Sardinia - North
Discussion
I'm looking at Sardinia for Early October, never been but a mooch on google maps shows quite a lot of wonderful beautiful beaches. I looked at Corsica but heard there is a bit of fraction on the island and mafia activity?, not that it puts me off but Sardinia seems like a good alternative to France after going for a few years now. Do you get any issues on Sardinia?
AirBnB's aren't in bad nick also. EasyJet go into Olbia so it would be a northern town we'd base ourselves in.
We'll have our nearly 4 year old in tow, is there much for kids to do? Aqua Parks, Zoos etc?
Whats the weather like usually early October? I've been down to the South of France last year and we had a few scorcher days but some milder overcast ones.
Any advice appreciated.
AirBnB's aren't in bad nick also. EasyJet go into Olbia so it would be a northern town we'd base ourselves in.
We'll have our nearly 4 year old in tow, is there much for kids to do? Aqua Parks, Zoos etc?
Whats the weather like usually early October? I've been down to the South of France last year and we had a few scorcher days but some milder overcast ones.
Any advice appreciated.
Edited by fourstardan on Monday 6th May 21:38
The North East of Sardinia, and the South East of Corsica, are both beautiful.
Corsica is fine from a safety point of view, both the issues you mention are present but unlikely to trouble a tourist. Direct flights to Figaro (which is where you want to go, because it's in the best part of the island and one of the world's most relaxing airports) from the UK are harder to get now.
Beaches around Porto Vecchio among the best in the world. A bit too popular in recent years unfortunately since Call Me Dave and his dodgy Russian friends started visiting.
Sardinia (into Olbia) is also wonderful. Obviously there's some very expensive resorts on the Costa Smeralda but a little further north it's more reasonable and still lovely beaches often with boat hire, etc which is well worth doing - Maddelena archipeligo is lovely.
Also Sardinia, Cala di Volpe of Spy Who Loved Me fame is worth a look but crazy expensive and has been massively overdeveloped in a very American resort sort of way.
The weather won't be scorchio in October. Nicer than the UK, though.
Enjoy, wherever you end up.
Corsica is fine from a safety point of view, both the issues you mention are present but unlikely to trouble a tourist. Direct flights to Figaro (which is where you want to go, because it's in the best part of the island and one of the world's most relaxing airports) from the UK are harder to get now.
Beaches around Porto Vecchio among the best in the world. A bit too popular in recent years unfortunately since Call Me Dave and his dodgy Russian friends started visiting.
Sardinia (into Olbia) is also wonderful. Obviously there's some very expensive resorts on the Costa Smeralda but a little further north it's more reasonable and still lovely beaches often with boat hire, etc which is well worth doing - Maddelena archipeligo is lovely.
Also Sardinia, Cala di Volpe of Spy Who Loved Me fame is worth a look but crazy expensive and has been massively overdeveloped in a very American resort sort of way.
The weather won't be scorchio in October. Nicer than the UK, though.
Enjoy, wherever you end up.
Make sure Stinino (La Pelosa beach) is on the list - amazing beach. We stayed on the opposite side in Olbia, and i always loved the drive to Stintino.
Windows down and music on, it's just over an hour drive so the kids get a nice sleep on the way home ready to go out in the evening.
If i remember, the water stays shallow for quite a way out, so another reason why we liked it there with the kids.
Good times
Also check out the 'agriturismo'. You turn up to a farmhouse and get whatever they have on that day as a set menu - usually at least 5/6 courses. Always stunning quality, and don't fill up on the first plate of pasta they bring out thinking it's the main course - it will be a starter even though it will be bloody huge. Wine is also usually made on site
Windows down and music on, it's just over an hour drive so the kids get a nice sleep on the way home ready to go out in the evening.
If i remember, the water stays shallow for quite a way out, so another reason why we liked it there with the kids.
Good times
Also check out the 'agriturismo'. You turn up to a farmhouse and get whatever they have on that day as a set menu - usually at least 5/6 courses. Always stunning quality, and don't fill up on the first plate of pasta they bring out thinking it's the main course - it will be a starter even though it will be bloody huge. Wine is also usually made on site
Edited by FatChops on Wednesday 8th May 17:10
Edited by FatChops on Wednesday 8th May 17:16
Stinho looks absolutely gorgeous, I can't believe how good all the beach areas look tbh.
Any recommended places to base from with moderate restaurant choice?
Im getting pretty sold on North Sardinia and Italian Food/Way of life as we've never been Italy before.
Food is an interesting challenge as missus is diabetic so need to work that bit out as I imagine there will be a LOT of bad things consumed! Although France is no better on the dinner menu for options.
Any recommended places to base from with moderate restaurant choice?
Im getting pretty sold on North Sardinia and Italian Food/Way of life as we've never been Italy before.
Food is an interesting challenge as missus is diabetic so need to work that bit out as I imagine there will be a LOT of bad things consumed! Although France is no better on the dinner menu for options.
Edited by fourstardan on Wednesday 8th May 19:53
Watching this thread with interest as we're off to Northern Sardinia in a few weeks and whilst we've heard it's lovely, we haven't really been able to find out much about it.
We're flying into Olbia and are spending the first 5 days in Isola Rossa, Trinità d'Agultu, on the North West coast and then 4 days in Monti di Corru
Cannigione, on the North East coast.
We have a hire car for the entire time and plan on spending half of the holiday doing bugger all and the other half touring around a bit. So far the only places I have managed to find for a 'day trip' are Stintino and Alghero.
We're flying into Olbia and are spending the first 5 days in Isola Rossa, Trinità d'Agultu, on the North West coast and then 4 days in Monti di Corru
Cannigione, on the North East coast.
We have a hire car for the entire time and plan on spending half of the holiday doing bugger all and the other half touring around a bit. So far the only places I have managed to find for a 'day trip' are Stintino and Alghero.
Adenauer said:
Watching this thread with interest as we're off to Northern Sardinia in a few weeks and whilst we've heard it's lovely, we haven't really been able to find out much about it.
We're flying into Olbia and are spending the first 5 days in Isola Rossa, Trinità d'Agultu, on the North West coast and then 4 days in Monti di Corru
Cannigione, on the North East coast.
We have a hire car for the entire time and plan on spending half of the holiday doing bugger all and the other half touring around a bit. So far the only places I have managed to find for a 'day trip' are Stintino and Alghero.
It does feel like a bugger all location, which is a concern as we will have a 3 year old with us. We're flying into Olbia and are spending the first 5 days in Isola Rossa, Trinità d'Agultu, on the North West coast and then 4 days in Monti di Corru
Cannigione, on the North East coast.
We have a hire car for the entire time and plan on spending half of the holiday doing bugger all and the other half touring around a bit. So far the only places I have managed to find for a 'day trip' are Stintino and Alghero.
Sounds like you are hitting the same areas as myself so keen to know what it's like.
fourstardan said:
Adenauer said:
Watching this thread with interest as we're off to Northern Sardinia in a few weeks and whilst we've heard it's lovely, we haven't really been able to find out much about it.
We're flying into Olbia and are spending the first 5 days in Isola Rossa, Trinità d'Agultu, on the North West coast and then 4 days in Monti di Corru
Cannigione, on the North East coast.
We have a hire car for the entire time and plan on spending half of the holiday doing bugger all and the other half touring around a bit. So far the only places I have managed to find for a 'day trip' are Stintino and Alghero.
It does feel like a bugger all location, which is a concern as we will have a 3 year old with us. We're flying into Olbia and are spending the first 5 days in Isola Rossa, Trinità d'Agultu, on the North West coast and then 4 days in Monti di Corru
Cannigione, on the North East coast.
We have a hire car for the entire time and plan on spending half of the holiday doing bugger all and the other half touring around a bit. So far the only places I have managed to find for a 'day trip' are Stintino and Alghero.
Sounds like you are hitting the same areas as myself so keen to know what it's like.
This is the hotel we've booked in the North West
https://www.hoteltorreruja.com/sardinien/
And the North East
https://www.hotelcaladifalco.com/
We have never been to either or ever even been to Sardinia for that matter, we just want a gentle week away and hopefully they'll both fit the bill.
I'll try to remember to report on how it all was after we've been, but don't expect any theme park recommendations.
Adenauer said:
Yes, it's just Mrs A and I, so that's a worry we don't have, thankfully.
This is the hotel we've booked in the North West
https://www.hoteltorreruja.com/sardinien/
And the North East
https://www.hotelcaladifalco.com/
We have never been to either or ever even been to Sardinia for that matter, we just want a gentle week away and hopefully they'll both fit the bill.
I'll try to remember to report on how it all was after we've been, but don't expect any theme park recommendations.
We have been twice to the Delphina hotels, once to Marinedda and the other time to Valle dell’Erica and had a wonderful time we had two little ones in tow as well. The people are lovely, friendly and really helpful, we have a coeliac daughter so food can be a challenge. Like others have said not a huge amount to do, but good beaches lovely seas for snorkelling and great food.This is the hotel we've booked in the North West
https://www.hoteltorreruja.com/sardinien/
And the North East
https://www.hotelcaladifalco.com/
We have never been to either or ever even been to Sardinia for that matter, we just want a gentle week away and hopefully they'll both fit the bill.
I'll try to remember to report on how it all was after we've been, but don't expect any theme park recommendations.
It is at best good A road driving and can be quite up and down so beware if anyone suffers from travel sickness.
The thing I have found with Italy the hotel star ratings are in reality about a star behind and that was the case with the two locations in Sardinia.
We went last week in August first week in September and it was clearly quieter and slightly cooler the second week.
I don’t usually return to places I have been before too much in this world to see, would I return for a third time? maybe.
Went for just over 2 weeks last year during the heatwave, 40C plus was interesting.
We flew into Alghero and then with a car moved to 2 other locations around the north of the island as well as a couple of days in Corsica going over on the ferry and finishing in cala di volpe for a few days before driving back to Alghero. Absolutely loved it.
remember that for beaches like La Pelosa youll need to book tickets in advance!
I don't think youll have much issue with food, theres plenty of meats and fish with salad etc, pasta is not a main course like the UK.
We ate at an agriturismo one evening, middle of nowhere in the hills, no menu, everyone instructed to turn up at the same time and then they just served us food made on their farm. salami, sausage, suckling pig, pasta, unlimited wine it just kept coming I dont think I've ever eaten so much and it was lovely, around 85 euros for 2 of us which was nuts.
Worst meal of the joliday was Porto Cervo, had to do it to see what the fuss was about and hated it, overpriced touristy rubbish but im not the super rich it's obviously aimed for.
Didn't like the emerald coast however it was very pretty, sitting on the beach enjoying ourselves watching dozens of people being recorded walking in and out of the water repeatedly for 30-45 minutes with a slightly different pose each time before switching places.
Cant comment on what its like for the kids as we don't have any but from an adult point of view it was great, driving was easy and we would go back again.
We flew into Alghero and then with a car moved to 2 other locations around the north of the island as well as a couple of days in Corsica going over on the ferry and finishing in cala di volpe for a few days before driving back to Alghero. Absolutely loved it.
remember that for beaches like La Pelosa youll need to book tickets in advance!
I don't think youll have much issue with food, theres plenty of meats and fish with salad etc, pasta is not a main course like the UK.
We ate at an agriturismo one evening, middle of nowhere in the hills, no menu, everyone instructed to turn up at the same time and then they just served us food made on their farm. salami, sausage, suckling pig, pasta, unlimited wine it just kept coming I dont think I've ever eaten so much and it was lovely, around 85 euros for 2 of us which was nuts.
Worst meal of the joliday was Porto Cervo, had to do it to see what the fuss was about and hated it, overpriced touristy rubbish but im not the super rich it's obviously aimed for.
Didn't like the emerald coast however it was very pretty, sitting on the beach enjoying ourselves watching dozens of people being recorded walking in and out of the water repeatedly for 30-45 minutes with a slightly different pose each time before switching places.
Cant comment on what its like for the kids as we don't have any but from an adult point of view it was great, driving was easy and we would go back again.
Edited by MyM2006 on Tuesday 14th May 13:19
MyM2006 said:
Went for just over 2 weeks last year during the heatwave, 40C plus was interesting.
We flew into Alghero and then with a car moved to 2 other locations around the north of the island as well as a couple of days in Corsica going over on the ferry and finishing in cala di volpe for a few days before driving back to Alghero. Absolutely loved it.
remember that for beaches like La Pelosa youll need to book tickets in advance!
I don't think youll have much issue with food, theres plenty of meats and fish with salad etc, pasta is not a main course like the UK.
We ate at an agriturismo one evening, middle of nowhere in the hills, no menu, everyone instructed to turn up at the same time and then they just served us food made on their farm. salami, sausage, suckling pig, pasta, unlimited wine it just kept coming I dont think I've ever eaten so much and it was lovely, around 85 euros for 2 of us which was nuts.
Worst meal of the joliday was Porto Cervo, had to do it to see what the fuss was about and hated it, overpriced touristy rubbish but im not the super rich it's obviously aimed for.
Didn't like the emerald coast however it was very pretty, sitting on the beach enjoying ourselves watching dozens of people being recorded walking in and out of the water repeatedly for 30-45 minutes with a slightly different pose each time before switching places.
Cant comment on what its like for the kids as we don't have any but from an adult point of view it was great, driving was easy and we would go back again.
Thanks, I think in October most of the instagrammers will be focusing on spending the money they've not got to do pouting photos in more wintery spots.We flew into Alghero and then with a car moved to 2 other locations around the north of the island as well as a couple of days in Corsica going over on the ferry and finishing in cala di volpe for a few days before driving back to Alghero. Absolutely loved it.
remember that for beaches like La Pelosa youll need to book tickets in advance!
I don't think youll have much issue with food, theres plenty of meats and fish with salad etc, pasta is not a main course like the UK.
We ate at an agriturismo one evening, middle of nowhere in the hills, no menu, everyone instructed to turn up at the same time and then they just served us food made on their farm. salami, sausage, suckling pig, pasta, unlimited wine it just kept coming I dont think I've ever eaten so much and it was lovely, around 85 euros for 2 of us which was nuts.
Worst meal of the joliday was Porto Cervo, had to do it to see what the fuss was about and hated it, overpriced touristy rubbish but im not the super rich it's obviously aimed for.
Didn't like the emerald coast however it was very pretty, sitting on the beach enjoying ourselves watching dozens of people being recorded walking in and out of the water repeatedly for 30-45 minutes with a slightly different pose each time before switching places.
Cant comment on what its like for the kids as we don't have any but from an adult point of view it was great, driving was easy and we would go back again.
Edited by MyM2006 on Tuesday 14th May 13:19
I wondered if doing 7 nights in corsica and 7 Sardinia is an option but flights stop on the southern easyJet destination so thats that out.
Just booked to got so Sardinia this Friday for 8 nights. Almost no plan still and need to decide on itinerary
Friday 6th September: Fly into Olbia airport (North)
Sunday 15th September: Return from Cagliari (South)
I want to see Alghero as I saw some videos and it looks good.
I'd like to do the following:
Friday 6th September: Fly into Olbia airport (North)
Sunday 15th September: Return from Cagliari (South)
I want to see Alghero as I saw some videos and it looks good.
I'd like to do the following:
- Avoid driving endlessly everyday or moving around way too much
- Find some nice walks (I have Komoot and can download routes to my watch to follow)
- Maybe rent some mountain bikes one day
- Go on a some boat trips
fourstardan said:
Looks like a long drive north to south.
Im going to be in Cagliari area and I think driving further than an hour and a half will be a ball ache.
Plenty of beaches and snorkelling spots out there!
Our flights are booked now so not much choice. We are there for 8 nights, so we'll spend around 6 in the Northern part, split between Olbia and Alghero, then drive 3 hours down to Cagliari to finish the trip there for the last three days. Im going to be in Cagliari area and I think driving further than an hour and a half will be a ball ache.
Plenty of beaches and snorkelling spots out there!
EDIT: Actually, we can change flights and some of them are even free to change through Easyjet. After a load of research, we think we're going to reduce the trip from 9 nights down to 7, and flying into/out of the same airport (Olbia).
We'll then stick to just the Northern part, 3 nights on the East coast and 4 nights on the West within Alghero.
Edited by redrabbit29 on Tuesday 3rd September 14:04
I have been a couple of times, my ex was from Sardinia so managed to get a bit of an insiders perspective also.
Its a wise move to stay in the North, there is plenty to do if you have a car. In no particular order my recommendations would be:
- Take the car ferry to La Maddalena, stay for no more than 2 nights but its an interesting island with a nice nature reserve / old fort and some decent night life / restaurants in the main town.
- L'Argentiera on the west coast, its an old (now abandoned and repurposed) mining town. Lots of old equipment still in place and decent beach.
- Sella & Mosca Vineyard, very nice villa and grounds with guided tour available / onsite restaurant and hotel
- Birrifico 4 Mori Brewery, again its in an abandoned mining town with a nice drive to get there and range of good beers.
- Avoid any beach you need to pay for, in general they are overcrowded and not a nice experience
- Alghero is worth a visit for a day but don't leave ANY valuables in the car. We witnessed 2 bikes being cut off the back of a camper van in the paid parking, apparently this was business as usual.
- Stay in agriturismos, as others have already said. Its a great experience, the food is good and usually the cost is reasonable.
- Be sure to try the island speciality of Porcolino (baby pig).
- Look out the for signs at the entrace to small villages and towns with bullet holes in them, apparently its a bit of a thing to shoot the neighbouring towns signs
- Lastly, although its a little further south, I wouldnt visit Cala Ganone unless you really feel the need. The drive is fantastic but the actual place is super touristic (although there are some good boat trips to take from there).
Its a wise move to stay in the North, there is plenty to do if you have a car. In no particular order my recommendations would be:
- Take the car ferry to La Maddalena, stay for no more than 2 nights but its an interesting island with a nice nature reserve / old fort and some decent night life / restaurants in the main town.
- L'Argentiera on the west coast, its an old (now abandoned and repurposed) mining town. Lots of old equipment still in place and decent beach.
- Sella & Mosca Vineyard, very nice villa and grounds with guided tour available / onsite restaurant and hotel
- Birrifico 4 Mori Brewery, again its in an abandoned mining town with a nice drive to get there and range of good beers.
- Avoid any beach you need to pay for, in general they are overcrowded and not a nice experience
- Alghero is worth a visit for a day but don't leave ANY valuables in the car. We witnessed 2 bikes being cut off the back of a camper van in the paid parking, apparently this was business as usual.
- Stay in agriturismos, as others have already said. Its a great experience, the food is good and usually the cost is reasonable.
- Be sure to try the island speciality of Porcolino (baby pig).
- Look out the for signs at the entrace to small villages and towns with bullet holes in them, apparently its a bit of a thing to shoot the neighbouring towns signs
- Lastly, although its a little further south, I wouldnt visit Cala Ganone unless you really feel the need. The drive is fantastic but the actual place is super touristic (although there are some good boat trips to take from there).
Pete102 said:
I have been a couple of times, my ex was from Sardinia so managed to get a bit of an insiders perspective also.
Its a wise move to stay in the North, there is plenty to do if you have a car. In no particular order my recommendations would be:
- Take the car ferry to La Maddalena, stay for no more than 2 nights but its an interesting island with a nice nature reserve / old fort and some decent night life / restaurants in the main town.
- L'Argentiera on the west coast, its an old (now abandoned and repurposed) mining town. Lots of old equipment still in place and decent beach.
- Sella & Mosca Vineyard, very nice villa and grounds with guided tour available / onsite restaurant and hotel
- Birrifico 4 Mori Brewery, again its in an abandoned mining town with a nice drive to get there and range of good beers.
- Avoid any beach you need to pay for, in general they are overcrowded and not a nice experience
- Alghero is worth a visit for a day but don't leave ANY valuables in the car. We witnessed 2 bikes being cut off the back of a camper van in the paid parking, apparently this was business as usual.
- Stay in agriturismos, as others have already said. Its a great experience, the food is good and usually the cost is reasonable.
- Be sure to try the island speciality of Porcolino (baby pig).
- Look out the for signs at the entrace to small villages and towns with bullet holes in them, apparently its a bit of a thing to shoot the neighbouring towns signs
- Lastly, although its a little further south, I wouldnt visit Cala Ganone unless you really feel the need. The drive is fantastic but the actual place is super touristic (although there are some good boat trips to take from there).
Any tips on the south? Its a wise move to stay in the North, there is plenty to do if you have a car. In no particular order my recommendations would be:
- Take the car ferry to La Maddalena, stay for no more than 2 nights but its an interesting island with a nice nature reserve / old fort and some decent night life / restaurants in the main town.
- L'Argentiera on the west coast, its an old (now abandoned and repurposed) mining town. Lots of old equipment still in place and decent beach.
- Sella & Mosca Vineyard, very nice villa and grounds with guided tour available / onsite restaurant and hotel
- Birrifico 4 Mori Brewery, again its in an abandoned mining town with a nice drive to get there and range of good beers.
- Avoid any beach you need to pay for, in general they are overcrowded and not a nice experience
- Alghero is worth a visit for a day but don't leave ANY valuables in the car. We witnessed 2 bikes being cut off the back of a camper van in the paid parking, apparently this was business as usual.
- Stay in agriturismos, as others have already said. Its a great experience, the food is good and usually the cost is reasonable.
- Be sure to try the island speciality of Porcolino (baby pig).
- Look out the for signs at the entrace to small villages and towns with bullet holes in them, apparently its a bit of a thing to shoot the neighbouring towns signs
- Lastly, although its a little further south, I wouldnt visit Cala Ganone unless you really feel the need. The drive is fantastic but the actual place is super touristic (although there are some good boat trips to take from there).
I am a bit apprehensive about paying for beaches, i assume its only if wanting sun loungers? We are there 23rd to the 7th Oct and I'm in am airbnb so will have our own chairs to use for the fortnite.
The whole beach thing, I just resent paying to have a bit of space on a beach and from the paid beaches I saw as I kayaked past, it did nothing to make me feel any different.
In terms of the south, obviously visit Cagliari and soak in the nightlife and seek out some decent eateries. The west coast from Oristano downwards is quite nice, definitely more local than tourist in these areas (its not uncommon for there to be a dirt road accessing the beach).
Grotte di S.Giovanni is a nice respite from the heat and quite interesting, if you are into that.
Additionally, I visited Villasimius, there are some nice beaches in this area.
In terms of the south, obviously visit Cagliari and soak in the nightlife and seek out some decent eateries. The west coast from Oristano downwards is quite nice, definitely more local than tourist in these areas (its not uncommon for there to be a dirt road accessing the beach).
Grotte di S.Giovanni is a nice respite from the heat and quite interesting, if you are into that.
Additionally, I visited Villasimius, there are some nice beaches in this area.
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff