It might come as a surprise to you but October is a fantastic month to visit Sardinia. When the heat is not too extreme, the weather becomes mild and pleasant, and the towns across the island open their doors and courtyards to visitors, you will be able to enjoy the island at a more relaxed pace and without sweating.
This guide will reveal what to expect from Sardinia in October, what are the best places to visit and the best things to do. Whether it’s your first time in this Italian region, your second or tenth, Sardinia in the fall becomes magical and will charm you even more.
Let’s dive in and find out whether October is the perfect month for you to travel to Sardinia!
Is October a good time to visit Sardinia?
October is one of the best times to visit Sardinia for many reasons.
- Weather. The weather is great for sightseeing because it’s not too hot anymore but at the same time, October also offers us fantastic beach days, especially at the beginning of the month and more towards the south of the island.
- Sightseeing. Because of such nice weather, exploring the towns and archaeological sites inland becomes very pleasant adding great value to your holiday.
- No crowds. The summer crowds are long gone and in the low season in Sardinia, you will find little traffic and even a walk on the beach will be relaxing.
- Affordable. Prices start going down in September and October is even more affordable especially when it comes to accommodation, but also flights and ferries.
How hot is Sardinia in October? Overall weather
The temperatures in October in Sardinia range from a minimum of between 13 and 19°C to a maximum between 23 and even 29°C. As you see, some days can be quite warm and a gentle reminder of the summer.
In Cagliari, the temperatures range between a minimum of 15°C and a maximum of 26-27°C, and quite the same in Olbia except that in the northern city, you can find a few more rainy days than in the south.
Alghero is on the north-western coast so it can be a bit breezy and the temperatures are not too warm keeping between a minimum of 16-18°C and a maximum of 23-28°C.
Can you sunbathe in Sardinia in October?
The beginning of October is usually very nice and sunbathing is still possible. Beaches will be quiet and you can properly enjoy your time without stepping over other beach-goers and their towels.
Towards the end of the month, the weather starts being more fall-ish so you will encounter colder days that won’t inspire you to go sunbathing, but if the wind strikes, waves might definitely inspire surfers to ride them.
Best things to do in Sardinia in October – Festivals + places to visit
Attend Autunno in Barbagia
Literally standing for “Fall in Barbagia”, the most mountainous region in Sardinia in the province of Nuoro, Autunno in Barbagia is a kermesse of events happening in many towns of this area 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 October, 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:
- October 5th and 6th: Lula, Orotelli and Meana Sardo
- October 12th-13th: Gavoi, Onanì and Tonara
- October 19th-20th: Belvì, Orgosolo and Sorgono
- October 26th-27th: Aritzo and Ottana
Visit an archaeological site
Many archaeological sites in Sardinia are inland, which makes it quite hard to visit them in summer under the unforgiving sun. But October is a different story. The mild weather is a charming invitation to explore the most important remains from ancient times.
Among these, Su Nuraxi Nuraghe in Barumini, the Sacred Well of Santa Cristina in Paulilatino, and Nuraghe Santu Antine in Torralba deserve a mention but are far from being the only ones.
Other wonderful prehistoric sites to visit in October in Sardinia include Nuraghe Losa in Abbasanta, Iloi Archaeological Park in Sedilo inclusive of a Nuraghe, a Nuraghic village and a large pre-Nuraghic domus de janas necropolis known as Ispiluncas.
For more modern ruins, among the must-sees are Tharros Punic city in the Sinis Peninsula, the Roman baths of Fordongianus, and Nora ancient city.
Get to know inland Sardinia
You might have heard that Sardinia is magical, a mysterious island steeped in history. Well, exploring its inland is the best way to get a feel of its most authentic spirit.
From the ancient sacred sites like the prehistoric graveyards to the traditional crafts to the culinary art, Sardinia is a bottomless source of culture, unwritten laws, and fascinating rituals.
In October, Sardinia offers fantastic destinations to explore, including smaller towns like Santu Lussurgiu, San Sperate, Sedilo, and Cuglieri, as well as larger towns like Sassari and Nuoro. Consider also booking your accommodation inland in towns like Ghilarza for even more affordable fares than larger cities and the coast.
Visit the colorful town of Bosa
If you wish to stay close to the coast and blend in some city life, Bosa is a great compromise. Its historic center is dotted with colorful houses; exploring it feels like walking inside a painting.
Visiting Bosa requires a bit of climbing up and down alleys and stairs so the fact that October is not too hot helps greatly. We have been in August and even though in the city center you can find some shade, climbing up to the Malaspina Castle was challenging and my mom at some point gave up.
If you also want to enjoy some beach time, Bosa is perfect at the beginning of October or when the forecast gives warm weather.
Discover the street art of Tinnura
Not far from Bosa is a tiny hamlet that’s been attracting the attention of contemporary art enthusiasts. As soon as you enter the village of Tinnura, inland from the western coast, you will see that the walls of all its houses are embellished with beautiful murals.
The subjects of these murals are taken from the Sardinian traditional way of living, agricultural and farming work, and local crafts. They are so embedded in the town’s style and architecture that sometimes that old man sitting at his doorstep or that girl leaning from her balcony seem real and about to wave goodbye.
Take a boat tour around La Maddalena archipelago
October in Sardinia is still time for cool boat tours and La Maddalena archipelago is a wonderful spot to do that. This time of the year, the beaches will be much less crowded so more enjoyable.
From Spargi to Budelli, you can take your boat from Palau, Porto Rotondo, or Santa Teresa di Gallura. Here are some great boat tours to choose from:
Attend the chestnuts and hazelnuts food fair in Aritzo
This is a wonderful annual event in Aritzo, a quaint town in the Barbagia region in the heart of Sardinia. They are located at around 800 meters above sea level so the air here is always nice and crisp.
I always enjoy the events they organize in the Barbagia area of Sardinia and during Aritzo’s sagra of chestnuts, visitors will be welcomed with a variety of initiatives from sampling local products and dishes, exploring the surrounding natural landmarks and forests, visiting the town itself, and enjoying live shows and concerts.
This year, the “Sagra delle Castagne e delle Nocciole” of Aritzo will take place on the weekend of October 26th and 27th.
Visit the city of Nuoro
The provincial capital of the fascinating regions of Ogliastra and Barbagia, Nuoro is the birthplace of many artists and a culturally vibrant hub in central Sardinia.
Nuoro is not too big so if you stay in the historic center, you can easily explore it on foot and discover the local culture and history in its great museums such as the important ethnographic museum known as “Museo del Costume” and the house of Nuoro-born Literature Nobel Prize winner Grazia Deledda.
Apart from exploring the town, from here you will have easy access to the Supramonte natural wonders, the hiking routes of the Ortobene Mount, and the stunning beaches of the Gulf of Orosei.
Trek Su Gorropu Canyon
Hiking Su Gorropu gorge in the Ogliastra region in Sardinia is ideal in spring and early fall when it’s not too hot and not too rainy either. Rain, in fact, can make the terrain slippery, while extreme heat will make the whole climb and descent much more challenging.
This is why October is perfect to enjoy this incredible natural landmark. I always suggest taking a tour or if you really want to go independently, follow the marked route because there is often the news of tourists getting lost.
Explore Alghero
Alghero is one of the most popular destinations in Sardinia and in October is very pleasant. Apart from strolling around the historic town between window shopping, historical sights, and delicious cuisine, you can walk along the seafront and take a boat tour to Neptune’s Grottoes.
But that’s not all. If you plan to stay a few days and book your hotel in Alghero, there is so much more to do in the area and October is a perfect region.
Near Alghero, in fact, are many great archaeological sites such as the Anghelu Ruju Necropolis dating back to the Neolithic and Copper Age, and the Palmavera Nuraghic complex. There are also beautiful natural landmarks like Lake Baratz and the beautiful Porto Ferro beach.
You can visit any of these places on your own provided you have rented a car or reached the island with your own vehicle. Otherwise, you can join guided tours to show you around. Here are some of the experiences you can choose from:
Go for a scenic hike
Not only Su Gorropu but countless are the stunning hiking and trekking routes in Sardinia. From the coastal trails to the inner mountains, trekking enthusiasts will be left craving for more.
If you like to trek along Sardinia’s rugged coastline, places like Cala Goloritzé, Cala Coticcio, and the old mining areas in the south are unforgettable. On the other hand, if you are more into wild mountainous landscapes, consider the Giara di Gesturi plateau or the Supramonte for spectacular views.
Here are some guided hikes you can book:
What to wear in October in Sardinia
As fall approaches, the weather starts being less predictable than the usual summer heat. October in Sardinia generally offers mild weather but sometimes you might be surprised by a sudden shower or a windy day.
So if you are wondering what to wear in Sardinia in October, the secret is layers. These are some of the items I suggest packing:
- Wind jacket
- Comfortable trousers
- Trekking shoes
- Walking shoes
- T-shirts
- Long-sleeve tops
- Jumpers
What to pack for Sardinia in October
What else to pack for Sardinia in October, apart from the clothes? Here are some items that might turn out to be useful.
- Backpack
- Foldable umbrella
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Beachwear
- Driving license (with an international driving license if you are from outside the EU)
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