What to do in Sardinia in November? 5 Top tips

Those who have scheduled holidays in the autumn period may wonder what to do during this period. Besides staying in our pajamas, sipping hot chocolate, and watching TV series - all of which we love!—for the month of November, we suggest you visit Sardinia, for several good reasons, which are explained below.

Let's start by saying that this is a special island, which has so much to offer throughout the year. There are many things to do in Sardinia in September, October, and even November.

- Transport and connections with Sardinia.

During the autumn and winter season, the main air and sea connections with the Italian peninsula are guaranteed, also by virtue of the “Territorial Continuity Policy”, as well as numerous flights to and from various European cities.

The main airports are those of Cagliari, Olbia and Alghero. The main ports are in Cagliari, Olbia and Porto Torres.

-        Climate in Sardinia in Autumn.

Temperatures during daytime are still mild even during autumn, especially in the coastal locations, where we have temperatures around 20°C are recorded, with infrequent rains, alternating with sunny periods.

While in continental Europe almost everyone starts thinking of Christmas, we in Sardinia look back to summer.

A slight temperature difference is also recorded between the north and south of the island, since the latter area is slightly milder during autumn and winter, also because it is less exposed to the northern and northwestern winds.

In the hilly and mountainous interior, temperatures are colder, and it could happen that at the end of November the first snow falls on the Gennargentu Massif and on Monte Limbara, which could be the ideal opportunity for a pleasant walk on the white slopes of these mountains.

- Advantages of deseasonalization.

Visitors from Central European and Scandinavian countries are well aware of the advantages of visiting Sardinia in October and even in November, representing the largest tourist group during the autumn months. We should learn from them, to fully enjoy an island with many facets, more liveable when uncrowded, not neglecting the undoubted economic advantages compared to the summer months, due to the lower costs for a villa or a holiday home to rent in Sardinia. 

Read on to discover our 5 tips on autumn in Sardinia.

Here are our 5 tips on what to do during your holidays in Sardinia in November:

• Take long walks in the woods with golden leaves;
• Visit Bosa and Alghero;
• Enjoy the tasty autumn dishes in a typical farmhouse;
• Trekking in the Ogliastra region;
• Take part in festivals and folkloristic events. 

Among the autumnal activities preferred by us natives are long walks in the vast woods, nature parks and forest areas. In spite of popular belief, Sardinia is not just an island with wonderful unspoiled coasts and heavenly beaches. There are vast wooded areas, distributed throughout the wild hinterland.

There is nothing more relaxing than a walk in the woods, in the company of our loved ones and four-legged friends, breathing pure air accompanied by the chirping of birds. The woods of Sardinia are almost uncontaminated environments where it is easy to re-establish one's inner balance in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Here are just some of the dozens of noteworthy Sardinian forests:

• The woods on Mount Limbara, near Tempio Pausania;
• The Natural Park of Santa Barbara in Villagrande Strisaili;
• The wonderful grove of Monte Ortobene, easily reachable from the inhabited center of the city of Nuoro, going up the winding paved road that starts at the church of the Madonna della Solitudine, where the remains of the only Italian woman-writer to have been awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature are kept: Grazie Deledda from Nuoro;
• The superb State Forest of Settefratelli, in the territories of Sinnai, Burcei and San Vito.

Nature photography enthusiasts can take advantage of walks in the woods to photograph many plant and floral species, some of which are rare and endemic, as well as wonderful animal species, especially birds and mammals. Ideal frames and spectacular scenarios in this regard are the waterfalls of Sardinia, which in autumn have greater water flow following dry summer periods, such as: the Triulintas waterfall near Martis, the Mularza Noa waterfall in the territory of Bolotana, the Cabu Nieddu waterfall, which falls into the sea in the territory of Cuglieri, the Rio 'e Forru waterfall in Arzana, or the Sa Spendula waterfall in the territory of Villacidro. All remarkable water jumps, immersed in naturalistic contexts of rare beauty.

Connoisseurs of the undergrowth take advantage of the beautiful sunny days following rainy days to look for mushrooms. There are many delicious varieties that grow spontaneously in Sardinian meadows and woods. The most delicious species belong to the “Porcini” family and to the so-called “Antunne”.

WARNING: If you are not excellent connoisseurs of the native mycological flora, it is absolutely not recommended to take unnecessary risks. Leave the harvest to experienced mushroom hunters. You can always taste the delicious mushrooms in the recipes prepared by the skilled hands of the chefs of the local restaurants (see below).

If you want to try your hand at harvesting, we remind you that before proceeding with the consumption of the collected mushrooms, they must always be analyzed by experts in the various Mycological Inspectorates. In these laboratories all the collected mushrooms are checked for free, and the presence of any poisonous and toxic specimens is reported. It is imperative that you bring the entire crop with you, not just a sample, as the unchecked specimens may include poisonous mushrooms.

Also pay attention to respect the land you cross, especially if there is livestock, and not to damage the ecosystem, making a sustainable harvest.

Finally, we do not recommend going into hunting areas, to avoid the possible dangers associated with hunting.

Another thing to do in November, when the weather does not allow to admire the beaches and if you are interested in architecture and history, is to discover the most beautiful cities in Sardinia. We suggest to visit Alghero and Bosa, towns that can be visited on different days.

The splendid Catalan city of Alghero has got a wonderful historic center. Lose yourself in the alleys of the oldtown with a strong Spanish imprint. You will feel like walking through the narrow streets of the ancient Barrio Gótico in Barcelona. Take the time to visit some beautiful churches. Not to be missed is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Immacolata, built prevalently in Catalan Gothic style, with a wonderful late Gothic belltower and a neoclassical facade; visit also the nearby church of San Francesco of the fourteenth century, a shining stylistic example of Gothic-Catalan architecture, with the beautiful cloister and a starry vault, finally we point out the church of San Michele in baroque style, dedicated to the patron saint of Alghero, with the marvelous dome covered with polychrome tiles, visible from almost the whole city. These buildings are located a short distance from each other in the oldtown.

After visiting the historic center, take a healthy stroll along the seafront, with the beautiful pedestrian area reminiscent of the Ramblas of Barcelona: it is no coincidence that Alghero bears the nickname of Barceloneta. Those interested in languages and dialects can learn more about the history of the city and the Alghero language, a variant of Catalan. Finally, discover the typical dishes of the seafaring tradition of the city: there are many restaurants and tapas bars in the oldtown, where you can taste the recipes of Alghero.

The next day you can leave for Bosa, driving on the Alghero-Bosa coastal road, a romantic route, among the most beautiful ones in Sardinia and the entire Mediterranean. On the cliffs along the road nest the only Sardinian colonies of griffons, a splendid protected species of bird of prey.

Once you arrive in Bosa, you will enjoy a marvelous spectacle: the view of the city from the “extra muros” perspective along the “Temo”, the only navigable river in Sardinia. The town is famous for its colorful houses and the sumptuous co-cathedral. Crossing the bridge that leads to the Co-Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, a possible first stop on your visit, you will enter the oldtown. Enjoy the walk along the river and getting lost in the medieval alleys, climbing up to the beautiful castle of Serravalle, owned by the Malaspina family, sip a good coffee or the excellent local Malvasia in the bars and clubs of the center, accompanied by traditional Sardinian sweets with almonds . You will also have the opportunity to interact with the friendly inhabitants of the city, who preserve the goliardic spirit of the famous Bosa Carnival all year round.

Other monuments of great historical and architectural interest are the old tanneries ("Sas Conzas" in Logudorese Sardinian), now a national monument, evidence of the town's laborious past.

Bosa also has a coastal hamlet, called Bosa Marina, famous for its beaches and the natural pool of Cane Malu, frequented by thousands of tourists every year.

Alternatively, you could organize a day of excursions and trekking in the Ogliastra region. In fact, among the activities that are increasingly gaining ground in Sardinia, hiking and trekking are in constant and rapid growth. Various associations, managed by expert hiking guides and connoisseurs of the area, offer itineraries and packages to open-air walking enthusiasts from all over the world.

One of the most loved and suitable territories for such activities is the Ogliastra. The area has unique characteristics that make it a real paradise for hikers. An incredible variety of wild mountain landscapes alternate with breathtaking beaches and coastal stretches, often overlooking the sea. When the weather conditions are not too harsh, in Sardinia it is possible to go hiking or trekking even in November.

Considering that walks in the woods and trekking are activities that will make you hungry, take advantage of your holiday in Sardinia to have a hearty lunch in a typical farmhouse. It is the right occasion to savor the typical autumn dishes and recipes, including those based on mushrooms. The rural restaurants will certainly also offer the company of a lively fire in the fireplace and the possibility of accompanying the dishes with a sincere local red wine, to finish with the typical Sardinian digestives: the "Filu 'e ferru", a typical pomace brandy, and the legendary liqueur obtained from the berries or leaves of the "myrtle" plant, simply called by the name of the shrub.

One last thing to absolutely do in Sardinia in November is to participate in the various autumn festivals and events around the island.

The events of Autumn in Barbagia stand out, which take place in various inland towns, communities rich in centuries-old traditions and food and wine treasures. Each participating village, on different dates, opens the doors of the internal courtyards of the typical houses. There you can try local dishes at cheap prices, or attend parades and cultural events.

If you wish to receive a quote for a package of autumn visits and activities that also includes an overnight stay in one of our exclusive villas for rent in Sardinia, click here, or send a Whatsapp to the phone number +39 3423633722.

For more information on forest areas, please consult the official page of Sardegna Foreste.

More info on the Autumn in Barbagia event can be obtained on the website Cuore della Sardegna.

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