Last minute holidays in Sardinia: what to visit and do

August is here, cities and offices are empty and it's time for you to unplug: the well-deserved summer holidays are getting closer for you too. You are already dreaming of yourself lying on a beach lounger on a heavenly beach listening to the sound of the sea waves, perhaps with a good book or your favourite summer playlist. Then, before it's too late, you start quickly searching the Internet for ideas and destinations for a last minute August holiday. All of a sudden then comes a name: Sardinia. It's done, this year let's set off to discover a wonderful island that, we promise, will not cease to impress you with its beaches of rare beauty and millenary traditions. 

Which route to follow? Where to stay? There is no time to plan everything to the last detail. So let this guide give you some ideas for planning your last minute holiday in Sardinia amidst kilometres of enchanting beaches, natural attractions and events not to be missed in the hottest month of the year.

We begin in the north-west of the island, in the coastal village of Stintino. We are a stone's throw from the island of Asinara and the Protected Marine Area that surrounds it. Its coves are well preserved and can be visited by boat excursions and guided tours in total respect of the marine ecosystem. Desert-like and fairy-tale scenarios for a true escape from the chaos and stress of everyday life.

But of all the natural attractions of the area, the most fascinating is undoubtedly La Pelosa beach. Recognisable by the Aragonese small tower in the background, its seabed is very shallow even at a distance of tens of metres from the shore, while the fine, white sand looks almost like icing sugar. A small reminder: the free beach is also subject to a limited number of visitors and in order to access it, it is necessary to book in advance and follow certain rules. For more information, consult the Stintino municipal website.

Along the northern coast, facing Corsica, there are the small towns of Badesi, Costa Paradiso and Santa Teresa di Gallura. Here, the mistral wind is the absolute guardian of the area, which makes it possible not to suffer from extreme heat. The granite rocks with their harmonious and angular shapes are an absolute evidence of its passage. The granite rocks with their harmonious and angular shapes are an absolute evidence of its passage. If you want to be in touch with nature, one of the most beautiful places in the area is the picturesque Valle della Luna, a few kilometres from Santa Teresa. The valley overlooks a sea that ranges from turquoise to emerald and is bordered by two majestic granite promontories, ideal for observing shooting stars during San Lorenzo night (between 12 and 13 August).

One of the most charming beaches is Li Cossi beach, a few steps from Costa Paradiso. Accessible via a panoramic 600-metre-long path overlooking the sea, it offers breathtaking views where it will be impossible not to stop and take a few photos. Once you reach the sandy beach, you will suddenly feel as if you have been transported to an American canyon, but its turquoise waters blending with the blue sky will make you feel as if you are in an earthly paradise. Despite its wild character, there is no lack of the services and facilities you may need (especially if you are travelling with children).

Proceeding eastwards, you will reach another wonder of nature, La Liccia beach, near Santa Teresa di Gallura. A wide and spacious beach perfect for the high season, characterised by fine sand, crystal-clear sea and all around the lush Mediterranean scrub. Here, snorkelling enthusiasts can discover unspoilt seabeds and many fish species that inhabit them.

It is impossible to go on holiday in Sardinia without first visiting the popular Costa Smeralda. A great acclaim for the international jet set over the past sixty years, its architecture is the perfect balance of elegance and tradition. Here, there is no room for boredom, the nightlife and entertainment are particularly intense during this time of year. With events, concerts, art exhibitions and fireworks, you will be spoilt for choice on how to spend your august holiday.

The absolute leaders in terms of beauty and attractiveness are the numerous beaches and coves in the area, whose waters, needless to say, take on all shades of emerald. One of them is Cala Capriccioli, which is itself divided into two small beaches, one to the west and one to the east. Both are enclosed by impressive granite boulders, so depending on the direction of the wind you can choose the most sheltered one. Just a few steps away, a small wooden bridge where you can rent little boats, allowing you to explore the Mortorio island and find peace and tranquillity lulled by the waves of the sea.

Remain nearby and you will find another masterpiece of nature, the beautiful beach of Liscia Ruja, known to be the most spacious in the Costa Smeralda. Even during high season, you will not risk being on a crowded beach and you will have plenty of facilities. In addition, every Ferragosto (15 August) is celebrated with a huge beach party.

If you wish to spend a seaside holiday, the village of San Teodoro is a perfect starting point to reach the Caribbean-like beaches of the east coast in a short time. The closest to the village, which can even be reached by foot, is the beautiful La Cinta beach, five kilometres of the whitest sand that creates a transparent seabed. Not far away, there is another popular attraction, Cala Brandinchi, also called 'little Tahiti' precisely because of the pastel colours that recall the island. Finally, Lu Impostu, a small jewel set amidst the marvellous Sardinian nature.

But San Teodoro is also known for its vibrant nightlife, which every year offers numerous noteworthy August events to its tourists. Between pubs, clubs and open-air evenings that will make your Sardinian holidays even more magical.

Finding a Sardinia last minute may seem like a mission impossible but it is not. Below you will find a selection of our best last minute holiday deals to stay in an exclusive villa for rent in Sardinia in August and all at special prices discounted by up to 40%.

• Villa La Bitta: a prestigious property that will enchant you with its panoramic private pool and the large open-air relax area where you can enjoy your summer evenings. The elegant and bright interiors are disposed on two spacious levels.
• Rifugio degli Architetti: we suggest this villa for rent if you are looking for a peaceful August holiday in the picturesque landscape of Costa Paradiso.
• Villa Antares: located in a privileged position for visiting the Costa Smeralda, this Gallurese stazzo is equipped with an outdoor barbecue. We are already imagining you hosting your summer barbecue. 
• Villa Smeralda: this villa with a  private pool surrounded by the Sardinian vegetation will delight you with all the amenities it has to offer. Perfect for families, as it is located close to the beach.
• Villa Il Rifugio del Bandito: a spacious villa for rent in Sardinia, perfect to accommodate up to 9 people in total comfort. The villa is close to  Stintino and La Pelosa beach.

There is no time to waste, take advantage of our last minute august deals and spend your Italian holiday in a villa for rent in Sardinia. Book now by contacting us by phone (also via Whatsapp) or email.

Sardinia Unlimited is a real estate agency in Olbia that offers a complete, tailor-made service for both buying, selling and property management in Sardinia. To find out more, do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email, we will be glad to assist you.

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