We're thinking about spending some time in beautiful Sardinia sometime around Oct. 8 - 14 or so. This would be our first time! What are your thoughts on Sardinia at this time of year?
Posts: 698 | Location: Berkeley, CA USA | Registered: 07 August 2003
If you're looking for for beach time, October is a "risky" month. If you are looking to explore in (usually) mild weather, than it's great. Just remember many of the resort areas will have or be closing down for the season.
We're thinking about spending some time in beautiful Sardinia sometime around Oct. 8 - 14 or so. This would be our first time! What are your thoughts on Sardinia at this time of year?
I think it's a great idea and second everything Megan said.
I went to Sardinia only once, and it was July. It was hot and dry: probably the most striking image of Sardinia I presrved is the inland, totally dry, dusty, rocky, almost lunar, but with strips of glistening green and pink and white oleanders where a little water could be found. Maybe one of the most fascinating landscapes I have ever seen. In October, you ar eprobably bound to find more green landscapes, and to be able to tour the inland and its unique features not feeling like an egg that's been broken in a too hot and non-nonstick pan, then transferred under a salamander.
Donna, I think you will enjoy Sardinia. I was there this past February and had some very memorable weeks. I was only in the southern area and found Cagliari's historical section very interesting. I had good weather (though on the cool side) in February and was able to spend several days exploring many beautiful beaches. I found the beaches at Villasimius and Chia to be quite stunning and at "Nora/Pula" you will find the remnants of ancient times with beautiful mosaic floors and standing columns all by the seaside. Even in the winter the many small beach cafes were busily serving locals a wide variety of delicious seafood dishes in "Poetto". I ate an excellent pasta with crab at a place called Riccio Mania on the beach. Try the local cheeses and have a glass of Mirtu. October should be a fine time to visit. Have fun. Barb Cabot
Su Gologone is a fantastic but isolated place, in the midst of the wild Barbagia region. You will eat very well, abundunatly too. If you like trekking there is a company with 4 wheel drive cars that take you up the mountains to visit the prehistoric caves at Tiscali,(Indiana Jones style) followed by lunch with the shepherds who do a roast lamb on the open fire then sing those haunting melodies acappella as they serve you slabs of juicy roast meat, ricotta with honey, sebadas and local wine. Wild and unforgettable.
I am actually considering that time there, too, if my kittysitting gig is over. It's a place I am dying to experience, but I would hate the summer crowds. I have so much to learn about Sardegnan food, but what I have had has convinced me to go for it.
I just saw that Moby Lines is offering a one-way fare of 16 Euros from Livorno to Olbia on their daylight fast ferry at the end of September. A six hour morning crossing for only 16 Euros is the very best fare on the market today.
Hi Donna & Judith I think your timing and location is absolutely spot on! Sardinia is too well known for its beaches and the annual invasion of the island by the "continente" (mainland Italians) basically in August (over soon; yippee!). The great thing is you are travelling into Sardinia's real heart (after centuries of invaders the locals kept moving inland to safety) at a time when they effectively offer a "open house" in many towns and villages in the Barbagia see this link from the official tourist site Autumn in Barbagia. In fact you've encouraged me to get there myself, thanks (I'll add a section to my site, other areas are featured). If you have any ideas re: travel options I'll see what I can find. Remember you can get cheap(ish) flights from Pisa, Milan and Rome to Alghero which is c.2 hours drive (my rough estimate) from Oliena. Olbia (1.5 hours) is nearer but flights may cost more. PS Although they will speak Italian as well listen out for the Sarda language (certainly there the first language) Have a great time! Peter
