Sardinia isn’t just another pretty face in the Med. Whether you’re chasing peaceful coves, epic adventures, or the perfect sunset spritz, this Italian gem knows exactly how to deliver.
✨ Destination Highlights
So. Much. Coast. (1,850km, to be exact)
Peace and quiet vibes (no motorways, and it's one of the least populated regions in Italy!)
A sweet tooth's paradise - did someone say gelato and cannolis?!
Bangin' street art - hit up Orgosolo for cool murals at every turn
🎉 3 Fun Facts About Sardinia You Didn’t Know
Home of the Blue Zone – Sardinia’s got a secret to long life. It’s one of the world’s Blue Zones, where people live longer, thanks to fresh air, good food, and probably lots of vino.
Ancient stone structures galore – Sardinia is home to over 7,000 nuraghi (those cool prehistoric towers). Move over, Stonehenge!
Pink sand – Yep, you read that right. Budelli Island has beaches with pink sand because everything is better in pink - but no pocketing it as a souvenir or you’ll be in big trouble!
What are the best beaches to visit on your holidays to Sardinia?
With 1,850 km of coastline, Sardinia beach holidays are as much about choosing between coves as choosing between resorts. The island has a mix of wide sandy stretches, dramatic cliff-backed inlets and shallow lagoons, most of them lapped by water so clear you can see the seabed from the shore. Grab a towel and pick from these:
Spiaggia della Pelosa Beach – hands-down the most popular beach on the island, and with its clear, shallow waters, white sands, watersports menu and nearby restaurants, we can definitely see why!
Spiaggia di Lampianu – it's not the easiest to find, but if you like your beach days quiet, this hidden cove is for you. It's a tiny stretch of coast sheltered by rugged rocks and calm waters perfect for snorkelling in.
Porto Giunco Beach - this one's a bit tucked away, but once you find it, it's FREE to access, bustling with friendly locals and has fine sands just begging for you to plonk a towel onto. Plus, there's a pretty lagoon behind it where you can spot flamingos!
Cala Brandinchi - so tropical, it's nicknamed 'Little Tahiti'. It's a long stretch, perfect for strolling along the waterline, and the sea is shallow and clear - ideal for paddling youngsters.
Tuerreda Beach - this place is so exclusive, there's a limit on how many people can sprawl out on it, so get here early if you want to guarantee a spot! Trust us, it's worth it for the clear waters, pillowy-sand and beaut surroundings.
Cala Goloritzè - you'll need to hike to get to this small but gorg corner of coast, where boat trips come and go and the marine life is ready for its close-up. Bring your snorkel!
Spiaggia di Liscia Ruja - sandwiched conveniently between the villages of Portisco and Cala di Volpe, with powdery-white sands, sunbeds and parasols to rent, and a nearby beach bar serving breakfast from 8:30AM.
What are the top hotels to stay at on your Sardinia holidays?
When it comes to resting your head in Sardinia, it's all about keeping things cheap and swanky at the hotels on offer that showcase that gorgeous coastline. If we can't see the sea from our balcony, we don't want it. (Kidding.) (Sort of.) Check out these top spots:
Club Baia Di Conte - smack-dab along the beachfront with a rooftop terrace, a choice of pools, a kids' club for the youngsters and 12(!!!) tennis courts on site. We didn't think we needed that many, but why not?!
Residence Cristal Blu - as Italian as they come, with a pool terrace that oozes charm, a beach within walking distance and a pizzeria right next door!
Jazz Hotel - you might be in Italy, but you can still enjoy a Turkish bath here, as well as a dunk in the outdoor pool and a bite to eat from the on-site restaurant
Residenze Gallura San Teodoro - easy-breezy self-catering apartments with a shared outdoor BBQ, a beach just a speedy drive away, and a bunch of Italian restaurants and bars at your fingertips
Blu Hotel Laconia Village - get your seaside fix at this bright and cheerful hotel, with pools for the adults and kiddos, chilled piano nights and a shuttle down to the beach
Hotel Stelle Marine - your one-stop-shop for beach vibes, pool vibes and fun vibes! It's got a beach nearby, a pool on site and a range of sports to pick from
🏨 Where to Stay on your holidays to Sardinia
💑 For Couples
Baia Sardinia – tucked away on the island’s northern coast, Baia Sardinia is a laid-back slice of paradise. Think powdery sands, clear waters perfect for snorkelling, and cosy seaside restaurants for lingering over fresh seafood and local wine. It’s the kind of place where you can wander hand-in-hand along the promenade, hop on a boat to explore hidden coves, and still make it back in time for a sunset spritz.
👨👩👧👦 For Families
Alghero – family-friendly beaches, splash-worthy waterparks, and a charming old town for gentle wanders (and gelato stops). Kids build sandcastles, you build a wine collection. Win-win.
👯♂️ For Groups
Cagliari – daytime beach sessions, evening pizza pitstops, and nights that roll into sunrise. Cagliari mixes coastal relaxation with lively nightlife for a balanced group jolly.
All-Inclusive Holidays in Sardinia
All-inclusive holidays in Sardinia give you the Italian island experience without the mental arithmetic at every restaurant bill. The resorts are spread between the south coast near Cagliari and the northern shores around Sassari and Santa Teresa Gallura, so whichever end of the island you choose, you are within day-trip distance of medieval old towns, hiking trails and some of the clearest water in the Med. Most packages cover a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a drinks programme running from morning coffee through to evening cocktails, with local Cannonau wine and Ichnusa beer usually on the pour.
Booking all-inclusive in Sardinia often works out cheaper than paying for flights, a hotel and eating out separately, especially in July and August when restaurant prices along the coast climb. Every all-inclusive Sardinia holiday booked through On the Beach is package protected, so your money is covered if anything goes wrong.
Use the search bar above to look through all our all-inclusive properties, or browse our favourites below...
👨👩👧👦 What are the best all-inclusive hotels for families in Sardinia?
MClub Del Golfo – near Sorso on the northwest coast. Multiple pools, kids' club, evening entertainment and a beach within walking distance.
Calaserena Resort – Bluserena resort at Geremeas on the south coast. Kids' mini club, sports facilities, direct beach access and a full daily entertainment programme.
💑 What are the best all-inclusive hotels for couples in Sardinia?
Sighientu Thalasso & Spa – on the south coast near Marina Di Capitana. Direct beach access, a full thalassotherapy spa and a restaurant that leans into local Sardinian ingredients.
Mangia's Santa Teresa Sardinia (Curio Collection by Hilton) – on a headland at Santa Teresa Gallura. Panoramic sea views across to Corsica, polished Hilton-standard service and ferries to the Maddalena archipelago from nearby Palau.
🎉 What are the best all-inclusive hotels for groups in Sardinia?
Hotel Shardana – at Santa Reparata near Santa Teresa Gallura. Drinks on tap 10am to 11pm, good communal spaces and a sociable atmosphere.
Sentido Orosei Beach – on the east coast near Cala Ginepro. Private beach, buffet meals and consistently strong guest reviews.
Travel Guide for your Sardinia holidays
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Things to do in Sardinia for families
There's a tonne going on when it comes to family holidays in Sardinia, from waterparks to adventure parks and plenty of lil trips you can make to fill your days. We wanna shout about the adventure parks though, specifically, Sardinia Avventura Park where you can get your George of the Jungle vibes on with tree-top courses to climb along, resting points where you can bask in the nature of the woods, zip-lines, you name it, it's here. And with nine different courses ranging in difficulty, there truly is something for everyone.
The beaches are where it's at for all things family-fun with plenty of lush water and sand for you all to relax to the max - but the even better thing about a lot of the beaches in Sardinia is the water sports. Head to Porto Pollo beach in the summer for a banging surf spot, or choose a calmer beach like Orri, let the little ones practice their scuba diving skills in the shallow, clear water and all be on the lookout for some nifty rock pools.
❤️ Things to do in Sardinia for Couples
Holidays to Sardinia seem like the perfect pick for all things boujee bevs and sunset strolls, that's what we're bringing to the table for all you lovers out there on your couples holidays (especially the ones that leave the Christmas lights up til January). Mosey on over to Olbia and visit the vineyard there for all things tastings and tours, stroll through the rich grapes ready to be pressed into your new fave bottle of red. The cellars are stocked so make sure you've got space to cart a few bottles back to your hotel and keep the romantic vibes rolling.
We know it's low-key cliche to say going for a sunset stroll is the perfect thing for a couple to do on a jollie, but when the views are this spectacular we reckon you should consider it. If you want some privacy then we recommend heading over to the beach near Argentiera, or if you're more about a tipple while the sun goes down then you should deffo head over to Alghero and cheers to a top-tier vacay.
🏛️ Things to do in Sardinia for Culture Vultures
We're all about chasing those historical highs when it comes to a classic jolly, not everyones about lounging by the pool, so why not make your Sardinia holidays richer with a boat trip to the Grotte di Nettuno? It's a cave system near Alghero with all the stalactites and stalagmites you can feast your eyes on, picture it: sailing slowly through gorge hidden troves with a warm glow bouncing off the still water as you soak up this time capsule of mother natures beauty.
If you've not quite got your sea legs, or you prefer exploring on two feet, then make a day trip to Cagliari and soak up the architecture, the history, the Sardinian flare. It's a town that dates back thousands of years, and has everything from museums to delish dining and even nightclubs by the beach. You can make a reyt good day of it wandering the ancient streets and feeling like a proper Sardinian local.
🛥️ Things to do in Sardinia for Avid Adventurers
You Sardinia holidays could use an injection of exploration. If you're all about the thrills on your jollies, we reckon you should get yourself over to Sa Spendula canyon where you can wander by one of the highest waterfalls in all of Sardinia, or, if you wanna see it a lil closer, book yourself onto some canyoning. Get up close and personal with the refreshing spray, get immersed in the lush canopy of trees, test your core strength as you climb your way around the rocks, it's all to play for on your active holidays.
If you aren't so bothered about keeping your feet on the ground then maybe get yourself booked onto a private kayak tour on your group holidays. Picture paddling your way along the Devils Saddle in Cagliari and feasting your eyes on the gorge reefs that traverse along this strip of land as you bob on by. Better yet, the water is crystal clear and on hot days, you can trade your kayak oar for a snorkel and swim around the saddle for an even closer view of this gorge and often unexplored part of Sardinia.
🍽️Things to do for foodies in Sardinia
Sardinia is a foodie’s dream served up on a sun-drenched platter. From rustic agriturismos dishing up homemade pasta and pecorino straight from the farm, to coastal seafood spots where the catch of the day is practically still doing laps, this island knows how to feed you well. Try porceddu – Sardinia’s famed roast suckling pig – slow-cooked over embers for hours until it melts in your mouth, or sample culurgiones, delicate pasta pockets filled with potato, mint, and cheese. Don’t skip a visit to a traditional food market like San Benedetto in Cagliari, where you can graze your way through local cheeses, olive oils, and bottles of Cannonau wine. Bellissimo.
🚗 Getting Around Sardinia
🚌 Buses
Sardinia’s bus system is reliable, affordable, and perfect for getting around without burning through your gelato fund. Hop between towns like Cagliari, Alghero, and Olbia with ease. It's a great option for budget-conscious travellers, but just remember, rural buses might not run as frequently, so plan ahead if you’re heading off the beaten track.
🚖 Taxis & Car Hire
Renting a car is hands down the best way to explore Sardinia like a pro. Want to find those secret coves and pristine, secluded beaches? A car gives you the ultimate freedom to cruise the island at your own pace. Plus, who doesn't love a good coastal road trip with the tunes blasting and epic views?
🚴♀️ Bikes
If you're feeling energetic (and let’s be honest, needing to burn off some of that extra pasta and wine), grab a bike and pedal along Sardinia’s stunning coastlines. Perfect for soaking in the sights with the wind in your hair!
If Sardinia has got you itching for more Italy, check these spots out:
Popular Sardinia hotels
More Sardinia hotelsStunning Sardinia resorts
Weather in Sardinia
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Sardinia weather, handing out sunshine like it's going out of style!
Summer in Sardinia is pure joy, with temperatures that love to dance around 25°C to 30°C. And it's not just about the heat; it's the way the gentle sea breeze comes to join the party, keeping everything chill and enjoyable. Whether it's beach fun or exploring ancient ruins, Sardinia's summer's got your back.
Now, don't you dare skip over spring and autumn. These seasons are Sardinia's secret handshake, offering a cool 18°C to 24°C. Fancy a mountain hike, or perhaps a bike ride through the countryside? Sardinia's weather in these months is like a friendly guide, leading you to the best spots.
Winter? Sardinia keeps things mild and inviting with temps around 10°C to 15°C. It's perfect for exploring the towns, savouring local dishes, or just enjoying the laid-back vibe.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Sardinia?
How long does it take to fly to Sardinia?
Flights from the UK to Sardinia take between 2 hours 30 minutes and 2 hours 45 minutes depending on your departure airport and which of Sardinia's three airports you fly into. Sardinia has three main airports, Cagliari Elmas (CAG) in the south, Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB) in the north east, and Alghero Fertilia (AHO) in the north west.
Route | Flight time |
London Gatwick to Cagliari | approx. 2h 45m |
London Heathrow to Olbia | approx. 2h 30m |
London Stansted to Olbia | approx. 2h 30m |
London Stansted to Cagliari | approx. 2h 30m |
Birmingham to Sardinia | approx. 2h 30m |
Airlines operating direct routes include British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair. The airport you fly into matters, Olbia is the gateway for the glamorous Costa Smeralda in the north, Cagliari for the capital and southern beaches, and Alghero for the northwest.
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Sardinia?
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Sardinia?
Sardinia follows Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) in winter and Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) in summer. This means Sardinia is always 1 hour ahead of the UK and Ireland, all year round, regardless of the clocks changing.
Summer (late March–late October):
UK/Ireland (BST, UTC+1) vs Sardinia (CEST, UTC+2). Sardinia is 1 hour ahead.
Winter (late October–late March):
UK/Ireland (GMT, UTC+0) vs Sardinia (CET, UTC+1). Sardinia is still 1 hour ahead.
What currency do they use in Sardinia?
What currency do they use in Sardinia?
Sardinia uses the Euro (EUR, €), as it is part of Italy and the Eurozone. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, and coins in 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2.
Cards:
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops. Contactless is standard in tourist areas.
Cash:
Still useful for smaller cafes, markets, beach bars and rural areas, it's worth having some euros on you.
Getting euros:
Unlike some currencies, euros are easy to buy before you travel from any UK high street travel money provider, bank or airport bureau de change.
ATMs:
Widely available across the island, including at all three airports.
What language do they speak in Sardinia?
What language do they speak in Sardinia?
The official language of Sardinia is Italian, which is used in schools, business, signage and everyday life across the island. However, Sardinia has its own native language, Sardu (Sardinian), recognised officially since 1999, and still spoken by around 1.35 million people, particularly among older generations and in rural areas. Sardu is a fascinating language in its own right. It is considered the closest living language to Vulgar Latin, closer even than Italian itself and sounds more similar to Spanish than Italian to most ears. It is largely unintelligible to mainland Italians.
Languages you may encounter
Italian:
The main language everywhere - menus, signs, hotels and daily conversation.
Sardu (Sardinian):
Heard in villages, markets and among locals - a warm sign you're off the beaten track.
Catalan:
Still spoken in the northwestern city of Alghero, a legacy of Aragonese rule dating back to the 14th century - a genuine linguistic curiosity.
English:
Widely spoken in hotels, tourist resorts and coastal areas. Less common inland.
Handy Italian phrases for your trip
English | Italian | Sounds like |
Hello | Ciao / Salve | Chow / Sal-veh |
Thank you | Grazie | Grat-see-eh |
Please | Per favore | Pair fa-vor-eh |
How much? | Quanto costa? | Kwan-toe cos-ta |
Too expensive | Troppo caro | Trop-po car-oh |
Excuse me | Scusi | Skoo-zee |
Cheers | Salute | Sa-loo-teh |
The Catalan-speaking city of Alghero is genuinely worth flagging to your customers, it's an unexpected cultural detail that makes Sardinia feel even more layered and interesting than a standard sun and beach destination.
Is Sardinia good for a family holiday?
Is Sardinia good for a family holiday?
Sardinia is one of the best family holiday destinations in Italy. The beaches are the headline act, with shallow, calm water at spots like Cala Brandinchi and Porto Giunco that work well for younger children, and snorkelling coves like Cala Goloritzee for older kids.
Transfers from all three airports are short (most resorts are 30-60 minutes from the nearest terminal), and family-friendly hotels with kids' clubs and pools are spread across both the north and south coasts. The food helps too: Sardinia is the kind of place where even a fussy eater will demolish a pizza and a gelato.
When is the best time to book a holiday in Sardinia?
When is the best time to book a holiday in Sardinia?
July and August are the warmest months (30-31C) with the longest days and the liveliest beach scene. June and September are slightly cooler (27C) with fewer crowds, lower prices and water that is still warm enough for swimming. May and October work well for active holidays, with hiking and cycling conditions at their best and wildflowers across the hills. Sardinia earns its keep year-round.
What are the best things to eat in Sardinia?
What are the best things to eat in Sardinia?
Culurgiones (handmade pasta parcels stuffed with potato, pecorino and mint), porceddu (slow-roasted suckling pig), fregola con arselle (toasted semolina pasta with clams) and pane carasau (paper-thin Sardinian flatbread) are the essentials. Wash it down with Cannonau, the island's red wine and one of the highest-antioxidant wines in the world. For dessert, seadas are fried pastry filled with pecorino and drizzled with honey.
How much does a holiday in Sardinia cost?
How much does a holiday in Sardinia cost?
Sardinia is one of the more affordable Italian islands, especially outside the Costa Smeralda in the northeast. A sit-down meal at a mid-range trattoria runs EUR 25-EUR 30 per person for three courses with wine. A beer at a bar is EUR 4-EUR 5, a coffee is EUR 1.50 and a pizza takeaway is EUR 5-EUR 8. Package holidays to Sardinia through On the Beach include flights and hotel, and you can lock your booking in with a low deposit.
