Italy, Europe

Sardinia in August

Ferragosto peak: packed beaches, sold-out ferries, and the year's highest prices. Wildfire risk is high inland.

Think twiceHot, highs near 89F (32C), warmest sea

Sardinia beach, Italy — SardiniaPhoto: Norbert Nagel, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

August is a month to think twice about visiting Sardinia. Ferragosto peak: packed beaches, sold-out ferries, and the year's highest prices. Wildfire risk is high inland.

Weather: Hot, highs near 89F (32C), warmest sea
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What August is like in Sardinia

August is the peak. Highs are near 89F (32C), the sea is at its warmest, and beaches are packed, especially around Ferragosto in mid August. Ferries sell out and prices are at their highest. Wildfire risk is high inland, and some trails may close on high-danger days.

We suggest avoiding August if you can. Families tied to school holidays should book early and pick less famous beaches. For the same warm water with fewer people, September is the better choice. Remember that taking sand or shells from the beaches is illegal and fined.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Sardinia this month.

Festa del Redentore, Nuoro

In late August, folk groups parade in costume, followed by a pilgrimage to Monte Ortobene.

The warmest sea

Swimming is at its best, especially in the early morning.

Inland escapes

The villages of the interior offer shade and quiet away from the coast.

What to pack for August

Light clothing
High-SPF sunscreen
A large water bottle
Water shoes

Our timing tip

Book ferries and hotels months ahead, and avoid the week of Ferragosto if you can.

Book Sardinia for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Sardinia
Opens a hotel search for Sardinia in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Sardinia
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Sardinia
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Sardinia for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Festa del Redentore, Nuoro

Late August

Folk groups from across Sardinia parade in costume, followed by a pilgrimage to the statue on Monte Ortobene.

Things to do in Sardinia

Full guide

La Maddalena Archipelago

A national park of granite islands and turquoise channels off the northeast. Boat tours run from Palau and La Maddalena; go early in the season or in September.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Gulf of Orosei and Cala Goloritze

Cliff-backed coves reachable by boat from Cala Gonone or by hiking trail. Cala Goloritze has limited, paid access in summer.

Tickets and tours →

Su Nuraxi di Barumini

The best-preserved Nuragic complex, visited by guided tour. A strong half-day from Cagliari.

Tickets and tours →

La Pelosa, Stintino

Shallow turquoise water off the northwest tip. In summer access is capped and requires booking and a fee.

Tickets and tours →

Cagliari's Castello

The hilltop old quarter with bastions overlooking the port and salt flats, where flamingos feed much of the year.

Tickets and tours →

Alghero

A walled, Catalan-influenced port town on the northwest coast with sunset ramparts and a strong seafood tradition.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Avoid the week around August 15 entirely if you can; it is the single most crowded week of the year.
Book capped beaches such as La Pelosa and Cala Goloritze as soon as access opens, and aim for early or late time slots.
Base yourself on the less-developed southwest (around Chia and Sant'Antioco) or the east coast rather than the Costa Smeralda.
Book summer ferries and car rentals months ahead; both sell out in July and August.

Know before you go

Most coastal hotels, lidos, beach bars, and boat excursions operate from about May through early October and close from November to March.
Cagliari, Sassari, Alghero, Nuoro, and the interior towns run year-round.
Several of the most popular beaches now have summer access limits, booking systems, or entry fees, and rules can change year to year.
Taking sand, shells, or pebbles from Sardinian beaches is illegal and fined.

Sardinia in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Sardinia?

August is a month to think twice about visiting Sardinia. Ferragosto peak: packed beaches, sold-out ferries, and the year's highest prices. Wildfire risk is high inland.

What is the weather like in Sardinia in August?

Hot, highs near 89F (32C), warmest sea.

Is Sardinia crowded in August?

August is peak crowd season in Sardinia; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Sardinia in August?

Festa del Redentore, Nuoro (late august).