26 things to know before going to Sardinia

If you are planning a trip to Sardinia, you will surely have doubts about What is the best time to go, how to get around the island, which beaches to visit, or how much it costs to travel Sardinia is an incredible destination, but being a large island, it's important to plan your trip well so you don't waste time or money.

In this guide we have compiled the best tips and practical information to make your trip a success. From how to get there and where to stay to The best excursions and typical dishes you should try Here you'll find everything you need to enjoy Sardinia to the fullest. Let's get started!

✈️ Preparations and basic information

The best time to travel to Sardinia

Sardinia is a destination that can be visited all year round, but the experience varies greatly depending on the time of year you visit. If you are traveling by july and august You'll find the beaches crowded, prices higher, and it's essential to book both accommodation and rental cars in advance. However, if you're looking for atmosphere and nightlife, these are the busiest months.

However, if you prefer a quieter trip without crowds, it is best to go by May, June, September or early October During these months, the weather remains warm, the sea is warm, and prices are more reasonable. Plus, you can enjoy the beaches without fighting for a spot on the sand.

Winter, of November to March It's the low season. Many tourist areas close, and the weather is more unstable, although it's still a good time to explore towns and go hiking at a leisurely pace.

If you can choose dates, our recommendation is to travel in June or September These are the perfect months to enjoy the good weather without the madness of summer.

How to get there? Plane or ferry

Getting to Sardinia is easy, whether by plane or ferry, and the choice depends on your starting point and whether you want to bring your own car.

If you prefer to fly, the island has three main airports: Cagliari (CAG) in the south, Olbia (OLB) in the northeast and Alghero (AHO) in the northwest. Low-cost airlines often operate flights from several European cities, so with a little planning, you can find affordable tickets.

The ferry is the best option if you want to arrive by car. There are connections from Barcelona, usually leaving at night and arriving on the island the next day. If you consider this option, we recommend booking well in advance, especially during peak season, as prices can rise significantly.

If you're traveling for a few days, the most convenient option is to fly and rent a car on the island. If you're traveling with your own vehicle and aren't in a rush, the ferry can be an interesting option.

How many days do you need to visit Sardinia?

Sardinia is a large island, and although the distances may not seem excessive on the map, secondary roads and the lack of motorways can make travel slower than expected.

If you only have three or four days, it's best to focus on a single area, such as the north (Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena) or the south (Cagliari and its surroundings). For a more complete overview, it's ideal to dedicate at least seven days, which will allow you to explore beaches, towns and archaeological sites without rushing.

If you have ten or fifteen days, you can take a more complete trip, combining the most touristic areas with other less explored areas in the interior. In this case, you might be interested in this Sardinia route in 7 days as a starting point for organizing the itinerary.

Documentation required to travel to Sardinia

If you travel from Spain or any country in the European Union, you will only need the Valid ID or passport It is also advisable to bring the European Health Insurance Card, as it will allow you to access the Italian public health system if necessary.

If you plan to rent a car, remember to bring the driving license (Spanish is valid without the need for homologation). For travelers coming from outside the EU, it's important to check visa requirements in advance.

Travel insurance: is it advisable?

Sardinia is a safe destination, but a travel insurance It can be a good idea to avoid any unpleasant surprises. The European Health Insurance Card covers medical care in public hospitals, but it doesn't include expenses such as repatriation, private treatment, or problems with luggage and flights.

If you are going to rent a car, it is advisable to choose insurance with coverage of roadside assistance, as some secondary roads on the island may be in poor condition and in remote areas tow truck service is not always prompt.

We usually travel with insurance, and although luckily we've never had to use it for anything serious, it's reassuring to know that any unforeseen event is covered.

Is it expensive to travel to Sardinia?

Prices in Sardinia vary greatly depending on the season. During july and august, accommodation can double in price, car rentals skyrocket, and eating at restaurants in tourist areas is significantly more expensive.

To give you an idea of the approximate budget:

• Lodging: A budget B&B is around 40-60€ per night in mid-season, while a mid-range hotel may be between 80 and 150€ On the Emerald Coast, prices are rising considerably.
• Food A plate of pasta in a trattoria costs between 10 and 15€, while a full menu with starter, main course and dessert is around 25-30€ In more touristy areas, prices may be higher.
• Car rental: Prices can range from €30-40 per day in low season and €80-100 in August. Add the cost of fuel and some road tolls.
• Excursions and activities: Prices vary depending on the activity, but a boat trip around La Maddalena can cost between 40 and 120€, depending on the type of boat and the route. If you're interested in this experience, you can take a look at this sailing excursion around La Maddalena.

If you're traveling on a budget, the key is to book in advance and avoid the most touristy restaurants and hotels. Eating at local markets, staying in lesser-known towns, and traveling during the off-season can make your trip much more affordable.

🚗 How to get around Sardinia

Sardinia is a large island, and although there is public transportation, the best way to explore is by rental car. The main roads are in good condition, but many beaches and natural areas are only accessible by private vehicle or through organized tours.

Renting a car in Sardinia: tips and prices

If you want to travel independently and explore the island at your own pace, renting a car is the best option. Although there are buses and trains that connect the larger cities, they don't reach many of the island's most beautiful spots.

Rental prices vary considerably depending on the season. In the off-season, you can find cars for 30-40€ per day, while in July and August prices can rise to 80-100€ daily. To save, it is key book in advance and compare prices across different companies.

Some tips to keep in mind:

• The insurance: It is best to choose an option with full coverage, as some rural roads may be in poor condition.
• Car size: Secondary roads can be narrow, so a small car is best if you're traveling in rural areas.

If you are going to combine car with organized excursions, a good option is to make a Sardinia route in 7 days by rental car and then book some boat trips or guided tours to explore less accessible areas.

Public transport in Sardinia: buses and trains

If you don't want to drive, you can get around by bus or train, but keep in mind that The schedules are regular and the connections are not the best..

Trains connect some of the major cities, such as Cagliari, Sassari, Oristano and Olbia, but they don't reach many tourist areas or beaches. They're an option if you're traveling between larger cities, but they won't help you explore the island in depth.

Buses cover more destinations, but they can be slow and schedules are not always well coordinated. The company ARST It's the main operator and connects cities and small towns. If you're traveling by public transport, it's important to check the schedules in advance because some routes only have a couple of routes per day.

On the Costa Smeralda, where public transportation is quite limited, a good option is to combine bus and organized excursions. If you are in the northeast of the island, you can take a sailing excursion around La Maddalena, one of the best ways to visit the archipelago without a car.

Roads and driving on the island

If you haven't heard yet, Sardinians have a reputation for driving in a rather "rough" manner, which you'll notice as soon as you get in your first car in Sardinia. Here are some tips:

• There are no highways, only national and secondary roads. The main road is the SS131, which crosses the island from north to south and connects Cagliari with Sassari and Porto Torres.
• Secondary roads can be slow In some inland or coastal areas, curves and the condition of the road may make journeys longer than they appear on the map.
• Radars are frequent and speed limits are strictly enforced. In cities, the limit is usually 50 km/h, on secondary roads 90 km/h and on the main roads 110 km/h.

Parking and access to beaches during high season

In summer, access to many beaches is complicated because the parking lots fill up quickly and some of the most popular ones have limited capacity Beaches like La Pelosa, Cala Goloritzé or Tuerredda require prior reservation or entry payment in high season.

Some tips to avoid parking problems:

• Arrive early: From 10:00 a.m. onwards, the parking lots at many beaches are already full.
• Use public transportation or boats In areas like the Gulf of Orosei, many coves are only accessible by boat. You can book a boat trip through the Gulf of Orosei to avoid the complication of parking.
• Review rates: Some parking spaces cost 10-15€ per day Some beaches have parking meters that only accept coins.

If your idea is to visit several beaches in the Gulf of Orosei, a good option is to book a cruise by the gulf and forget about the car for a day.

🏝️ Beaches and nature

If Sardinia is famous for anything, it is for its spectacular beaches Here you'll find white sand, turquoise waters, and hidden coves that look like they're straight out of the Caribbean. The island also offers options for hiking and nature lovers, with stunning landscapes both inland and on the coast.

The best beaches in Sardinia and how to get there

Choosing the best beaches in Sardinia is difficult because there are so many, and they all have something special about them. Some of the most impressive are:

• Goloritzé Cove One of the island's most iconic beaches. It can only be reached by boat or a one-hour walk from the Su Porteddu trail. To maintain its beauty, access is limited, and an entrance fee is required.
• La Pelosa Located in the north, near Stintino, it's famous for its crystal-clear waters and fine sand. In summer, advance booking is required for entry.
• Mariolu Cove Located in the Gulf of Orosei, this cove of white pebbles and deep blue water is perfect for snorkeling. It can only be reached by boat or a challenging hike.
• Spiaggia di Tuerredda: One of the best beaches in southern Sardinia, with calm waters and a stunning natural setting. It also has limited capacity during high season.
• Brandinchi Cove Nicknamed "Little Tahiti", it is one of the most beautiful beaches near San Teodoro, ideal for families due to its shallow waters.

If you want to see a more detailed list, we leave you this guide with the best beaches of the Gulf of Orosei and another with the best beaches of the Costa Smeralda.

Hiking and nature trails: Gola di Gorropu and more

Sardinia isn't just about beaches. The island's interior hides mountainous landscapes and spectacular canyons that are perfect for hiking. One of the most impressive places is the Gola di Gorropu, a 500-meter-deep gorge considered one of the largest canyons in Europe.

Other recommended routes are:

• Hiking in the Devil's Saddle → An easy hike with spectacular views of the Cagliari coastline. You can do this route with a guide by booking. here.
• 4x4 tour of the Gulf of Orosei → If you prefer an off-road adventure through the wildest landscapes of the island, you can book a 4x4 tour here.
• Excursion to the Gorropu Canyon → A challenging hike, but with spectacular scenery. If you'd like to do it with a guide, you can sign up for this one. excursion to the Gorropu Gorge.
• Excursion to Tiscali → A trail that leads to a Nuragic village hidden in a cave in the middle of the mountains. If you're interested, you can book a tour here. excursion to Tiscali.

Boat trips: Gulf of Orosei and La Maddalena

Some of Sardinia's most beautiful coves can only be visited by boat, so taking a sea excursion is one of the best experiences on the island:

• The Gulf of Orosei, with beaches like Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna and Cala Biriola, all accessible by boat or motorboat. You can book a cruise through the Gulf of Orosei to visit these beaches without worrying about transportation.
• The Archipelago of La Maddalena, a group of islands with turquoise waters that look like they're straight out of the Caribbean. The best way to visit is by boat. Here you can take a sailing excursion around La Maddalena.

If you want more information about La Maddalena, you can read our Guide on what to see in La Maddalena.

🍽️ Gastronomy and where to eat

Sardinian food is a reflection of its history and geography: a blend of pastoral traditions and seafood, with hearty dishes and intense flavors. Here you'll find not only pasta and pizza, but also roasted meats, rich cheeses, and traditional desserts that will surprise you.

Typical dishes you must try in Sardinia

If there's one thing you can't miss on your trip, it's trying Sardinian cuisine. These are some of the island's most iconic dishes:

• Malloreddus alla Campidanese: Small pasta shells with a tomato sauce, Sardinian sausage (sausage) and pecorino. It is one of the most traditional dishes.
• Culurgiones Pasta filled with potato, pecorino cheese, and mint, with a very characteristic braided shape. Served with tomato sauce and more grated cheese on top.
• Fregola with seafood: A type of thick couscous cooked with clams, shrimp, and a saffron fish broth.
• Your Porcheddu: Suckling pig roasted for hours with aromatic herbs, until the skin is crispy and the meat juicy.
• Carasau Bread: A thin, crispy bread that Sardinian shepherds carried on their journeys. It can be eaten alone or in its more substantial version, pane frattau, with tomato, poached egg and pecorino.
• Bottarga: Cured mullet roe, grated over pasta or served in slices with olive oil and lemon.
• Seadas A typical dessert: fried empanadas filled with pecorino cheese and bathed in honey.

If you want to learn more about Sardinian food or want to see tips for eating well and cheaply in Sardinia, we leave you our guide on what to eat in Sardinia.

Markets and local products you can't miss

Markets are a must-visit for those who enjoy discovering local flavors. Some of the best markets in Sardinia are:

• San Benedetto Market (Cagliari) → The largest covered market in Italy, with an incredible selection of fish, seafood, cheeses, and cured meats.
• Alghero Market → Ideal for experiencing the Catalan influence on Sardinian cuisine, with products such as Catalan-style lobster and traditional sausages.
• Olbia Market → With a wide selection of local cheeses, artisan bread, and myrtle, the island's signature liqueur.
• Oristano Market → A perfect place to try the bottarga and other seafood products.

If you want to try quality Sardinian wine and products, a good option is to make a wine, cheese and cured meats tasting in Cagliari.

🏛️ Best areas to stay in Sardinia

Accommodation in Sardinia: best areas to stay

Choosing the right accommodation in Sardinia is key to making the most of your time and avoiding spending more hours on the road than necessary. The island is large, the distances are deceptive, and it's not always easy to travel between areas without wasting half a day on the road.

If you are going to tour the island, the ideal thing is to do several accommodation bases in different areas instead of sleeping in the same place every night. These are some of the best areas depending on the type of trip you want to take:

• Cagliari and surrounding areas: Perfect if you want to combine beach and culture. Near the city there are beaches like Poetto and Tuerredda, and you can also take excursions to historical sites such as Nora and Barumini.
• Emerald Coast If you want beaches with turquoise waters and some nightlife, this is the best option. However, it is the most expensive area on the island.
• Alghero Ideal if you're looking for a charming city with great food and nearby beaches. It's also a good base for exploring the northwest of the island.
• Gulf of Orosei A perfect area for lovers of hiking and unspoiled coves. From Cala Gonone, boats depart to some of Sardinia's most stunning beaches.

If you need more information to choose accommodation, you can consult our guide on where to stay in Sardinia, with hotel and area recommendations based on your budget.

Sardinian culture: festivals, traditions and local language

Sardinia has a very strong cultural identity, distinct from the rest of Italy. Here they speak Italian, but also the Sardinian, a language of its own that varies depending on the area of the island. In Alghero, you'll also find many Catalan influences, both in the architecture and the language.

Some of the most important festivals in Sardinia are:

• The Festa di Sant'Efisio (Cagliari): One of the largest and most colorful processions in Italy, held every May 1st.
• The Sartiglia (Oristano): A medieval equestrian tournament held in February, with riders dressed in traditional costumes.
• The Sardinian Cavalcata (Sassari) In May, the streets of Sassari are filled with parades of folk groups dressed in traditional costumes.

Currency, ATMs, and how to pay in Sardinia

The official currency is the euro, and most restaurants and shops accept credit cards. However, in small towns, markets, and some parking lots, only cash payment, so it is advisable to carry some money with you.

If you want to avoid bank fees, you can use cards like Revolut or Wise, which allow you to pay abroad without extra charges.

❓ Frequently asked questions about Sardinia

What is the best time to visit Sardinia?

It depends on what you're looking for. If you want to enjoy the beaches without the crowds, it's best to travel by May, June, September or early October The weather is warm, the sea water is at a good temperature, and the prices are more affordable.

If you can only travel by July or August, you'll find a good atmosphere and plenty of sunshine, but also higher prices and crowded beaches. However, if your plan is more about hiking and culture, the months of autumn and winter They can be an interesting option to explore the island more calmly.

How to get around the island without a car?

Getting around Sardinia without a car is possible, but you need to plan carefully. Public transportation on the island is limited, and there aren't always good connections between the main tourist spots.

Trains are useful for going from Cagliari to Sassari, Oristano or Olbia, but they don't reach the beaches or remote areas. The buses, operated by the company ARST, cover more destinations, but schedules can be scarce and unreliable.

If you don't want to rent a car, a good option is to combine buses with organized excursions For example, if you want to visit coves on the east coast, you can book a boat trip through the Gulf of Orosei to access beaches that can only be reached by sea.

How much does it cost to travel to Sardinia?

The budget for a trip to Sardinia depends on the season and the type of accommodation you choose. In general, these are the approximate prices:

• Lodging: From 30-40€ per night in cheap hostels or B&Bs, up to more than €200 in luxury hotels on the Emerald Coast.
• Food: A plate of pasta costs between 10-15€, a full menu in a trattoria is around 25-30€ and an appetizer with a drink usually costs about 10-15€.
• Car rental: Between €30-40 per day in low season and €80-100 in August.
• Excursions: The most popular, like a Sailing tour around La Maddalena or a cruise through the Gulf of Orosei, cost between 40 and 120€ depending on the duration and type of vessel.

To save money, it's best to book in advance and avoid peak demand months.

What are the best excursions in Sardinia?

If you want to make the most of your trip, we recommend these excursions:

• To discover Cagliari and its history → Guided tour of Cagliari
• To discover hidden coves → Boat trip through the Gulf of Orosei
• To see the northern islands → Sailing trip around La Maddalena
• For hiking lovers → Excursion to the Gorropu Gorge

How many days is recommended to visit the island?

The ideal is to pass at least 7 days in Sardinia to see the most important sights without rushing. If you only have 3 or 4 days, it is better to focus on a single area, such as Cagliari and the south the Emerald Coast or the Gulf of Orosei.

If you want to explore the entire island, it is best to divide the trip into several accommodation bases and follow one organized route You can take a look at our proposal for Sardinia route in 7 days to optimize your time.

Is it necessary to reserve accommodation and a car in advance?

If you travel in July or August Yes, it's essential. During peak season, hotels and rental cars fill up quickly and prices rise considerably. It's best to book with at least 3 or 4 months in advance to get good rates.

At mid-season (May, June, September, October) There is more availability, but it is still advisable to book in advance if you want good accommodation at a good price.

At winter Except in very touristy areas, you won't have any trouble finding accommodation on the go.

What is the weather like in Sardinia?

The climate in Sardinia is Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters. In July and August, temperatures are around 30-35°C, while in spring and autumn they are more pleasant, with highs of 22-28°C.

Winter is cooler, especially in the interior of the island, where it can be 10-15°C during the day. It doesn't usually rain much, but in autumn there's a greater chance of encountering a rainy day.

If your idea is to go hiking or cultural tourism, the months of April, May, September and October They are perfect for avoiding the extreme heat of summer.

Do you need a plug adapter in Sardinia?

In Sardinia they are used type F and L plugs The F type are the same as in Spain, but the L type have three pins and can be found in some older accommodations.

If your hotel uses L-type plugs, it is best to bring one universal adapter, although in most places you can charge devices with Spanish plugs without any problems.

Is it safe to go sightseeing in Sardinia?

Sardinia is a safe destination for tourists. There are no crime problems like in other tourist areas of Italy, but it is advisable to take basic precautions:

• Do not leave valuables in plain sight in rental cars.
• Carry your backpack closed in tourist areas to avoid pickpockets.
• Respect the rules for accessing protected beaches to avoid fines.

Otherwise, it's a very peaceful place and perfect for traveling as a couple, as a family, or alone.

If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement 26 things to know before going to Sardinia you can visit our posts about Sardinia.