The second largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily, offers striking contrasts to those who take the time to explore it in all its diversity. From Porto Cervo, the ultra-chic seaside resort on the Costa Smeralda in the north, to the prehistoric archaeological site of Su Nuraxi in the south, via the ghostly old mines of Montevecchio and Ingurtosu. Sardinia offers an extraordinary range of surprising places. The landscapes between the cliffs offering a panoramic view and the coastline lined with beautiful beaches will also intoxicate you like a good Sardinian wine, well accompanied by your Sardinian tour guide. Less high than its Corsican neighbour, the island is nevertheless a paradise for hikers. It is made up of 80% wild and green mountains and hills, with rugged relief in the Barbaria or steep horizons enamelled with centuries-old oak and olive trees in Supramonte. It is not uncommon to come across shepherds e, heading for the heights of the emerald coloured jewel. Sardinia is also the steep alleys and old palaces of Cagliari, its capital, the fine sandy beaches of the Costa del Sud, the small coves of the Mediterranean Sea. The multicoloured façades of Bosa, the ramparts of the medieval city of Alghero or the wall paintings of Orgosolo are wonders not to be missed. You're not going to get around it! The atmosphere of the peninsula invites you to laze around. Villages like Burgos bear witness to its medieval past. A holiday in Sardinia is also an opportunity to taste the typical cuisine of the region accompanied by its pecorino: the Sardinian cheese par excellence. In short, if you dream of a destination that mixes heavenly beaches, archaeological sites, small remarkable villages and the possibility of hiking in the mountains, take a plane ticket to Sardinia!

The must-see places in Sardinia

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When to go to Sardinia?

If you can, avoid Sardinia in July and August (especially the north of the island and especially its coasts): apart from the scorching heat, the island is literally invaded by tourists at this time. It becomes more difficult to know where to stay if you don't book in advance and hotel prices go up. The best time to visit Sardinia is undoubtedly spring: the weather is ideal, nature is in bloom and popular or religious festivals follow one another. The second half of September is also a good time. You can still enjoy the beaches, the crowds of tourists have already passed by and the prices are more accessible. The Mediterranean climate, however, makes it possible to enjoy the island almost all year round. Sightseeing tours are permanently proposed to you. Take advantage of these to discover the caves in Sardinia.

  • Weather forecast
  • Budget
  • Procedures
  • Health
  • Discovery
Weather at the moment
Weather all year round

Don't worry about the weather, the Mediterranean climate in which Sardinia is bathed is mild and sunny three quarters of the year! The summer, which corresponds to the high season, is hot, while the winter is mild in most of the island. Beware, however, the winter is cool, even cold, in the Barbagia mountains and the centre of the island. Rains are frequent in winter and especially in autumn.

Budget

Italy is in the euro zone. Life in Sardinia is generally cheaper than in France. This is evident in everyday food products, restaurants or public transport. However, gasoline is generally more expensive there. Jet set towns such as Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo on the Costa Smeralda, or Villasimius and Chia in the south of the island will have the same exorbitant prices as Saint-Tropez, especially in the summer

Procedures

For citizens of the European Union, an identity card is sufficient to enter Italian territory and stay there for three months. Beyond three months, the Questura (prefecture) must issue you with a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit), which will be valid for a period of five years.

Health

No special vaccinations are required before travelling to Sardinia. Little risk of special contamination or lack of emergency assistance. Rescue is very well organized, and the mobile phone works well everywhere, allowing for an early warning in the event of a problem. As elsewhere, pack a small first-aid kit including mosquito repellent and bandages, especially if you're going camping. Frequent problems remain sunstroke on Mediterranean beaches and eye infections caused by not wearing sunglasses.

How to go to Sardinia? Our advice & tips

  • Organised trips
  • Going alone
  • Moving around

Sardinia lends itself well to a road trip or accompanied tours of a week or more to discover the four corners of the island. However, beware of bus distances as the roads can be long and winding from one site to another. Many thematic stays also à la carte, depending on your interests: sport, gastronomy, cultural sites, unmissable sites...Your Petit futé guide is provided in good addresses.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

There are direct flights to Sardinia. The whose price can vary from single to double. The price variation depends on the company borrowed but, above all, on the time required to book. To obtain attractive rates, it is essential to do so well in advance. It is also possible to come by ferry from France or Italy.

The road network is in very good condition and buses serve most cities. Be careful if you rent a car because petrol stations are not necessarily numerous in mountainous areas and they are often closed on Sundays. The train is also an option, but not necessarily faster or more convenient.

Prepare for your trip Sardinia

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Practical information
When to travel?

If you can, avoid Sardinia in July and August (especially the north of the island and especially its coasts): apart f...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

Don't worry about the weather, the Mediterranean climate in which Sardinia is bathed is mild and sunny three quarters...
Read more about it

Budget

Italy is in the euro zone. Life in Sardinia is generally cheaper than in France. This is evident in everyday food pro...
Read more about it

Formalities

For citizens of the European Union, an identity card is sufficient to enter Italian territory and stay there for thre...
Read more about it

Health

No special vaccinations are required before travelling to Sardinia. Little risk of special contamination or lack of e...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

There are direct flights to Sardinia. The whose price can vary from single to double. The price variation depends on...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Sardinia lends itself well to a road trip or accompanied tours of a week or more to discover the four corners of the...
Read more about it

Getting around

The road network is in very good condition and buses serve most cities. Be careful if you rent a car because petrol s...
Read more about it

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