Sardinia holidays

How to reach Sardinia

• Flight time: Flights to Sardinia from London typically take around 2 hours 30 minutes. Most flights will land in one of Sardinia’s main airports: Cagliari Elmas, Olbia Costa Smeralda or Alghero Fertilia.

• Transfer time: From Cagliari Elmas Airport, it takes about 15 minutes to reach the city centre by train, which runs frequently throughout the day. From Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, you can get to the city centre in about 10 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus. Alghero Fertilia Airport is about 20 minutes away from Alghero town by bus.

• Price: A train ticket from Cagliari Elmas to the city centre costs around €1.30. From Olbia, a taxi to the city centre is around €15–€20, while a shuttle bus costs about €5. From Alghero Fertilia, a bus ticket to the town costs around €1.50 and a taxi ride is about €25.

Best time to visit Sardinia

Sardinia is a delightful destination year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preference for weather, activities and crowds.

• April to June: Some of the best festivals take place in spring, and this is also the ideal period for walking, when the countryside is at its most vibrant, the air limpid and the wildlife abundant. Average temperatures range from 15°C in April to 22°C in June and you can expect 8–10 hours of sunshine daily.

• July to August: Travelling at this time is by no means impossible, but the heat can be sweltering (in excess of 30°C), while crowds are larger and accommodation is scarce. Rainfall is very low, usually below 10mm, and there are about 11–12 hours of sunshine daily.

• September to November: Autumn is also an inspiring time for being outdoors, especially for the gradations of colour on the forested slopes of the interior. Average temperatures drop from 26°C in September to 15°C in November. Rainfall increases slightly, especially in November (around 60–80mm), but there are still 6–8 hours of sunshine each day.

• December to March: There’s much to be said for holidays to Sardinia in winter – the weather can be warm and clear and the tourist presence is refreshingly low-key, though the diminished daylight hours can limit your freedom of movement, and you may find many facilities closed. Average temperatures range from 7°C to 14°C and you can expect 40–60mm of rainfall monthly.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Italian is the official language, but Sardinian, a local language, is also widely spoken. English is commonly understood in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Sards are a mainly Catholic, family-centred, food-loving people who largely share the Italian devotion to sun, style and good living. When visiting churches, dress modestly (which usually means no vests, shorts or short skirts, and covered shoulders).

• Health and safety: Sardinia is a safe destination for travellers but do take standard precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding isolated areas at night. It’s also prudent not to leave anything visible in the car when you park. Tap water is generally safe to drink.

• Currency: The Euro is the currency used in Sardinia. ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted in most places. It’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially in smaller towns and villages.

• Getting around: Sardinia’s train network connects all the major towns, while there’s an extensive network of buses (autobus or pullman) covering every town, most villages and a good number of beaches too. City buses, with tickets usually valid for 90 minutes, are good for quick rides across town. A single bus ticket costs around €1.30–€2, depending on the distance. Tickets can be purchased at bus stations, newsstands or via an app. Renting a car is a popular option for exploring the island, with prices starting from about €30 per day.

• Electricity and plug types: Sardinia uses the standard European 220 volts with two-pin round plugs. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Sardinia is in the Central European Time zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT and observes Daylight Saving Time.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need a valid passport to enter Sardinia. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Best things to do in Sardinia

Undeniably and exuberantly Italian, yet expressing a unique regional identity, Sardinia holidays present a distinctive take on the Mediterranean island experience; from the rocky headlands and secluded beaches on the coast to the forested mountains and pungent expanses of wilderness in the interior.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Inland Gallura: Interspersed with thick groves of cork oaks, the granite rockscape of this sparsely populated mountainous zone offers unforgettable panoramas.

• Posada: At the top of this old village, the Castello della Fava stands sentinel over the coast, an atmospheric watchtower with superb views to reward your climb up ladders and through trap doors to the parapet.

• Gorropu Gorge: Often referred to as Europe’s Grand Canyon, this gorge in the Supramonte mountains offers awesome views all around.

The best districts

• Castelsardo, Old Town: With historic churches buried among its steep lanes, and a castle/museum at its summit affording distant coastal views, this old Doria stronghold repays the uphill slog.

• Sassari Old Town: The compact old quarter of Sardinia’s second city makes for an atmospheric wander through its medieval lanes.

• Castello District, Cagliari: This historic district – all narrow streets and elegant piazzas – is perched atop a hill, providing panoramic views of the city and the sea.

Museums

• Ethnographic Museum, Nuoro: A visit to this extensive collection – crammed with masks, costumes, craftwork and musical instruments – offers intriguing insights into the local culture.

• Museo Archeologico, Cagliari: Sardinia’s premier archaeological collection includes grinning deities, nuraghic figurines and ancient Phoenician inscriptions.

Parks and gardens

• Orto Botanico, Cagliari: One of Italy’s most famous botanical gardens with around 2000 species of Mediterranean and tropical plants, including examples of local carob trees, lentisks and holm oaks, as well as exotic yuccas, palms, papyrus and cacti.

Historical monuments

• Tharros: Founded by the Phoenicians on a promontory jutting into the sea, this historic site retains extensive evidence of the Punic and Roman settlers who followed.

• Nuraghe Santu Antine: One of the island’s most imposing nuraghi, on the plains southeast of Sassari amid a cluster of these prehistoric monuments.

• Basilica di Saccargia: This striking Romanesque church in northern Sardinia is renowned for its black and white striped façade and beautiful interior frescoes.

Things to do in different parts of the region

• Sant’Antioco: Tethered to the mainland, this beautiful island has an agreeable, off-the-beaten-track appeal, with a cluster of historical remains, as well as an undeveloped rocky coast sheltering some first-class beaches.

• La Giara di Gesturi: This distinctive high basalt plateau rising above La Marmilla is teeming with wildlife, from rare orchids to miniature wild horses – perfect for a breather.

Activities for families in Sardinia

The island’s beaches provide all the entertainment most kids would want, while prehistoric nuraghi, numerous castles and archaeological sites provide plenty of outdoor fun inland.

• Beaches: Sardinia’s beaches are perfect for families, with shallow waters and soft sands. Cala Brandinchi and La Pelosa are particularly family-friendly.

• Cave visits: Stalactites, stalagmites and eccentric rock formations are the highlights of a tour through the Grotta di Nettuno, a cave complex set in towering cliffs by the sea - great fun for kids.

• Castles: What kid (or adult) doesn’t love a scramble around a castle? Whether they are prestige projects for bored aristocrats, eccentric family mansions or grim reminders of past oppression, Sardinia’s castles come in all shapes and sizes.

• Aquariums: The Aquarium of Cala Gonone is an excellent spot for kids to learn about marine life and get up close to a variety of sea creatures.

• Theme parks and adventure: Parco Sardegna in Miniatura offers miniature replicas of Sardinian landmarks, as well as a dinosaur park and planetarium.

Free things to do in Sardinia

You could spend weeks on the island and not worry about having to dip into your wallet too often, with beaches galore and some of the country's most accessible sites to explore.

• Beaches: Sardinia has some of the Mediterranean’s most gorgeous beaches. On the whole, they’re clean and pollution-free, and many have facilities operating from June to September – but if you don’t want to spend any money, seek out more remote sections without any of the paraphernalia, and bring your own shade.

• Festivals: Sardinia hosts numerous free events throughout the year, such as the Cavalcata Sarda in Sassari, which features parades, music and traditional costumes. Easter is a great time too, with costumes, processions and intense drama the main ingredients of Sardinia’s various feste.

• Explore Sardinia by public transport: Sardinia’s public transport system is an affordable way to see the island. The ARST bus network covers most of the island and a single ticket costs around €1.30–€3, depending on the distance.

Nature and outdoor activities

Although most famous for its beaches, which are undoubtedly stunning, Sardinia is essentially a place of mountains and forests, the perfect terrain for cycling, hiking and getting up close to its natural marvels.

• Hiking: The island’s varied terrain provides excellent hiking opportunities. Sardinia’s central Gennargentu mountains hold the island’s highest peaks and remotest tracts, the area rich with hiking possibilities and peppered with traditional communities – generally regarded as representing the “real Sardinia”.

• Water sports: Waterskiing has largely been supplanted by windsurfing, for which the favourite spot is Porto Pollo, near Palau – the place for kitesurfing, too. Surfers tend to congregate on and around the Sinis peninsula, near Oristano, especially at Capo Mannu.

• Climbing: Sardinia offers some of the best year-round climbing terrain in Europe. With peaks inland and sea-cliffs on every coast, it attracts sports climbers and boulderers to the areas around Isili and Domusnovas in the south, and Dorgali, Baunei, Jerzu and Cala Gonone on the eastern coast.

The best beaches for your Sardinia holidays

Sardinia isn’t just about dreamy landscapes and mouthwatering food—it’s home to some of the most stunning beaches in the Mediterranean. Whether you’re after soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, or hidden coves away from the crowds, there’s a beach for everyone on this island.

• La Pelosa – postcard perfection

  One of Sardinia’s most famous beaches, La Pelosa, looks like something straight out of a travel magazine. With its shallow, turquoise waters and powdery white sand, it’s a favourite for sunbathers and families. Get here early, though—it’s no secret how beautiful this place is!

• Cala Goloritzé – a slice of paradise

  If you’re up for an adventure, Cala Goloritzé is worth the effort. You can only reach it by boat or a scenic hike through the cliffs, but once you arrive, the reward is a secluded bay with shimmering blue waters and dramatic rock formations.

• Costa Rei – perfect for a beach day

  On Sardinia’s southeast coast, Costa Rei offers long, sandy stretches with calm waters—ideal for swimming, snorkelling, or just kicking back with a good book. There are plenty of beach bars around too, so you won’t have to go far for a refreshing drink.

• Spiaggia di Tuerredda – Caribbean vibes

  Located in the south of the island, Spiaggia di Tuerredda is often compared to the Caribbean, thanks to its translucent waters and golden sand. It’s a great spot for kayaking or paddleboarding, and the views of the small island offshore make it even more special.

• Cala Brandinchi – “Little Tahiti”

  Nicknamed “Little Tahiti” for a reason, Cala Brandinchi is a dreamy escape with soft sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s one of the more popular beaches, so expect a lively atmosphere, but the natural beauty here is undeniable.

With Sardinia’s incredible coastline, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to beach days. Whether you’re looking for adventure, total relaxation, or a mix of both, this island has the perfect stretch of sand waiting for you.

Local dishes in Sardinia

Historically, the twin pivots of traditional Sardinian cuisine have been land- and sea-based local produce; mutton, beef, game and boar are the staples of the cooking in the interior, while the coast relies on fish – tuna, sea bass and sardines all figuring heavily.

Some typical dishes

• Pane Carasau: Also known as “music paper bread,” this crisp wafer bread is often served with olive oil and salt to add flavour.

• Malloreddus: Gnocchetti, or pasta shaped in little shells, with various toppings, for example alla campidanese, a spicy sausage sauce.

• Fregula: Couscous-type semolina pasta, either in a meat stock or dry with mussels or clams.

Meat dishes

• Porceddu: A young pig roasted whole on a spit with myrtle leaves and other herbs.

• Agnello con carciofi: A popular springtime dish, this is a delicious combination of tender roast lamb with artichokes.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Bottarga: Known as Sardinian caviar, this delicacy is made from dried mullet roe and is usually grated over pasta or served in thin slices with olive oil.

• Spaghetti alle vongole: A classic dish of spaghetti with clams, garlic and parsley, showcasing the island’s abundant seafood.

Sweets and desserts

• Seadas: Fried ricotta-filled pastry bubbles soaked in honey.

• Aranciatte: A very sweet confection, available from Nuoro, made with almonds, oranges and honey.

Local drinks

• Cannonau: A robust red wine made from Grenache grapes, considered one of the island’s best wines.

• Mirto: A traditional liqueur made from myrtle berries, enjoyed as a digestif after meals.

• Filu ‘e ferru: A potent grappa-like spirit, also known as “iron wire,” often served as a strong finish to a meal.