Sardinia in May : weather, temperatures, places to visit, tips and advice for a trip to the island in spring

Visiting Sardinia in May is ideal for the mild temperatures, non-oppressive heat, lush vegetation with flowers of every color, perfect time for those who want to ride bikes or walk on the still-deserted beach.

During May in Sardinia the weather is pleasantly warm with temperatures sitting between 70°F and 78°F (21–26°C), perfect for enjoying the great outdoor activities and sightseeing! Being a local travel agent on this magnificent island for years, I know that weather wise May provides some of the best weather there is. This period really shows off the Mediterranean climate, with daily temperatures that really make exploring our lovely landscapes, a pleasure. It seems mornings are crisp and clear, then warm up beautifully by mid morning. Spring weather ranks notes as one of the most dramatic of all our weather in how much the cloud cover decreases during the month. As we make our way through May, I base it from my daily observations as I help tourists with planning their activities, on which I’ve seen these overcast conditions dropping from 40% to 35%. In other words, your outdoor adventures will be done under increasingly clear skies and a sizeable amount of sunshine. May is also a month with comfortable humidity levels compared to our peak summer months. This is the perfect time for hiking or exploring our historic towns because, in my years of guiding visitors through a variety of activities, it’s a great time to get out of doors and enjoy our inland regions. It’s not as intense as with our July and August periods. As for daily pattern, I always encourage my clients to avoid the difference in temperature during day and night. Daytime temperatures are wonderfully warm, but evenings can very cool, (particularly overland). If you are planning to walk through our picture perfect coastal towns at night or dine at our, quintessentially, Italian restaurants, I suggest you pack a light jacket or sweater. May precipitation is scarce, but we sometimes have a quick spring shower. Having done so many tours during this period, I can assure you they don’t regularly clash with travel plans. In some ways, these occasional rains are what make the show of wildflowers we see carpeting our landscapes this time of year so incredible and provide our visitors with perfect photo opportunities.

Are the Beaches Crowded in Sardinia During May?

Sardinian beaches in May are wonderfully peaceful with only 30-40% of peak season crowds, offering a serene experience at even the most popular coastal spots. 

I’ve observed that May tourism creates the perfect balance between accessibility and tranquility. The famous Costa Smeralda beaches, which become incredibly crowded in summer, maintain their pristine beauty with just a scatter of visitors during this period. Working with countless visitors, I’ve found that the southern beaches around Chia and Villasimius are particularly pleasant in May. Much of the time, you’ll have miles and miles of sand stretching in all directions to yourself except for a few other visitors, mostly locals and smart European travelers who know in advance about how good preseason travel can be. The parking situation at popular beaches is remarkably different in May compared to peak season. From my daily interactions with tourists, I know that finding parking at sought-after spots like Cala Goloritzé or La Pelosa is much easier, though I still recommend arriving before 11 AM for the most convenient spots. The more secluded coves and inlets along the eastern coast are practically private beaches during May. These spaces are ones that I often send my nature loving clients with the knowledge that they would find the peace they are after. Lacking crowds also equates to better photography, without any disturbance of the wildlife.

What is special about Costa Rei in Southeast Sardinia in May?

May in Costa Rei is an ideal time to visit with pristine 12km of beaches, comfortable temperatures of 23-25°C and a much less crowded area than peak season.

As the Sarrabus region comes to life in May, I can personally confirm that having guided countless visitors through the delights of Costa Rei, May really is the time to be here. Sette Fratelli mountains surround the church, and on a good day, the spring flora paints the entire area into a colorful tapestry. At this time, the natural park provides ideal hiking conditions due to comfortable temperatures to discover its various Mediterranean vegetation. Costa Rei has a very special beach experience in May. Since I’m a local travel expert, I watch the crystal clear waters start to warm up nice bit in early May, generally getting to 20 – 22°C by mid May. The white sand beach is famous; it spreads for kilometer after kilometer, and you can access your own private spot during this period of time, something that isn’t easy to do during summer. Water activities in Costa Rei are at their perfect.

With exceptionally good water visibility, the rocky promontories are perfect for snorkeling, and the gentle spring breezes make for some of the finest windsurfing and sailing in the world. During this season, I often suggest that my clients go to Scoglio di Peppino, because the marine life is particularly active here. In May, the local hospitality sector runs at its best. When it comes to arranging accommodation, from my experience, hotels and restaurants really go all out to serve at their best in this time. All facilities are open but without the summer crowds, and they’ll give you more attention and better rates. It serves the freshest spring produce: the freshest of the fresh; local specialties like fresh seafood and early season vegetables. In May, the microclimate of Costa Rei is particularly conducive. It is sheltered by the mountains and lies open to the sea breezes, and so enjoys more constant conditions than much of the rest of Sardinia. Costa Rei also happens to be one of the reliably sunny places on the island, as I’ve noticed that it very often doesn’t rain here when other parts of the island are getting spring showers.

What Are the Best Activities to Do in Sardinia in May?

May offers perfect conditions for outdoor activities with temperatures around 21-26°C, making it ideal for hiking, cultural tours, and food experiences without summer crowds. 

From my extensive experience organizing tours, I’ve found that May hiking in the Gennargentu National Park provides the most comfortable conditions all year. Wildflowers are in full bloom and it is warm enough that often I can stay out longer than I need to without the risk of getting too hot. The archaeological sites like Su Nuraxi in Barumini are particularly enjoyable during this period. I’ve led no small number of tours here myself, and the weather is cool enough so that you can really take in these old structures without suffering too much from the summer heat that has made extended visits difficult. My clients consistently praise the wine tasting experiences in May. The Cannonau vineyards around Oliena and Dorgali are particularly beautiful this time of year, and the pleasant temperatures enhance the tasting experience. I always advise adding these to a visit to the local (appellation or region) cheese producers for the complete gastronomic experience. Horse riding excursions along the coast are another May highlight. They still have the spring rains in the terrain which carries over onto the roads, and the temperatures are comfortable which means long rides aren’t out of the question. I particularly recommend the trails around Monte Arcosu for their stunning biodiversity and panoramic views.

How Reliable is Public Transportation in Sardinia for Tourists?

Public transportation in Sardinia operates with limited frequency outside major cities, with trains connecting main towns and buses serving coastal areas, though schedules can be irregular. Having assisted thousands of tourists with their travel arrangements, I can tell you that the ARST bus network covers most tourist destinations but requires careful planning. The main routes between Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero are quite reliable, but services to smaller towns can be infrequent. The Trenitalia service connecting major cities like Cagliari to Sassari is reasonably reliable, though the network is limited. However, I have found that in helping visitors plan their itineraries, the scenic route through the center of the island is a perfect way to see the countryside, albeit in leisure. For my clients staying in coastal areas, I often have to explain that beach connections can be particularly challenging. However, with most tourist areas only operating shuttle services for the summer, in May, operations are limited, and car rental is pretty much a must if you want to beach hop. The airport transfer services from Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero airports are the most reliable forms of public transport. Being on a fixed schedule, they link directly to popular tourist destinations so I booked these regularly for my clients.

What articles should you take with you on your trip to Sardinia in May?

The minimum packing essentials for Sardinia in May will involve versatile clothes for temperatures running between 15°C (59°F) and 26°C (79°F), with plenty of beach wear and warm layers for the evening temperatures. 

I have learned from years of advising visitors that layering is key for a May visit. When I am talking to the tourists I most often see, they find their comfortable sessions packing light cotton shirts for daytime exploration of places such as Costa Smeralda, as a light sweater is required for evening walks in Alghero’s historic center. Footwear: I always stress bringing comfy walking shoes and water proof sandals. Due to rain after spring the limestone paths of the Golfo di Orosei trails can be slippery and proper grip is required. Smart casual shoes are wearing for dining in the evening in upscale restaurants such as in Porto Cervo. In May, you need to think carefully about beach essentials. It may not be as intense as August, but I’ve seen many visitors underestimate how intense it is. You need a high SPF sunscreen, even on cloudy days, preferably water resistant. The UV index is generally within the range 6–8 in the afternoon of May. If you’re intending to visit our archaeological sites, feel free to bring a light rain jacket with you to pack away. I might add that Su Nuraxi di Barumini and other inland sites are visited when the threat of showers is less likely to come suddenly, as may showers may indeed come suddenly, but when they do, they do not last long.

Which Sardinia Festivals and Events Take Place in May?

There are countless traditional festivals in May to enjoy across the island, including Cavalcata Sarda in Sassari and a host of food and barbecue festivals. 

The Cavalcata Sarda in Sassari is definitely the highlight, something that I often see enchanting so many visitors with its spectacular parade populated by many traditional Italian costumes, exhibitions of horse riding and bands parading in the streets. In order to show you the best places to view this beautiful Sardinian tradition, I had arranged VIP viewing spots for my clients. In the Barbagia another food and festivals occur with food festivals to celebrate food spring producen May. My particular favorite among my clients is the Sagra degli Asparagi in Gesturi, where local families prepare traditional recipes using wild asparagus harvested right there on the island. When compared with prime tourist season these events provide an authentic glimpse into local life. During MAY religious festivals are particularly moving. One of the most colourful and authentic displays of Sardinian devotion and tradition, that I have found in my experience, is the Festa di Sant’Efisio, which continues through early May in Cagliari. Cantine Aperte events are certainly worth taking into consideration by wine enthusiasts. I’ve organized many wine tours during this time and I can tell you that May is the perfect month to visit the local wineries when they are not as crowded, yet fully operational.

If you’re wondering how easy it is to find accommodation in Sardinia in May, the short answer is very!

Accommodation availability is great in May at far lower rates, 30 – 40% on usual in peak, with premium locations requiring advance booking. 

I’ve spent years booking accommodation for clients and believe that boutique hotels in Porto Cervo, Alghero, and other sought after locations, can represent excellent value in May. It’s the same luxury experience without the massive price tag but you get better rates and more personalized service. In May the agriturismi in the countryside are particularly charming. I often recommend these rural accommodations for more authentic experiences – they are working and functional, but have not yet reached the population drowned under summer bookings. The hills in the vicinity of Oliena will have plenty of availability, and many beautiful locations. I still advise booking two months in advance for beachfront properties…namely, Villasimius or Costa Rei. Though not peak season (or crazy busy), very good sea view rooms book up quickly with return guests who know the magic of showing up in this perfect shoulder season. B&Bs in historic centers like Bosa or Castelsardo are well available May. When it comes to booking, family run establishments are some of the most authentic places to stay and May guests have the advantage of getting extra attention and local insights from their hosts.

Do I Actually Need to Rent a Car in Sardinia?

In order to explore Sardinia efficiently, you really need a rental car; at least 70% of the island’s most beautiful places are not reachable by public transport.

 If you want to see the real rural Sardinia off the beaten track in mountain villages like Orgosolo and Oliena, they are virtually unpronounceable without private transport. The Supramonte region is full of winding roads that provide the hidden treasures that bus tours are not able to reach. If you are beach hopping, especially along the Gulf of Orosei, it’s invaluable to have a car. I always tell my clients that Cala Goloritze or Cala Luna to reach are not easy to reach… and you can only do so if you have a (rented) car and are prepared to do a bit of hiking. In car selection, I suggest selecting a compact well powered car. From talking to my clients, they reckon that if it must be Italian then something a bit like a Fiat Panda or similar would be the go for negotiating both narrow village lanes and mountain cols. Size wise, a mid-sized SUV is good enough for any family while keeping the armoritzed car better than an armored pickup. In May, road conditions are great, and there’s little tourist traffic on the roads. But that said, I always recommend my clients book cars in advance, as demand is starting to grow for savvy travelers who know a shoulder season visit is a good thing.

List of the Best Beaches in Sardinia Worth Visiting in May

The sheltered coves of Sardinia’s best beaches are perfect to be explored during May when the weather is comfortable and the water is crystal clear.

 It’s only after guiding beach enthusiasts for years that I can tell you that Cala Brandinchi near San Teodoro is a perfect beach for May. Because of the lack of crowds, you can really take in the Caribbean-like appearance of the shallow waters that warm up earlier than other beaches, but which is also known as ‘Little Tahiti.’ On the western coast, May is also the time to visit the Costa Verde. Porto Pino also has huge dunes, and I often point my adventure‐seeking clients this direction as the spring winds into ideal kitesurfing and windsurfing conditions, without the two‐day summer heat. When coming to Porto Giunco in Villasimius in May, I definitely recommend it. Flamingos visit the lagoon behind the beach at this time and the bay is sheltered meaning warmer, calmer waters, ideal for children. But the nearby facilities are not overcrowded. In May, the magic of La Pelosa, beach of Gulf of Asinara, comes across. As I have visited more than once — this is the time to see its renowned clear waters and white sand without the summer crowds that can close off the island.

What Are Typical Sardinian Dishes and How’s the Local Cuisine?

May in Sardinian cuisine is full of peculiarities regarding its spring specialties: fresh artichokes, young pecorino cheese and traditional dishes stuffed with the best varying ingredients of the season. 

Zuppa Gallurese — a hearty bread and cheese soup — is still fine in spring temps, so May is ideal to give it a shot, which I’ve learned from experience organizing culinary tours. So I always refer clients out towards the Gallura area and direct them to small family restaurants where the recipes are passed down from generation to generation. May is especially special for the spring lamb dishes. I can recommend authentic agriturismi in close collaboration with local shepherds, and can provide you with the most tender agnello al finocchietto (lamb with wild fennel), prepared the old fashioned way, handed on down the generations. Even in May, there are remarkable seafood chances, as in bottarga dishes (mullet roe). I’ve learned over the years, coordinating with local fishermen, that this is the time to find the freshest spaghetti alla bottarga in coastal restaurants, especially in Cabras and Alghero. Pecorino sardo, however, peaks in spring as part of cheese production, which is why May is the perfect time to taste it fresh. Once a month or so I have arranged visits to small producers in the Barbagia (such as this one) where you can try cheese at different ages and see traditional, unchanged, centuries old production methods.