Sardinia in March – Where to Go and What to Do

By <a>{authorName}</a> on {date} in Blog, Food & drink, Places to see, Things to do,

With its idyllic beaches, beautifully rugged landscape and mountainous interiors dotted with scenic hiking trails, it’s not surprising that Sardinia is a favourite destination for a beach holiday in Europe. Whilst summer is generally considered the best time to come to the island, visiting Sardinia in March, which is the spring season, has some advantages. […]

With its idyllic beaches, beautifully rugged landscape and mountainous interiors dotted with scenic hiking trails, it's not surprising that Sardinia is a favourite destination for a beach holiday in Europe. Whilst summer is generally considered the best time to come to the island, visiting Sardinia in March, which is the spring season, has some advantages.

In March, the colours and scents of the flowers across Sardinia will be in full bloom. The weather is mild, and the beaches are not as crowded as summer, so you’ll likely be able to enjoy a couple of days beside the sea when you visit. Given the mild weather in Sardinia in March, it’s also the best time for taking up outdoor activities, such as biking, climbing, and trekking, encountering the stunning beauty of nature that awaits in all its splendour.

March may be a low season for tourism, but it's also when you can witness a range of religious and folk festivals in Sardinia. If you’re a foodie, you should also take the opportunity to check out the food and wine celebrations happening all over the island.

Not only is the weather wonderful at this time of year, but visiting Sardinia in March is cheaper than in the summer thanks to the off-season rates offered by hotels and travel companies. If you’re thinking about coming to the island at the start of spring, this guide is full of recommendations for things to see and do in Sardinia.

Weather

The coastal Mediterranean climate influences Sardinia’s weather in March. When you visit the island in the spring, you can expect frequent rains with a chance of a thunderstorm and cooler weather, along with average daytime temperatures ranging from 14°C to 21°C.

The hottest time in Sardinia in March is the final week, as temperatures steadily climb as April approaches. You can still expect rain showers, fog, and occasional thunderstorms across the entire month however, and on average, there are around 9 days of rain.

Although it will be too cold for most people to take a dip in Sardinia's waters in spring, you will have the beaches and some other top attractions virtually to yourself. Sunshine is likely for a good number of hours most days in March, so even if you’re not swimming in the sea, you can still enjoy sitting on the sand and soaking up the first rays of spring sun.

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How to Get There

By far, the easiest way to get to Sardinia is by plane. There are three airports in Sardinia to fly into – Cagliari, Alghero, and Olbia. Cagliari airport sits on the south of Sardinia, Alghero is northwest, and Olbia is in the Costa Esmeralda region in the northeast.

There are limited flights to Sardinia for those coming from outside Europe. You may have to first fly into Italy's major cities, such as Milan or Rome, or it’s possible to fly to major European hubs such as Amsterdam and Paris, then take a connecting flight to Sardinia.

Another option to travel to Sardinia is by taking a ferry. This takes much longer than flying, but you get the experience of approaching the island from the water and enjoying coastal views as you sail from mainland Italy.

Travelling to Sardina by ferry gives you the option to bring a car to the island with you, allowing you to move around Sardinia with ease. Ferries are available to the island from mainland Italy, Spain, and France.

Festivals and Events

The Artichoke Festival of Uri

In March, food lovers visiting Sardinia should not miss the chance to witness the unique artichoke festival. Taking place every second Sunday of March in the town of Uri, this gastronomic festival is centred around artichokes.

During the event, visitors will have the opportunity to sample traditional artichoke-based dishes made by sheds across the island and beyond. You will also witness how these dishes are prepared and have the opportunity to learn different artichoke recipes.

As one of the best and most famous festivals in Sardinia, the Artichoke Festival of Uri is more than just a celebration of food. It also celebrates culture, folklore, and fun. Its main purpose is to promote the local agricultural products of Uri and has since attracted tourists from around the world since it started in 1990.

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Holy Week

As a predominantly Catholic nation, Italy celebrates Holy Week and Easter, which can sometimes fall at the end of March. During your holiday in Sardinia at this time of year, you may get the chance to witness and partake in the Holy Week festivities, although the exact dates of these will vary.

Holy Week in Sardinia involves traditional processions and ancient rituals happening in various towns and cities around the island. It also includes the re-enactment of the last days of the life of Jesus until his resurrection on Easter Sunday. The most solemn event is the one dedicated to the “Mystery”, where participants will remove the nails from a figure of Christ's hands and feet and place it in a coffin before carrying this through the streets in the procession.

Holy Week is one of the most popular festivals in Sardinia because of the range of cultural traditions that it includes, and is something that you should witness if you happen to visit Sardinia in March. It will occur in various towns and cities, but the most famous places for Holy Week in Sardinia are Cagliari, Alghero, and Iglesias.

Bogamarì Sea Urchin Festival

The Bogamarì Sea Urchin Festival, also known as the Sagra del Bogamarì, is one of Sardinia's most celebrated events, particularly in Alghero. It's a favourite among locals and visitors, especially if you’re a lover of seafood.

The event is centred around the sea urchin, locally known as the ‘bogamarì’. You will find many stalls erected throughout the historical centre of Alghero during the event, where this seafood delicacy will be served with freshly baked bread and paired with a glass of delicious wine. Some of the city's best chefs will also prepare special menus of bogamarì, which is definitely worth visiting for.

Things to See and Do

Visit a Coastal Grotto

Sardinia is famous for the caves and grottos that line the coast of the island. All of these are stunningly beautiful and many feature interesting stalactite formations, fascinatingly eroded walls, and underground lakes.

More than 300 caves in Sardinia are accessible to tourists, and you will find one of the most unusual grottos at the eastern side of Capo Caccia. The Grotta Verde, also known as the ‘Green Cave’, gets its name from the layers of bright green mosses covering the stalactites in the caves, which also reveals illustrations from the Stone Age. There's also a small Christian altar in the cave built during the XV century.

Another impressive cave system in Sardinia is the Grotta di Ispinigoli, which is 10km long. It's located near Doralgi and features impressive stalactite formations that are up to 38 metres long.

If you're interested in visiting a coastal grotto in Sardinia, get in touch with a local travel company that can organize guided tours to explore these mysterious caves and grottos.

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Go Historic Sightseeing

The Sardinia weather in March is quite mild, which makes it ideal for sightseeing. Whether you are into history or culture, exploring the historical sites of Sardinia is an absolute must.

The town of Alghero on the northwest coast of Sardinia is called the ‘little Barcelona’ due to the city's abundance of Catalan style architecture, and is a really popular place for visitors to spend a day. Walk along the medieval city walls of Alghero on days when the weather is mild and clear, and discover the city's rich history along the way.

Another historical site worth checking out in Sardinia is Monte D'Accoddi in Porto Torres. Said to be the oldest Neolithic archaeological site on the island, the remains of a monument here are believed to have been built around 4000BC.

The town of Arzachena in the northeastern region of Costa Smeralda is a great place to visit for a range of historic architecture and ancient remains. Perched on a granite hill overseeing the Capichera Valley, a highlight is the Li Muri necropolis which is dotted with a brilliant range of buildings and monuments.

Hike or Cycle the Mountains

Given the mild temperature in Sardinia in March, visitors will have a great time exploring the great outdoors. If you are into hiking, you would be happy to know that the island has plenty of hiking trails suitable for hikers of all levels.

Another exciting way to discover Sardinia's inspiring landscapes is to cycle. Start from southwest Sardinia, where you will cycle along scenic roads up and down the hills surrounded by stunning turquoise waters. Or you can ride along Sardinia's northern roads, passing through small country roads before reaching unspoiled villages where you can enjoy fresh produce and friendly hospitality.

Take a Boat Trip

One of the best ways to explore Sardinia's breathtaking views, gorgeous coast, and fresh seafood is to go on a boat trip. When you go boating in Sardinia, you can leave all your worries behind as you sail along the island's gorgeous coast, particularly if you pick a day in March when the weather is clear and warm.

Dive into the crystal-clear waters during a boat excursion to somewhere like La Maddalena and spend an unforgettable day at one of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean Sea. There are also private boat tours on offer to visitors of the island, where you will have the chance to discover some of the most beautiful hidden beaches in Sardinia.

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Go Off-Grid in a Small Village

The majority of the people in Sardinia live in the main cities of Cagliari and Sassari. But the rest are scattered in some of the island's small towns and villages, most of which have retained their original character thanks to the locals who live here have worked so hard to protect their culture and traditions. If you want to get off the grid and visit Sardinia's remote villages, head to Perdasdefogu, a small community located about 60km northeast of Cagliari.

Surrounded by wild landscapes, Perdasdefogu is part of the Ogliastra Blue Zone. These are places home to people with the world's highest life expectancies, so it’s a great way to get in touch with a slower and healthier pace of lids that has sustained the families who come from this area for generations.

Other Tips

Check out the beaches

One of the best thing about going to Sardinia in March is that everything is less crowded. Sure, it might be too cold to take a dip at the beach, but the coast a great place to enjoy long walks and picnics at the start of spring. Many local families spend their Sundays hanging out at the beach during spring since the weather is mild and there aren’t many tourists, so take advantage of this and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Prepare for a different culture

Something that takes many visitors to Sardinia by surprise is the fact that the island feels quite different from places in mainland Italy. Italian is spoken by almost everyone on the island, but Sardinian is also widely spoken, and if you’re visiting more rural towns and villages you should be prepared for an atmosphere that will feel very different to that of typical Italian regions.

Take advantage of off-season deals

When planning a holiday to Sardinia in March, look for off-season deals on everything from flights to hotels and activities. You could snag huge discounts at some of the best places to stay in Sardina, all for a fraction of the price you would pay if you visited in the summer months. Tickets to tourist attractions are at reduced prices as well, and the best part is, you’ll be able to enjoy these highlights without any crowds!

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To find out more about the island of Sardinia and what it has to offer those visiting on holiday in the spring, read more of the articles on the Italian Breaks website and discover expert advice on where to stay, what to see and what to do.

When To Visit Sardinia By Month

Sardinia in April

Sardinia in August

Sardinia in December

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