South Sardinia Holidays

Holidays in South Sardinia are perfect for travellers wanting a taste of authentic Italy; it’s where Italians themselves choose to holiday. Leaving glitz, glamour and opulence to the north of the island, South Sardinia has a rugged, laid back and untouched charm.

The tiny hamlets, fishing villages and bigger cities offer the best of all worlds. Sun seeking families longing for respite from a busy home life have miles of white, sandy coastline to choose from. Rest and relaxation are guaranteed as the beaches are generally less crowded than those in the north. There are also plenty of exciting offshore adventures to be had – sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing open up a whole new world of coastlines and coves only accessible by sea.

South Sardinia buys into a rustic style of romance. Couples will enjoy strolling down tree-lined promenades, discovering an eclectic fusion of ancient archaeology, military history, and artisan shops. Fertile plains and rocky hills mean vineyards thrive; budding wine buffs will happily have their thirst quenched by the island’s vibrant wine culture.

Explore South Sardinia like no other

At Citalia we’ve remained the leading Italian holiday specialist for almost 90 years. Our experience and expertise means that we can help you create your ideal holiday in South Sardinia.

Roaming the island you’ll feel like you’ve had multiple adventures rolled into one. In each village you’re likely to find different delicacies, different customs, and even slightly different languages. Each boutique will greet you with its own handcrafted goods, each group of locals will invite you to their brand of festival, and encourage you to wear their particular dress. It’d be wise to live like the Sardinians, as the island is one of the places with the most people over 100 years old in the world. That means setting yourself up for a day of exploring with a glass of goat’s milk – or a goat’s milk ice cream from a local gelataio.

Then, it’s time for a walk. In the capital city of Cagliari, the Villanova district is where you’ll find narrow residential streets beautifully decorated with colourful flowers and peppered with little churches. Or, to experience more of the hustle and bustle, head to the commercial Stampace district. Late afternoon is the best time to wander the ancient remains of Nora; the atmosphere then is particularly special with the low, warm sun providing a golden hue. Finally, enjoy two glasses of island favourite Cannonau red wine in a sweet little restaurant courtyard or backstreet trattoria.

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Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Citalia holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30 (Wednesdays from 9:30), Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.

Destinations in South Sardinia

Spaggia di Chia Sa Colonia neach famous Chia beach, Sardinia, Italy. Spaggia di Chia Sa Colonia near famous Chia beach, Sardinia, Italy. Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea
Chia Laguna Resort
Holidays at the Chia Laguna Resort offer an ideal location for both families and couples. Set within a relaxing setting by the superb award-winning soft white-sand beaches of Chia, conveniently linked by a regular shuttle service from your chosen hotel.
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Forte Village Resort
Holidays at the Forte Village Resort offer supreme seaside luxury for couples and families alike. Experience a slice of Sardinia’s stunning southern coastline, which boasts fine white sands lapped by the Mediterranean Sea. 
Sardinia, view of stunning beach of Chia, Domus de Maria, Italy
Santa Margherita di Pula
Santa Margherita di Pula is a tiny seaside commune often associated with its larger neighbour, Pula. Situated just a few miles along the coast from scenic Chia, the village is a similar beachfront beauty, offering a sandy bay and just a scattering of buildings, set in front of verdant forest.
Dramatic morning view of Villasimius port. Attractive summer sunrise on Sardinia island, Italy, Europe. Wonderful seascape of Mediterranean sea. Traveling concept background.
Villasimius
On Sardinia’s southern coastline lies Villasimius – the island’s number one beach destination, and one of Italy’s most breathtaking locations. Here, you’ll find pure white sands and dazzling azure waters, not to mention beautiful pine-clad hills rising majestically above the town. 

Handpicked hotels in South Sardinia

Discover the real South Sardinia while staying in one of our carefully selected hotels

Things to do in South Sardinia

With so much to explore across the island, it’s worth hiring a car. Public transport isn’t particularly user friendly, especially for adventurers keen to discover hidden gems off the beaten track. Plus, the road trips are worthy exploits in themselves. The coastal drive from Teulada to Chia will see you twisting, turning and climbing past some of the most spectacular nature in Sardinia, from Mediterranean thicket to distant mountains, bays and beaches.

Once you’ve reached Chia, on the island’s southernmost tip, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to which charming stretch of sand to lay your towel down on. There are plenty of quaint cafés nearby to keep the family well fed after an afternoon of kitesurfing, kayaking, or snorkelling off the coast.

Continue building your holiday with a trip to Pula. Spend time pottering around the intriguing boutiques, and stay into the summer evening to watch live concerts in the sun drenched Piazza del Popolo. There’s more culture to be soaked up in the capital city, Cagliari. Immerse yourself in local knowledge at the archaeological museum and the mesmerising crypt under the Cathedral of Saint Maria. And don’t miss the colourful sights, impassioned sounds, and curious smells at the city’s largest covered market, San Benedetto.

Flight Information

The closest airport to the resorts in South Sardinia is Cagliari (CAG). Direct flights to Cagliari are available from London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Southend and London Stansted and take approximately 2 hours.

When to go

Sardinia is a summer destination, with the season generally running from May to early October. Temperatures are at their hottest in July and August and this is when the towns and beaches are at their busiest. However, Sardinia also enjoys a mild climate in spring and autumn with temperatures rarely going beneath 20 degrees which makes it perfect for visiting at the beginning or end of season too. May, June and September are ideal months to visit for those wanting to avoid the busiest crowds and still enjoy warm weather. 

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.
 
On guided tours/excursions, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.
 
On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.

Introduction to languages

The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.

Our recommendations

Insider tips from our well travelled team
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Romina Locci

My pick for a family holiday in Italy would be the south of Sardinia. I grew up in Sardinia, so can say with confidence that it’s a fantastic place to visit with children! I’d recommend visiting in May, when the prices are a little lower and the temperatures are warm but not too hot.


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