Holidays to Sardinia
Sardinia holidays are a beachy dream, with wonderful watersports, epic hikes and ancient cultures to delve into. And yes, there’s a whole lotta cheese.
Sandy escapes
Italy’s second-biggest island is jam-packed with more than 200 elite beaches, so dust off your swimmers and grab a page-turner. Historic market towns like Arzachena frame stunning beaches along the prehistoric Costa Smeralda. Lively Palau, up north, has crystal clear waters and a bustling port. And for a super-cute beach day, walk or sail to remote Cala Mariolu, one of Europe’s most stunning beaches — no bars, no restaurants, no signal. Proper detox, baby.
…and watery wonders
On your holiday to Sardinia, a dolphin-spotting boat tour of La Maddalena archipelago is an absolute must. For more wildlife, there’s lush diving and snorkelling near Villasimius – octopuses in a sunken shipwreck, anyone!? Spend a morning windsurfing and kayaking in the quaint village of Chia, and escape the heat in the truly awesome stalactite cave of Neptune Grotto!
Urban hotspots and magical villages
Sardinia’s towns are packed with characterful streets, while trattorias dot the meandering paths between its ancient villages. Cagliari is the island’s capital and urban core – its historic Catello district heaves with landmarks and lively palazzos. Too many humans? Shake off the crowds in the artsy San Pantaleo or the castle-topped town of Bosa.
We’re getting active!
Rent a gravel bike to pedal around the crystal-clear lagoons of Oasi Biderosa coastal forest reserve. Head inland to hike Gorropu Gorge’s limestone canyons or hire a tuk tuk guide for an info-packed panoramic tour of wine country outside Olbia. And with Sardinia being an island and all, the sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing go off.
Sneak Peek
Best for... Beach bums and activity enthusiasts - there’s a sunny something for everyone 🏖️
Go... During the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn for all-action getaways 🥾
You have to... Go dolphin-watching and island-hopping around the La Maddalena archipelago 🐬
Sardinia holiday deals
Calaserena Resort
4.5
Excellent
- 28 Jun 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Residence Oasis
- 28 Jun 2026
- 7 nights
- Half board
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Hotel San Teodoro
4.2
Very Good
- 16 Aug 2026
- 14 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Manchester
Prices from
Sentido Orosei Beach
4.5
Excellent
- 23 May 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Stansted
Prices from
Details
Currency
Euro
Language
Sardinian, Italian, Catalan
Time difference
GMT +1
Cost of a beer
€4
3-course meal
Around €21
Flight time
London: 3 hrs
Delve into mysterious civilisations
Peel yourself from that beach bed and you’ll find a true historical marvel in Sardinia. Nuraghe Su Nuraxi World Heritage Site is a twisty-turny treasure trove of early settler culture that sparks the old imagination. And the mystery of the cryptic caves of ancient Tiscali is, frankly, extraordinary. Monuments aside, there’s fascinating medieval art in pretty much every church, and wild views from Cagliari’s captivating fort of Bastione di Saint Remy. And the ruins of Tharros stand proudly against their shimmering ocean backdrop.
Italy’s delicious headliners with an islander edge
Sheep are everywhere in Sardinia, so there’s enough cheese to overface Wallace & Gromit. At the vibey markets in San Teodoro and Cannigione, pick up a block of pecorino for spag-bol back home and try aaallll the other cheeses – but maybe steer clear of casu marzu, the world’s most dangerous cheese. Instead, grab some seadas — Sardinia’s super-cheesy answer to Greggs pasties. The seafood is sensational in Alghero, while fregola – like the lovechild of pasta and couscous – is a proper local fav. Bellissimo! Vino wise, the locals swear by cannonau red. And the berry liquor mirto is a certified stomach-settler after all that food. Wine not?
Top beaches, a treat on your feet
Sardinia delivers total beachy bliss. Every bay boasts super-soft sand and emerald-blue waters, from the unspoilt Costa Verde to the deep-sea havens of Golfo di Orosei in the northeast. Catch a ferry to the serene islands of Maddalena and Caprera, cool your sizzling sunburn in the clear waters of Santa Reparata beach, and get Insta-obsessed with the pink sand of Budelli. You’ll have to stay on the boat for that one though — it’s so pretty it’s protected.
When to go to Sardinia
Rainfall here is mostly a myth. Mediterranean rays make Sardinia a beachy haven from June to September, but it’s still warm in spring and autumn, so get out and about on the hiking trails or hop on a surfboard.
January through April is generally quieter, but there’s a regular medley of festivals with fascinating traditions and community vibes. Be sure to check when they’re on as prices may rise!
