Sardinia in January and February
 

We know that January and February are not the ideal time to visit Sardinia, but that is when we are going.
We have found traveling in the off season to have it’s challenges and it’s rewards. That said, I would love to have anyone’s comments as we plan to spend at least two weeks there, starting in Olbia and ending in Cagliari. We expect to rent a car for ease of travel and going down lesser known paths.
Thanks for any thoughts and assistance.

We have visited 6 times but always between May and October each year.

I see no point in pointing out the negatives as they will be clearly obviously to you …..however :

we have never had a problem with business closures in late October but I don’t know about policies in mid winter.

no matter what the weather the NE coast is amongst the most stunning in Europe and the beaches are the best in Europe. There are plenty coastal paths which allow walks to beautiful hidden coves.

i would definitely suggest short ferry trips to Corsica and to La Maddalena. The ferries will most probably have a limited service but will need to run to service the local populations.

I would first try to establish what sort of accommodation is available as most hotels / villas will be closed. Olbia and Cagliari are small cities with an active business community and so there should be some hotels will be open there at least.

inactually think you will have a more interesting trip than joining the huge n7nbers of visitors in August.

I recommend Cagliari, it's an attractive and lively city in its own right with 150000 inhabitants which doesn't depend just on tourism so plenty of choice of restaurants etc. It's on the south coast of Sardinia and is the mildest area in winter. A good base to explore nature and beaches (I like walking on them out of season, not lying on them in summer). If the sun is out the views will be fabulous whatever the temperature. Villasimius, Chia, Nola and the Roman remains, Porto Pino and the dunes, island of Sant'Antioco. I've often thought Cagliari would be a good base for a month in winter. I just haven't got around to it yet...But have spent a couple of weeks in April three years running.
Not so sure about Olbia, that area of Sardinia is very tourism based so might be very quiet January February.
Might you consider Alghero as a second base? My second favourite. 420000 inhabitants. Some people I know spent a couple of months there in winter as a base to travel around. The coast is spectacular and the town itself very pleasant.
Temperatures could well be decent. Bad weather on Sardinia often involves very strong winds, so appropriate jacket and hat. Make sure your accommodation has some form of heating too.
I'm sure you'll have a great time