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.
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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).
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!
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 hotels all-inclusive and even cheap hostels.
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
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 finding beaches that are a bit more secluded as the wind (especially on the south coast) will blow the sand all over your towel, making it uncomfortable to stay on the beach.
Latest updated October 2018
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! 🙂
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.
Book way in advance, usually people start booking the hotels as early as January and February to score the best hotel deals!
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 feel like discovering new areas, no problem, the touristic areas can be really cheap too if you know when to book your accommodation.
*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.
Further reading: Sardinia in One Week Itineraries
WHY SARDINIA IS PERFECT IN LOW SEASON?
In my opinion, 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.
1 |CHEAP BOATS AND FERRIES TO SARDINIA
I always recommend them because I use their website myself every time I have to book my hotel and most of the properties have a free cancellation policy. A massive bonus when I need to book way in advance. I usually book 3 hotels and cancel the others last minute once I have made up my mind just before the trip.
There are plenty of festivals all over the island, and it is really rare to visit a village and not finding a traditional festivity going on in one of the villages nearby. Even religious processions can be quite something. Don’t dismiss them as, during these religious events, you will witness to the real Sardinian culture.
COST OF TRAVELING TO SARDINIA BY FERRY WITH A CAR
Do you still have doubts about visiting Sardinia in 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!
From my 20 years of experience living in Sardinia, sometimes in September it might rains 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.
BOOK YOUR FERRY TO SARDINIA DIRECTLY FROM HERE!
Sunny days and I’m still going to the beach! 🙂
HOW TO FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS TO SARDINIA
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.
2 | BEAUTIFUL DESERTED BEACHES IN SARDINIA
. 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.
The weather in Sardinia is almost always pleasant, especially during the summer months. It starts getting warm from April/May with temperature peaks in July and August and it is still sunny and nice until October.
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 southwest coast of the island, and I could finally enjoy that huge beautiful beach all to myself.
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.
Source: sardiniaplaces.com
The “Maestrale wind” usually lasts from 3 to 5 days so I suggest you find beaches that are a bit more secluded as the wind (especially on the south coast) will blow the sand all over your towel, making it uncomfortable to stay on the beach. 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).
What about spending half the price for a place like this?
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)
3 | CHEAP ACCOMMODATION AND HOTELS IN SARDINIA
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 go to the beach on foot or bicycle. If you want to know more, read my article about Sardinia holidays for families with kids
To find the best hotels/accommodation is not always easy, especially in Sardinia. That is why many people, to avoid the hassle of searching online, use the travel agencies. But from my experience it’s truly easy to do it yourself, saving a lot of money sometimes. I tell you how I have done it for more than six years on the road 🙂
DISCOVER MORE OF SARDINIA:
TIPS FOR FINDING THE BEST HOTEL DEALS IN SARDINIA:
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!
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!
4 | TRULY ENJOY THE TRADITIONAL STREET FESTIVALS IN SARDINIA
During September/October, you will experience the most pleasant temperatures. It’s not too hot but still warm enough for a swim and sunbathing without melting under the scorching sun.
Yes, it is possible! Read the guide to discover how!
When the majority of the people are back behind their desks, you will be enjoying 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.
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.
The prices might vary depending on the route and the company you choose and are valid for 1 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.
5 | WEATHER AND AVERAGE TEMPERATURES IN SARDINIA:
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 in finding the best accommodation and the cheapest hotels nearby.
TIP: If you want to try the experience, avoid going to the beach during the weekends, as the locals still go there to break their weekly work routine.
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).
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SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2019:
Below is the tool I always use to book my Ferry tickets.
Additional Tips:
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:
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*
If you are lucky to be able to book in the low season then read on as in this post I will give you 5 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.
Main Ferry Routes To Sardinia From Italy’s Mainland, Corsica, and Spain.
