Sardinia Holidays

Sardinia holidays - where the coastline never ends, the sun's always beaming and the gelato leaves you wanting more.

Highlights

So. Much. Coast. (1,850km, to be exact)
Peace and quiet vibes (no motorways, and it's one of the least populated regions in Italy!)
A sweet tooth's paradise - did someone say gelato and cannolis?!
Bangin' street art - hit up Orgosolo for cool murals at every turn

What are the best beaches in Sardinia?

You say Sardinia, we think beaches. It's just how our mind works! But this place is known for its sandy goodness - we mean, with so much coastline under its nose, how could it now be?! It's got a winning combo of dramatic cliffs, super-soft sands and sea so blue you'll think there's a real-life Insta filter on it. Try flopping a towel down at one of these:

Spiaggia della Pelosa Beach – hands-down the most popular beach on the island, and with its clear, shallow waters, white sands, watersports menu and nearby restaurants, we can definitely see why!
Spiaggia di Lampianu – it's not the easiest to find, but if you like your beach days quiet, this hidden cove is for you. It's a tiny stretch of coast sheltered by rugged rocks and calm waters perfect for snorkelling in.
Porto Giunco Beach - this one's a bit tucked away, but once you find it, it's FREE to access, bustling with friendly locals and has fine sands just begging for you to plonk a towel onto. Plus, there's a pretty lagoon behind it where you can spot flamingos!
Cala Brandinchi - so tropical, it's nicknamed 'Little Tahiti'. It's a long stretch, perfect for strolling along the waterline, and the sea is shallow and clear - ideal for paddling youngsters.
Tuerreda Beach - this place is so exclusive, there's a limit on how many people can sprawl out on it, so get here early if you want to guarantee a spot! Trust us, it's worth it for the clear waters, pillowy-sand and beaut surroundings.
Cala Goloritzè - you'll need to hike to get to this small but gorg corner of coast, where boat trips come and go and the marine life is ready for its close-up. Bring your snorkel!
Spiaggia di Liscia Ruja - sandwiched conveniently between the villages of Portisco and Cala di Volpe, with powdery-white sands, sunbeds and parasols to rent, and a nearby beach bar serving breakfast from 8:30AM.

What are the top hotels in Sardinia?

When it comes to resting your head in Sardinia, it's all about swanky hotels that showcase that gorgeous coastline. If we can't see the sea from our balcony, we don't want it. (Kidding.) (Sort of.) Check out these top spots:

Club Baia Di Conte - smack-dab along the beachfront with a rooftop terrace, a choice of pools, a kids' club for the youngsters and 12(!!!) tennis courts on site. We didn't think we needed that many, but why not?!
Residence Cristal Blu - as Italian as they come, with a pool terrace that oozes charm, a beach within walking distance and a pizzeria right next door!
Jazz Hotel - you might be in Italy, but you can still enjoy a Turkish bath here, as well as a dunk in the outdoor pool and a bite to eat from the on-site restaurant
Residenze Gallura San Teodoro - easy-breezy self-catering apartments with a shared outdoor BBQ, a beach just a speedy drive away, and a bunch of Italian restaurants and bars at your fingertips
Blu Hotel Laconia Village - get your seaside fix at this bright and cheerful hotel, with pools for the adults and kiddos, chilled piano nights and a shuttle down to the beach
Hotel Stelle Marine - your one-stop-shop for beach vibes, pool vibes and fun vibes! It's got a beach nearby, a pool on site and a range of sports to pick from

Sardinia Travel Guide

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Things to do in Sardinia for families

There's a tonne going on for the whole fam when you're on your Sardinia holidays, from waterparks to adventure parks and plenty of lil trips you can make to fill your days. We wanna shout about the adventure parks though, specifically, Sardinia Avventura Park where you can get your George of the Jungle vibes on with tree-top courses to climb along, resting points where you can bask in the nature of the woods, zip-lines, you name it, it's here. And with nine different courses ranging in difficulty, there truly is something for everyone.

The beaches are where it's at for all things family-fun with plenty of lush water and sand for you all to relax to the max - but the even better thing about a lot of the beaches in Sardinia is the water sports. Head to Porto Pollo beach in the summer for a banging surf spot, or choose a calmer beach like Orri, let the little ones practice their scuba diving skills in the shallow, clear water and all be on the lookout for some nifty rock pools.

❤️ Things to do in Sardinia for Couples

Holidays to Sardinia seem like the perfect pick for all things boujee bevs and sunset strolls, that's what we're bringing to the table for all you lovers out there (especially the ones that leave the Christmas lights up til January). Mosey on over to Olbia and visit the vineyard there for all things tastings and tours, stroll through the rich grapes ready to be pressed into your new fave bottle of red. The cellars are stocked so make sure you've got space to cart a few bottles back to your hotel and keep the romantic vibes rolling.

We know it's low-key cliche to say going for a sunset stroll is the perfect thing for a couple to do on a jollie, but when the views are this spectacular we reckon you should consider it. If you want some privacy then we recommend heading over to the beach near Argentiera, or if you're more about a tipple while the sun goes down then you should deffo head over to Alghero and cheers to a top-tier vacay.

🏛️ Things to do in Sardinia for Culture Vultures

We're all about chasing those historical highs when it comes to a classic jolly, not everyones about lounging by the pool, so why not make your Sardinia holidays richer with a boat trip to the Grotte di Nettuno? It's a cave system near Alghero with all the stalactites and stalagmites you can feast your eyes on, picture it: sailing slowly through gorge hidden troves with a warm glow bouncing off the still water as you soak up this time capsule of mother natures beauty.

If you've not quite got your sea legs, or you prefer exploring on two feet, then make a day trip to Cagliari and soak up the architecture, the history, the Sardinian flare. It's a town that dates back thousands of years, and has everything from museums to delish dining and even nightclubs by the beach. You can make a reyt good day of it wandering the ancient streets and feeling like a proper Sardinian local.

🛥️ Things to do in Sardinia for Avid Adventurers

You Sardinia holidays 2024 could use an injection of exploration if you're all about the thrills on your jollies, we reckon you should get yourself over to Sa Spendula canyon where you can wander by one of the highest waterfalls in all of Sardinia, or, if you wanna see it a lil closer, book yourself onto some canyoning and get up close and personal with the refreshing spray, get immersed in the lush canopy of trees, test your core strength as you climb your way around the rocks.

If you aren't so bothered about keeping your feet on the ground then maybe get yourself booked onto a private kayak tour in Cagliari paddling your way along the Devils Saddle. It's all about the gorge reefs that traverse along this strip of land that you're gonna wanna feast your eyes on as you float on by. Better yet, the water is crystal clear and on hot days, you can trade your kayak oar for a snorkel and swim around the saddle for an even closer view of this gorge and often unexplored part of Sardinia.

Popular Sardinia hotels

Weather in Sardinia

JAN

14^°C

FEB

14^°C

MAR

16^°C

APR

18^°C

MAY

23^°C

JUN

27^°C

JUL

30^°C

AUG

31^°C

SEP

27^°C

OCT

23^°C

NOV

18^°C

DEC

15^°C

Sardinia weather, handing out sunshine like it's going out of style!

Summer in Sardinia is pure joy, with temperatures that love to dance around 25°C to 30°C. And it's not just about the heat; it's the way the gentle sea breeze comes to join the party, keeping everything chill and enjoyable. Whether it's beach fun or exploring ancient ruins, Sardinia's summer's got your back.

Now, don't you dare skip over spring and autumn. These seasons are Sardinia's secret handshake, offering a cool 18°C to 24°C. Fancy a mountain hike, or perhaps a bike ride through the countryside? Sardinia's weather in these months is like a friendly guide, leading you to the best spots.

Winter? Sardinia keeps things mild and inviting with temps around 10°C to 15°C. It's perfect for exploring the towns, savouring local dishes, or just enjoying the laid-back vibe.

FAQs

It takes around two and a half hours to fly to Sardinia from the UK/Ireland, which is just enough time to watch most of Oppenheimer, binge seven(ish) episodes of Friends, or just enjoy a 2.5 hour nap.

The local time in Sardinia is one hour ahead of the UK/Ireland, so you don't need to worry about jet lag.

The official currency of Sardinia is the Euro.

The official language of Sardinia is Italian, although the Sardinian language - Sardo - is sometimes spoken too.

Find out more about:

All Inclusive holidays to Sardinia

Have a well good time

The sacred well of Santa Cristina was built about 3,500 years ago (cue the 'weren't you around then?' jokes if you're travelling with the parents). Tickets are available on site, and you'll be able to nosy at the well itself as well as the open-air museum that surrounds it. The well was carefully constructed so that every September and March when the seasons change, the sun aligns perfectly to cast a glow right at the bottom. Who said magic isn't real?!

Explore the magic of fairy houses

Ancient tombs, hand-crafted way back when from nothing but pickaxes? It might sound dark, but these magical-looking caves are like something from one of the Hobbit movies. They're scattered all over the place, so wherever you're staying, you'll probably spot one on your travels. The names 'fairy houses' comes from an ancient belief that these caves were home to tiny fairies, so by digging out the rocks as a resting place, locals believed it was their way of sending loved ones off to the afterlife.

Get your grotto on

No, we don't mean the kind with elves and a man in a big red suit. We mean the historic kind, with cool rock formations and water and golden light. There are grottos dotted all along the coast in Sardinia, but the most famous and easy to get to is Neptune's Grotto in Alghero. It's thought to be over two million years old, and you can get there either on foot following a steep footpath from the clifftop, or via boat from Alghero.

Take a bath

Seriously. The tiny town of Fordongianus was founded by Romans back in the day, and they settled here because of the local thermal springs. The first thing they did was build a whopper of a spa with thermal baths, which today serves as an archaeological site where you can go for a dunk in the waters right at the entrance.

Go castle-spotting

There are nuraghes, or Bronze-age castles to you and me, all over the island. Over 7000 in total to be exact, from north to south. They're little more than rocky ruins now, but there's a load of history left in their place, and some still have an impressive structure to give a sense of what once was.

Chill with the flamingos

May and June time in Sardinia is basically Flamingo Season. They tend to hang out in wet, humid areas, so head to Parco Naturale Molentargius Saline park for a good chance of spotting them, or the wetlands in Cabras and Santa Giusta.

What events can I go to in Sardinia?
Sardinia's calendar's as packed as your overstuffed suitcase that you have to sit on before you can zip it up. Yeah, that full. Whether you're into traditional festivities or something a bit different, mark your calendar for these dates:
- Sa Sartiglia (February) - stick a medieval mask on and get your joust on in Oristano. Or, y'know, just watch instead.
- Cavalcata Sarda (May) - a proper fiesta celebrating the beauty, culture and tradition of the island with music, dancing and delish food. Talk about triple threat.
- Cavalcata de S'ardia (July) - a thrilling horse parade through the streets of Sedilo
- Redentore Festival (August) - a heavily religious festival and celebration of Sardinian folklore, with musical performances, poetry contests, dancing, parades and vibrant costumes
- Time in Jazz (August) - one for the music-lovers, this international festival was founded by jazz musician Paolo Fresu, and it's your chance to groove to some smooth tunes in the town of Berchidda
- Festa della Montagna (August) - celebrated every year on the slopes of Mount Limbara, where locals and tourists gather to listen to folk music and eat local food - the perfect way to make friends!
- Cortes Apertas (September/October) - translating to open courtyards, this event sees the courtyards of historic houses open to the public where crafts and artistic pieces are put on display
- Autunno in Barbagia (October/November) - if you're a fan of autumn, then you'll love this fall-themed festival, stretching over multiple weekends with folkore, food and bags of tradition
Where is the best nightlife in Sardinia?
Nightlife in Sardinia is like the perfect cocktail of coastal cool and poppin' off parties. Check out these spots for your late-night antics:
- Café del Mar - we're pretty sure every coastal location has a bar called this (fun fact: the coffee shop in our office is called this!), but it's the perfect spot for chilled vibes, with cocktails, sunset views and laidback beats from the DJ
- Ritzi Lounge Bar - a chic lounge right in the middle of Porto Cervo, where people-watching and cocktails are always on the menu (name a better combo)
- Ritual Club - a buzzing nightclub where international DJs keep the good vibes going, and the dancefloor stays packed 'til the early hours
- Buddha Beach - if you're craving that Ibiza-style party, hit up this beach club in Santa Margherita di Pula, and bring your dancing shoes (and then prepare to take them off, because you'll be right on the sand)
- Tiki Beach Club - enjoy a taste of the island life at this tropical-themed beach club in San Teodoro, where the view is all sand and palm trees, and the cocktails are served in coconuts
- Underground Club - clue's in the name - this edgy, underground club is where local DJs are on the decks, and you'll be making some shapes on the dancefloor
- La Siesta Club - a fave club with the locals and tourists, thanks to its mix of house, reggae and chart-topping tunes
What’s the food like in Sardinia?
From hearty classics to seaside delights, Sardinia's food scene is one you won't want to miss. Keep your eyes peeled for these tasty specialties:
- Culurgiones - handmade pasta parcels stuffed with potato, pecorino and mint. We're droolling.
- Bottarga - salted, cured fish roe served shaved over pasta or crusty bread - it's Sardinia's answer to caviar!
- Pane Carasau - known as 'Sardinian music bread' (we're already sold), this crisp, paper-thin flatbread pairs perfectly with local cheese, olives and cured meats
- Porceddu - pork-lovers, you've got to get your mitts on this traditional roasted suckling pig. It's tender, juicy and bursting with flavour.
- Fregola con Arselle - tiny balls of toasted semolina pasta cooked in a savoury broth and topped with plump, juicy clams
- Pani Pintau - if you like your food to be aesthetic, then you'll love this colourful Sardinian bread, marked with intricate designs from natural spinach and saffron dyes. It's almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
- Malloreddus alla Campidanese - you can't go wrong with sausage pasta, and that's essentially what this is - small pasta shells in a hearty tomato and sausage sauce. Yes please.
- Seadas - crispy fried pastry filled with gooey pecorino cheese and drizzled with honey. Don't knock it 'til you try it.
And if you're in the middle of making your restaurant list, here's a roundup of top-notch places to check out:
- Ristorante Su Gologone (Oliena) - If you're keen on Sardinian traditions, this rustic spot offers a mega authentic dining experience with dishes like slow-cooked suckling pig.
- Ristorante Dal Corsaro (Cagliari) - A bit boujee and Michelin-starred, perfect for when you fancy a swanky night out. Their creative Mediterranean cuisine is gorg.
- Agriturismo Sa Mandra (Alghero) - Dive into a proper good farm-to-table feast with Sardinian cheeses, handmade pasta, and grilled meats. It's popping off with local flavours!
- I Frati Rossi (Porto Cervo) - With panoramic views and a seafood menu that's a proper whopper, this one's a winner for a lush dining experience.
- Da Thomas (La Maddalena) - For a casual yet bangin' seafood dinner, this is your go-to. The octopus and lobster are top-tier!

Places to visit

Orgosolo
If you like mountain views, cute little streets and an authentic Italian vibe, then Orgosolo's for you. Beyond that, its street art scene is pure legendary. You'll find colourful wall art everywhere you turn, so put it this way - even if you get lost, at least you'll have some pretty murals to look at! Buildings 'round here have been used as life-sized canvases to showcase social and political messages, as well as Sardinian folklore, and just plain jaw-dropping artwork. It takes those small-town vibes to a whole other level.
Gola su Gorroppu and the 'Old Shepherd House'
Tug on your hiking boots and hit up this beaut of a canyon - framed by staggering limestone cliffs and endangered aquilegia nuragica plants. It's one of the deepest gorges in Europe, and you can explore it either on foot, which will take you through oak woods, cave-lined cliffs and boulder-filled slopes, or book a guided tour where you can whizz by in a Jeep. Either way, you're in for some seriously killer views. If you decide to walk, look out for su cuile, or the 'Old Shepherd House' on your way up. It's a rustic hut that looks like something from the Lord of the Rings movies. Shepherds would build and live in these huts in between taking care of their animals - it's definitely worth checking out if you spot it!
Bosa
Forget Insta filters - you won't need one here. Charming, pastel-coloured houses are the star of the show in this quaint little Italian town. Between those and the riverbanks, cobbled streets and the medieval castle perched on its hilltop, this whole place is like a postcard come to life. It's also home to some of the island's best beaches (and you know how we feel about those), and the local food scene is the stuff of dreams. We're looking at you, Locanda di Corte. Delish seafood topped off with creamy gelato - what's not to love?!

We recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all of the up-to-date vaccination info before booking your holiday.

Some regions in Sardinia do require a tourist tax for guests, calculated on a per person, per night basis. The cost can vary depending on the star rating of your accommodation.

Sardinia Holidays

Highlights

What are the best beaches in Sardinia?

What are the top hotels in Sardinia?

Sardinia Travel Guide

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Things to do in Sardinia for families

❤️ Things to do in Sardinia for Couples

🏛️ Things to do in Sardinia for Culture Vultures

🛥️ Things to do in Sardinia for Avid Adventurers

Popular Sardinia hotels

Weather in Sardinia

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

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FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Sardinia?

What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Sardinia?

What currency do they use in Sardinia?

What language do they speak in Sardinia?

Find out more about:

Have a well good time

Explore the magic of fairy houses

Get your grotto on

Take a bath

Go castle-spotting

Chill with the flamingos

What events can I go to in Sardinia?

Where is the best nightlife in Sardinia?

What’s the food like in Sardinia?

Places to visit

Orgosolo

Gola su Gorroppu and the 'Old Shepherd House'

Bosa

Key facts about Sardinia

Flight Time

2.5 hrs

Time difference

+1 hr

Currency

Euro

Language

Italian

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Sardinia?

Do I need to pay tourist tax on my holiday Sardinia?