Sardinia is a wonderful island, famous for its crystal-clear sea, its vivid colours and the enchanting scents of the Mediterranean scrub. For all these reasons, the island is one of the most popular destinations to visit during the summer. But Sardinia is much more than sea and beaches — this Mediterranean gem has many other stories to tell.

The charm of Sardinia in winter is something unique, authentic and waiting to be discovered. During the cooler months, the island takes on new colours, reveals a more mature beauty, opens its heart and showcases its intimacy, its traditions and its wisdom.

In this article, we share some of the best places to visit in Sardinia during winter, along with tips on events not to miss if you want to discover the true essence of the most beautiful island in the Mediterranean.

How to get to Sardinia and how to move around the island

Reaching Sardinia is extremely easy thanks to connections with major national and international ports and airports.

The island has five ports, located in Porto Torres, Olbia, Golfo Aranci, Arbatax and Cagliari.

There are also three airports, located in Alghero, Olbia and Cagliari.

Since Sardinia is a large island, we recommend exploring it with the convenience of a rental car. For both comfort and timing, rental vehicles allow you to enjoy a relaxing holiday, avoiding the stress of relying on public transport.

If you’re planning to arrive in North Sardinia by plane, you can easily and safely book a rental car at Olbia Airport with Ellepi.

What to see and do in Sardinia during winter

During autumn and winter, Sardinia reveals its true roots and all those beauties and traditions that usually remain hidden during the summer months.

There are countless places to visit and just as many things to see and experience. Here are some of our suggestions:

Visiting Alghero

Alghero is a beautiful city of Catalan origin, located in north-west Sardinia and easily accessible by car.

In winter, Alghero transforms into a romantic and enchanting town, gently embraced by the sea waves that whisper the story of its ancient roots. Its history lives within its walls, in the heart of its lovely historic centre, from which you can admire a charming panorama even in the colder season. This Catalan-influenced town, also known as the Barcelona of Italy, is one of the favourite destinations for New Year’s Eve celebrations, perfect for enjoying memorable moments with friends or a loved one.

Beyond Alghero, you can explore North Sardinia by visiting its main towns, such as Castelsardo, Porto Rotondo, Porto Cervo and Olbia.

Carnival and the Feast of Saint Anthony in Sardinia

During the heart of the winter season, one of the most fascinating events to experience in Sardinia is Carnival, a celebration filled with history, traditions and festivity. Carnival is one of the island’s oldest traditions, still celebrated today. Taking part in it allows you to immerse yourself fully in the true essence of Sardinia, discovering its customs and its unique identity.

Carnival in Sardinia officially begins between 16 and 17 January with the Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot. On this day, every Sardinian village lights a large bonfire in honour of the Saint. This is one of the island’s oldest traditions and offers the chance to enjoy good wine and taste delicious local dishes.

During these days, a visit to Mamoiada, a small village in central Sardinia, is a must. Here you can witness the first parade of the Mamuthones and Issohadores, marking the start of the Carnival in Mamoiada. These famous Sardinian Carnival masks carry the island’s ancestral tradition around the world.

Skiing in the mountains of Sardinia

It may come as a surprise, but you can also ski in Sardinia. The island actually has four ski stations:

  • The Bruncu Spina Station: located in Fonni, Barbagia, it is the largest ski area in Sardinia
  • The Monte Spada Station: near Fonni, smaller than Bruncu Spina and ideal for children or beginners
  • The S’Arena Station: located near the Desulo side of Bruncu Spina, fully equipped and offering rental gear
  • The Separadorgiu Station: just a few kilometres from Bruncu Spina, also offering equipment rental

Here are some suggestions to experience Sardinia freely throughout the entire year. There are countless things to see on the island, such as the Su Nuraxi nuragic complex in Barumini or Riu Mulinu in the Olbia area, as well as small villages rich in Sardinian identity and traditions like Orgosolo, famous for its murals.

Enjoy your holiday in Sardinia, even in winter: rely on Ellepi car rental.