Italy, Europe

Sardinia in July

Busy and expensive, especially on the north coast. Book popular beaches with access limits and boat trips ahead.

GoodHot, highs near 88F (31C), maestrale wind possible

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

The straight answer

July is a good month to visit Sardinia. Busy and expensive, especially on the north coast. Book popular beaches with access limits and boat trips ahead.

Weather: Hot, highs near 88F (31C), maestrale wind possible
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What July is like in Sardinia

July is hot, with highs near 88F (31C), and the maestrale wind can blow for days. It is busy and expensive, especially on the north coast. Popular beaches have access limits, and boat trips fill up. S'Ardia, a wild horse race in Sedilo on July 6 and 7, is a dramatic sight.

This month suits families on summer holidays who book ahead. Plan beach time for mornings and late afternoons. If you want lower prices and fewer crowds, June or September is a better choice. Rent a car, book beach access early, and expect north coast prices to peak.

Make the most of July

What is especially good about Sardinia this month.

S'Ardia, Sedilo

A wild, dangerous horse race around the sanctuary of San Costantino. Watch from a safe distance.

Beach days on the east coast

The Gulf of Orosei coves are at their best by boat from Cala Gonone.

Evening passeggiata

Towns come alive after sunset, when the heat eases.

What to pack for July

Light, breathable clothes
High-SPF sunscreen
A windbreaker for maestrale days
Water shoes

Our timing tip

Pick a beach on the side of the island sheltered from the wind; when the maestrale blows from the northwest, head to the east or south coast.

Book Sardinia for July.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Sardinia
Opens a hotel search for Sardinia in July, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for July
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 July. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in July

S'Ardia, Sedilo

July 6 to 7 every year

A wild, dangerous horse race around the sanctuary of San Costantino. Watch from a safe distance.

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 July, quick answers

Is July a good time to visit Sardinia?

July is a good month to visit Sardinia. Busy and expensive, especially on the north coast. Book popular beaches with access limits and boat trips ahead.

What is the weather like in Sardinia in July?

Hot, highs near 88F (31C), maestrale wind possible.

Is Sardinia crowded in July?

Sardinia is busy in July, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Sardinia in July?

S'Ardia, Sedilo (july 6 to 7 every year).