Sardinia
Sardinia is Italy's beach island: glassy turquoise water around La Maddalena, cliff-backed coves along the Gulf of Orosei and long white strands in the south, with a mountainous, sheep-farming interior and thousands of Bronze Age nuraghi. June and September are ideal; August is hot, crowded with Italian holidaymakers and expensive.
Overview
Sardinia is big, so most UK visitors pick one corner. The north-east, via Olbia, has the Costa Smeralda's pricey resorts and boat trips around La Maddalena. Alghero in the north-west suits couples and families who want a walkable, Catalan-flavoured old town with beaches nearby. Cala Gonone on the east coast is the base for boat trips and hikes to the Orosei coves, while Cagliari and the southern resorts of Chia and Villasimius offer long sandy beaches. A hire car is close to essential, as buses are sparse. The swimming season runs from June to early October, and many resort hotels open only from May to September.
Map of Sardinia
Highlights
- 1Nature
La Maddalena Archipelago
A national park of pink-granite islands off the north-east coast, with powder-white coves and clear, shallow water. Take a day boat from Palau or Santa Teresa Gallura; Budelli's pink beach can be seen from the water but not landed on.
- 2Beach
Gulf of Orosei
A wild limestone coast where coves such as Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu are reached by boat from Cala Gonone, while Cala Goloritzé is reached only on foot. Renting a small motorboat lets you explore at your own pace.
- 3History
Su Nuraxi di Barumini
The finest of Sardinia's nuraghi, a UNESCO-listed stone tower fortress begun in the second millennium BC and surrounded by the remains of a village of round huts. Guided tours lead through the tower's narrow passages.
- 4Beach
La Pelosa
Near Stintino at the island's north-western tip, a shallow, pale-sand beach facing an old Spanish watchtower, with water as clear as a swimming pool. Summer visitor numbers are capped, so book a slot online before you go.
- 5Nature
Neptune's Grotto, Alghero
A sea cave of stalactites and a still underground lake at the foot of the Capo Caccia cliffs. Boats run from Alghero harbour, or you can walk down the 654 steps of the Escala del Cabirol; landings stop in rough seas.
Where to stay
Alghero
Walled old town with good restaurants, an airport 20 minutes away and beaches reachable by bus; suits couples, families and anyone without a car.
Santa Teresa Gallura
Small northern town above Rena Bianca beach, with boat trips to La Maddalena and ferries to Corsica; suits families and couples wanting relaxed resort life.
Cala Gonone
Harbour village beneath the mountains of the Supramonte, the launch point for Orosei boat trips and coastal hikes; best for active couples and families.
Villasimius
South-eastern resort ringed by white-sand beaches and a marine reserve, about an hour from Cagliari airport; suits families wanting easy beach days.
When to go to Sardinia
Best time: Jun, Sep.
Average climate in Cagliari
How much does Sardinia cost?
Per person per day excluding flights. Return flights from London typically cost £100 off-peak and £380 in school holidays.
Visas & entry for Sardinia
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Italy, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist; to visit family or friends; to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events; for short-term studies or training.
The requirements for working in Italy are different.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Bat LyssavirusTick-borne encephalitis
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Italy
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Sun 1 Nov 2026 | All Saints' Day · National Unity Day |
| Tue 8 Dec 2026 | Immaculate Conception |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Saint Stephen's Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Wed 6 Jan 2027 | Epiphany |
| Sun 28 Mar 2027 | Easter Sunday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Sun 25 Apr 2027 | Liberation Day |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Wed 2 Jun 2027 | Republic Day |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Assumption Of Mary Day |
| Mon 4 Oct 2027 | Saint Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Italy |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- La Pelosa and Cala Goloritzé cap visitor numbers in summer and require advance booking, sometimes with a small fee; reserve online before you travel rather than turning up.
- Taking sand, pebbles or shells from Sardinian beaches is illegal and fines are issued at airports. Book hire cars early for August, when Italian ferry traffic floods the island.
Plugs, money, phrases, emergency numbers and more: see our Italy guide.
Dalmatian Coast
Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos)