip to Sardinia together. It will be unforgettable!
Discover all Sardinia’s destinations: the famous North, the eclectic South, the authentic east coast and the wild West. Enjoy your dream holiday!
Weather and temperatures in Sardinia
Sardinia is an island where the climate is pleasant all year. In the summer months it is hot and temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius in the shadow, but they are often mitigated by the mistral, a fresh wind that especially in summer brings relief after the hottest days. The seawater is also very pleasant in summer with an average temperature of 23 degrees.
For lovers of active holidays, however, the best season to visit Sardinia is not summer. In fact, spring and autumn are the best seasons to do sports and outdoor activities in Sardinia thanks to the mild temperatures that, in this period, range between 14-16 degrees and an average water temperature of 21 degrees.
| Months | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air temperature (Max) °C | 13 | 15 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 27 | 31 | 31 | 28 | 24 | 19 | 15 |
| Air temperature (Min) °C | 7 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 12 | 8 |
| Water temperature °C | 14 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 15 |
| Sonnenstunden | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Regentage | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 |
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Sardinia four seasons: why visit the island all the year
Many people believe that Sardinia is ideal only for summer holidays, in reality Sardinia is a vain island that shows its most beautiful side in every season. So, even if it is true that the most famous and attractive attractions are the beaches and the crystal clear sea, you have to keep in mind that coming to Sardinia in low season, i.e. in winter, autumn and spring, is preferable for several reasons: first of all, prices are much lower both for flights and ferries and for accommodation on site. Moreover, during your walks and excursions in low season you will find much less confusion and mild temperatures almost all year round.
Why visit Sardinia in Spring
Spring is the ideal season for outdoor activities and enjoying nature without the hustle and bustle of summer. The mild temperatures of the summer season encourage people to take walks through lush green expanses, mountains where the first flowers are blooming and waterfalls that flow powerfully and magnetically.
This season is also ideal for taking a spiritual walk, such as the now famous Santa Barbara Trail. Another advantage of visiting the island in spring is that, even for beach lovers, it is possible to come across warm days when you can bathe in the sea without having to place your towel very close to other people. Can you imagine a cove all to yourself? In spring it is possible!
Summer in Sardinia: between sea and fun
Summer in Sardinia is the dream of many travellers. Crystal-clear water, heavenly beaches, amazing coves and inlets. In summer, the island satisfies everyone, both those who just want to relax on the beach in the shade with a cocktail in hand, and those who go in search of hidden and unknown beaches where they can find a lucky solitude that is very difficult to reach. Summer is also the time when nightlife comes to life, with discos on the beach, restaurants overlooking the sea and musical events in amazing locations.
Among the most popular destinations this season are certainly Ogliastra, the beaches of Cagliari and its surroundings and the north-east coast with Olbia and the Emerald Coast. If this is the only season in which you can travel but you are looking for a territory a little less beaten by tourism, we suggest you opt for the west coast with Oristano and its beaches.
What to do in Autumn in Sardinia
Autumn, like spring, is the best season to enjoy the natural and cultural beauties of Sardinia without the prices and the mass of tourists typical of summer. Autumn in Sardinia, also thanks to the many events and festivals organised in this period, for us means visiting the interior of the island and discovering the mountain landscapes, the hills, the shady woods but also the good food and the typical Sardinian conviviality.
This is also the season of the grape and olive harvest, so it is the best time to get to know the gastronomic excellence of the island and, between a tasting of oil and a glass of wine, it is always nice to stroll through the small villages in the centre that still retain the mysterious and authentic charm typical of territories that boast ancestral traditions.
Sardinia in winter, discovering the most authentic island
Choosing winter as a period of holiday in Sardinia is a very unusual choice but not a wrong one. If it is true that it is the less crowded period in absolute doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have its peculiarities. Seeing Sardinia in winter allows you to really get to know it in depth and enjoy all its nuances of colour, smell and even temperature.
For a non-Sardinian it is paradoxical to see that in Cagliari in December people have lunch in front of the sea but, just 150 km away, the temperatures drop sharply and everything is enveloped in white snow and the sound of wood crackling in the fire. In our opinion, visiting Sardinia in winter is for those who want to really get to know the soul of this thousand-year-old island and create a strong love affair with it.
What to do in Sardinia: discover all the activities for a holiday on the island!
Sardinia is famous all over the world for its turquoise sea and beaches covered with fine, characteristic sand. But in reality there is much more than that!
Sardinia is rich in traditions and unique food and wine products. To discover them all, we recommend you take part in the island’s most characteristic festivals such as Autunno in Barbagia, the various Carnivals and religious festivals including Sant’Efisio, the Corsa di San Salvatore and Holy Week, which is celebrated in several municipalities. Strolling through the streets of towns and villages during these events, perhaps sipping a glass of Cannonau and eating a piece of cheese, is the best way to get in touch with the territory and the Sardinian people.
As you already know, the island has an ancient history and the multitude of attractions scattered throughout the territory tell it very well: Nuraghe, Domus De Janas, Menhirs, ancient Roman cities, but also museums and archaeological parks are scattered throughout Sardinia and, between ancient and modern, allow you to make a special journey to discover the millenary culture of this island. Whatever time of year you decide to come to Sardinia, don’t miss the opportunity to visit some historical and magical sites.
Last but not least, Sardinia is also a very important destination for outdoor tourism and there are many activities that you can do in close contact with nature. Trekking routes of all levels of difficulty, educational trails to discover the fauna and flora of the area, rock walls for climbing and free-climbing, cycling routes, water sports on boards and excursions to discover hidden coves and wetlands, these are just some of the activities you can do in Sardinia. If you love sports on holiday, you should know that autumn and spring are the best seasons to get in touch with the island’s natural ecosystem.
For us at SardiniaNatour, the preservation of the environment is very important and that is why we are committed to preserving it every day in our work, relying on sustainable and responsible partners, creating eco-sustainable itineraries and always carefully selecting the accommodation and facilities we offer.
Join us for your eco-friendly holidays in Sardinia
Visit our blog to get to know Sardinia, you’ll find lots of information on events, attractions, news, itineraries and advice for discovering all the wonderful attractions our island has to offer.
Find your accommodation or book your trip to discover the most authentic Sardinia, trust those who really know Sardinia!
