Sardinia
Sardinia
Short overview
An island of wild mountains, granite coves and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. Come for beaches, hiking and shepherd's cooking — and expect long drives, sparse buses and an August rush.
Best times to go
May – June
Warm sea, wildflowers on the hills and beaches without the summer crowds.
September – early October
The sea is at its warmest, prices drop and the island goes quiet again.
Good for
beach lovers, hikers, road-trippers and anyone after nature on a budget.
Skip if
you don't want to drive or prefer city sightseeing — Sardinia is about nature, and public transport is limited.
Things to do
Cala Goloritzé
Hike down through a limestone gorge to a white-pebble cove with a towering rock spire.
3–4 hours
€6–8 trail ticket (book ahead)
Cala Goloritzé
Hike down through a limestone gorge to a white-pebble cove with a towering rock spire.
3–4 hours
€6–8 trail ticket (book ahead)
Cala Goloritzé
Hike down through a limestone gorge to a white-pebble cove with a towering rock spire.
3–4 hours
€6–8 trail ticket (book ahead)
Boat trip in the Gulf of Orosei
Cruise along sea cliffs to hidden coves and grottoes only reachable by water.
Full day
€40–70 per person
Full day
€40–70 per person
Su Nuraxi di Barumini
A UNESCO-listed Bronze Age stone fortress, one of thousands of nuraghi across the island.
1–2 hours
€15 entry
1–2 hours
€15 entry
Cheapest
€
40
/week
Free beaches, self-guided hikes and one nuraghe visit.
Best value
€
160
/week
A shared boat trip, Cala Goloritzé and a few archaeological sites.
Splurge
€
750
/week
A private boat charter, guided canyon hikes and a wine tasting.
Cheapest
€
40
/week
Free beaches, self-guided hikes and one nuraghe visit.
Best value
€
160
/week
A shared boat trip, Cala Goloritzé and a few archaeological sites.
Splurge
€
750
/week
A private boat charter, guided canyon hikes and a wine tasting.
Cheapest
€
40
/week
Free beaches, self-guided hikes and one nuraghe visit.
Best value
€
160
/week
A shared boat trip, Cala Goloritzé and a few archaeological sites.
Splurge
€
750
/week
A private boat charter, guided canyon hikes and a wine tasting.
Food and drink
Sardinian food is rustic and hearty: roast meats, pecorino, flatbreads and unique pastas, often served at countryside agriturismi.
Breakfast
Cheapest
Cappuccino and cornetto
The classic Italian bar breakfast, taken standing at the counter.
€
3
Best value
Pane carasau with honey
Crisp, paper-thin shepherd's bread drizzled with bitter strawberry-tree honey.
€
4
Splurge
Agriturismo breakfast
Homemade cakes, ricotta, fruit and fresh bread on a farm terrace.
€
10
Breakfast
Cheapest
Cappuccino and cornetto
The classic Italian bar breakfast, taken standing at the counter.
€
3
Best value
Pane carasau with honey
Crisp, paper-thin shepherd's bread drizzled with bitter strawberry-tree honey.
€
4
Splurge
Agriturismo breakfast
Homemade cakes, ricotta, fruit and fresh bread on a farm terrace.
€
10
Breakfast
Cheapest
Cappuccino and cornetto
The classic Italian bar breakfast, taken standing at the counter.
€
3
Best value
Pane carasau with honey
Crisp, paper-thin shepherd's bread drizzled with bitter strawberry-tree honey.
€
4
Splurge
Agriturismo breakfast
Homemade cakes, ricotta, fruit and fresh bread on a farm terrace.
€
10
Lunch
Cheapest
Beach picnic
Pecorino, salami, tomatoes and bread from a village shop.
€
7
Best value
Culurgiones
Hand-pinched pasta parcels filled with potato, pecorino and mint, served with tomato sauce.
€
13
Splurge
Seafood lunch by the sea
Fregola with clams or spaghetti with bottarga at a beach restaurant.
€
22
Lunch
Cheapest
Beach picnic
Pecorino, salami, tomatoes and bread from a village shop.
€
7
Best value
Culurgiones
Hand-pinched pasta parcels filled with potato, pecorino and mint, served with tomato sauce.
€
13
Splurge
Seafood lunch by the sea
Fregola with clams or spaghetti with bottarga at a beach restaurant.
€
22
Lunch
Cheapest
Beach picnic
Pecorino, salami, tomatoes and bread from a village shop.
€
7
Best value
Culurgiones
Hand-pinched pasta parcels filled with potato, pecorino and mint, served with tomato sauce.
€
13
Splurge
Seafood lunch by the sea
Fregola with clams or spaghetti with bottarga at a beach restaurant.
€
22
Dinner
Cheapest
Pizzeria dinner
Wood-fired pizza and a cold Ichnusa beer.
€
12
Best value
Agriturismo set dinner
A fixed menu of farm antipasti, homemade pasta, roast meat and local wine.
€
35
Splurge
Costa Smeralda fine dining
Modern Sardinian seafood at an upscale restaurant in Porto Cervo.
€
120
Dinner
Cheapest
Pizzeria dinner
Wood-fired pizza and a cold Ichnusa beer.
€
12
Best value
Agriturismo set dinner
A fixed menu of farm antipasti, homemade pasta, roast meat and local wine.
€
35
Splurge
Costa Smeralda fine dining
Modern Sardinian seafood at an upscale restaurant in Porto Cervo.
€
120
Dinner
Pizzeria dinner
€
12
Wood-fired pizza and a cold Ichnusa beer.
Agriturismo set dinner
€
35
A fixed menu of farm antipasti, homemade pasta, roast meat and local wine.
Costa Smeralda fine dining
€
120
Modern Sardinian seafood at an upscale restaurant in Porto Cervo.
Cheapest
€
140
/week
Bar breakfasts, beach picnics and pizzeria dinners.
Best value
€
300
/week
Seafood lunches and a couple of agriturismo feasts.
Splurge
€
800
/week
Beach club lunches, fine dining and plenty of Vermentino.
Cheapest
€
140
/week
Bar breakfasts, beach picnics and pizzeria dinners.
Best value
€
300
/week
Seafood lunches and a couple of agriturismo feasts.
Splurge
€
800
/week
Beach club lunches, fine dining and plenty of Vermentino.
Cheapest
€
140
/week
Bar breakfasts, beach picnics and pizzeria dinners.
Best value
€
300
/week
Seafood lunches and a couple of agriturismo feasts.
Splurge
€
800
/week
Beach club lunches, fine dining and plenty of Vermentino.
Don't leave without trying
Don't leave without trying
Porceddu
Suckling pig slow-roasted over myrtle and juniper wood until the skin crackles — the centrepiece of Sardinian feasts.
Porceddu
Suckling pig slow-roasted over myrtle and juniper wood until the skin crackles — the centrepiece of Sardinian feasts.
Where to stay
Pick a region rather than one base: the east coast around Cala Gonone for hikes and coves, the south near Cagliari for value, or the north for the Costa Smeralda.
Cheapest
Campsite or hostel in Cala Gonone
Simple rooms or bungalows close to boat trips and the Gulf of Orosei.
€245/week
/night
€
35
Cheapest
Campsite or hostel in Cala Gonone
Simple rooms or bungalows close to boat trips and the Gulf of Orosei.
€245/week
/night
€
35
Best value
B&B in Alghero
A family-run guesthouse inside the walled Catalan old town.
€665/week
/night
€
95
Best value
B&B in Alghero
A family-run guesthouse inside the walled Catalan old town.
€665/week
/night
€
95
Splurge
Resort on the Costa Smeralda
A luxury hotel with a private beach, spa and yacht-filled bay views.
€3,150/week
/night
€
450
Splurge
Resort on the Costa Smeralda
A luxury hotel with a private beach, spa and yacht-filled bay views.
€3,150/week
/night
€
450
Unique stay
Countryside agriturismo
Stay on a working farm in the hills, with home-cooked dinners made from what they grow.
€770/week
/night
€
110
Unique stay
Countryside agriturismo
Stay on a working farm in the hills, with home-cooked dinners made from what they grow.
€770/week
/night
€
110
Unique stay
Countryside agriturismo
Stay on a working farm in the hills, with home-cooked dinners made from what they grow.
€770/week
/night
€
110
Getting around
A car is close to essential. Buses link the towns but rarely reach the best beaches.
Public transport
Coverage
ARST buses and Trenitalia trains connect major towns, but services are slow and infrequent, especially outside summer.
Single ticket
€
3
Weekly pass
€
40
Which modes are available?
Rental car
ARST buses
Boats along the coast
Public transport
Coverage
ARST buses and Trenitalia trains connect major towns, but services are slow and infrequent, especially outside summer.
Single ticket
€
3
Weekly pass
€
40
Which modes are available?
Rental car
ARST buses
Boats along the coast
Car rental
Car usefulness
The best way to explore. Roads are good and quiet outside August, and you'll reach hidden beaches and mountain villages.
Price
€
40
/day
Young driver fee
€
20
/day
Parking
€
10
/day
Easy in most places. Popular beaches charge €5–15 a day in summer, and some limit visitor numbers.
Car rental
Car usefulness
The best way to explore. Roads are good and quiet outside August, and you'll reach hidden beaches and mountain villages.
Price
€
40
/day
Young driver fee
€
20
/day
Parking
€
10
/day
Easy in most places. Popular beaches charge €5–15 a day in summer, and some limit visitor numbers.
Cheapest
€
120
/week
A small rental car shared between two, plus fuel.
Best value
€
250
/week
Rental car, fuel, beach parking and a ferry to La Maddalena.
Splurge
€
650
/week
A convertible or SUV, plus a private boat transfer or two.
Cheapest
€
120
/week
A small rental car shared between two, plus fuel.
Best value
€
250
/week
Rental car, fuel, beach parking and a ferry to La Maddalena.
Splurge
€
650
/week
A convertible or SUV, plus a private boat transfer or two.
Cheapest
€
120
/week
A small rental car shared between two, plus fuel.
Best value
€
250
/week
Rental car, fuel, beach parking and a ferry to La Maddalena.
Splurge
€
650
/week
A convertible or SUV, plus a private boat transfer or two.
Total costs
Everything you’ll spend once you’re there, per person. Getting there isn’t included.
Cheapest
Sardinia, Italy
Food costs
€20–€30
Accommodation
€30–€45
Getting around
€15–€25
Activities
€5–€10
Miscellaneous
€5–€10
PER DAY
€75–€120
PER WEEK
€530–€840
Per person in shoulder season. August prices can double, especially on the Costa Smeralda.
Cheapest
Sardinia, Italy
Food costs
€20–€30
Accommodation
€30–€45
Getting around
€15–€25
Activities
€5–€10
Miscellaneous
€5–€10
PER DAY
€75–€120
PER WEEK
€530–€840
Per person in shoulder season. August prices can double, especially on the Costa Smeralda.
Cheapest
Sardinia, Italy
Food costs
€20–€30
Accommodation
€30–€45
Getting around
€15–€25
Activities
€5–€10
Miscellaneous
€5–€10
PER DAY
€75–€120
PER WEEK
€530–€840
Best value
Sardinia, Italy
Food costs
€40–€55
Accommodation
€80–€110
Getting around
€30–€45
Activities
€15–€30
Miscellaneous
€10–€15
PER DAY
€175–€255
PER WEEK
€1,230–€1,790
Per person in shoulder season. August prices can double, especially on the Costa Smeralda.
Best value
Sardinia, Italy
Food costs
€40–€55
Accommodation
€80–€110
Getting around
€30–€45
Activities
€15–€30
Miscellaneous
€10–€15
PER DAY
€175–€255
PER WEEK
€1,230–€1,790
Per person in shoulder season. August prices can double, especially on the Costa Smeralda.
Best value
Sardinia, Italy
Food costs
€40–€55
Accommodation
€80–€110
Getting around
€30–€45
Activities
€15–€30
Miscellaneous
€10–€15
PER DAY
€175–€255
PER WEEK
€1,230–€1,790
Splurge
Sardinia, Italy
Food costs
€100–€160
Accommodation
€280–€480
Getting around
€60–€100
Activities
€70–€140
Miscellaneous
€20–€35
PER DAY
€530–€915
PER WEEK
€3,710–€6,410
Per person in shoulder season. August prices can double, especially on the Costa Smeralda.
Splurge
Sardinia, Italy
Food costs
€100–€160
Accommodation
€280–€480
Getting around
€60–€100
Activities
€70–€140
Miscellaneous
€20–€35
PER DAY
€530–€915
PER WEEK
€3,710–€6,410
Per person in shoulder season. August prices can double, especially on the Costa Smeralda.
Splurge
Sardinia, Italy
Food costs
€100–€160
Accommodation
€280–€480
Getting around
€60–€100
Activities
€70–€140
Miscellaneous
€20–€35
PER DAY
€530–€915
PER WEEK
€3,710–€6,410
Good to know
What to expect, what to avoid, and what nobody tells you before you go.
Reputation vs reality
Loved for
Beaches, clear water, wild landscapes and rustic food.
Catches visitors off guard
How big the island is, long driving distances and how quiet it gets off-season.
Common misconception
It's not just luxury resorts — most of the island is affordable, wild and authentic.
Reputation vs reality
Loved for
Beaches, clear water, wild landscapes and rustic food.
Catches visitors off guard
How big the island is, long driving distances and how quiet it gets off-season.
Common misconception
It's not just luxury resorts — most of the island is affordable, wild and authentic.
Watch out for
Sand rules
Taking sand, shells or pebbles is illegal and can lead to fines of up to €3,000.
Beach access limits
Some famous beaches cap daily visitors or require online booking. Check before you go.
Mistral winds
Strong winds can cancel boat trips and make the north coast rough. Have a backup plan.
Watch out for
Sand rules
Taking sand, shells or pebbles is illegal and can lead to fines of up to €3,000.
Beach access limits
Some famous beaches cap daily visitors or require online booking. Check before you go.
Mistral winds
Strong winds can cancel boat trips and make the north coast rough. Have a backup plan.
Common questions
How many days do I need?
At least a week to explore one or two regions. Ten to fourteen days for a full island road trip.
Which airport should I fly into?
Cagliari for the south, Olbia for the north-east and Costa Smeralda, and Alghero for the north-west.
Do I need a car?
Yes, if you want to reach the best beaches and inland villages. Book early for summer.
Can I take a ferry from the mainland?
Yes. Overnight ferries run from Genoa, Livorno and Civitavecchia to Olbia, Porto Torres and Cagliari.
Common questions
How many days do I need?
At least a week to explore one or two regions. Ten to fourteen days for a full island road trip.
Which airport should I fly into?
Cagliari for the south, Olbia for the north-east and Costa Smeralda, and Alghero for the north-west.
Do I need a car?
Yes, if you want to reach the best beaches and inland villages. Book early for summer.
Can I take a ferry from the mainland?
Yes. Overnight ferries run from Genoa, Livorno and Civitavecchia to Olbia, Porto Torres and Cagliari.
Money and payments
Currency
Euro (€). ATMs are easy to find in towns but scarce near remote beaches.
Cards vs cash
Cards work in most places, but carry cash for small beach bars, parking and rural agriturismi.
Tipping
Not expected. A coperto of €1.50–3 is common; rounding up is plenty.
Tourist tax
Varies by town, typically €1–3 per person per night in summer, paid at your accommodation.
Money and payments
Currency
Euro (€). ATMs are easy to find in towns but scarce near remote beaches.
Cards vs cash
Cards work in most places, but carry cash for small beach bars, parking and rural agriturismi.
Tipping
Not expected. A coperto of €1.50–3 is common; rounding up is plenty.
Tourist tax
Varies by town, typically €1–3 per person per night in summer, paid at your accommodation.
Ready to pick your next destination?
Browse every destination in the Passage catalogue and find the one that fits your trip.
Ready to pick your next destination?
Browse every destination in the Passage catalogue and find the one that fits your trip.
Ready to pick your next destination?
Browse every destination in the Passage catalogue and find the one that fits your trip.