How many days is the perfect time to spend in Sardinia?
Whether you’ll have 7 days in Sardinia is absolutely fine, but I’ve always preferred to be a little more generous. I recommend 14 days, but 10 days is the sweet spot for most travelers. The 7 days provides just enough time for a fairly detailed view of the major highlights, while 14 days allows one to visit the island’s varied regions both coastal and inland. Specifically for focused regional exploration 5 days are ample, as long as the trip is limited to either the north or south.
The ideal duration, however, varies hugely depending on the travel style and your interests. A minimum of 7 days is far enough to cover different costal areas, from the gorgeous Costa Smeralda in the north to the highly valued Chia Coast in the south. If you are a cultural enthusiast you should plan for at least 8––10 days to fully discover archaeological sites such as Su Nuraxi di Barumini , historic cities like Alghero and Cagliari, tradition villages in the Barbagia region.
Hikers, climbers and water sports fanatics should plan for 10-14 days, to experience activities in different parts of the park from the harsh countryside of the Supramonte to the coastal paths of the Gulf of Orosei.
Their recommended duration is highly seasonal. During the peak summer months (July – August) I recommend to add 1 – 2 additional days to account for crowded attractions and beaches. Ideal shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October) are perfect weather and fewer crowds should coincide with the standard duration recommendations.
Because some coastal activities appear to be limited during winter visits (November to March), winter visits can be shorter (5 to 7 days) if visiting for cultural experiences only. There is a lot of island to see (24,090 square kilometers), so while I think that travels can be worthwhile and fun in their own right, I divide longer stays over a small number of base locations (3 or 4 typically) to minimize travel time while maximizing the experiences. An example of perfect time distribution is for example 14 days between Cagliari (4 days), Alghero (4 days), Costa Smeralda (3 days), and Cala Gonone (3 days).
When is the best time to go to Sardinia?
Because crowds are not so sizeable and prices are not at their highest, we think staying in Sardinia should be visited in May — June or September — October, with temperatures in the 20 to 25 ° C. We also recommend these months as the ideal time for beach activities — and cultural exploration — because the seas are warm and the weather is just right for sightseeing.
The most popular time of year is from July to August, and temperatures (which may routinely exceed 30°C) together with large crowds will be due to the August 15th Ferragosto holiday period. Albeit the beaches are the most crowded at this time, I’ve discover that accommodation prices can shoot up by 1.5x or even more, and famous places such as Costa Smeralda and La Pelosa get really crowded. If you’re mostly going for beach life and nightlife, the summer months are best but you’ll have to book ahead.
If you’re not just looking for the beach, I highly recommend choosing the winter months from November through March, in which you can get cultural experiences and outdoor activities off the beach. While temperatures can be cooler (10°C – 15°C) and rainfall more common, this is also a season when you can have the pleasure of attending the Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate in January and Carnival celebrations in early February. As winter visitors you will save money, encounter fewer tourists and will get a more authentic glimpse into local life. Supramonte hiking is perfect for hiking in the mild Mediterranean winter, and exploring archaeological sites are great as well as enjoying the island’s rich culinary traditions.
How many days in Costa Rei
If you’re unsure of how many days to spend in Costa Rei, it’s recommended you stay for at least five days to a week to really get a feel of the serenity and local character of this big settlement.
A short weekend getaway provides a tantalizing glimpse, but gives you a shorter amount of time to appreciate the area’s crystal clear waters and powdery sands; however, longer stays allow the luxury to laze in the sun, or go outside and partake in outdoor adventures such as snorkeling, diving, and hiking over rolling hills around mountains overlooking the sea.
With a few more days, you have time to explore the coastline’s many hidden coves — which are chock full of marine life — while perhaps you’ll have time to visit the historic town of Castiadas. Of course you spend a little more time here, and the extra time allows you to grasp the rhythm of local life, waking up to golden sunrises on the beach and watching lazy sunsets with a fresh seafood dinner.
However, this unhurried pace is vital to being able to truly absorb the atmosphere in Costa Rei, especially if you want to do so in a relaxed way, rather than the frantic manner that most transatlantic travellers are pressed into.
In Costa Rei, with a full week or more, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the area and stay to experience more of the local life. The extra days give you the opportunity to go inland to explore short hikes on scenic trails, wander through less touristy village markets, and try a vast variety of Sardinian gastronomical specialities, from artisanal cheeses, to Sardinian wines which are famous worldwide.
Also, if you travel during this time of the year you will have the luck to see one of the region’s wonderful festivals where folk dances and music take place and you enjoy some traditional nibbles such as seadas.
Furthermore, dedicating a full seven days or more allows you to strike the perfect balance: Taking in the sun-kissed beaches without a hurry, then spending sufficient period of time finding out special and normal wonders making Costa Rei a great destination. In a nutshell, slowness and giving yourself those extra days makes an ordinary visit become a real and full fledged encounter with the beloved southeastern shore of Sardinia.
Must visit attractions in Sardinia?
The pristine beaches of Costa Smeralda, the historic city of Alghero with its Catalan influence, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nuraghe Su Nuraxi and the stunning Maddalena Archipelago. Crystal clear waters and ancient history are two things you can expect from these locations which, combined, make this beautiful place built on a strong foundation.
Each area, however, provides something very special when it comes to coastal attractions. The north’s emerald waters attract in the Costa Smeralda, and Alghero at the west end of the coast is as medieval as it gets, with its perfect little historic center remaining intact. The Gulf of Orosei on the eastern coast is dramatic, while the most stunningly gorgeous beaches like Cala Goloritzé are only accessible by boat or hiking. Combining urban sophistication with excellent beaches, particularly the spectacular Chia coast, the southern region around Cagliari.
Inside Sardinia’s interior are incredible cultural and natural treasures, extending beyond the coastline. Fascinating insights into the island’s ancient civilization can be gained through the prehistoric nuraghi towers, as well as UNESCO listed Su Nuraxi. Apart from the rugged landscapes of Supramonte that provide great hiking, you see authentic Sardinian life in traditional villages like Bosa or Castelsardo. It’s worth noting, however, that the capital city of Cagliari, is a treasure trove of Castello, markets, and fascinating archaeological museums. The Maddalena Archipelago is a veritable paradise for the nature enthusiasts of its seven main islands, with pristine beaches, crystal clear waters to swim and snorkel in.
How can you avoid needing a car in Sardinia?
Comprehensive public transportation options are available on Sardinia with the ARST bus network, mainly covering the smaller major towns and tourist destinations, with traditional Trenitalia trains connecting the main cities, as well as the scenic Trenino Verde tourist trains. While mainland Europe has frequent, effective and efficient public transport, the island has its own reliable and cost effective public transport system.**
The ARST bus network is the backbone of car free travel around Sardinia, covering everything across the island. Buses are actually useful to reach the coastal towns; or to small towns around, which are not covered by the trains. Trenitalia operates what is certainly not a frail network, connecting major cities such as Cagliari, Sassari and Olbia, but the charming narrow-gauge ARST trains do sometimes serve the more out of the way areas. The Trenino Verde runs scenic routes through the island’s interior though only seasonally.
When you want to explore specific regions I really recommend combining different ways of transport there. Visiting islands such as La Maddalena or Asinara is a good option, being served by coastal ferries, and cycling too is becoming ever more popular as long paths are dedicated in many areas. Local bus services operate efficiently for urban exploration in cities such as Cagliari and Alghero. Organised tours are often the most practical answer for accessing remote beaches or natural ‘attractions’. We should also note that schedules are quite limited during off peak seasons and you need to have a careful plan. Combining public transport with the occasional taxi service or organized excursions means that most visitors are able to add together to make a completely car-free travel experience.
How long do I need to plan for in Sardinia to visit the main sights?
For most of the Sardinia’s main attractions you’ll need at least 7 days (15 days would be preferable to see everything) but it’s not easy to get all of the above done in 1 week. It gives time to visit key sites, such as Costa Smeralda, Alghero, Cagliari and the major archaeological sites although at a relaxed pace which is good for beach time and cultural exchanges.
Since the Island is so big, amenities are spread out, take the time to plan and enjoy everything the Island has to offer. At least 2–3 days is needed for the northern region, which includes the Costa Smeralda and the La Maddalena Archipelago; a further 2 days are required for the historic western coast around Alghero and Bosa. Cagliari however is located in the southern region that takes about 2-3 days to explore the city and nearby beaches. Full day excursions are needed to other key archaeological sites like Su Nuraxi di Barumini, as well as to the natural wonders such as the Gulf of Orosei.
If you are really interested into deepen your cultural immersion and visit off the beaten path places, this will permit you to go deep in inland regions like Supramonte and traditional villages like Orgosolo, Mamoiada … At least 2-3 days well spent exploring the back eastern coast on its dramatic landscapes and its hidden coves. Because rushing through attractions, I have discovered, does not lend itself to an authentic Sardinian experience, one that is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, on the island’s well known beaches, allowing for spontaneous discoveries and relaxation.
Is it possible to see Sardinia in 4 days?
It is possible to drive some highlights in 4 days, but the whole of Sardinia cannot be seen in that amount of time, from either an enjoyment or a practical point of view. It’s worth spending four days on one specific region (either north or south) instead of too much time traveling so you can enjoy the experience more.**
Typically a well planned 4 day starts should arrive into either Olbia (for northern exploration) or Cagliari (for southern exploration.). The beaches in the north are La Maddalena Archipelago, Costa Smeralda and La Pelosa. And it’s possible to explore them all with a day trip. But you can also spend a whole week in the north of the island, enjoying Alghero and taking a day trip to the Costa Smeralda. To the south, explore Cagliari’s historic center, hike on the archeological site of Nora, walk on the beach of Chia and make a day trip to Su Nuraxi di Barumini.
One downside to a 4 days is it entails large distances between the attractions and you’d need to really soak each place in. Its size (about 24,100 square kilometers with winding roads) has significant travel times. For example, it takes about 2.5 hours to drive from Olbia to Alghero, and nearly 4 hours to get from Cagliari to the Costa Smeralda. That’s why it’s impractical to try to cover the island that quickly, as you would be spending more travel time than you would actually getting to see destinations.
Should you allow 5 days to examine Sardinia?
A five day trip offers a better chance of taking in Sardinia than a short trip and you can either spend a good amount of time in one area or sample a few of the highlights from two or more areas. This duration is enough time to do a mix of cultural sightseeing, beach time and outdoor activities in a reasonable way.**
With two days toward the north, a successful 5 days itinerary might encompass** Costa Smeralda** and the La Maddalena Archipelago, and two days along the west, including Alghero and the western coast, Bosa and La Pelosa beach. Your last day could be exploring inland graties such as nuraghi or sitting on the beach longer. Firstly, if you choose the south, you can explore Cagliari, the Chia coastline, and great archaeology while taking a day trip along to the east or west.
Your deadline is 5 days. Things need to be prioritized and things need to be done! What I do is create a focus of a particular region or a theme, for example beach and culture combined. For example, mixing historical sites in Cagliari with southern beaches or northern coast luxury resorts with traditional villages. This duration does not afford the island a full scan; however, if you put together a sensible itinerary—traveling your route as efficiently and quickly as possible between locations—you can build a meaningful relationship with Sardinian culture and landscape.
In 3 days what is the best itinerary to Sardinia?
The idea is to have a perfect 3 day Sardinia itinerary that covers one area such as the north or south and a base city like Cagliari or Olbia. If you’re in the south, spend day one walking around the historic center of Cagliari, day two at Su Nuraxi di Barumini and some nearby beaches, and day three along the gorgeous Chia coast. Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena Archipelago, with its medieval charm in Alghero completes for the north.
The southern route I’ve found to offer an amazing blend of coastal beauty and culture. The first day starts at Cagliari with exploration of the medieval facing Castello quarter before drinks in the trendy and happening Marina district. The second day includes UNESCO World Heritage Site Su Nuraxi di Barumini in the morning and afternoon dredge at Poetto Beach. On the final day, you bask in the seaside of the Chia coast, laid with the pristine waters and sand the likes of Tuerredda, and Su Giudeu.
If you are taking the northern route, I would suggest beginning in the Costa Smeralda with Porto Cervo, where luxury boutiques and the yacht filled marina abound. The best thing to do is to spend day two going on a boat tour of the La Maddalena Archipelago to visit such pristine beaches as Cala Corsara and Spiaggia Rosa. The final day finishes in spectacular fashion with sun down cocktails as we explore Alghero’s Catalan Gothic architecture, Neptune’s Grotto and walk its over its historic walls. Thanks to their offsetting nature, these two days allow you to see the best that Sardinia has to offer, getting the most out of your time while indulging in a bit of everything.
How to spend 2 weeks in Sardinia?
For a comprehensive 2-week Sardinian experience, I recommend splitting your stay between 3-4 strategic locations: For southern exploration start with 4 nights in Cagliari, 4 nights in Alghero for the western coast, 3 nights in Olbia/Costa Smeralda for the northeast, and 3 nights in Cala Gonone for the eastern coast. Exposure to diverse landscapes and the minimum travel time are maximized by this arrangement.
The southern base in Cagliari provides the choice of boutique Hotel Villa Fanny or more budget Hotel L’Ambasciata which are both conveniently located and easy to get around in for city sights and nearby beach. If you are looking for luxury, you can move to Alghero and stay at the historic Villa Las Tronas, and if you are a charm kind of guy or gal, you can stay in the old town of Alghero in the one of the awesome Hotel San Francesco. Your Costa Smeralda stay deserves accommodation of resorts like Grand Hotel Porto Cervo, boutique properties in Porto Rotondo and the like. Hotel Villa Gustui Maris looks directly towards the Gulf of Orosei and its beautiful hidden coves for the eastern coast, and Cala Gonone is located a quarter an hour away.
Key considerations should be, however, proximity to major attractions and transportation hubs, along with expected demographics and other social factors. Cagliari has many restaurants, shops, and cultural sites within walking distance, especially near Marina or Castello districts. Properties within walking distance of the historic center in Alghero should be a priority stay in the west coast, while Costa Smeralda offers the best properties close to either Porto Cervo or South Baja Sardinia, which both provide easy beach access. Cala Gonone has a base on the eastern coast that puts you perfectly placed to take boat trips to secluded beaches such as Cala Luna and Cala Goloritzé.
What to do with 7 days in Sardinia?
A perfect 7-day Sardinian adventure combines the island’s highlights in a north-to-south journey: But probably spend 2 days on Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena, 2 visiting Alghero and the western coast, 2 more days on beaches and archaeology around Cagliari, a day looking at both the island’s interior and traditional villages.
This itinerary is structured so that we can maximize the experiences, and minimize the amount of time we spend travelling. Days 1-2 consist of boat tour of the Costa Smeralda including the La Maddalena Archipelago and time in Porto Cervo. On days 3-4 we focus on Alghero and its Catalan heritage and visit Neptune’s Grotto, plus marvel at the beach at La Pelosa. Southern Sardinia covers Days 5 and 6 and includes Cagliari’s historic sites combined with Chia and Villasimius’s beautiful beaches. The final day also offers inland treasures such as the site of Su Nuraxi di Barumini and a traditional village of Orgosolo.
Strategic planning of activities is the key to maximizing activities in this week long itinerary. As the prize for being given free accommodation, I truly advise you to book a boat tour and trips to the archaeological site before you are there, especially when it is peak season. This journey includes the essential stops: wine tasting in Serdiana, visiting the Grotta di Nettuno near Alghero, the Castello quarter of Cagliari… There should be evening agriturismi dining to get authentic Sardinian cuisine and sunsets on aperitivos in historic centers — Sardinian food and the best times to have it. This well balanced itinerary gives a little of everything, without piling on the strain, such that you explore a broad section of Sardinia’s attractions without feeling like you are running everywhere.
Best beaches in Sardinia
Among the most splendid beaches of Sardinia are: Cala Brandinchi (‘Little Tahiti’) in northeast – Cala Goloritzè (on the Gulf of Orosei band)…). UNESCO list; La Pelosa near Stintino with its pearls of white sand and clear waters. Each is also one of the finest examples of the regions Sardinian coastal beauty, with fine white sand or dramatic limestone formations.
Some of the island’s most accessible, stunning beaches are found along a slice of the northern coast. Cala Brandinchi near San Teodoro has family friendly turquoise waters and pine forest backdrop. The Capriccioli Beach (in the Costa Smeralda region), composed of four small, crescent shaped coves of sand framed by pale pink granite. La Pelosa has become an icon of Sardinian beauty in the northwest with its shallow water and historic watchtower. Now, visitor limits have been placed in order to help preserve this delicate ecosystem: access to La Pelosa has been made something of a privilege.
Some of my hidden gems are located on the eastern coast’s Gulf of Orosei. For its pristine shore and distinctive rock arch, Cala Goloritzè commands a 1.5 hour hike rewarded with stunning scenery. Cala Gonone is the nearest town which is accessible by road from elsewhere on Sardinia and which has a small airport, and from which boat is provided to Cala Mariolu and Cala Luna with excellent snorkeling opportunities. And don’t overlook the southern coast either, Tuerredda Beach in Chia just north of Terversa, offers a perfect crescent of white sand and brilliantly clear water for swimming and snorkeling. However you may enjoy warm waters and avoid the biggest crowds during shoulder season (May-June or September-October) at these beaches.
How to travel to Sardinia for cheap?
If you are looking to explore Sardinia on a budget, avoid both the peak summer months (June to the end of August), and head for shoulder season (May through June, or September through October), book in advance, stay in agriturismi (farm stays) or self catering apartments, avoid peak seasons if you can and ferry or hire a car, opt for local trattorias and cook your meals with the produce on sale at local markets.
So I’ve found that accommodation is where I’m going to get the biggest potential saving. Agriturismi are an excellent place to stay, with prices of €70 -110 per night with breakfast and sometimes dinner, which makes your experience authentic Sardinian. There are self catered apartments available onsite starting at €80-120 per night — saving you money on food. I recommend booking car rentals far in advance – we paid €40 for a week of car rentals in low season, but during summer the prices skyrocket to three times that. On the other hand, the ARST bus network serves basically the whole island at moderate fares.
Certain local dining customs can be easily embraced to effectively manage food costs. Local trattorias offer excellent value at a random figure of €15 for two courses, look for menù del giorno (daily fixed price menus). Secondly, shopping at local markets and making your own meals are both relatively cheap, so I recommend getting delivery directly from producers for things like pecorino cheese and olive oil. In order to dodge expensive parking/surf club fees for beach visits, try somewhat less famous but also beautiful places like Porto Pino or Is Arutas. When trying to dine out try the house wine (vino della casa) and avoid restaurants in tourist hotspots in favor of restaurants located in residential areas.
How is winter in Sardinia?
According to those who fly to Sardinia during the winter (November to March), with temperatures that are commonly around 12-15C, much less crowded, more wallet-friendly and more chances to explore the cultural sights, hike, take in authentic local festivals and such. But some of the island’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage can be enjoyed in the quieter winter months while swimming may not be on the agenda.**
And the winter season makes Sardinia change from a beach one, to a cultural paradise. During this time I particularely like to explore the island’s interior, where traditional villages open up at festivals and events. The Barbagia enjoys several series of islands, with the famous Autunno in Barbagia being one of them, where villages and their historic centers as well as their houses open up for visitors. With a mild climate, it’s the perfect place to hike in the Supramonte or to further explore archaeological sites like Su Nuraxi di Barumini without the summer heat.
When the sun goes down, you have winter and some of the best value for money time of year with accommodation prices often being cut in half compared with the summer rates. The likes of Cagliari remain rich cities in terms of museums, restaurants, and cultural sites to experience all year round. Days that happen from September to April are when you can properly get a taste of authentic Sardinian food with springtime favorites like malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi) and filling meat dishes. Even where coastal areas are quieter during winter, there are stunning photo opportunities of the dramatic seascapes as well as hotels in major towns that generally stay open all year round. Winter visits however give you an opportunity to feel closer to the local culture and traditions, and in a way accessing a different side of the Sardinian experience.