Spring in Sardinia: what to do and see on the island

In this guide we discover together the events, traditions and must-see places in Sardinia this season

The beaches are still deserted, the surrounding nature bursts into a myriad of colors and scents, and the sun, which gradually sets later and later, casts a suggestive light and reflections: it's spring, the time of year when Sardinia and its coasts take on a new charm, making the island a perfect destination to rediscover moments of intimacy and true relaxation.

Here, time flows slowly, following the rhythm of a nature awakening and preparing to welcome the tourists who choose it for their summer vacations. The Easter holidays, along with the April 25th and May 1st celebrations, are the perfect opportunities to explore enchanting locations such as those along Sardinia’s northeastern coast. After admiring the natural beauty of its beaches, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy—perhaps while indulging in the hospitality of local accommodations and giving in to the temptation of restaurants and farm stays that offer seasonal, locally sourced products.

Hotels to Stay in During Spring

For the Easter and Easter Monday holiday, Hotel Cala di Volpe opens its doors to vacationers, before officially kicking off the tourist season in early May, when this fabulous hotel will officially launch Summer 2025. In the historic Piazzetta of Porto Cervo, Hotel Cervo resumes its activities from mid-April, welcoming guests in the enchanting setting of the historic promenade, where boutiques reopen after the winter break.

The date to mark is May 28, when Hotel Romazzino and Hotel Pitrizza will inaugurate their season of grand hospitality, defined by elegant and refined luxury.

The hills of San Pantaleo, a historic village and district of Olbia, perched on a rocky massif, offer thrilling experiences for climbing enthusiasts with their scenic trails and breathtaking coastal views. Hidden among them is the Petra Segreta Resort & Spa, a retreat that blends the beauty of the Gallura countryside with the five-star services of a Relais & Châteaux.

Famous for its artisan workshops and artists' studios scattered through its alleys, San Pantaleo is a place worth visiting even in spring. Here, in the town’s main square, social life thrives, and enjoying an aperitif at sunset is an unmissable experience. (For more on what to do in San Pantaleo, click here!)

For those who love staying surrounded by nature, embracing its relaxed rhythm, from April 18, the opening day, it’s possible to step away from the coast and head just a short distance inland to Luogosanto. Here, over three hectares of Mediterranean scrub and anthropomorphic granite formations conceal the Gallicantu Stazzo Retreat, just a stone’s throw from Luogosanto’s historic village, in the heart of Gallura. (For more on what to do in Luogosanto, click here!)

A restoration and renovation project has brought new life to an ancient stazzo, the traditional rural dwelling typical of this corner of Sardinia, transforming it into a true oasis of relaxation and hospitality. For those choosing to spend Easter Monday here, Gallicantu offers a guided walk to Palazzo di Baldu, a charming medieval fortress nestled within a dense forest of holm oaks and walled granite tafoni. Its ruins stand as a testament to the Judicate era in the Kingdom of Gallura, one of the four realms into which Sardinia was divided between the 11th and 14th centuries. Upon returning, guests will be welcomed by Pietro Ragaglia, a young shepherd and artisan producer of sheep’s cheese. In the open-view oven, they will also have the chance to witness the preparation of traditional Sardinian bread—a sacred and ancient ritual, passed down since time immemorial.

Restaurants and Farm Stays to Dine at in Spring

On the spring tables of Sardinian restaurants and the many farm stays in Gallura—and beyond—arrive traditional dishes linked to Easter celebrations. While the spit-roasted “maialetto” (suckling pig) is a staple found in nearly all agritourism establishments, during the Easter holiday weekend, the true culinary discovery is spit-roasted lamb and kid goat, always cooked on the spit and flavored with aromatic herbs like myrtle.

The Gallura region offers a wide selection of venues to enjoy Easter lunch and Easter Monday. In Luogosanto, in the Balaiana area, along the provincial road 14 Arzachena-Luogosanto, the agritourism La Quercia della Gallura offers a festive menu celebrating Sardinian and Gallura gastronomic traditions. The menu includes zuppa gallurese, chjusoni with sausage sauce, local cheeses and cured meats, as well as traditional desserts like the classic formagelle. (To discover all the typical dishes of Sardinian tradition, click here!)

Surrounded by nature, within an ancient colti – a courtyard enclosed by walls – the agritourism La Colti in Cannigione offers its dishes in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The spit-roasts in view, wooden tables and benches, the low structure typical of Gallura's stazzi, along with the locally sourced products served with care and refinement, are the ingredients that make dining at La Colti a truly joyful experience.

On the Pantogia hill, just two kilometers from the center of Porto Cervo, the restaurant I Frati Rossi offers a panoramic view stretching from the Pevero Gulf to Tavolara Island. The charm of this breathtaking view can be enjoyed from the restaurant’s terrace, providing a unique experience made even more special by the scents and colors of the surrounding nature. Here, traditional cuisine, distinctive flavors, carefully selected wines, soft lighting, and an elegant atmosphere create the perfect balance between serene familiarity and refined elegance, a blend that has defined the area for decades, making it a favorite destination for the most discerning palates from all over the world. (Click here to discover the best agritourisms around Porto Cervo; and here you'll find the must-visit restaurants in Porto Cervo and nearby.)

Per chi ha voglia di immergersi nella nightlife più glamour d’Italia, a partire da fine maggio, alcune delle location più iconiche della costa nord-orientale sarda riapriranno le loro porte. Il Phi Beach a Baja Sardinia, il Ritual Club sempre a Baja Sardinia e il JustMe a Porto Cervo torneranno ad accogliere turisti e appassionati della vita notturna. In un’atmosfera più rilassata, questi luoghi di culto della movida smeraldina riaccenderanno le loro luci e la loro musica, attirando una clientela che ama divertirsi anche fuori stagione. (Cerchi le migliori discoteche di Porto Cervo? Le trovi qui)

For those who want to immerse themselves in Italy's most glamorous nightlife, starting at the end of May, some of the most iconic locations on Sardinia's northeastern coast will reopen their doors. Phi Beach in Baja Sardinia, Ritual Club also in Baja Sardinia and JustMe in Porto Cervo will return to welcome tourists and nightlife enthusiasts. In a more relaxed atmosphere, these cult venues of the emerald movida will rekindle their lights and music, attracting a clientele that loves to have fun even out of season. (Looking for the best nightclubs in Porto Cervo? Find them here).

Villages and hikes to do in spring

Becoming an unmissable event for all of Gallura and beyond, the Easter celebration in Aggius, a town in Alta Gallura, transforms the village into a hub of events that attract hundreds of people. Starting in the morning, nature lovers can participate in treks through its scenic landscapes, while the historic center's streets welcome artisans displaying unique creations and street food stalls offering typical dishes.

To make the event even more special, in the afternoon, the highly anticipated concert will be held in the shadow of the bell tower of Santa Vittoria Church, where this year, Enrico Ruggeri, an icon of Italian music, will perform, bringing emotions with his unmistakable voice and beloved songs.

Equally captivating and not to be missed are the rituals of the Aggius Holy Week. Here, the ancient religious celebrations, full of spirituality, convey the charm of a culture passed down through the centuries, involving both residents and visitors in an intense and emotional experience.

Once again, the Holy Week rituals define the springtime of the island. There are a total of thirteen events listed in the region’s calendar, involving as many Sardinian towns: Sassari, Oliena, Aggius, Castelsardo, Gonnosfanadiga, Desulo, Cagliari, Oristano, Bosa, Iglesias, Tonara, Villamassargia, and Alghero. From north to south, Holy Week unites various centers of Sardinia, but each follows its own specific tradition, making each celebration unique and worthy of being lived and observed.

For those who want to venture more inland, spring is the perfect time to discover and visit the Parco Beranu Froriu di Turri, a true oasis of beauty and a paradise for nature lovers and flower enthusiasts. Between exhibition areas and gathering zones, the park houses an incredible variety of flora, with over 500,000 tulip bulbs in 70 different varieties and more than 450 flower species, including daffodils, peonies, hyacinths, irises, buttercups, and roses. Equally fascinating is the life in the village itself: with its 372 inhabitants, Turri is a town in the province of South Sardinia, located in the historical subregion of Marmilla, and is one of the main centers for saffron production.

In the heart of the island, just 20 minutes from Alghero, one can walk through the murals that decorate the alleys of the small village of Bessude, home to just under 400 people. Here, culture and tradition can be felt in the air, while behind the village, on Monte Pelao, numerous trails and paths invite exploration to discover the territory.

For those who enjoy hiking and mountain biking, Bessude is the ideal starting point. And if you prefer a stay focused on relaxation, immersed in the peace of the countryside yet just a few minutes' drive from the renowned tourist spots on the island's northern coast, you can stay at one of Sardinia’s first glamping spots: Checchito Sardinia Luxury Glamping. This exclusive property was created within an ancient pinnetta, the traditional Sardinian shepherd's shelter. The architecture is not simply a reproduction of the old structures but an original design found in the garden, now restored and made accessible, offering an authentic and fascinating experience.