September in Sardinia: Everything to See & Do
In the second part of my 'What’s It Like in Sardinia' series, we’re exploring what Sardinia is like in September - weather, holiday experiences, activities and suggested itineraries.
Why go to Sardinia in September?
September is a fantastic time to visit the island with the sea still warm from the long summer, vibrant wildflowers beginning to bloom again and the evenings are cooler. The peak season crowds have eased and accommodation prices drop significantly at the end of August. If possible, consider traveling mid-week as flight prices are often lower. This makes September an ideal month to enjoy Sardinia’s beauty at a relaxed pace.
The September Climate
Sardinia experiences warm, sunny weather in September, with average daytime temperatures around 26°C (80°F) decreasing towards the end of the month and the sea at a comfortable 22°C (75°F). While the days are pleasantly warm, you might want a jumper for the cooler evenings. September also offers stunning sunsets, painting the sky in breathtaking colours. In 2025, the full moon falls on September 7th, rising around 19:30 -the perfect time to enjoy Sardinia’s magical landscapes under the moonlit sky.
Prices
As September arrives, Italy returns to work and many Italians leave Sardinia leading to a significant drop in accommodation prices -sometimes by more than 50%. For example, a Classic Room for two at the Hotel Marinedda Thalasso & Spa costs £3,621 on August 9th, but by September 19th, the price drops to just £1,725. Therefore September is an excellent time to visit, offering both fewer crowds and incredible savings on accommodation.
Whats on in Sardinia in September?
September in Sardinia is packed with exciting events and activities. From football and music festivals to world-class sailing, hiking, and cycling, the island offers something for everyone. Sailing enthusiasts can view the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup spectacular yachts racing from Porto Cervo, walkers can explore the many scenic hiking trails and cyclists can ridge along the stunning coast - it is the perfect time to for an
active holiday.
Football & Music Festivals
There are many festivals and sporting events in September from
Serie A Football in Cagliari to drum and bass festivals in San Teodoro, the
SUNANDBASS is from 6th
-16th September. For more information on
Festivals & Events
click here >
Sailing
The
Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup runs from September 7th to 13th, offering a unique opportunity to see some of the most impressive sailing yachts in the world. Head to the
Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo founded in 1967 by its President, H.H. the Aga Khan, or take a scenic drive to a
viewpoint above Palau for a panoramic view of the race. From there, you can admire breathtaking views of the La Maddalena Archipelago and Corsica while watching the stunning maxi yachts sail through the islands - an unforgettable sight.
Walking
September is an ideal time for walking holidays in Sardinia, offering warm temperatures and fewer crowds. A great walk is from the
Mountains to Sea Walking a walk that takes you through diverse terrains, combining road walking and agricultural tracks. Highlights include the village of San Leonardo, known for its church and natural springs, and the panoramic viewpoint above Santu Lussurgiu, offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside.
Walking Holidays >
Cycling
Cycling in Sardinia during September offers an exceptional experience, combining favourable weather with diverse landscapes. A notable route is the panoramic cycle around La Maddalena Island, accessible via a short ferry ride from Palau. This island features a circular road that winds through pristine beaches, rugged terrains, and cultural landmarks, catering to cyclists of all skill levels. See our Blog: La Maddalena Island - Panoramic Cycle >
Sample Tour of Sardinia - ideal for September
A Sardinia tour in September is an unforgettable way to explore the island, especially with quieter roads and warm weather. Alison and I have done this itinerary several times and it is ideal for those looking to experience Sardinia’s diverse beauty. A 10-day trip with 4 stopovers allows you to explore the island from the stunning Costa Smeralda to the unspoiled landscapes of central Sardinia, before finishing in the vibrant capital, Cagliari. Whether you’re hiking in the Supramonte mountains, relaxing on beautiful beaches, or delving into Sardinia’s history and culture, this route offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation and discovery.
Olbia and the North East Coast - 3 nights:
Fly to Olbia hire a car and spend 3 nights based in the north east: Select a hotel between Olbia and Santa Teresa you can visit the Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo, circumnavigate the archipelago of la Maddelena, visit Santa Teresa and Capo Testa as well as the old town of Olbia.
Recommended Accommodations:
- 4 Star Hotel La Funtana, Adult Only, Santa Teresa Di Gallura
- 4 star Hotel Capo d'Orso Thalasso & Spa, Cala Capra
- 4 Star Resort Cala di Falco, Cannigione
Olbia to Oliena with 2 night stay at the Su Gologone:
Spend 2 nights at the quirky
Su Gologone Experience Hotel, a family owned rural resort immersed in the unspoilt central Sardinian countryside between Oliena and Dorgali. From here you can visit Cala Gonone where you can take a boat trip along the stunning coast line or visit
Tiscali, an underground Nuragic village.
Su Gologone to Santa Maria Navarrese 2 nights:
This is one of our favourite drives on the island! Start at Su Gologone and head towards the tunnel leading to
Cala Gonone. After passing through the tunnel, follow the winding SS125 up to
Passo Ghenna 'e Silana, which sits at 1017 meters above sea level (over 3300 feet) in the Supramonte region of central Sardinia. The road offers breathtaking views throughout the journey. Spend some time at Passo Ghenna 'e Silana before heading to
Baunei for lunch. This charming hillside town overlooks the coast and a great tip is to choose a café with a terrace to enjoy the view. After Baunei, continue on to
Santa Maria Navarrese, a quiet town with a small marina and a couple of restaurants. It’s perfect for a peaceful stop and a two-night stay, with great walking opportunities nearby. I would highly recommend making the time to take a boat trip to the stunning beaches between Cala Gonone and Santa Maria Navarrese -
See our Blog: Discover One of the Most Beautiful Coasts in the World >
Recommended Accommodations:
- 4 star Hotel Nascar, Santa Maria Navarrese
- 4 star
Lanthia Resort, Santa Maria Navarrese
Santa Maria Navarrese to Cagliari 3 Nights
The final drive of the tour takes you south along the SS125 towards Villasimius, passing through Arbatax and Tortolì along the way. For a relaxing lunch by one of Sardinia’s famous beaches, stop at Maklas on Cala Sinzias and enjoy a laid-back afternoon before continuing on to Cagliari, the island’s vibrant regional capital.
Cagliari:
Cagliari captivates visitors with its colourful medieval architecture, the historic Castello district and its lively port — perfect for an evening on the passeggiata. Wander through charming streets filled with shops and restaurants, visit the National Archaeological Museum, explore art galleries, and admire monuments that tell the rich and fascinating story of Sardinia. Plan to spend at least two full days exploring the city. On your final day, head to Cagliari airport to return your car and your flight home.
Recommended Accommodations:
- 5 star Palazzo Doglio, Cagliari
- 4 star Hotel Villa Fanny, Cagliari
Authors: Huw Nurse & Alison Nurse
As Owners and Managing Directors of the company, we have a passion for travel and of course Sardinia. We love the Gallura region in north east Sardinia with amazing granite rock formations and wonderful small coves, but most of all the spectacular turquoise sea. Our family have holidayed at Villa L’Arco for many years - we all love getting away from it all yet embracing the local lifestyle!
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