Strictly Sardinia
Host: Claudia Tavani
Episode: Should You Visit Sardinia In October?
Date: September 25, 2025

Main Theme Overview

In this episode, Claudia Tavani, a Sardinian local and travel blogger, dives into the advantages and unique experiences of visiting Sardinia in October. The discussion covers weather, crowd levels, cost, and the rich variety of activities and cultural events available during this shoulder season. Claudia also provides practical trip-planning tips, hiking advice, and insights into Sardinian autumn festivals, making the episode a comprehensive guide for considering October for your Sardinian getaway.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why October is an Ideal Time to Visit Sardinia

• Pleasant Weather:

  • "Summer here does not quite end on the 21st of September. It can go all the way until mid October." [01:26]
  • Beaches and tourist destinations are enjoyable without the intense summer heat and humidity.
  • Occasional rain, but not as frequent as later in the autumn.

• Fewer Crowds:

  • "If you visit in October, the largest crowds will be gone. You'll have a beach to yourself, you'll have a hiking trail to yourself..." [03:02]
  • September’s second week marks the end of school holidays, leading to a significant decrease in tourists.

• Natural Beauty:

  • Autumn colors emerge, especially in mountainous areas like Laconi.
  • "The rain that may fall in October will also offer you the chance to see very small waterfalls scatter around the island at their best." [04:23]

• Affordability:

  • "If you avoid [the summer] and decide to come in October, it will be much, much cheaper. When the crowds are gone, the places become more reasonable." [04:50]

2. Top Activities and Experiences in October

• Beaches:

  • "Our beaches are still amazing in October...you will have the beach to yourself, especially if you go during the week. The water is still warm." [05:15]

• Picnics & Forests:

  • Suggestions include Parco Hemric in Laconi and Foresta Burgos in the north [05:52].
  • "You can bring a picnic and sit down and have a relaxing time." [06:02]

• Hiking:

  • Ideal hiking weather for locations like Gorropu Gorge, Cala Mariolu, Cala Goloritzé, and other Baunei coastal spots.
  • “October is much more pleasant hiking weather...the temperatures won’t be brutally hot.” [06:25]

• Surfing & Climbing:

  • October sees increased wind for surfing—weather dependent [06:57].
  • "The rocks won't overheat and it makes it much more pleasant to experience a climbing experience." [08:40]

• Caves & Nature:

  • Neptune’s Grotto (Grotte di Nettuno) in Alghero can be visited by boat or via the scenic Escala del Cabirol staircase [08:52].
  • Wildlife spotting: pink flamingos in Molentargius and the miniature wild horses, Cavallini della Giara, in Parco della Giara [09:17].

• Archaeological Sites:

  • October’s cooler temperatures and smaller crowds enhance sites like Tharros (Phoenician and Roman ruins), Nora, and Su Nuraxi in Barumini. [09:49]

• Festivals:

  • The highlight is Autunno in Barbagia—a roving weekend festival circuit in Barbagia’s mountain towns, celebrating food, culture, traditional costumes, and music (mid September–mid December) [10:26].
  • Su Prugadoriu in Seui (Ogliastra region), from Oct 31–Nov 2, features historic tours and a unique Sardinian take on Halloween and the Day of the Dead [11:13].

• City Life & Museums:

  • October allows relaxed city visits—fewer tourists and comfortable weather, particularly in Cagliari [12:13].

3. Essential Practical Tips

• Clothing:

  • "Wear and bring layers. Of course it's never going to be as cold as December, but it's also not nearly as warm as July or August. Make sure to bring a rain jacket, a warmer layer for the night." [12:25]
  • T-shirts for the day, sweaters/long trousers for evenings.

• Hiking Gear:

  • "You will need hiking shoes for that. If you don't want to go on a hike, you still need comfortable clothes..." [13:02]
  • Avoid hiking in flip-flops or regular shoes; terrain can be challenging.

• Sun & Rain Protection:

  • "You should also bring sunscreen because the sun is still quite strong. But an umbrella. Now sunscreen you have to apply as always throughout the day when you are exposed to the sun. And an umbrella. Just pack one just in case..." [13:36]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Should you travel to Sardinia in October? To make a long story short, you should. Sardinia is simply wonderful in October." – Claudia Tavani [01:01]
• "Fall is a magic season here. It shows how the nature changes on the island…There is foliage certainly in the mountains, in places like Laconi, for example." [03:47]
• "It will be much, much cheaper. When the crowds are gone, the places become more reasonable, which makes it easier on your wallet." [04:50]
• "You will have the beach to yourself, especially if you go during the week. The water is still warm, so surprisingly warm, because it's been warming up throughout the summer." [05:19]
• "If you enjoy surfing, October is also a great month for that. The winds pick up a little bit more than they do in the summer, which means there are good waves in various places around the island." [06:58]
• "October in Sardinia is also another wonderful month to enjoy the many festivals. There are so many festivals in Sardinia at this time of year." [10:17]
• "Bring comfortable shoes and clothes. Now this is something that I always recommend no matter when you're traveling. But if you're visiting in October and you intend to hike, you will need something that is specifically for that purpose." [12:54]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [01:01] — Claudia’s answer: Should you visit Sardinia in October?
• [01:26] — October weather and climate specifics
• [03:02] — Discussion on reduced crowds and peaceful experiences
• [03:47] — Autumn colors and nature’s transformation
• [04:50] — Off-season pricing and travel affordability
• [05:15] — Beaches in October
• [05:52] — Picnic spots and forest recommendations
• [06:25] — Hiking conditions and top spots
• [06:57] — Surfing potential
• [08:40] — Climbing tips
• [08:52] — Caves and natural wonders (Neptune’s Grotto)
• [09:17] — Wildlife watching ideas
• [09:49] — Archaeological site recommendations
• [10:17] — October festivals: Autunno in Barbagia
• [11:13] — Su Prugadoriu festival in Seui
• [12:13] — Enjoying Sardinian cities and museums
• [12:25] — Packing & clothing tips for October travel
• [13:02] — Hiking and walking footwear advice
• [13:36] — Sun and rain protection reminders

Conclusion

Claudia’s local insights make a strong case for visiting Sardinia in October: experience the island with fewer crowds, lower costs, vibrant natural settings, and authentic cultural events. Whether seeking beach relaxation, outdoor adventures, or immersive cultural experiences, October offers an inviting, comfortable, and affordable Sardinian holiday.

If you need more travel tips or personal consultation, Claudia mentions her blog and travel consultation services (links found in the episode description).