October is one of the most underrated months to visit Sardinia — and honestly, one of my personal favorites. The crowds of summer are gone, the prices drop, and the island finally feels like it belongs to the locals again.
You can still swim in the sea during the first half of the month (we locals certainly do), wander through Sardinia’s nature parks and hiking trails, and join lively festivals that only Sardinians know about.
October in Sardinia means quiet beaches, mild weather, autumn colors, and cheaper travel. It’s ideal for those who want nature, culture, and local life without the summer chaos.
Curious to see how you can make the most of Sardinia in October, and of Sardinia in autumn in general? Continue reading.
My post, The Best Time To Visit Sardinia, will help you decide when to visit the island based on your interests and needs.
Why Visit Sardinia In October
Weather and sea conditions
Are you wondering “what’s the weather like in Sardinia in October?” The quick answer is “great”. Most of the month, we enjoy pleasant weather conditions with sunny, warm days and just the occasional shower.
October in Sardinia brings a calm warmth that feels worlds away from the scorching temperatures and the terrible humidity of the summer. Indeed, unless you are unbothered by the heat, you should avoid visiting Sardinia in August or July.
Let me go into more details:
Temperatures: Expect daytime highs around 22–24°C (72–75°F) and cooler evenings. In the south (Cagliari, Villasimius), you may still see 25–26°C on sunny days, while the interior cools faster.
Sea conditions: Early October is still great for swimming — the water hovers around 22°C (72°F) — though by mid-month it starts to feel brisk. Locals still hit the beaches, especially on calm, sunny weekends.
Rain: Light showers and thunderstorms become more common, especially inland, but they often pass quickly and leave behind fresh, green landscapes.
Daylight: You’ll still get around 11 hours of daylight, so there’s plenty of time to explore.
Local tip: After the first rains, waterfalls of Sardinia like Piscina Irgas and Su Stampu e Su Turrunu come back to life — October is one of the best months to see them flowing again.
Average weather conditions by region
| Region | Avg High °C | Avg Low °C | Sea Temp °C | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cagliari (South) | 24 | 15 | 22 | 5 |
| Olbia (Northeast) | 23 | 14 | 21 | 5 |
| Alghero (Northwest) | 22 | 14 | 21 | 6 |
| Nuoro (Inland) | 21 | 11 | — | 6 |
Later on, towards the very end of the month and in November, the rain becomes more frequent, and temperatures decrease.
Crowds and costs of visiting Sardinia in October
As you surely know, Sardinia is an incredibly popular summer holiday destination. The largest crowds of tourists visit in July and August, and the number of people starts decreasing in mid-September when Italian kids go back to school, offices open again after the “Ferragosto” break, and everything goes back to business as usual.
Come to Sardinia in October, and you’ll find that the largest crowds are gone. Chances are you’ll have even the most famous protected beaches in Sardinia (like La Pelosa in Stintino, or Punta Molentis in Villasimius) to yourself – well, perhaps not at the weekend.
You will be one of a few, even at the most famous archeological sites in Sardinia, and finding a table at the most popular restaurants on the island will be much easier.
But there are even more pros of traveling to Sardinia in October: it’s much cheaper.
You see, many people ask me: Is Sardinia Expensive? When they do, I simply have to say that it is. If you visit the island in the peak summer months, you’ll have trouble landing a good deal on car rental for your Sardinia trip. You will see that many hotels around the island increase their prices, and so do the rest of the tourist services (ie, boat tours).
Towards the end of September, and even more so in October, prices become more reasonable – but the charm of the island remains. October is easily the best month to visit Sardinia if you are traveling on a budget.
Nature and Autumn colors
Nature in Sardinia in October is absolutely incredible. That’s when you can see the nature change.
At the beginning of the autumn season, the island shows the same yellow fields and green trees that it has during summer. But in the space of a few weeks, fields turn green and trees start to take on colors ranging from yellow to brown and red. It’s foliage, though not many places in Sardinia show clear signs of that.
If you are interested in foliage, there are many places to visit in Sardinia in October to enjoy it. Among them, I would especially recommend the forest of Badde Salighes in Bolotana, in the province of Nuoro, where Villa Piercy is located, or Laconi, where you can wander around the marvelous Parco Aymerich.
My posts, A Guide To Visiting Villa Piercy and A Guide To Laconi And Parco Aymerich, share tips on how to visit these unique places.
But there’s more. As I have said before, the rain that may fall in October will offer you the chance to see the various small waterfalls scattered around the island at their best. During the summer, it almost never rains, and most of the torrents dry out, so there are no waterfalls.
October is also a perfect month for hiking in Sardinia. Most local guides resume their hiking expeditions around the island since the temperatures are milder. This is the best time to enjoy coastal hikes, to hike to the Gorropu Canyon, or for hikes to secluded beaches like Cala Goloritzé or Cala Mariolu.
What’s Open And What To Expect
I bet you are wondering, “Are businesses still open in Sardinia in October?” or “Are restaurants open?”
Let me be honest. By October, Sardinia slows down — but it doesn’t shut down. Remember that 1.6 million people are living on the island, and that they also move around, go to restaurants, shops, etc.
October is when locals in Sardinia reclaim their favorite spots. You’ll have easier parking at beaches, and the feeling that you’re discovering a quieter, truer Sardinia.
Anyway, this should give you a better idea of what to expect.
Accommodation and restaurants
Cities and large towns like Cagliari, Alghero, Olbia, and Oristano stay lively year-round, with hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions open as usual. As a local of Cagliari, I can tell you the city thrives in October with lots of events for locals and tourists alike, and there’s a special vibe to the city.
Beach resorts (like the Emerald Coast, Costa Rei, or Chia) begin closing mid-month; many beach clubs and seasonal restaurants wrap up after the first or second weekend. But they are perfect if you seek tranquility, and some places (hotels and restaurants) may still be open.
Because of this, I’d recommend picking a larger town or city as a base for your trip. You can still venture to the beautiful Emerald Coast on a day trip from Olbia, visit Costa Rei and Villasimius beaches, and even Chia on a day trip from Cagliari.
Also, keep in mind that places like Villasimius, San Teodoro, Bosa, La Maddalena, Castelsardo or Santa Teresa Gallura are small towns proper, which means locals live there year-round, and while some places may close for the season, others will remain open.
Hotels in Cagliari, Alghero, and Olbia remain open throughout the year, and you won’t have trouble finding a place within your budget, even something that’s a bit more upscale, like a boutique hotel.
Even with larger hotel availability in most places, I still recommend booking your accommodation in advance.
Most of the best restaurants in Alghero, all my favorite restaurants in Cagliari (including the most budget-friendly ones), restaurants in Olbia, Sassari, and all other smaller towns in Sardinia where people reside throughout the year are open too.
Attractions and shops
Attractions such as archeological sites, museums around Sardinia, and shops remain open. Shops generally observe the same opening hours throughout the year, but archeological sites and museums in smaller towns may shorten their opening hours slightly to reflect shorter days.
You can rest assured that you will be able to visit the unique Su Nuraxi of Barumini, or Tharros Ruins and La Prisgiona Nuraghe in Arzachena.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Sardinia changes a bit in October, as it moves away from the coast back to the cities.
For example, during the summer, there are many bars located along the beach in Cagliari, and there are many trendy bars and clubs like Phi Beach near the Emerald Coast. These shut at the end of the summer season.
However, nightlife in Cagliari and other cities in Sardinia is still very lively, with many bars and clubs open and packed with locals.
Getting to Sardinia
Ferries to Sardinia continue throughout the year. Flights from Rome and Milan keep their usual schedule, and throughout October, you’ll still find most connections from mainland Italy and major European cities like Paris, London, or Amsterdam.
On the other hand, you may find that budget airlines continue on reduced schedules (for example, they may go from daily flights in the summer months to flying twice a week in October), and there are fewer direct seasonal routes.
My post, How To Get To Sardinia, shares tips on the best routes to travel to the island throughout the year.
Getting around Sardinia
Regardless of the season, I still suggest renting a car for your trip to Sardinia, as it gives you way more freedom to explore at your own pace, reach lesser-known places around the island, check out the quaint coastal towns, visit archeological sites that are harder to reach and find trailheads to the main hiking trails.
October is an ideal month for a road trip around Sardinia. With less tourists on the island, there’s less traffic on the coastal panoramic roads, driving in Sardinia is not as hectic, and you can stop wherever you want to take in the views, for a break or for a picnic.
Renting a car in October is not nearly as costly as it is in the summer months, but I still recommend booking your car in advance.
You can look for the price of car rental on Discover Cars. It’s a comparison site that pulls out the best deals and lets you filter by car size, rental car company ratings, and more. I use it wherever I travel when I need to rent a car, and never had an issue.
Of course, public transportation in Sardinia works during the off-season too, with a good network of buses connecting main towns such as Cagliari, Olbia, and Sassari to smaller towns in inner Sardinia.
The same goes for trains in Sardinia, which are generally a bit faster than buses and connect larger towns (for example, you can get from Cagliari to Olbia by train).
However, please consider the limitations of public transport in general: buses and trains go at fixed times that may not be suitable for your travel needs, they take longer than driving (which is an issue if you only have a few days in Sardinia), and they won’t go everywhere.
My post, How To Get Around Sardinia, gives you detailed information on the many ways of efficiently moving around the island.
Best Things To Do In Sardinia In October
Check out the forests and nature reserves of Sardinia
It doesn’t matter if you travel with your family, your friends, or by yourselves. October is the perfect month to appreciate the many nature reserves and forests in Sardinia. You will find these a perfect place for a relaxing walk, for a picnic and even for a barbecue (some forests provide the equipment).
There are many forests and nature reserves you can explore. For example, you can wander around Badde Salighes. Here’s where you’ll also find the historical Villa Piercy, a charming historic villa beautifully immersed in nature. Not far from Badde Salighes, there’s Foresta Burgos, near Burgos, a quaint hilltop village home to a scenic castle.
Another park you will love exploring is Parco Aymerich, in Laconi, which is also home to the ruins of a castle.
If you are staying in southern Sardinia, consider going for a walk at the Monte Arcosu Nature Reserve, which is also a WWF Oasis, and it’s easy to visit on day trips from Cagliari or Pula. There are several walking trails you can follow, leading to beautiful viewpoints.
You could explore the Parco della Giara in the Giara Plateau. In this case, you may want to join a guided tour as the park is home to a large colony of small wild horses (one of the few in Europe), called Cavallini della Giara. Having a guide will make the task of spotting these beautiful creatures much easier.
This guided tour of the Giara Plateau also visits Su Nuraxi of Barumini, one of the most impressive archeological sites in Sardinia, and includes wine tasting too.
Finally, if you are in Cagliari you could go for a walk in Molentargius Nature Reserve, one of the best places in Sardinia to spot pink flamingos and many other species of birds. You don’t even need a guide for that: flamingos are easy to spot.
Hiking
October is one of the best months to go hiking in Sardinia: the temperatures are milder and it doesn’t rain much, and the days are still fairly long, making the experience overall very pleasant.
There are so many incredible hikes on the island, that it could be difficult to choose which one you would prefer. No matter where you are, you are bound to find a multitude of hiking trails within a short distance.
For instance, you could opt for a coastal hike – if the weather is nice, you may even manage to go for a little swim once you reach the beach. One of the best hikes for that is the one to Cala Mariolu, or alternatively Cala Biriala on the famous Baunei Coast. It’s a challenging hike, with a lot of elevation gain, but very rewarding.
Consider joining this guided hike to Cala Biriala. The trail is not hard to follow, but this a very challenging hike that you should not tackle alone.
If you are staying in the south, you could follow the Cammino dei 5 Faraglioni and walk the trail that connects Laveria Lamarmora in Nebida (an old mine with unique architecture) to the beautiful Masua Pan di Zucchero Beach. You could even add a visit to the Porto Flavia Mines at the end.
In the north, you could hike one of the trails of Monte Limbara, near Tempio Pausania, in the Gallura region of Northern Sardinia.
You can also tackle the more challenging hikes in the Gorropu Canyon, one of the deepest gorges in Europe. There are many trails there, for various difficulty levels.
If you are in Cagliari, you don’t even need to get out of town to hike: just head to Calamosca Beach (one of the most famous beaches in Cagliari) to find the trailhead to the Devil’s Saddle (the promontory that overlooks Poetto Beach). It’s an easy hike, which will reward you with stunning views.
Tip: Let me stress the importance of wearing the appropriate gear (especially good hiking boots) when hiking in Sardinia. The terrain is often unforgiving. Also carry a rain jacket, as in October the chances of rain increase, and make sure to bring water and food for the duration of the hike.
Check out my post, The Best Hikes In Sardinia, for ideas on where to go hiking on the island.
Go climbing
Sardinia is a paradise for rock climbers, and fall is certainly one of the best times of the year to do it. Again, the sun is not too strong, and the rocks don’t overheat, so you can climb safely.
Climbing in Sardinia is an amazing experience, also because there are many different types of rock walls, and each part of the island offers a breath-taking view for climbers to enjoy.
Locals enjoy climbing in spots like Gorropu Gorge (pictured above) or the Pinnacle of Cala Goloritzé (a gorgeous beach in the Baunei Coast that can only be reached via a hike). generally speaking, the area of Supramonte and the Baunei Coast are packed with climbing routes for various levels of difficulty, and there are lots of good climbing routes in the area of Domusnovas in South Sardinia.
Read my post, Where To Go Climbing In Sardinia, for tips on the best areas and routes.
Check out a waterfall or two
Sardinia can get very dry during the summer months, and the almost complete lack of rain means that the streams stop feeding the waterfalls. Visit Sardinia in October (best if at the end of the month, and after a few thunderstorms), and you’ll have higher chances of admiring one of the many waterfalls on the island.
Among the most scenic waterfalls, consider going to Sa Spendula. It can be reached via an easy hike just outside the small town of Villacidro, in South Sardinia (you could go there on a day trip from Cagliari). In the same area you will find Piscina Irgas, which however requires a more challenging hike.
Local tip: October is still to early to find the Cascata A Mare di Capo Nieddu, near Cuglieri, the only Sardinian waterfall that drops directly into the sea. For that, you are better off visiting Sardinia in the winter.
My post, The Prettiest Waterfalls In Sardinia, highlights the many waterfalls you could check out during your trip.
Go surfing, windsurfing, or kite surfing
If you love surfing or kitesurfing, fall is definitely the best time of the year to practice these sports here in Sardinia.
Given its position, Sardinia it is a windy island, and when the Mistral or other strong winds blow, waves can reach 3- or 4-meters in height (perfect for surfing), or, depending on where you are on the island, you will find steady winds that make kitesurfing a lot of fun.
There are few amazing spots where you could practice. For surfing, most famous place is Capo Mannu, near Oristano. If you are in northern Sardinia, Isola Rossa, near the Costa Paradiso, is a favorite for surfing; whereas locals in the south can be seen surfing in Chia Su Giudeu Beach and even in Poetto Beach in Cagliari.
Depending on the wind, Poetto is also an excellent spot for kite surfing, but one of the most famous in Sardinia is the main beach in Costa Rei, in southeastern Sardinia.
Head over to my posts, Where To Go Surfing In Sardinia and The Best Kitesurfing Spots in Sardinia, to find a spot to practice wherever you are on the island.
Relax at the beach
Take this with a pinch of salt, because October can be a bit of a hit and miss when it comes to beach-weather.
At times, October (especially the beginning of the month) feels like proper summer with hot (if only shorter) days that are truly sunny and warm and the water is still perfect for swimming.
I took the photo above at the beginning of October a couple of years ago, for example, and I went swimming in the sea in Cala Pira (near Costa Rei) on 10 October last year. It was fantastic.
Other times, October (especially after the first two weeks) is fall proper (though in Sardinia fall is till very mild) – but that doesn’t meant you can’t enjoy the beach! You can go for long walks along the beach and admire it in all its beauty, with none of the crowds!
This is to say: I wouldn’t plan a beach holiday in Sardinia in October, because you may be disappointed if the weather is not beach-perfect. But I would definitely recommend packing a swimsuit and sunblock in case you want to hit the beach one day.
Don’t forget to read my post, The Best Beaches In Sardinia, for beaches around the island that are worth visiting.
Explore Sardinia’s many caves
The island of Sardinia is full of beautiful ancient caves that you can visit. Some are for expert speleologists only, but there are many that are open to tourists and that are truly scenic.
Among my favorite caves in Sardinia, there are the Grotte di Nettuno – Neptune’s Grotto – in Alghero, that are located near the amazing Capocaccia, from where you can see the entire coast. These caves van be reached by boat from Alghero, or via the famous Escala del Cabirol, a long staircase that follows the cliffs and offers incredible views.
Neptune’s Grotto can only be visited on guided tours. Don’t be surprised if you find them quite crowded even in October. That’s when I last visited, and there were a lot of people. Keep in mind it’s the most popular cave in Sardinia.
If you like the idea of exploring caves, I would also recommend the area of Dorgali, where you could visit the caves of Ispinigoli, the famous Grotta del Bue Marino (Sea Oxen Grotto) or the Grotta del Fico. These two can only be reached by boat from Cala Gonone, and while they are a popular stop in the summer during boat tours of the Baunei Coast, they are open for visits in October too.
You can join this boat tour from Cala Gonone that stops at the Sea Oxen Grotto and then continues to Cala Luna, one of the prettiest beaches in the area.
Check out my post, The Most Scenic Caves In Sardinia, for more ideas on caves you should visit.
Visit the archeological sites
All archeological sites in Sardinia are open year-round, and if you are are into archeology, October in Sardinia will surprise you with sites that are never crowded, but pleasant to visit without the scorching summer heat.
Sardinia has an ancient history, and many archeological sites pre-date the Roman era. You will find sites from the Bronze Age, and even sites that date prior to that, reflecting the unique and intricate history of Sardinia.
If you’re interested in archaeology, you should definitely see some of the many Nuraghe scattered through the island – there are more than 7000 of them. The most famous are Su Nuraxi in Barumini, which you can easily visit from Cagliari, Palmavera Nuraghe just outside Alghero, La Prisgiona in Arzachena, Nuraghe Losa in Abbasanta and Nuraghe Santu Antine in Torralba, in northern Sardinia.
To discover even more unique sites, you could visit Sardinia’s Domus de Janas, unique necropolises that pre-date nuraghe (there’s a famous one near Alghero called Anghelu Ruju), and the Giants’ Tombs. Coddu ‘Ecchju, near Arzachena, is one of the most famous ones. But my personal favorite is S’Ena ‘e Thomes, near Oliena.
I definitely recommend to go visit Monte d’Accoddi, a unique pre-nuragic altar located in the province of Sassari often called “the Sardinian ziqqurat” (though it is not a ziqqurat).
If you are looking for a real hidden gem, look for the Tempio di Antas near Fluminimaggiore. It’s a Roman/Punic temple surrounded by nuragic ruins and a gorgeous forest you can hike through, the perfect place to visit if you want to enjoy archaeology and nature at the same time.
Of course, there are also many archeological sites that are evidence of the Punic and Roman civilizations in Sardinia. In Cagliari, you can visit the Roman Amphitheater and the Tuvixeddu Necropolis. But you can also check out the famous Ruins of Tharros in the Sinis Peninsula, and the ancient city of Nora, near Pula in South Sardinia. as well as the several Roman Baths complexes such as Fordongianus.
Check out my post The Most Impressive Archeological Sites In Sardinia and The Must See Nuraghe Of Sardinia for more sites you may want to visit.
And the museums
Sardinia is packed with interesting museums. All cities and towns in Sardinia have at least a museum or an art gallery that you should visit. They are great to visit regardless of the season, but especially good places to seek out in case that Sardinian October rain catches you by surprise.
Some are classic museums that will deepen your knowledge and understanding of the history and culture of the island – for example, the Archeology Museum in Cagliari, the Museo Civico in Cabras, or the Ethnographic Museum in Nuoro.
Others are quirkier, smaller museums reflecting a ton of different interests. There’s a wine museum in Berchidda, a Banditry Museum in Aggius, a small town in the Gallura Region, the Museum of Mediterranean Masks in Mamoiada, home of Sardinia’s most famous carnival.
Then, there are the many art galleries, perfect if you enjoy modern and contemporary art. I am a fan of the Pinacoteca Nazionale in Cagliari, the MAN Museum of Art of Nuoro and the Contemporary Art Museum of Calasetta.
My post, Museums In Sardinia Worth Visiting, highlights the best museums on the island for all interests.
Attend a festival
Many inland small towns of Sardinia come alive in October and many festivals that take place around the island. It’s a unique chance to see traditional Sardinian life.
Sardinian culture is ancient, and it does not end with the many archeological sites you can visit. There are many festivals and many ancient traditions that take place during fall.
For instance, the most important festivity in this season is the one that corresponds to Halloween, named either Su Prugadoriu (my personal favorite, taking place in Seui), Is Animeddas or Su Mortu Mortu, depending on the area. During this festivity, people leave food and wine for the dead to enjoy.
This tradition is not surprising, given the importance that food and wine have in Sardinian culture. In fact, there are many festivals that are focused on food or wine.
Between September and December, the most important festival taking place in Sardinia is definitely Autunno in Barbagia – literally translated “fall in Barbagia”.
During this festival, which takes place in around 30 small towns located in the Barbagia region, in the heart of Sardinia, locals open their houses’ courtyards to visitors – for this reason it is also known as cortes apertas.
It’s a change to taste traditional Sardinian dishes like Culurgiones, Pardulas or Seadas, try Sardinian wines, observe traditional dancing and listen to traditional music and singing in the Sardinian language (like the Canto a Tenores).
Make sure to check the calendar of Autunno in Barbagia to see which small town is hosting the festival when you are on the island, and don’t miss the chance to go. My personal favorite is the one hosted in Oliena, but it’s usually at the very beginning of the season. The ones in Aritzo, Orgosolo and Fonni are special too.
Don’t forget to read my post, The Best Festivals In Sardinia, for more events throughout the year.
Wine tasting
If you love wine, you will be glad to know there are many wineries you can visit in Sardinia to learn about the process of wine making, and to taste the best regional wines.
Sardinia has been producing wines since ancient times, with some autoctonous varietals that are unique to the region, like Cannonau, Bovale, Nuragus, Semidano, Carignano and the more famous Vermentino di Gallura.
We even have a Wine Museum (located in the lovely Berchidda, in the Gallura Region), where you can learn about the history of wine in Sardinia, the traditional wine-making process, and the many local varietals.
No matter where you are in Sardinia, there’ll be a winery near you that you can visit.
If you are in Cagliari or in the south of Sardinia, you can visit Cantine Argiolas, Audarya or Pala in Serdiana, the small town my mom is from and a mere 25-minute drive from town. You can even pair your visit with that of the Santa Maria di Sibiola Church (one of the best-kept Romanesque churches in Sardinia) and of the next-door town Dolianova.
Cantine Su Entu in Sanluri (a lovely small town about 35 minutes from Cagliari) is another popular winery with an annexed delicious restaurant. You can pair with a visit to the Eleonora d’Arborea Castle in town: it’s the prettiest castle in Sardinia.
If you are in Alghero, there’s Sella e Mosca Winery, which is one of the largest wineries on the island and produces award-winning wines. And if you are in northeastern Sardinia, you will have many Gallura wineries to pick from: a personal favorite is Cantine Surrau just outside Arzachena, but I also love Tenute Olbios.
I have written a Guide To The Best Wineries In Sardinia that highlights my favorite ones on the island.
Join a food tour or take a cooking class
Food in Italy is very regional, and traditional food in Sardinia is nothing like what you’d have in other parts of the country.
This is your chance to savor the melt-in-your-mouth suckling pig, the famous malloreddus (which are nothing like gnocchi!), the comforting mazzamurru. And with lower temperatures, you’ll be more prone to taste some of our richest dishes.
Of course, joining a guided food tour such as this one in Cagliari or elsewhere on the island is a great idea to try some of our local specialties, but there are also some fun cooking classes that you could join to learn how to prepare Sardinian staple dishes at home, directly from a local.
A cooking class is a fun activity for the entire family. There are cooking classes throughout the year, so you won’t have any issues finding one if you are visiting in October.
I have a post on the Best Cooking Classes In Sardinia that shares what’s available around the island.
Explore the cities and small towns
Obviously, cities and smaller towns in Sardinian are beautiful year-round. However, fall brings with it a unique atmosphere. Tourist season has ended, towns are less crowded and quieter, and people go back to their every day life.
If you spend October in Sardinia, you’ll savor local life throughout Sardinian cities and towns. You can enjoy monuments and museums without having to deal with the crowds, eat a gelato in Cagliari (or elsewhere) mingling with the locals (please take care to note many gelaterie close for the winter season), and explore on a whim.
Small towns in Sardinia are particularly charming during this season, thanks to the festivals I mentioned above, but also because of their traditional buildings.
Many of them are also known for some murals (graffiti) that display life in town. The best towns to admire traditional murals in Sardinia are San Sperate, which is just a short driving distance from Cagliari, and Orgosolo which is closer to Nuoro.
Coastal towns such as Castelsardo or Bosa are also nice to visit during fall. You will find a completely different atmosphere compared to the summer months: not a festive, loud mood, but a cozy, quiet atmosphere. You could even take the ferry to Carloforte to explore the small town and the rest of San Pietro Island.
Head over to my post, The Prettiest Coastal Towns In Sardinia to discover more small towns worth visiting.
October Itinerary Suggestions
Unless you are planning a long weekend in Cagliari or Alghero, you will need to rent a car to explore Sardinia. I recommend picking one on Discover Cars.
These are some itinerary suggestions for your Sardinia October trip:
If you have a week:
Days 1–2-3: Cagliari and the South Coast: Visit Cagliari, hike up to the Devil’s Saddle. Go for a walk along Poetto Beach and spot pink flamingos in Molentargius Nature Park. The day after go to Pula to visit Nora Ruins in the morning, then enjoy wine tasting in Serdiana. Sleep in Cagliari.
Days 4-5: Drive inland to Barumini to visit Su Nuraxi, then head to the Giara plateau. Continue to Oristano to visit the Sinis Peninsula and Tharros Ruins. Sleep in Oristano.
Day 6: Spend a day at one of the Barbagia towns for the Autunno in Barbagia. Sleep in Alghero.
Day 7: Explore Alghero: enjoy a glorious sunset over Capo Caccia before heading home.
If you have 10 days to two weeks:
Days 1–2-3: Cagliari and the South Coast. Explore Cagliari, hike up to the Devil’s Saddle, go for a walk along Poetto Beach, and spot pink flamingos in Molentargius Nature Park. Go to Pula to visit Nora Ruins. Enjoy wine tasting in Serdiana. Sleep in Cagliari.
Days 4-5: Drive to the Baunei Coast, passing by the ghost town of Gairo Vecchia. Hike to one of the beaches of the Baunei Coast. Sleep in Tortolì.
Days 6-7: Drive to Posada to visit one of the lesser-known small towns of Sardinia, then head to Olbia, visit one of the Barbagia towns for Autunno in Barbagia. Sleep in Olbia.
Days 8-9-10: Drive to Castelsardo before heading to Alghero. Explore Alghero, the surrounding sites, visit the Neptune’s Caves. Drive to Bosa for a day. Sleep in Alghero.
If you have more time, head to Laconi to admire foliage in Aymerich Park before heading back to Cagliari to fly home, otherwise, fly out of Alghero.
The following itineraries are all suitable for an October trip:
I also have a number of printable itineraries you can purchase.
What To Pack For October In Sardinia
I always recommend bringing and wearing layers in Sardinia in autumn, considering that the weather can change a lot from the end of September to the beginning of December. While the weather in Sardinia in October is still very mild, you should account for sudden weather changes, drops in temperatures, and the occasional rain shower when you pack.
October is mostly still t-shirt weather during the day, but you will need some warmer layers for the evening, and a rain jacket in case you go hiking.
You will also need to pack comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking a lot, after all – and hiking boots if you intend to tackle one (or more) of the trails in Sardinia.
And by all means, pack a swimsuit and sunscreen in case you go to the beach.
Here’s my recommended packing list:
- A light jacket, such as the Stretch Voyager Jacket by Kuhl.
- A cardigan or a light sweater. I like the Lea Pullover, it comes in many colors.
- T-shirts and lightweight long-sleeve shirts, such as the Ardenna Henley: you can pick among various colors.
- T-shirts like the Brisa twist: if you pair it with the right accessories, you can easily make it look dressier.
- If you are planning on hiking, the Trekkr Shorts by Kuhl are perfect, or the Resistor Kraft Pant if you prefer long pants. I also use the Freeflex Skort for hiking (and going to the beach) as it is super comfortable.
- A swimsuit – the sea temperature in Sardinia is ok to swim until mid-October, so you’ll regret not packing one.
- Good walking shoes and a pair of hiking boots.
- A hat.
- Sunblock and sunglasses.
- Something dressier for dinner.
- A compact umbrella for the occasional shower.
Check out my post What To Pack For Sardinia for the best packing list for any season.
FAQs on Visiting Sardinia in October
October is a great month to visit Sardinia. In fact, I may say this is the best time of year to visit the island if you want to enjoy everything it has to offer. The weather is milder, but the sea temperature is still warm enough for swimming, which means you will be able to enjoy the amazing beaches of Sardinia, without the crowds.
October is also a great month to go hiking in Sardinia, and to visit the beautiful archaeological sites without the heat. October is also festival season in Sardinia, and there will be plenty of events to attend to learn more about the culture of the island.
October is one of the best months to visit Sardinia on a budget. While July and August in Sardinia are by far the most expensive months, with hotels around the island increasing their prices, most places decrease their prices in October. It’s also better if you want to rent a car in Sardinia, because with less demand, car rental prices decrease too.
There are many festivals in Sardinia in October, but the one you should attend is Autunno in Barbagia, which takes place across the small towns of the mountainous region of Sardinia. It’s a great chance to discover the traditions and culture of Sardinia, and to taste its most traditional foods.
There’s no straightforward answer to this question, to be honest. The weather in Sardinia in October is usually quite mild, with warm temperatures and mostly sunny days. However, there can be rainy days. Don’t expect days of solid rain, though: it’s more like short thunderstorms in the middle of the day.
Yes, ferries to Sardinia run throughout the year, including October. The most popular routes for passengers and vehicle ferries are from Genoa to Porto Torres or Olbia, from Civitavecchia to Cagliari, from Livorno to Olbia or Golfo Aranci, and from Naples to Cagliari. There’s also the ferry from Corsica to Sardinia (Santa Teresa di Gallura) that runs year-round.
Yes, you can see flamingos in Sardinia in October. There’s a large, practically permanent colony of pink flamingos that lives in Cagliari, and you can observe them at Molentargius Nature Park.
Sardinian people normally enjoy the beaches well into October, but of course, the temperatures are not as hot as in the summer, and the days are shorter, which means the hours you get to spend at the beach are fewer. Having said that, October can still be a very pleasant month to enjoy Sardinian beaches.
Is October Right For You?
As I showed in this post, October is a fantastic month to visit Sardinia. It’s just the perfect combination of mild weather that allows you to enjoy a bit of sun at the beach, but at the same time hike without the tremendous heat of the summer.
If you are not a friend of the tourist crowds, October is the best overall month to visit Sardinia, as the vast majority of tourists leave by mid-September, when schools open across most of Europe.
Of course, if you like a good buzz, if you want to spend your days at the beach, if you want to experience the best nightlife around Sardinia, perhaps you should travel to Sardinia in the summer.
Are you still not sure if you should visit Sardinia in autumn? Why don’t you book a consultation with an expert to plan your Sardinia itinerary and give you all the best personal tips?
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Hi! My post https://strictlysardinia.com/hotels-in-cagliari-where-to-stay/ describes the various neighborhoods and what they have to offer, and the best places to stay in each. October is a quiet month for beaches, so anywhere you’ll go will mostly feel secluded. You could also read this post https://strictlysardinia.com/best-beach-towns-in-sardinia/ for more beach town options.
Hi Claudia, thanks for all the brilliant information! We’re visiting Sardinia from London first week of October and flying into Cagliari. We’ll hire a car and are keen to explore the coastline, swim, read on the beach and hike. We love nature and (coming from London) it’s lovely to experience more peaceful/rural settings, but we also like to be able to walk to cafes / restaurants.
If we spent a few days based in Cagliari, which neighbourhood would you recommend? And if we spent a few nights staying in a coastal town/village for a quieter ‘beach’ experience where would you suggest? Thanks!
Hello Cathy, thank you for leaving a comment. Businesses will definitely be still open at the end of September, even in smaller places. They are usually open in October too, when things start to slow down. Pula is actually a fairly popular place for locals too, and a small town proper and not just a tourist destination. This means that while some businesses will close in the off season, most will actually be open. I hope this helps you decide 🙂
Hello there!
I’ve just found your website and love the information you’ve provided. We are looking to travel to Sardinia either last two weeks of September or he first two weeks of October. I realise this is the shoulder season, which is perfect for us. I would ideally like to be based near a small beach so I can swim daily, with a hire car to get around to other towns. I have been looking at Pula, which seems nice and quiet.
My question is, does everything close in smaller towns like Pula after the main season has finished, meaning I’d need to base myself in a larger town like Cagliari? What date does the main season actually finish?
They normally close for the season.
Hi there! Thanks for a great article. Do you know if the beach clubs are open in October?
It doesn’t really make much of a difference because wind can blow from any direction – so it really depends!
Hello! Thank you for all the wonderful info. We are coming for our first visit in Middle October. Is one side, or area, of the island more protected from the wind? We hope to have some warmer days where we can get in the water and go swimming.
All of Sardinia is great in October. Cagliari is an excellent base.
Nice read about Sardinia, thanks. Will be going for 10 days in mid/end October. Would you prefer Cagliari over south-eastern part bu this time of the year? Thanks!
Cagliari or Alghero!
Fantastic website. We will be visiting Sardinia at the end of October for 6 days. We will fly into Cagliari and rent a car. Could you suggest what city/ area would be better to stay in where there is access to beautiful beaches should the weather be reasonable, where restaurants are still open and there are some sites to see should the weather be poorly. Thank you.
There is public transport but it’s slow. You should really consider renting a car, at least for the day you want to get out of town.
Great information on your site. We will be visiting in October, staying in Alghero for 4 nights. Is public transport easily accessible for visiting other parts of the island in particular small villages & towns?
Thank you!!
Your website is great!
Just popped into it a few days ago, luckily before an upcoming holiday in Sardinia next week!
Got a lot of good advice, grazie mille!
I don’t have a newsletter 🙂 but you can save my site among your favorites and it will appear in your top bar, only a click away!
Just found your website and love it. I hope to have a place in Sardinia some day, or make regular visits at the very least. Is there a way to subscribe to your blog posts, I did not see it.
Thanks,
Cynthia
Thank you so much! I hope Sardinia is everything you wish for <3
I will be celebrating my very dear friends 50th bday in a few weeks in the Province of Sassari. It will be my very first time. I hope to semi-retire there with my husband in the future God wiling. Thank you for all your very interesting articles.