Best time to visit Sardinia

Unless you’re a fan of scorching temperatures and vacation crowds, the best time to visit Sardinia is the shoulder months of April to May and September to October. It’s still warm enough to swim in the sea and infinitely better for taking to the country’s biking and hiking trails. Our month by month guide will give you the lowdown on a whole year of seasonal highlights.

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Best time to visit Sardinia

May and September show off Sardinia at its very best. The summer crowds are mostly absent and the conditions are perfect for hiking, cycling and diving.

Sardinia is warm enough for the beach from May to October, but soaring temperatures in July and August mean this isn't the best time to visit Sardinia if you’re going to take on the island’s hiking or biking trails. If you visit in the winter or the spring, the sun may not be shining but you’ll be treated to off peak pleasures such as landscapes full of wildflowers and dynamic local festivals.

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When to visit Sardinia & when not to

January and February are the coldest months. Snow falls on the mountains but daytime highs are still a mild 13°C or 14°C, with around five hours of sunshine a day. The water is chilly, though, so swimming may be better left until later. Sardinia is certainly worth visiting during March and April, when temperatures reach a balmy 16°C and the flowers start to bloom. Easter is a major event with religious ceremonies and processions taking place across the island. Early spring is also great in the Sinis Peninsula as wildflowers bloom and flocks of migrating birds head to the lagoons. May is ideal for hiking and cycling as the weather is warming up, but not yet at peak intensity. Visibility is excellent for diving, though the water is a little cold. By June, July and August it’s getting seriously hot, so it’s not ideal for long hikes or cycles. What’s more in the August summer vacations, school’s out and the tourist hoards descend to the beaches. September and October are a brilliant time to go to Sardinia. It’s more serene, the sea is at its warmest and temperatures are hot enough for the beach but also good for walking and cycling. Divers will be rewarded by good visibility and warm water. By November and December, resort areas are looking a little dejected, and many places close for the winter. Though grey and wet, Christmas brings some colour. Towns are lit up with twinkly lights and village artisans open up their houses to sell homemade goods.

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Sardinia Weather Chart

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Things to do in Sardinia

Things to do in Sardinia…

There’s no better way to get a feel for the island than on foot or on a bike, and luckily Sardinia has more than its fair share of excellent hiking and cycling routes. Highlights include Su Gorrupu Gorge, the mountains of the Dorgali region and the many paths that skim the island’s stunning coastline. While some paths can be rough underfoot and there are plenty of options if you want to push yourself, anyone who’s moderately fit can tackle the island’s offerings. Sardinia has some of the best beaches in Europe but heading below the surface can be just as rewarding. The Gulf of Oresei has plentiful dive sites, including mysterious undersea caverns and WWII wrecks. Weave your way around vibrant reefs and spot octopus, giant groupers and moray eels. If you prefer to stay above the water, the north of the island has fantastic conditions for windsurfing. Skip Costa Smeralda. It’s crowded, glitzy and far removed from the island’s true heart. Sure, the beaches are lovely, but the designer shops, golf courses and partying jet set make it feel like any other upmarket resort in southern Europe. There are equally lovely beaches elsewhere: Nora with its Roman amphitheatre; northeastern beauty La Pelosa; the 30m high white dunes of Baia Chia; and the entire Orosei coast.

Things not to do in Sardinia...

The infamous casu marzu cheese – a sheep’s milk cheese containing live maggots – has been banned by EU health laws, so it’s probably best to skip it, even though it’s still available on the black market courtesy of local shepherds. Sardinian cuisine has plenty of other distinct tastes to excite your taste buds, including salty botarga (dried roe), sea urchin, fregula (handmade, dried pasta, similar to couscous) and porceddu, spit roasted suckling pig wrapped in myrtle and bay leaves. Not to mention the many local wines to wash it all down with. Yes, you could choose to wrap yourself up in the comfort of an all inclusive resort, with food, drink and sun loungers on tap, but that would be a shame on an island where’s there’s so much distinct culture, history and landscape to explore, not to mention excellent, locally owned hotels and restaurants. Leave out the resorts and you’ll learn about Sardinia and its culture, plus your money will go into the pockets of local people. While you’re exploring all those beaches, mountains and walking trails make sure you don’t skip the history. Fascinating remnants of the island’s past are scattered throughout, including Bronze Age settlements and ruined Roman outposts. Then there are the cities such as medieval Alghero, which bursts with cobbled lanes and Gothic palazzo and the mountain town of Orgosolo, whose colourful and political street murals date back to the late 1960s.

Sardinia travel advice

What makes Sardinia unique?

Monica Princic from our supplier Exodus shares her tips and advice on visiting Sardinia below

“Sardinia a unique place to visit and is a world apart from mainland Italy because of the different colours of the sea, the different shapes of the beaches (made from white sand, rocks and quartz, among other things), the prehistoric remains and the possibility to trek from the mountains to the sea. Walking vacations are particularly special because they take you along the coast and up into the mountains, through fresh and naturally scented air and past protected plants.”

Foodie tips

“Sardinian food is a real highlight. My favourites include malloreddus alla campidanese, a classic Sardinian pasta recipe made with a sausage, tomato and saffron sauce; panadas, a fried dough filled with fish, meat or cheese; traditional roasted lamb, and any kind of fresh seafood.”

Foodie tips

More about Sardinia

Sardinia travel guide

Sardinia is a heady mix of colourful ingredients. There are superb walking trails, thrilling diving spots and a host of historic highlights...

Walking vacations in Sardinia

Walking vacations in Sardinia not only take you into the mountainous heart of the Mediterranean’s wildest island, but also through its uniquely varied history.

Sardinia cycling

Cycling in Sardinia lets you explore the island’s magnificent natural beauty while avoiding overcrowded beaches and resorts.

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Written by Nana Luckham

Best time to visit Sardinia

Best time to visit Sardinia