A Guide to Sardinia in Winter

Cagliari

The winter in Sardinia is often known as the secret season. The days are commonly sunny and warm, the food is as always excellent, and there are few other tourists around. Sadly, unless you are a polar bear, the winter months are not warm enough for the beach but that doesn't mean that there isn't still a lot to do. We've got some of the highlights for you so read on...

A sunny late winters day and empty beaches.

Our 2 Top Choices for A Winter Break to Sardinia

Cagliari

when the crowds are gone and the heart of places like Cagliari truly shines.

Our favorite part? The Marina Quarter, full of bohemian spirit. Here, colorful houses and lively little restaurants invite you to linger. We often lose track of time browsing the quirky shops—each one with its own story, its own treasures.

And then there’s Via Roma. If you enjoy a touch of elegance, this is the place. William loves to watch the boats in the harbor while we sip coffee at a sidewalk café. The street is lined with boutiques, and though we’re not big shoppers, it’s perfect for people-watching and soaking up the cosmopolitan charm of the city.

With cooler temperatures, winter grants you the opportunity to leisurely explore Cagliari without the stifling heat and humidity of summer. While summer lures visitors to the beautiful beaches, such as the renowned Poetto beach, wintertime is perfect for a tranquil stroll along the seashores, accompanied only by your own thoughts.

Cagliari shines as an exceptional winter base, offering a range of affordable accommodations, including the Flora, always my favorite.

Sardinia away from the Coast

Venturing into the inland areas of Sardinia during winter reveals a whole new dimension of the island's charm. You will truly experience the untouched beauty of Sardinia. The villages and towns exude a sense of tranquility, and you may well find yourself being the only tourist in sight. This solitude allows for a genuine connection with the locals, who are known for their warm hospitality.

If you choose to linger in a village, don't be surprised if you are invited to partake in a delightful lunch filled with traditional Sardinian delicacies. The locals take pride in sharing their culinary heritage, and the meal is likely to be a true feast for the senses.  The Sardinians are like that; once they get to know you, they are the friendliest people on earth.

In fact, inland Sardinia is a world away from the coast and has an austere beauty that is easy to fall in love with. The people, too, are different from anywhere else in Italy; they are very proud and determined folk.

Moreover, the winter landscape of the inland areas is free of crowds, allowing you to wander through narrow streets, visit charming churches, and discover hidden corners at your own pace. It's a lot wilder than the manicured landscapes of regions like Tuscany and Veneto; that is one of the things I love about it. Wild places in Europe are few and far between, but here, you get to experience that surging feeling of freedom, of space, of endless horizons. I love it.  Often, I feel that I am not only visiting another world but also that I have taken a journey back to a simpler, calmer, and more peaceful time. This is how all of Italy must have been fifty years ago.

Visiting Sardinia in summer? You'll need a beach then. Try these five stunning beaches.