Imagine arriving on an island where the sea is so transparent it seems unreal, the scent of myrtle comes on the wind and every day has the slow, bright rhythm of Mediterranean life.
Ready? Let's go.
Why is Sardinia so special?
The truth is that Sardinia is not a 'sea place': it is a world of its own.
There is the glamorous part of the Costa Smeralda, of course, but there is also the hinterland where time seems to stand still, the villages where in the evening you can only hear the sound of dishes and people laughing, the beaches that change completely from one area to another.
And the most beautiful thing? That you don't have to be an expert traveller to enjoy it: Sardinia lets itself live.
If you want a quick overview of the island (areas, differences, atmospheres), you can also read a quick overview of the island. It is like a perfect mind map to start with.
When to go to Sardinia: one island, four different seasons
Sardinia is one of those places that changes face depending on the month. And I am not just talking about the climate: it really changes the atmosphere.
May
It is my favourite: the island wakes up, everything is green, the sea is calm and there is silence everywhere. Perfect for those who love nature and tranquillity.
June
One of the best months ever.
Long days, perfect sea, not very crowded. Ideal for those who want sea + excursions.
July
This is where it all comes together: more people, more events, more everything.
The beaches are full but never unmanageable.
August
The most famous (and expensive) month.
If you like a lively atmosphere, this is your moment.
September
A jewel.
The sea is warmer than in August and the beaches are breathable again.
October
Very undervalued.
No chaos, beautiful colours, low prices. Perfect for trekking and cultural visits.
If you want more detailed reading, take a look at Climate and Best Time to Visit Sardinia.
Where to stay: the most important choice
Sardinia has a huge offer: hotels, resorts, B&Bs... but more and more travellers are choosing the holiday home.
And I will explain why.
Why choose a holiday home
- You have space (especially if you are travelling with family or friends).
- You have privacy.
- You can cook - and it is a shame not to do it here, given how good Sardinian cuisine is.
- You often save money compared to hotels of equal quality.
In short, it is a choice that makes you feel less of a tourist and more of a traveller.
If you want to know more, there is a very useful guide: Guide to Renting a Holiday Home in Sardinia
House rules: don't panic
Each house has simple rules (separate waste collection, quick shower after the beach, use of air conditioning...), nothing complicated.
If you want to understand what to expect, read on: Top 10 House Rules for Renting your House Sardinia
Getting around in Sardinia
Here I must be honest: the car is almost indispensable
The island is large, poorly connected internally and the most beautiful beaches are often out of the way.
Renting a car
If you do not arrive with your own car, hiring one is the best option.
Costs change a lot depending on the month, but there are tricks to save money and avoid pitfalls.
If you want to avoid surprises, I recommend this guide:
Renting a Car in Sardinia: Complete Guide and Tips
Getting around by boat
And then there is another way of experiencing the island: from the sea.
You don't need to be an expert: you can choose an organised trip, a skippered dinghy, a sailboat or even a yacht if you want to go over the top.
Sardinia seen from the sea is something else.
Sardinia by Boat: 10 Useful Tips before Chartering
La Maddalena Archipelago
The Maddalena Archipelago is the place that most leaves those who come to Sardinia for the first time open-mouthed.
Imagine water so transparent that it looks photoshopped.
White beaches, wild islands, protected coves.
Touring the Magdalena Islands
It is the most popular excursion in northern Sardinia.
There are group tours, private tours, dinghies and catamarans.
If you want to choose wisely, this guide is perfect:
Boat Tours to the Maddalena Islands: Info and Prices
Navigation Rules
Being a national park, there are strict rules not to ruin such a fragile environment. Everything is well explained here: Sailing in the La Maddalena Archipelago: The Rules
What to see in Sardinia beyond the sea
I know: the sea is crazy.
But it would be a shame to stop there.
Sardinia 'Stonehenge'
The island is an open-air museum: nuraghi, dolmens, ancient tombs.
Some compare it to a Mediterranean Stonehenge - and that is no exaggeration.
If you love history and mysteries, this article is for you:
Sardinia like Stonehenge: Archaeological Wonders
Sardinian cuisine: the journey within the journey
Sardinia is a harmony of ancient flavours.
I will make you a list of dishes that in my opinion you must try:
- Culurgiones (stuffed, hand-braided)
- Malloreddus alla campidanese
- Fregula with seafood
- Porceddu
- Cheeses (above all: Sardinian pecorino)
- Seadas
And if you feel like cooking, there is this guide:
Sardinian Cuisine: Recipes for a Journey through Authentic Flavours
Traditional events and festivals
Sardinia is famous for some incredible festivals: traditional costumes, horses, songs, ancient rituals.
If you want to discover the most important ones (and maybe plan a trip there), read on:
Events and Traditional Festivals in Sardinia: What Not to Miss
Recommended itinerary for a first time visitor
Here is a simple but beautiful itinerary for 7 days:
Day 1-2: Costa Smeralda (or San Teodoro area)
Day 3: Trip to the Magdalena
Day 4: Cultural visit: nuraghi or archaeology
Day 5-6: Relaxation and different beaches
Day 7: Markets, local food and final sunset
Practical advice (the real kind)
The ones I wish I had known the first few times:
- Don't enter the water 'in a hurry': here you live slowly.
- On many beaches there is nothing: bring water.
- Avoid leaving objects in the car (especially in isolated creeks).
- Protect your skin: the sun is strong, even if it doesn't look it.
- Take your time to read the rules: it will prevent misunderstandings.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
1. How much does a week in Sardinia cost?
Depends on the month, but (for two people):
- low season: €800-1,200
- high season: € 1,500-2,500 (or more)
2. Better north or south?
For the first time, many choose the north because it is more diverse.
3. Need a car?
Yes, almost always.
4. Is the sea really that beautiful?
Yes. And it is often better live.
5. Is it worth a boat trip?
Absolutely.
Conclusions
Sardinia is an island to be experienced slowly, letting yourself be surprised a little at a time.
No matter whether you love the sea, nature, food, history or simply the freedom of a holiday home surrounded by tranquillity: here you will always find something to fall in love with.
I hope this guide has given you inspiration and the right information to plan your perfect holiday.
. 