Are you considering going to Sardinia in November but not sure it’s a good idea? Are you unsure if there is something to actually do in Sardinia apart from going to the beach? I know travelers have many doubts about visiting this Italian island outside of the summer season because its beaches and rugged coastline landscapes are so famous.
You will be surprised to know, however, how lively Sardinia is all year long, how every season has its own charm, and how many things you can do in the low season. From archaeological sites to quaint towns to mysterious traditions, there is so much to see and do in November in Sardinia that you will be surprised.
Is November a good time to visit Sardinia?
This depends very much on what type of holiday you are looking to have in Sardinia. If your goal is sunbathing on the beach and swimming, November is not the right month for you.
However, if what you want is to explore the inland, dig deeper into Sardinian culture and traditions, enjoy the local festivals, and get to know the island’s many arts and crafts, then November is a fantastic month to travel to Sardinia.
Autumn is in full swing and from the beginning with our own celebrations of the Day of the Dead, November is packed with opportunities to deeply get to know the magic of this Italian region.
Exploring the island beyond its coast and learning about its long history and rich culture are two of the reasons why I think one of the best times to visit Sardinia is in the low and shoulder season.
Check out my full guide to the best time to visit Sardinia!
Weather in Sardinia in November
November in Sardinia is usually quite rainy (even though not everywhere) but since winter hasn’t started yet, the temperatures are not too cold. Of course, it depends on where you are going because Sardinia has both coastal and mountain towns.
For example, the temperatures in cities like Cagliari, Oristano, and Carloforte will be a few degrees higher than Nuoro and Fonni which are quite high above sea level. It also depends on when in November you are traveling to Sardinia because the beginning will normally be warmer than the end of the month.
In general, average temperatures considering the whole island will range between 10 and 15°C but here is a breakdown of the average temperature in different cities
- Cagliari (south): minimum 10°C-maximum 19°C
- Oristano (center): minimum 10°C-maximum 19°C
- Sassari (north): minimum 9°C-maximum 17°C
- Olbia (northeast): minimum 9°C-maximum 18°C
- Nuoro (center-east): minimum 7°C-maximum 15°C
- Bosa (center-west): minimum 12°C-maximum 16°C
- Alghero (northwest): minimum 9°C-maximum 19°C
- Carloforte (south): minimum 15°C-maximum 19°C
Important dates in November in Sardinia
- November 1st – Toussaint. This is a public holiday all over Italy so also in Sardinia.
- November 2nd – Day of the Dead. This is not a holiday so schools are open unless it’s between Toussaint and a weekend, in which case it will be “ponte” and create a longer weekend.
What to do in Sardinia in November – Places and dates
Attend Autunno in Barbagia festival
Literally standing for “Fall in Barbagia”, Autunno in Barbagia is a kermesse of events happening in many towns of the mountainous region of Barbagia in Nuoro province in the central-eastern part of the island.
Many are the towns participating in the initiative such as Bitti, Orune, Ortueri, Orotelli, Gavoi, Tonara, Orgosolo, Belvì, Mamoiada, Fonni, and more. Starting in September, the traditional houses of these towns will open their courtyards (“cortes”) and will showcase local products and crafts to visitors guiding them along a multi-sensory experience.
This festival kicked off in September in Bitti and will run across the towns of Barbagia until mid-December throughout the whole fall season. These are the appointments this month but for more info check out the official website:
- November 1st-3rd: Desulo and Mamoiada
- November 9th-10th: Ovodda and Olzai
- November 16th-17th: Nuoro and Tiana
- November 23rd-24th: Atzara, Lodine and Ollolai
- November 30th-December 3rd: Gadoni and Oniferi
Visit Nuoro
An appointment of the Autunno in Barbagia festival is in Nuoro so either you visit then or some other time, but I definitely suggest adding this lovely town to your itinerary.
Nuoro is the provincial capital of the Barbagia and Ogliastra regions. It has such a vibrant and culturally lively past that it was known as Sardinia’s Athens. In Nuoro, you can visit the fantastic Museo del Costume to delve deep into Sardinian culture, the house where Literature Nobel Prize winner Grazia Deledda was born and raised, and take a stroll in its historic center.
Check out our full guide to Nuoro
Discover the Day of the Dead
Sardinian-style Halloween is a journey around old traditions and rituals. While all over Sardinia you will see locals heading to the cemeteries to bring fresh flowers to the deceased members of their families, each town has a different tradition.
Being in Sardinia for the Day of the Dead is really fascinating. The last night of October is when the kingdoms of the dead and the earth get close and the souls of the deceased can come closer to us. This is also why in some places they prepare dinner for the dead before going to sleep. I remember my grandma did it every year.
In many towns, kids go around ringing house bells and asking for a donation for the souls. In the past, the donation mainly consisted of nuts and fruits while now it’s usually candies and cookies.
Visit an archaeological site or two
Like October in Sardinia, November is also a perfect month to explore the island’s archaeological vestiges. These are usually inland and open-air so in summer, it becomes quite difficult to enjoy these places under the sun.
Even though you can enter some nuraghe, the archaeological sites in Sardinia are usually uncovered. This is mainly why the colder months are perfect for this type of experience.
Sites like Iloi Archaeological Park in Sedilo, Santa Cristina Sacred Well in Paulilatino, and the ancient city of Nora in Pula are wonderful to visit in November.
Try the seasonal sweets
On the occasion of the celebrations at the beginning of November, so Toussaint and the Day of the Dead, the season’s sweets in Sardinia are the famous “pabassini”. You can find them with or without frosting but they all usually contain also raisins, walnuts (also almonds), and anise.
Pabassini are traditional at this time of the year so you are going to find them in different styles in all bakeries but also homemade in many local houses. Since they are among the most famous cookies in Sardinia, you will find them in bakeries and packaged food stores throughout the year but maybe not in many versions and more difficult to find them homemade.
Discover local villages
Similar to the archaeological parks, many wonderful towns in Sardinia are inland and visiting them will hugely add value to your trip. Whether you are joining a local festival, a food fair to sample typical products, or walking around the small alleys that make their historic center, this is how you get to know the soul of the island.
Sardinia is like no other Italian region, it has its own past and reality, a population proud of its culture and traditions, and its own landmarks and attractions. A trip to Sardinia is different than a trip to Rome or Florence, and a mix of larger cities such as Sassari and Cagliari and smaller towns like Galtellì, Fordongianus, and Ghilarza is the best way to explore it.
What to wear in November in Sardinia
Like every month in the shoulder season, wearing layers is key! Here are some clothing items I suggest packing for Sardinia in November.
- Long-sleeve tops. These are very versatile and always handy. You can use them directly under your jacket if it’s not too cold or under the jumper for an extra layer.
- Jumpers. These are necessary. Not too heavy at the beginning of November, but warmer towards the end of the month.
- Long trousers. Not too warm but not summer clothes either, a middle way if you have it. For sure, I recommend comfortable trousers since you will likely be walking a lot.
- Raincoat. Helpful to protect yourself from the wind and possible rain.
- Walking shoes. A pair or maybe two since if it rains you might soak them.
- Hat and scarf. Probably not gloves, but a hat and a scarf will probably be needed. In my case, especially a scarf since I started to wear it in October. Maybe the beginning of November in Sardinia is not cold enough for a hat, but towards the end, you might need it.
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