Sardinia Tips & Info for Your Dream Vacation

Planning a trip to Sardinia, the Mediterranean’s Caribbean, but not sure what to expect?

In this guide, we share our top Sardinia tips and insights so that you’ll know in advance what to look forward to on Italy’s second-largest island, including local cuisine, the best ways to get around, where to stay, and much more.

1. THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SARDINIA

Sardinia is famous for its beautiful beaches, making summer the best season to visit. From May to October, there’s little to no rain, and temperatures are pleasantly warm.
In July and August, temperatures reach around 30°C, which is Sardinia’s peak season.

If you’d rather explore the island’s beauty beyond the beaches or avoid high temperatures, the spring and autumn months are ideal.
You can still swim in the sea, and prices for accommodations and other expenses are lower due to the off-season.

During our October visit, we had two rainy days, an average temperature of 26°C, and sea temperatures around 22°C.

2. ARRIVING BY PLANE

Sardinia’s main airports—Alghero, Olbia, and Cagliari—are accessible from many international destinations, often via connecting flights through major European hubs like London, Rome, or Madrid.

Alghero, located in the northwest, offers access to the island's charming coastal towns.
Olbia, in the northeast, is a gateway to the glamorous Costa Smeralda region.
Cagliari, in the south, connects travelers to the island’s vibrant capital and southern beaches.

International airlines, including budget carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet, serve Sardinia primarily from European cities, making it easy to connect through Europe if you're coming from further afield. For global travelers, airlines such as Lufthansa, British Airways, and ITA Airways provide additional connections.

Flight durations vary based on your origin. From Europe, expect a flight time of 1.5 to 3 hours, while longer-haul flights may take 6 to 10 hours with a layover.

To find the best options, use flight comparison websites like skyscanner.com.
Booking in advance is essential, particularly during peak travel seasons, to secure the best prices and ensure availability.

3. GETTING AROUND SARDINIA

You won’t get far in Sardinia without a car. Public transport is nearly nonexistent, so renting a car is essential.
The island’s scenic, remote beaches, coves, and interior are all best accessed by car. Sardinia is perfect for a road trip across the island and along its coastlines.
Just staying at the hotel could get boring after a while, right?

Rental cars are limited in Sardinia, especially in peak season from late June to mid-September, when available cars are scarce and more expensive.
If you’re planning a trip during this time, book your rental car early.
We also booked our rental car in advance through rentalcars.com.

For 7 days in October, with full insurance (no deductible), glass and tire coverage, unlimited miles, and a fair fuel policy, we paid about $180. Gas cost us around an additional $120.

Tip: Most rental cars come with a USB port, so bring a USB cable for your smartphone.
This way, you can listen to your favorite music on long drives and keep your phone charged, especially if you’re using it as a GPS.

4. HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS IN SARDINIA

Finding affordable accommodations that meet certain standards can be a bit challenging in Sardinia, depending on the location.
It’s worth taking the time to search through platforms like booking.com or Airbnb.

If staying right on the beach in a large hotel isn’t essential, consider staying inland. You’ll find charming, family-run hotels or holiday homes at better rates with warm, welcoming hospitality.
For self-catering accommodations, make sure there’s a supermarket nearby. Many small Italian shops don’t offer a complete range of products.

In our post, “8-Day Road Trip in Sardinia – Our Tips & Highlights”, we not only give insights into our accommodations but also share our route for a scenic island tour.

5. THE CULINARY SIDE OF SARDINIA

Breakfast in Italy—and Sardinia—is usually light, often just coffee and a cornetto.

Lunch is typically served until around 1 pm in most restaurants, after which Italians observe siesta.
Shops, restaurants, etc., close from around 1 pm to 6:30 pm to rest during the hottest hours. You’ll rarely see locals on the streets during this time.

The aperitivo is a beloved Sardinian tradition. It’s not a dinner or snack but more like an Italian version of happy hour.
Between 6 pm and 9 pm, people gather at bars or restaurants to unwind after work with an alcoholic drink, usually wine or Aperol, accompanied by finger food like cheese cubes, sausages, olives, and savory pastries.

Dinner as we know it isn’t typically served until 7 or 8 pm in most restaurants. If you’re hungry earlier, you’ll likely have to make do with a snack.

As you explore Sardinia, you’ll see signs along the road for Agriturismo establishments.
Agriturismo refers to places that prepare their food with ingredients grown on-site or sourced locally, following the “chilometro zero” (zero-kilometer) philosophy.
Sardinians follow this approach out of tradition, conviction, and support for one another.

If you have the chance to dine at an Agriturismo, make sure to reserve a table in advance.
Expect a communal dining experience, with everyone seated together at a long table and the meal served by the owners and their staff at a set time.
There’s no menu or special requests—everyone eats what’s served. If you’re vegetarian, you simply skip the meat dishes and enjoy more of the sides.
Jugs of water and wine are placed on the table, giving you the feel of being a guest at a Sardinian family dinner—a wonderful experience!

Ittiturismo are the seafood version of Agriturismos, offering delicious regional fish menus, often with a view of the sea.
Meals at most Agriturismos and Ittiturismos, including drinks, usually cost between $30 and $40.

Don’t miss out on the homemade gelato and fresh fruit often sold along the roadside.

Can’t get enough of Italian charm combined with a touch of dolce vita? Then the dreamy island of Sicily might be just what you’re looking for!
In our post "Sicily: A 1-Week Road Trip on Italy's Largest Island", we reveal the most beautiful spots, highlights, and everything else you need to know about this Mediterranean gem.

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Discover the best accommodations
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• The best Travel Guides for Sardinia
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Sardinia

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Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.