SARDINIA
 

I have to travel to the island of Sardinia in February 2006. How is the weather that time of the year?.
I am fully knowlegable about the Italian mainland having traveled throughout both the North and South and speak Italian. My first in Sardinia. Any hints?

I was there for 10 nights last August, maybe my trip report will be helpful:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34526714

Sardinia can be rightfully considered the pearl of Italy, for its gorgeous beaches (secluded bays, sand of different colours), and the crystal clear waters that had many people define the island as the "Italian Maldives".

Sardinia is THE top Summer destination for us italians from north to south, therefore in Summer, especially in July and August, it's assaulted by tourists. In february you will be able to discover its full beauty without the swarms of tourists, which is good, IMO. Here are some advices:

1) Unless you're flying to Olbia or Cagliari, you need to check the ferry schedule because in winter ferries have a less frequent schedule.

2) I strongly advise to use a car while in Sardinia, because the public transportations are poor and with the car you can discover the whole coast from Budoni up to Stintino, you can even go inland where lovely "agriturismi" (farm hotels) are thriving and are not as famous as the tuscan ones, but they have been created by proud Sardinians in the hope to have people discover the other side of Sardinia, with its traditions and generous food (malloreddus, the sardinian sheep cheese, the strong red wines, and the wonderful seadas, fried sweet raviolis yum yum).

3) Being February, a lot of hotels and resorts will be closed, but for this very reason I would suggest that you don't book anything in advance and just stop where you want, where you find an open hotel, bed and breakfast or agriturismo. In February hotel rates are much lower than Summer when they reach astounding levels.

4) weather is unpredictable, and in winter the sea around Sardinia is pretty rough, especially the part dividing Corsica and Sardinia. It can be pretty windy too.

5) The southern part of Sardinia is gorgeous too: Chia, Santa Margherita di Pula and Villasimius are it smost important points. In Summer they are less crowded than the north coast, so in winter they are a peace oasis.

I have only been to Sardinia once, it was for a week in the month of June. JG32 I have to say that I have never met kinder and friendlier people. It was a truly a week of paradise. And the food was fantastic! Buttuffolina described it perfect IMO "the pearl of Italy". Enjoy!!

Weather might be nippy but bright. Expect gusty winds on the northern tip, milder weather in the south. The weather in Italy generally hasn't been very predictable in the last couple of years, with more rain than usual even in Sardinia. Sardinia is best seen in
Spring or September- October to avoid the crowds, but winter can be lovely, if the weather holds. La Maddalena, is ,in my opinion, the most beautiful spot. Cagliari will be warmer, and on mild sunny days you may bare your arms to the sun ( but not much more). Don't miss San Giovanni di Sinis, near Oristano for wild romantic beaches and archaeological sites. If you are interested in pre-roman archaeology, you'll find many fascinating sites throughout the island, including sacred wells, temples, earth altars, and more, all easily reached from
Oristano, including a sacred well
calculated to receive the rays of the full moon after the spring equinox

Alghero ought to have some night life and wonderful food in winter. If you are there for Carnival time, check out the various traditional events in the interior of the island .Some are eyeopening, and hearken back to grim pagan days. Lastly, DH Lawrence visited Sardinia in that period of year ( I believe) read about his travels in Sea & Sardinia

topping... since it is your first posting ever, here on the Europe forum.

See http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34689740

Best wishes,

Rex

Hi J--

I was there for four or five days in February a few years ago, and wore a winter coat the whole time. It didn't rain much--maybe one or two days--but it wasn't warm. I loved it though, and agree with LoveItaly that the food was great.

Paula

I got an email from David, Indytravel, last week from Sardinia.

I have one word for Sardegna in the winter..rain! So, make sure that you have rain gear! Definitely rent a car. The transportation here isnt great and when buses do travel, it takes forever to get from point A to B. However, February means CARNIVALE so maybe you will be here to celebrate with us!!