What To Wear In Sardinia

Are you planning a trip to Sardinia and considering what to wear in Sardinia? You’ve come to the right place! I am a local, and can share plenty of insightful information on what to pack for Sardinia and what to leave home.

With its beautiful coastlines, gleaming beaches, fantastic food, fascinating history, and friendly people, Sardinia is an all-round amazing destination that can be visited at any time of year.

A trip to Sardinia is bound to be filled with fun nights out, explorations into nature, and days spent at the beach and swimming in the sea – that’s if you visit in the spring and summer months. With all there is to do here, it can be tricky to work out just what to wear in Sardinia, and what the perfect Sardinia packing list should look like. 

Worry not, I am here to help!

The first thing you need to know is that Sardinians are both glamorous and practical. Our style isn’t about flashy, over-the-top designer labels – it’s about dressing smart casual.

Dressing in outfits that are appropriate for the situation is also important. If you’re heading out on a hike in the mountains, you will need an outfit that you feel comfortable in (and the right shoes and backpack for the hike); and if you’re going to a place of worship, covering up is also essential.

Another thing you will need to think about is the time of year you’ll be visiting. It’s not always hot in Sardinia, so you will need help knowing what to wear in Sardinia in September or what to pack for Sardinia in July. You will see that you need a few basic staples that can be dressed up or down.

Getting your Sardinia packing list right isn’t too difficult. Here to help is my guide, with lots of tips to make sure you look great and are totally prepared to have a fun trip.

Are you preparing for a trip to Sardinia? My post What You Need To Know Before You Visit Sardinia is a must read!

What To Wear In Sardinia – Important Considerations

Sardinia definitely isn’t Patagonia. You won’t have to worry about packing for extremes or being in the middle of nowhere (though granted, there are places that can be quite off the grid here too).

But with enough hiking and adventurous activities to lure in intrepid travelers, there are still some things you shouldn’t forget when packing for Sardinia. There are three main things to keep in mind when deciding what to pack for Sardinia.

Style

Sardinia is the kind of place that is both stylish and casual, so you will want to make sure you consider both points when you pack for your trip. Evenings out at bars and restaurants will call for fashionable clothes, but not too over the top – it’s a pretty relaxed look.

Daytime style will be more about practicality and dressing for whatever activity you’re doing. For example, visiting churches and places of worship will mean covering up and dressing modestly, but bikinis are perfectly acceptable for days spent on the beach.

Similarly, we are all about dressing for success when we go on a hike, and you should do the same (so please, don’t hike in your city boots or in flip flops!).

Weather

You may think of Sardinia as a tropical paradise all about beaches and sunshine, but that’s not always the case. Packing your suitcase full of summer dresses and shorts ready for long hot days is a good idea if you are visiting Sardinia in the summer (June to September), but not all year round.

Winter is mild on the coast, but in the mountains things are much more on the chilly side, and there’s also rain (or snow in the mountains) to deal with. If you visit in autumn or spring, you will have to pack a light jacket for the evening, and even a rain jacket is probably a good idea.

Shoes

Shoes can be a tricky item of clothing to get right when you’ve only got space in your bag for a few pairs. Weight restrictions (if you are traveling to Sardinia with a low-cost carrier or hand luggage only) means you are unable to bring all the shoes you need — or want to bring — on your trip.

A comfortable pair of sandals or trainers will be good for city strolls and trips to museums, and flip-flops are always a go-to for beach trips; they’re easy to kick off and put on and cool for those warm days.

But if you’re planning to do any hiking, you will need a good pair of hiking shoes or boots. Depending on the time of year, this can vary. My go to hiking shoes are the Merrel Mohab  – in their waterproof version.

Make sure you pack smart footwear for the evening, too — they don’t have to be heels, just something that doesn’t look too scruffy. Lots of people in Sardinia wear smarter sneakers in the evening, and if you match them to the right outfit you can look casually smart and still be very comfortable.

What To Wear in Sardinia In The Fall / Winter

Packing for autumn and winter in Sardinia is all about layers.

As the fall starts to bring in cooler temperatures to Sardinia, the baking sun of summer may not be as strong, but days are still fairly warm. Temperatures are in the early 20°s Celsius (for those you accustomed to the Fahrenheit system, that would be in the 70°s) which is a lot warmer than other parts of Europe at the same time of year. 

Here is what to wear in Sardinia in October and in the fall in general:

• A light jacket such as the Deflektr Hybrid Shell by Kuhl. Another good option is Kuhl Spyfire Hoody.
• A cardigan or a light sweater. I recommend Lea Pullover, which comes in a variety of fun colors, and for something extra warm the Alpina Sweater.
• T shirts and lightweight long-sleeve shirts are what to wear in Sardinia in September or October. I recommend the Ardenna Henley, which comes in several colors, and the Lola Henley. Both of them are long sleeves.
• Solstice is short sleeves and it is comfortable, lightweight. I also like the Brisa and the Brisa twist which can be easily dressed up with the right accessories.
• A pair of shorts for warmer fall days. If you intend to hike, you will probably need something like the Trekkr Shorts by Kuhl, whereas the Kontour are a bit more dressy and can be used for a day or even an evening out in the city.
• A pair of casual pants that you can wear during the day. Kulh makes very comfortable jeans that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. I love the Kontour Flex for example. If you are planning on hiking, you will need the appropriate pants such as the Resistor Kraft Pant.
• Bathing suit – Sardinia sea temperatures are good enough to swim until October, so bring one just in case.
• Walking sandals.
• A pair of good walking shoes – they are perfect for exploring and look very stylish too.
• A hat.
• Skirts or dresses for dinner. I recommend Kuhl dresses as they are comfortable, easy to wear and you can easily dress them up. Check out the Ana Dress which is the perfect one to pack for a fall trip to Sardinia.

My post A Guide To Sardinia In October is an excellent read if are planning on visiting Sardinia in that season.

As the winter approaches, Sardinia gets colder, it rains more (and it snows in the mountain) and there can be strong winds. However the temperature during the day rarely drop below 10°C (50°F) during the day (it’s colder at night).

Here’s what to pack for Sardinia in winter:

• A windproof and/or waterproof jacket such as The Law Fleece Lined Hoodie.
• Trainers or boots to walk around during the day.
• A good pair of pants – Lydia Cord pants are perfect for everyday use; and Freeflex Move if you are looking for something uber comfortable.
• Stockings, in case you want to wear a skirt or dress. Trust me, you’ll need them.
• Lucia Sweater Dress is a lovely one to wear both during the day and for an evening out.
• If you plan on visiting the interior, you will need an extra warm sweater such as Sienna. I have one myself and it is super cozy!
• You will also need a hat and a scarf.

And if you’re thinking about exploring the interior or mountains, then bring extra layers and even a scarf.

Not sure winter is the right time to visit Sardinia? My posts What To Do In Sardinia In The Winter and The Best Time To Visit Sardinia will help you get clarity on the matter.

What To Wear In Sardinia In The Spring / Summer

Spring and summer on Sardinia are beautiful times of year to explore the islands. In spring, expect longer hours of sunshine and fresh temperatures of around 16°C (around 60°F) in March and April (and above 20°C – that’s 68°F – in May).

As the flowers start to bloom, the countryside and mountains of Sardinia are perfect place for a hike, and you will want to pack similarly to fall in Sardinia. Make sure to pack the following items:

• Hiking shoes such as Merrel Mohab.
• Pants such as Freeflex Move.
• Hiking pants such as Trekr Straight.
• Sweaters such as the Lea Pullover.
• A good wind and rainproof jacket. The best one is the Deflektr Hybrid Shell.

There’s nothing better than hiking in Sardinia in spring. My post The Best Hikes In Sardinia will guide you in picking the best hike for your interests and hiking capabilities.

As summer comes around, the temperatures soar, averaging (but usually going well above) 28.5°C (over 83°F) in July and August. This time of year means less thought about layers to keep warm and more about how to stay cool and protect yourself from the sun. 

Here are some items you should pack:

• Flowing dresses are definitely what to wear in Sardinia in June, July and August (and September too).
• Loose, lightweight tank-tops, shirts and T-shirts such as Brisa or Shay – they come in several colors and they are easy to match and dress up.
• Shorts such as Vantage and a skirt such as Haven.
• A sunhat or cap to keep the sun off of your head.
• Sunglasses are also a must (more on that later).
• Smart sandals.
• A pair of flip flops.
• Hiking trainers work well.
• Don’t forget to pack your bikini – and a beach cover-up (i.e. a kaftan) is always useful.

Are you planning on visiting Sardinia in the summer? My posts The Best Beaches In Sardinia and What To Know About Visiting Sardinia In August are both must reads!

Other Things To Pack For Sardinia

Now that you know what to include in your Sardinia packing list – from the stylish to the practical – and you’ve got some outfits to think about, what else do you need to pack?

That’s a good question! (Hint: you’ll need more than just cool outfits).

While you may have a few essentials in mind already, to help you out, I’m going to run you through my must-have items that you need to pack. In case you forget them at home, don’t worry: there are plenty of shops in Sardinia where all these items are readily available.

Mosquito repellent

I wouldn’t call mosquitoes a huge problem in Sardinia, but we do have them – some places more than others. Stintino, for example, with its relatively sheltered harbor and nearby salt flats, can mean mosquitoes are more present. The same can be said of places like Molentargius Nature Reserve in Cagliari.

To sum it up: are mosquitoes for sure, and if you are prone to mosquito bites like I am, you will need to wear repellent.

Mosquitos congregate anywhere near standing water or dense undergrowth, and you’ll find them in places with less breeze and air-flow – which means they are less of a nuisance on strong mistral days. They are more active at dawn and (especially) dusk, but they can be present during the day too.

Mosquito repellent is a sensible option, especially if you’re prone to getting bitten. Repellent with anywhere between 15 to 30% DEET should be adequate. If you want something natural, go for something containing citronella, which is very effective at keeping mosquitoes at bay.

Using repellent and wearing long trousers or skirts and long sleeves around the times/places mosquitoes gather should be enough to prevent you from being bitten.

Sunblock

Sunblock is a must if you’re traveling to Sardinia – it’s pretty sunny here year round, but most definitely you will need it if you’re planning a summer trip. If you’re out hiking and it’s a particularly sunny day, you can still get burned, even if it feels cooler. Clouds don’t necessarily offer SPF protection either!

But in terms of summer, I definitely recommend you come prepared with sunblock (SPF30 and upwards). Waterproof is a good idea, especially if you like snorkeling and swimming.

If you plan on being on the beach all day (and why not!), it’s a good idea to spend the hottest portion of the day in the shade. Take breaks in the shade, wear a sunhat, and keep hydrated.

Moisturizer

Chances are you’ll be spending a lot of your days outdoors in Sardinia. If you’re not in the sea or on the beach with the sea air on your skin the whole time, you’ll be exploring – outside.

Sardinia sometimes gets called “L’ Isola del Vento,” because of the breezes that varying parts of the island get throughout the year. While this makes our island less humid, even in summer, the slight downside is dryness.

You can combat that with a good moisturizer. Bring your favorite for day and/or night. You could opt for a face moisturizer containing SPF for sun protection, or a moisturizing sunblock.

After a day at the beach, make sure to wash all that salt off your face and body, and don’t forget to use moisturizer. Even outside of summer, all that wind and dry air can really take its toll on your skin, so… moisturize!

Day bag

A day bag really is a must for any Sardinia packing list, at any time of year.

Whether something in the realm of Osprey such as the Osprey Daylite Plus is more your thing, or if you want something more like a giant tote or handbag or even a trendy Fjällräven daypack, you definitely shouldn’t forget to bring one.

For exploring towns and cities, something more casual or stylish is better if you want to blend in. A good hiking backpack will be useful if you’re in Sardinia to hike, or if your day at the beach involves having to trek through macchia landscapes to get there (like on Caprera in La Maddalena, for example).

Either way, make sure your bag has enough space to fit everything you need for the day but isn’t so big that it ends up being impractical and bulky.

Plug adapter

Sardinia has the same sockets as the rest of Europe, with two or three pins. You’ll need a plug adapter if you plan on charging your laptop, your phone, or using any electrical appliance you’re bringing with you.

Simple, really, but a plug adapter can so easily be something you overlook.

Note that if you’re from the US and you’ve got something that’s grounded (i.e. the plug has two flat blades and one round pin), your adapter will need to be able to fit that. If it’s non-grounded that you need, the adapter will have holes for two flat blades.

Power bank

I’m sure you will agree that losing battery on your phone while you have maps loaded or you are taking photos is not fun at all. Or how about when you’re in town just about to search reviews for somewhere great to eat for dinner and your phone is on 1%? Also not fun.

The simple solution, is a power bank. All you have to do is make sure it’s charged, then you have your very own back-up battery so your phone has double the juice it would typically have.

You can also get larger power banks that work for laptops – perfect if you need to get some work done, perhaps at a cafe with no power outlets.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are what to wear in Sardinia Italy year round. Much more than just statement eyewear, a good, reliable pair of shades work in tandem with sunscreen and wearing a sunhat to provide you with comprehensive sun protection.

For this reason, it’s good to get yourself a pair of sunglasses that have adequate protection – UV 400 (or 100% UV absorption) is the best.

Bear in mind that price doesn’t necessarily equal good UV protection; darker shades don’t mean more UV absorption, and wraparound shades protect your eyes more.

I recommend visiting your trusted optician to get a good pair of sunglasses before your trip to Sardinia.

Water bottle

Sardinia gets hot in the summer, and the best way to deal with the heat is by keeping yourself hydrated.

The best way to keep yourself hydrated is to take your own water bottle with you. So make sure to add a good water bottle to your Sardinia packing list. I recommend a water bottle that will keep your water nice and chilled throughout the day, even if you leave it in the sun.

There’s no excuse to go around buying multitudes of plastic water bottles while you’re out and about, further adding to our planet’s plastic problem. Instead, find a good quality water bottle to bring to Sardinia and refill it with tap water.

Some water bottles come with built-in purifiers (Lifestraw, for example) – not that it is needed in Sardinia, where tap water is safe to drink. But if you want to invest in one, you may  want one of these as they ensure that “unsafe” water becomes safe to drink after it passes the filter as you drink. Genius!

Lightweight / quick dry beach towel

A proper packing list for a summer trip to Sardinia calls for a good quick dry towel!

I recommend packing a lightweight, quick-dry beach towel. It packs super small, and dries in a matter of minutes. It’s super absorbent, lightweight, and can roll up to a tiny size. A must-have!

Umbrella

You wouldn’t think to pack an umbrella for Sardinia, but I recommend you include a small one in your Sardinia packing list, just in case!

It’s all well and good having a water-resistant coat to stop you getting soaked by rain. But when it’s warm, wearing additional layers to stop you getting wet just makes you hot and sweaty. An umbrella, then, is a good option for those sudden downpours.

We don’t get a whole lot of rain in summer in Sardinia, though, so the main thing about umbrellas (especially the packable type with a telescopic handle) in this case is that they’re convenient and easy to carry around.

Further Readings

Make sure to check out my other posts to help you plan your trip:

• Where Is Sardinia?
• The Most Beautiful Waterfalls In Sardinia
• The Best Things To Do In Sardinia
• Your Guide To The Astounding Island Of Asinara
• Best Parks In Cagliari
• A Guide To Nuraghe In Sardinia
• 9 Sardinian Mines You’ll Enjoy Visiting

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