Sardinia in spring: holidays and excursions between beaches and nature thanks to a perfect climate for outdoor activities

The right time to come to Sardinia in spring.

The best season to visit Sardinia is spring, from mid-April to the end of May, when it is warm, there are few visitors and many wild flowers.

Spring in Sardinia comes in stages. March is quite changeable and rainy. In mid-April it is stable and daytime temperatures are a pleasant 20°C. The best period is May, when the Mediterranean waters begin to warm up and daytime temperatures are consistently around 24°C.

Before Easter, at the end of March and beginning of April, there are numerous unusual cultural activities with local festivals such as Lunissanti in Castelsardo or the impressive Sant’Efisio festival in Cagliari – one of the oldest religious processions in Europe.

Early spring is the best time to discover inland treasures such as the Gennargentu National Park or the ancient ruins of Nora. The archaeological excavations are a dream at this time of year, when the wild flowers are in bloom and the summer crowds have left.

Late spring is the ideal time to combine cultural excursions with a beach holiday, especially on the Costa Smeralda and in the Gulf of Orosei. The tourist attractions open, but it is cheaper than in the high season.

Weather in Sardinia in spring

Spring in Sardinia means mild temperatures of 15–25 °C, a few showers in March, but gradually improving weather in May.

This Mediterranean climate is at its best in spring. In the morning, mild 20 °C are reached, in March the average temperature is 12 °C. It is warmer along the present-day coastal sections such as Alghero and Cagliari than inland.

Wind patterns change in the spring and the Maestrale weakens, making for excellent hiking, especially in remote coves such as Cala Gonone or Villasimius.

In May, the water temperature is 18°C, so the brave can safely go swimming. Humidity is still low, making it the perfect climate for hiking and adventure.

Temperatures can get cold at night, especially in mountainous areas such as Barbagia and Supramonte, so it is important to dress in layers.

Swimming in the Sardinian seas in spring

In Sardinia, you can start swimming as early as April, when the water temperature remains warm (20°C in the coves where you are sheltered from the rain) and then continues to rise.

The east coast, especially the area around Santa Teresa di Gallura and Costa Rei, warms up first because it is sheltered from the wind. Here you can go swimming from mid-April.

On the southern beaches such as Tuerredda and Chia, the water is warmest in spring and best for swimming. The shallow sea warms up quickly in the spring sun.

Sheltered coves in the Gulf of Orosei such as Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu offer good water as early as May thanks to the pristine spring water.

If you prefer the warmer water earlier in the season, there are a number of sheltered coves in the La Maddalena Archipelago where temperatures are higher at the beginning of the season than in the open sea.

Essential packing list for spring

Mixed-layer luggage for the spring season in Sardinia: light rainwear, swimwear, warm evening clothes for temperature variations.

You will need a light rain jacket for the rain showers in March and early April, and sunscreen will become more and more important as the spring warmth increases. The UV index can also be pleasantly high in spring.

For hiking and other outdoor activities, you should bring sturdy hiking shoes and technical clothing that can withstand the sun and a little rain. After spring showers, the landscape in areas such as Monte Nieddu can be rocky.

Night temperatures in San Pantaleo and Orgosolo can be very cold, so you should bring a warm jacket and long trousers for evening strolls and dinner dates.

From May onwards, beach equipment is indispensable, but also water shoes for rocky coves and snorkeling equipment for visiting the spring-free waters around the island of Tavolara.

Spring specialties

The spring season is the time for Sardinian delicacies, wild asparagus, artichokes and early spring fava beans, which are perfect for enjoying local dishes.

The spring menu includes delicate dishes such as the malloreddus pasta with wild herbs and early tomatoes, which are very popular in the Campidano region. They are available seasonally in the restaurants in Pula and Carloforte.

Easter specialties include pardulas, a sweet ricotta and butter pastry, and pani ‘e saba, bread soaked in grape must syrup. They are best bought at local taverns throughout the Logudoro region.

Artichoke season begins in spring, and the thorny Sardinian artichoke is very popular on the island, especially in the provinces of Sassari and Oristano.

New Pecorino cheese tastes best in spring, when sheep graze on wild herbs and flowers, producing cheese with a distinctive flavor found only in mountain villages like Gavoi and Fonni.

Spring hiking trails in Sardinia.

Sardinia is best explored in spring in March and May, and Monte Nieddu near San Teodoro offers the best hiking trails through the ripening Mediterranean fields.

The Gennargentu National Park offers great spring hikes when it is cool enough to climb the steep peaks and canyons. The hiking trails here offer the island’s unique flora, rare orchids and scattered endemic plants.

The old Tiscali hike to an old mountain town in a limestone tunnel is a combination of archaeology and nature. This is a challenging hike that is easy to tackle in spring when the temperatures are warm and the views are beautiful.

Above the Gulf of Orosei, you can follow the world-famous Selvaggio Blu trail in spring, but it’s best to do so with a knowledgeable guide. The views of the sea combined with the blooming Mediterranean maquis make this hike an unforgettable experience.

There are hikes around Monte Limbara in northern Sardinia, where the landscape comes to life and granite peaks offer scenic views over the island’s spring green terrain.

Wildflowers in spring

The wildflower season in Sardinia peaks from late March to May and it’s full of color in these areas, especially inland.

The Mediterranean maquis comes to life, with rosemary, lavender and rockrose blooming and enveloping the landscape in a beguiling scent. These blooms are particularly beautiful on the Sinis Peninsula and on Monte Arci.

From April onwards, the endemic orchids, of which there are over 60 species on the island, begin to appear. These rarities are particularly common in the limestone belt of Supramonte.

The dunes of the Costa Verde have their own dune plants, and in spring, sea lilies and coastal plants form delicate spots.

The granite slopes of the Gallura region bloom with wildflowers in May, offering photographers and nature lovers fantastic opportunities to photograph Sardinia in all its natural splendor.

Traditional spring festivals

The spring season in Sardinia is full of religious and cultural festivals, but the highlight in early May is Sant’Efisio in Cagliari.

Easter processions in Alghero and Castelsardo combine ancient practices with ritual religious rites and local traditions. On such occasions, there are costumes and ancient ceremonies that are particular to each city.

In Sassari, the Cavalcata Sarda brings together folklore groups from all over the island, with costume parades, horse parades and Sardinian culture.

In spring, there are many culinary festivals such as the Olbia Mussel Festival or the Carloforte Tuna Festival, where you can participate and taste the local specialties and experience Sardinian hospitality.

Religious festivals take place in spring and there are village festivals, all of which are associated with local customs, music and regional dishes.

Top outdoor activities in spring.

Spring in Sardinia is the ideal time to enjoy nature: cool temperatures, crocus fields and walks along the paths, on foot, by bike or with water sports.

On the east coast, in and around the limestone cliffs of Cala Gonone and the Gulf of Orosei, there are good opportunities for climbing. The temperatures are spring-like, creating the best friction conditions for climbing, and the Mediterranean vegetation on the slopes makes for a pleasant atmosphere.

Mountain biking is especially popular in spring, particularly in the Gennargentu National Park, where the trails run through blooming valleys and ancient oak forests. The mild temperatures and sandy soil after the winter rains make the area perfect for mountain bikers.

Kayaking is especially fun in spring when the sea level is low and there is no one around. The coast of this area around the La Maddalena Archipelago has sheltered waters where you can discover secret coves and enjoy the marine life under a clear sky.

Bird watching reaches its peak in spring in the marshes of Molentargius, just outside Cagliari, where flamingos and other water birds gather in large numbers during their migration.

Transportation in spring

Spring is the best time to explore Sardinia by car due to light traffic and good road conditions, but public transportation becomes more frequent from April.

Rental cars are easier to get hold of in spring and are cheaper than in high season. This is very helpful if you want to visit places in the countryside, such as Barbagia or the mountain villages of Gennargentu.

The public bus system runs more frequently from April onwards to the major cities and tourist resorts. Cagliari, Alghero and Olbia are regularly connected by train, making city hopping very easy.

Local trains offer excursions inland (especially the old route between Arbatax and Mandas, which is very attractive in spring with wildflowers and mountains).

Ferry connections to smaller islands such as La Maddalena and San Pietro are more frequent in spring, but at more flexible times than in high summer.

Spring price overview In spring, Sardinia offers really good value for money, with rooms costing 30-40% less than in high season and excellent service.

Room rates in hot spots such as Costa Smeralda and Villasimius are very affordable until mid-May, after which they slowly start to rise. Booking in early spring means you can save a lot of money and take advantage of many discounts.

Restaurant prices are moderate in spring and most restaurants offer spring menus with fresh seasonal ingredients at reasonable prices. This is especially true in towns like Orgosolo and Oliena.

Prices for activities* such as tour guides, boat trips and equipment rental are lower in spring. Many providers offer special spring packages that combine various activities at reduced prices.

Ferry prices Car rentals and ferry tickets are also available at low-season prices until the end of May, so you can afford to explore most parts of the island during this time.

Costa Rei will get under your skin this spring

Tempted to choose your next dream destination? Costa Rei is no ordinary beach – it’s a Mediterranean gem that will captivate you.

A beach lover’s paradise

Imagine caressing 8 km of white sand where the blue water glistens with infinite turquoise. Not only is Costa Rei’s main beach gorgeous, it’s also one of the top 10 beaches in Italy! The sylvan rock formation of Scoglio di Peppino rises out of the water, providing the backdrop for your Instagram-worthy pics.

Spring’s best-kept secret

Say you can visit this wonder when the temperatures are at a perfect 75-78°F (23-25°C), the sea breeze is balmy, and you can almost have the beach to yourself. The water is a moderate 68-72°F (20-22°C) in mid-May, which is great for swimming and water activities. No crowds, no reservation scuffles—just you and Mediterranean bliss!

Dream for adventurers

Thrill-seekers, take note! The Costa Rei springs are ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The azure sea is a snorkeler’s paradise, especially around Scoglio di Peppino. Not enough yet? Then visit the old lighthouse of Capo Ferrato, where you can enjoy panoramic views that will make your friends envious.

Spectacular natural spectacles

Costa Rei is paradise in spring. The wetlands of Sarrabus are full of pink flamingos and rare birds, and the Mediterranean explodes into wildflowers. A sunrise hike along the trails of Monte Nai, which you’ll absolutely love because of the early start.

Local magic, no tourists pestering you.

The most Sardinian hospitality of your life. In spring, you have the best of both worlds – all the facilities are open but there are no summer crowds. Taste local seafood in restaurants, visit beautiful local villages like Castiadas and Muravera, and enjoy personalized service everywhere you go. Plus, you’ll love it and your wallet will too – spring prices are far lower than in high season!

So don’t just dream of a vacation in the Mediterranean – experience it this spring in Costa Rei. Paradise awaits you!