5 Non-beach ideas to discover Sardinia in autumn 🍂
In autumn, Sardinia welcomes you into its gentlest and most charming side. It is the ideal time to discover that – beyond the beaches – there are numerous archaeological sites, mountain trails, local festivals, and small villages to explore.
The months of September and October in Sardinia have an extraordinary flavor. The clamor and frenzy of the hot August days has passed. Now, more calm and slower rhythms returns.
Local traditions, such as local festivals and village celebrations, kick off, offering the opportunity to savor authentic Sardinian cuisine and take part in unique cultural events. During this time, you can discover hidden corners of the island.
What is the best time to visit Sardinia?
What is the weather like in autumn in Sardinia?
Autumn in Sardinia boasts an absolutely ideal climate. The warm, sunny days are painted in soft, warm hues. Daytime temperatures during this season range between 20°C and 25°C (68°F–77°F), while evenings remain pleasantly mild, rarely dipping below 15°C (59°F).
This temperate climate provides the perfect setting to explore nature in all its beauty, embark on unforgettable hikes, enjoy relaxing outings, or simply indulge in some sweet relaxation.
What to do in Sardinia in the autumn months?
Autumn in Sardinia means food festivals. One of the largest events dedicated to the discovery of typical Sardinian food and wine is Autumn in Barbagia. The event takes place between 30 villages in the heart of Sardinia around the Nuoro province
The event born in 1996 with the name of Cortes Apertas has turned into a journey to discover the authenticity and ancient flavors of more than 30 mountain villages in the center of Sardinia.
5 Alternative ideas to the beach to do in Sardinia in autumn
1. Nuragic Sardinia: archaeological sites and the Nuraghi
Sardinian has a deep archaeological history. You are on a millenary island, inhabited since prehistoric times. Subsequently the Nuragic period is the one that has left numerous signs thanks to the presence of about 7000 nuraghi scattered throughout the island.
The largest nuragic village is the one in Barumini, in the province of Medio Campidano. Impressive is the view of thecentral tower and the dozens of huts that develop around it. An inhabited village – it is estimated – by about 1000 people and dating back to 1500 BC. For those who are in southern Sardinia, Nuraghe Barumini is a place not to be missed.
If you are based in Northern Sardinia, another important symbol of the Nuragic civilization is the Nuragic complex of Palmavera in the Alghero area. The village enjoys a privileged position just a few minutes from the most beautiful beaches of Alghero. It really worth a visit!
Some of the most important archaeological sites 👇🏻
- Archaeological area of Tharros. The ancient remains of the city of Tharros from the 8th century BC. Thanks to the exchanges with Africa it was also of great importance in the Roman period. There are still remains of the baths, aqueducts, roads. It is located in the province of Oristano in San Giovanni di Sinis
- Nora. The splendid Phoenician city in the far south of Sardinia. It is considered the largest city of that era with an estimated population of around 8000 inhabitants. The traces of this ancient city are still evident: the temple of Tanit, the Stele of Nora, the rhyme theater, the mosaics, the houses of which important traces still remain. It is located in Pula in the province of Cagliari.
- Well of Santa Cristina. Truly a fascinating archaeological monument dating back to 1000 BC. It is divided into three parts: the Christian village, Nuragic village and Nuragic Sanctuary. The well is considered the most impressive part of the archaeological site. It is possible to go down to the heart inside through the staircase. It is located in the province of Oristano in the town of Santa Cristina.
2. Trekking in Sardinia: the best time for nature walks
Autumn in Sardinia is the perfect time to go-hiking. Forget the months of July and August, it’s simply too hot. Taking challenging hikes in July and August is definitely to be avoided. But from September to November those are the perfect months to enjoy hiking 📝 6 easy paths to practice Trekking in Sardinia
Staying in the Supramonte mountains is a unique experience for lovers of nature and tranquility.
👉 Where to stay in the area? Agriturismo Jannas is a true haven of peace in the heart of the mountains.
3. Surfing in Sardinia in autumn – surfers paradise!
There is a corner of Sardinia that transforms into the European surfing capital in autumn. The favorite spot is located in the province of Oristano, on the Sinis Peninsula: Capo Mannu, the westernmost point facing the Mediterranean. Here, medium to large waves make it the perfect spot for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Another very suggestive surf spot is Buggerru. In this area there are waves for all levels.
🏄♂️ The main surf spots in our guide dedicated to surfing in Sardinia
4. Sardinia by car to explore the Panoramic roads
Yes, it is a fact… in Sardinia you need a car! Unfortunately, public transport is not well organized. You can’t fully appreciate this island without a car.
Car rental prices in Sardinia at this time of the year, are quite affordable. You can rent your car directly at the airport without any difficulty.
To get an idea of the rental prices go to the DiscoverCars website which offers a guaranteed service and the best car rental offer in Sardinia.
If you already have your car because you opted for the ferry, even better! By booking the ferry to Sardinia in advance, you will get the best rates.
This itinerary is also highly recommended for motorcyclists, who will find the perfect conditions for a bike tour between curves and incredible views. In autumn the traffic in Sardinia is almost non-existent, one more reason to choose this itinerary on this time of the year.
🚗 6 Beautiful panoramic roads where to drive in Sardinia in autumn
5. Taste the typical Sardinian experience
A great way to get to know the essence of the ancient Sardinian land is to discover its cuisine. With Arab influences and typical Mediterranean flavors, Sardinia offers a very high quality of products. Let’s not forget that the diet of the centenarians was born right here. Take advantage of this holiday break to get in touch with the Sardinian culinary traditions.
Must-Try Culinary Experiences in Autumn 👇🏻
- Fresh hand-made pasta cooking class with a meal
- Winery tour and tasting in south Sardinia
- Home cooking-class and a 4 courses meal in Alghero
- Learn how to bake the traditional sardinia bread
What to do in Sardinia in autumn: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
– What to do in Sardinia in autumn if you don’t want to go to the beach?
In autumn, there are plenty of things to do in Sardinia beyond the beach. You can visit archaeological sites and nuraghi, go hiking, explore charming villages, attend local festivals and traditional events, visit wineries, and taste typical Sardinian food and wine.
– Is Sardinia worth visiting in autumn?
Yes, especially if you want to experience Sardinia beyond its beaches. The generally milder weather, fewer tourists, and opportunities to enjoy nature, culture, local traditions, and gastronomy make autumn an interesting time to visit the island.
What to do in Sardinia when it rains?
A rainy day can be a good opportunity to visit museums, archaeological sites, and historic centres, or to enjoy wine tastings, winery visits, cooking experiences, and activities connected to Sardinian food and traditions.
– Where to go in Sardinia in autumn?
It depends on the type of trip you are looking for. The north-west of the island, including Alghero and the Capo Caccia area, is ideal for combining nature, archaeology, and gastronomy. If you want to discover local traditions and events, it is also worth exploring the villages and inland areas of Sardinia.
– Can you swim in Sardinia in autumn?
In September, the sea is generally still pleasant for swimming, while in October water temperatures and weather conditions become more variable. If you are travelling in autumn, it is therefore better to consider the beach as one of several options rather than the main focus of your trip.
– What to see in Sardinia beyond the beaches?
Beyond the beaches, you can discover nuraghi and archaeological sites, explore scenic hiking trails, visit traditional villages and wineries, attend local festivals and events, and experience Sardinian food and traditions.
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