Sardinia is an unspoiled island in the centre of the Mediterranean, famous for its beaches that are to dream for. But Sardinia is not just sea and beaches, this island is richly endowed with culture, archaeology, pristine landscapes and mountains perfect for trekking, with mild temperatures even in winter; there are country festivals, delicious foods and optimum wines.
The beaches
Beaches are the most sought-after destinations in Sardinia. All around the coastline, some of the most impressive beaches in the Mediterranean alternate with shoals and cliffs. The most beautiful beaches in Sardinia are along the Gulf of Orosei: Cala Goloritzè, Cala Fuili, Cala Luna, Cala Cartòe and many others, whose colours and clarity make them unique.
They are all reachable in excursions from Cala Gonone, Dorgali or Baunei or by taking small ferries from the port of Cala Gonone, a few kilometres from the villa in the countryside, Villa Capelvenere.
Trekking
The Supramonte (highland) is a dolomitic limestone area extending across the districts of Dorgali, Baunei, Orgosolo, Oliena and Urzulei. The territories of Dorgali and Baunei are where Supramonte meets sea, and it’s here that seaside cliffs hide beaches that have crystal-clear waters. Apart from the most famous trekking paths to beaches at Cala Goloritzè, Cala Luna, Cala Cartòe, Cala Mariolu and so on, you can follow other paths into the hinterland to discover “cuìles” (antique shepherds’ huts) and attractions such as Gorropu Canyon or the Nuragic Village of Tiscali. For routes to take you on on the best excursions, download from the area dedicated to trekking in Sardinia.
Where to stay when trekking in Sardinia
Villa Capelvenere is the ideal place to stay if you’re interested in trekking in Sardinia. The villa is in the Littu Valley in Dorgali territory, the departure point for a number of excursions and walks of varying difficulty, among them: from Mount Irvèri to Cala Cartòe, trekking to cuìles at Mount Irvèri, Cuìle Tzìu Tattànu at Monte Irvèri and Cuìle Monte Rùiu. You can get more information on these excursions and download GPS location data from this page.
The mild climate of the Supramonte mountains makes for very pleasing excursions at any time of year. Often in January and February temperatures can get up to 18°C!
Wine and food in Sardinia
Highest quality white and red wines, premium meats cooked on the barbecue, fresh fish, cheeses, bottarga, these are some of the delicacies you can savour in Sardinia.
The main products of our agricultural business are extra virgin olive oil and vegetables. Staying at Villa Capelvenere, you can pick produce straight from the garden and get involved in farm activities, such as planting vegetables (suitable for children) and caring for animals, or in late autumn joining the olive harvest.
Dorgali has many wine cellars and some offer wine tastings or guided tours through their vineyards.
Feast days and country festivals in Sardinia
There are many feast days and country festivals in spring and autumn across Sardinia. During springtime celebrations such as Primavera in Ogliastra and Primavera in Baronia, and autumn celebrations such as Autunno in Barbagia, each weekend towns take turns and residents in historic centres open their homes to visitors, creating a trail for them to enjoy food, wine and striking displays of art and craft. A calendar of these events is published each year. You can book your stay when keeping in mind feast days and country festivals in towns close to Villa Capelvenere: Dorgali, Oliena, Orgosolo, Orosei, Orune, Bitti, Galtellì and Nuoro.
History and archaeology in Sardinia
Sardinia is an island with an extensive history. Very many archaeological sites tell the story of Nuragic and pre-Nuragic civilization.
Nuragic civilization developed in Sardinia from 1,800 BC to 1,100 BC, and is recorded today at some 7,000 nuraghe sites across Sardinia: they were towers, forts and villages built of stone. Some are known across the world, such as the Nuragic citadel of Su Nuraxi at Barumini, proclaimed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Centre.
By staying at Villa Capelvenere you can explore a variety of archaeological sites such as Nuraghe Mannu and Serra ‘e Orrios, among others.
When to stay in Sardinia
Why visit Sardinia in January
January is ideal for excursions in the mountains around Villa Capelvenere. The climate is mild, beaches are deserted and new season wine can be tasted in cellars. In Dorgali during the feasts of St Anthony Abbot and St Sebastian, village lanes are lit up by evening bonfires and home cellars are opened to offer a glass of wine to the faithful. In the town of Mamoiada, Carnival is launched with the ancient rite of Mamuthones, a traditional mask display.
January weather in Sardinia
In January the average temperature in Sardinia is around 10°C with maximums above 15°.
Of the winter months this has the least rainfall, with an average 5.5 days of rain for a total of 70mm.
Why stay in Sardinia in February
In February Carnival continues in traditional mask festivals at Mamoiada, Ottana and Orotelli, with horse races and horsemanship competitions at Dorgali.
Of particular interest, Oristano hosts Sa Sartiglia, a dazzling competition with horse riders wearing traditional costume and aiming rapiers at a hanging star. It’s been a yearly event since medieval times.
February weather in Sardinia
February temperatures go up a bit more than in January. There are 5 wet days on average but with a little less rainfall.
Why stay in Sardinia in March
In March Sardinia is bright with colour, from green pastures to blue rosemary flowers.
The climate is perfect for exploring the hinterland and on sunny days it’s pleasant on the beach.
March weather in Sardinia
Spring comes early in Sardinia and flowering picks up in March. In our territory in particular, rosemary flowers give a blue tint to shrub lands. Temperatures in March average around 12°C with some maximums above 17°. Rainy days are a low average of 4.7 with less than 40mm falling.
Why stay in Sardinia in April
In April country festivals start again. From now to the end of June, Dorgali has many religious processions. The weather is temperate and apart from having the first swims and enjoying the sun at uncrowded beaches, it’s a great time for walks and for visiting Nuragic villages at Serra ‘e Orrios and Nuraghe Mannu, as well as the Grotto of Ispinigoli and S’Abba Frisca Open Air Museum.
April weather in Sardinia
In April in Sardinia temperatures often reach 20°C, the average temperature is 14°C, while wet days and rainfall totals are much the same as in March.
Why stay in Sardinia in May
Towards the end of May the dry season starts, temperatures climb and rain is scarce.
May weather in Sardinia
In May the days are longer, the sunshine starts to warm up and temperatures often go above 25°C with an average of 18° to start the swimming season. The average number of rainy days this month drops to 3.6 with total falls around 30mm.
Why stay in Sardinia in September
September temperatures are high (but not as high as earlier in summer), the swimming season continues and mini-cruises depart from Cala Gonone.
September weather in Sardinia
September marks the end of hot summer weather, and autumn brings a bit more rain than in spring but the average temperature stays around 23 degrees with maximums above 28.
Why stay in Sardinia in October
In October the beaches are freed from mass tourism, there are plenty more beautiful days and the climate is ideal for excursions.
There are many country festivals, contact us for more information and for planning where to stay at Cala Gonone.
October weather in Sardinia
October is a mild month and the days are still long. The beach is enjoyable when the seawater is moderate and warm for swimming.
Rainfall on average remains stable, around 40mm.
Why stay in Sardinia in November
Mass tourism is by now a distant memory and the very beautiful beaches of Sardinia are deserted. It’s the best time to enjoy landscapes, visit museums and savour local produce. If you decide to take a holiday in Sardinia in November we can help you and suggest where to stay.
November weather in Sardinia
November generally is the month with most rain, but the first fortnight is often warm with a gift of great days beside the sea, for trekking and for exploring the region.
Rainfall goes up to around 60/70mm and average temperatures stay around 14°C.
Why stay in Sardinia in December
If you’ve decided to have a holiday in Sardinia in December up to and including Christmas, you can stay at Villa Capelvenere. You can book guided visits to the Park Museum, to nearby caverns and to the main archaeological areas of Dorgali and Cala Gonone. You can also choose to explore one of many towns in the region during the Autumn in Barbagia Festival, which takes place from September to December.
December weather in Sardinia
In Sardinia temperatures drop to an average 11°C in December. Rainfall has the same frequency as in November.
Dreaming of a summer holiday with long sunny days by the sea, or for visiting museums, caverns and archaeological areas?
Sardinia is the right place for your summer holiday.
In June, July and August the days are always sunny, and at the beach there’s a pleasant sea breeze to enjoy.
Bars, restaurants, gelaterias, hotels, B&Bs and holiday houses are always open to make your holiday by the sea perfect in Sardinia.
