5 Fantastic Reasons to Visit Sardinia in Low Season: A Local’s Guide!
Contents – Open To Read
SARDINIA CHEAP HOLIDAYS?
Yes, it is possible! Read the guide to discover how!
Latest updated October 2018
WANT TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT ITALY?
After reading this one, check out my in-depth article on the best ITALY ROAD TRIP: a marvelous itinerary starting in Rome and ending in the stunning Lake Como!
Have you always wanted to visit Sardinia but never managed to organize the perfect holiday? Do you think it would be too expensive for your budget? Relax, there is always a solution to everything and, as a local, I’m here to help you in achieving your goals!
If you want to organize your holidays in Sardinia without spending too much money, then your best bet is to visit Sardinia during low season, and trust me on that this will be the best decision you will ever make.
Further reading: Things to do in Sardinia in Winter
I know that not everyone can afford to take time off from work in September/October or May/June, and if you are one of them, you will have to be a little more flexible with the crowds and try to beat them by waking up very early in the morning (I do this ALL THE TIME in July August). Also… the tip of all tips:
Book way in advance, usually people start booking the hotels as early as January and February to score the best hotel deals!
If you are lucky to be able to book in the low season, then read on as in this post, I will give you five excellent reasons which will make you want to start packing right now (don’t forget your swimsuit, the water is still decently warm in low season).
If you are still not sure whether my island is the right place for your holidays or not, then I recommend you read my article on the best beaches in Sardinia. I’m pretty confident that you won’t have doubts anymore.
Not only will I list some of the most jaw-dropping beaches around, pointing out the pros and cons of visiting Sardinia in high season, but I will also help you find the best accommodation and the cheapest hotels nearby.
If you are more of a visual person, then check out my latest video on the best beaches in Sardinia on my favorite coast: The Golfo di Orosei area in the east part of the island… Enjoy it… It’s short but to the point! ?
If that isn’t enough to convince you, I’ve also published another massive guide: “Where To stay in Sardinia (Also for couples),” which turned out to be a huge resource not only for couples but for all the people who want to visit the Island, with detailed guides on popular destinations such as Porto Cervo, Castelsardo, Cagliari, Cala Gonone, and Alghero. Check it out!
Now that July and August, the two hottest months of the year have passed by, is it still worth it to visit this magical island? There is only one answer to this question: YES, absolutely. If anything, booking your holidays in September/October is even better because Sardinia is at its best when the hordes of tourists have left.
Being Sardinian, I definitely know what I’m talking about. The locals mostly enjoy the island’s beauty during the months of May/June and September/October.
Further reading: Sardinia in One Week Itineraries
WHY SARDINIA IS PERFECT IN THE LOW SEASON?
Main Ferry Routes To Sardinia From Italy’s Mainland, Corsica, and Spain.
Whilst in July/August you will need to book your tickets way in advance to find good prices and availability, in September/October you can book your flights last minute or just a few days in advance. Seat availability for the flights to and from Sardinia is not an issue this time of the year, and the prices are significantly lower compared to high season (this is valid for both flights and ferries).
1 |CHEAP BOATS AND FERRIES TO SARDINIA
Traveling to Sardinia by ferry in September will cost you around 30 to 50 Euros for a one-way ticket if you choose the basic option (no bed/cabin included – I recommend buying an inflatable mattress), and around 100 to 150 Euros -one way- if you pick the more comfort-oriented option, which includes a private cabin with bed and private bathroom.
COST OF TRAVELING TO SARDINIA BY FERRY WITH A CAR
The prices might vary depending on the route and the company you choose and are valid for one person traveling without a car. If you are traveling with your own vehicle, the price is calculated based on the size and model of your car.
How much will you pay extra for the car? Usually, it starts at 70/80 Euros for a small car, depending on the route and the operating company.
I think traveling by boat is the best way to reach Sardinia. I love spending time on the deck, admiring the sunset and the sunrise. It definitely adds some poetry to the trip!
To find and book the best deals for ferries to and from Sardinia, you can check Traghetti line (more on that below), the official website that will find the best prices for you, comparing the offers from the main maritime companies on all the available routes from mainland Italy, Spain, France and more.
BOOK YOUR FERRY TO SARDINIA DIRECTLY FROM HERE!
Below is the tool I always use to book my Ferry tickets.
HOW TO FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS TO SARDINIA
Depending on where you are flying from, there are 3/4 airlines flying to Sardinia all year round. To find the best deals on the web, my best bet is to check out Skyscanner
.
It will show you all the airlines flying on a certain date and allows you to compare them and find the lower price (useful to see how the prices go up and down depending on the season).
You can also check out the Sardinia General Info page on my Sardinia section for further information on the best airlines.
2 | BEAUTIFUL DESERTED BEACHES IN SARDINIA
Cala Brandinchi: Deserted Sardinia beach in September, just in front of Tavolara Island
Having the beach all for yourself, who wouldn’t have such a wild dream? If you visit Sardinia in September or even at the beginning of June, your dream might become a reality.
When most people are back behind their desks, you will enjoy kilometers of white sand and turquoise water in paradise. Many beaches in Sardinia are almost deserted by mid-September, even the most popular and touristic ones.
It happened to me more than once, both in June and September, and it’s been such a surreal experience: I went to Chia Beach, located on the island’s southwest coast, and I could finally enjoy that huge beautiful beach all to myself.
TIP: If you want to try the experience, avoid going to the beach on weekends, as the locals still go there to break their weekly work routine.
Not only will you find deserted beaches, but also deserted roads, which is such a relief and a massive bonus for your nerves! During peak season, it might take a few hours to reach the most popular destinations and even more on your way back to your hotel if you are not staying nearby the beach*
*This is valid for all the major touristic beaches all around Sardinia but even more for tourists and locals who have their base in Cagliari and surrounding villages and want to spend a day in Chia, Tuerredda beach, or Villasimius/Costa Rei Beach.
3 | CHEAP ACCOMMODATION AND HOTELS IN SARDINIA
What about spending half the price for a place like this?
This is a valid statement for all tourist destinations, “low season” always means lower accommodation prices. Sardinia can be bloody expensive, especially in July/August (the average cost for a small villa or apartment is around 700/1000 euros per week), but during the months of September (and if you want to risk a bit more, October) the prices go down, sometimes even by 50%.
This is even truer if you don’t choose a very touristic area (which I strongly recommend, as there are amazing places still not very popular that deserve all your attention).
Which are these less touristic places? Some examples are the Carloforte, Oristano, and Piscinas areas. They are stunningly beautiful and rich in culture with a great atmosphere. I’ve been there, and I can not recommend them enough. If you don’t like discovering new areas, no problem, the tourist areas can be cheap too if you know when to book your accommodation.
Below are some links to agencies/websites I personally used to find accommodation for my many mini-breaks around the island. Every year my family and I decide to discover a different part of Sardinia, and we usually rent a small villa/apartment (called “Villetta” by the locals) close to the sea.
This way, we can also save money by cooking our own meals and going to the beach on foot or by bicycle. If you want to know more, read my article about Sardinia holidays for families with kids
TIPS FOR FINDING THE BEST HOTEL DEALS IN SARDINIA:
Finding the best hotels/accommodation is not always easy, especially in Sardinia. That is why many people use travel agencies to avoid the hassle of searching online. But from my experience, it’s truly easy to do it yourself, saving a lot of money sometimes. I’ll tell you how I have done it for more than six years on the road ?
Click on this link to find out the best deals for cheap hotels and resorts in Sardinia, they have a truly massive inventory, with every possible solution for any budget. From the “Villetta” to all-inclusive hotels and even cheap hostels.
I always recommend them because I use their website whenever I book my hotel, and most properties have a free cancellation policy. A massive bonus when I need to book way in advance. I usually book three hotels and cancel the others last minute once I have made up my mind just before the trip.
4 | TRULY ENJOY THE TRADITIONAL STREET FESTIVALS IN SARDINIA
Traditional Sardinian costumes
You can find Sardinian festivals (gastronomic, religious, and cultural) all year round, but September and October are the best months to enjoy the experience to the full. The weather is still very nice, and you can experience the thrill of being surrounded only by locals, making the interactions much easier (especially if you are visiting Sardinia as a solo traveler)
There are plenty of festivals all over the island, and it is rare to visit a village and not find a traditional festivity in one of the nearby villages. Even religious processions can be quite something. Don’t dismiss them as, during these religious events, you will witness the real Sardinian culture.
Below are some links to websites with a list of festivities for you to check out so that you can organize your stay according to these dates if you want to be there during the event.
- Festivals in Sardinia
- Events Sardinia
In my opinion, these festivals are, together with the beaches, the very core of Sardinia. Every tourist should be part of them at least once in their life.
Nothing gives you more sense of Sardinia culture than being in the middle of the action, with all the smells, sounds, local food, and the magical experience of being surrounded by Sardinian people who have nothing to do with the tourist business.
5 | WEATHER AND AVERAGE TEMPERATURES IN SARDINIA:
Source: sardiniaplaces.com
The weather in Sardinia is almost always pleasant, especially during the summer months. It starts getting warm in April/May, with temperature peaks in July and August, and it is still sunny and nice until October.
During September/October, you will experience the most pleasant temperatures. It’s not too hot but still warm enough for swimming and sunbathing without melting under the scorching sun.
From my 20 years of experience living in Sardinia, sometimes in September, it might rain for a couple of hours, very rarely for a few days, but even so, the temperatures during the day never go below 24/25 degrees.
SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2019:
Sunny days and I’m still going to the beach! ?
The beautiful beach of Cala Domestica, on the southwest coast of Sardinia, at the beginning of October 2019. Super sunny, semi-deserted beach and warm water to swim!
Additional Tips:
Bring a light jacket with you for the evenings as sometimes (not every year, but it can happen) the temperatures go down a bit after the sunset.
Also note that certain areas are more subjected to the winds, especially the “Maestrale,” which is quite strong and blows from north to south. It usually lasts for 3 to 5 days.
During these days, I suggest you find more secluded beaches as the wind (especially on the south coast) will blow the sand all over your towel, making your stay very uncomfortable.
Also, be extra careful when you swim during Maestrale windy days as it might be tricky to go back to shore if you are on the South coast of Sardinia (this obviously doesn’t apply to the beaches in the north).
Do you still have doubts about visiting Sardinia in the low season? If you need more information or suggestions about where to go or what to see, send me an email, and I’ll try to help! Don’t miss my latest massive Sardinia Guide!
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- Amazing Things To Do In Sardinia in Summer
- Unique Things To Discover in Sardinia During Winter
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- Sardinia By Car: The Ultimate Guide on How To Get Around the Island!
- Sardinia Photos: My 15 favorite Instagram Pictures!
- Sardinia Travel Guide: Unmissable Places To See and Things To Do!
- Sardinia Holidays for Families: Where To Stay with your kids!
- Sardinia Solo Travel: A Backpackers guide by a Local!
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