Why Sardinia is the perfect destination for a last-minute summer getaway
Sardinia is the ultimate place to slip into the Mediterranean way of life this summer, with effortless escapes just a short flight from the UK
A holiday to Sardinia is ideal for a last-minute getaway, offering superb beaches, wild scenery, and a wealth of history, not to mention its deliciously diverse cuisine. The best bit? With Jet2holidays you can save £50 per person* on holidays departing until 31 October 2025. It’s just shy of three hours to get to sunny Sardinia by flight from the UK, with Jet2holidays flying from 13 UK airports including Belfast, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester and London.
They offer flexible packages, direct flights and return transfers while accommodation ranges from spacious family hotels to relaxing adults-only sanctuaries. There’s also generous baggage inclusions with 22kg of checked baggage and 10kg hand luggage.
Here’s everything you need to know about making Sardinia your spontaneous summer retreat...
Sun, sea and Sardinian soul
Sardinia boasts sweeping beaches that rival those of the Caribbean, as well as secluded coves primed for secret sunbathing, and lots of Blue Flag and Green Flag spots that are ideal for families. The calm waters are made for paddling, while long sandy stretches like Cala Brandinchi encourage days spent lazing in the sun. Late-summer temperatures also remain warm, and the sunshine lingers well into autumn, meaning you don’t have to visit in the peak of summer if you don’t want to.
If you prefer your holidays with a generous dose of adventure, Sardinia is where it’s at. Its terrain is all wild hills and forested trails, which is a dream for hikers and climbers, especially around the Supramonte mountains and the Cammino di Santa Barbara. If you head back to the coast, you can kayak between hidden coves or explore sea caves along the Gulf of Orosei.
Celebration of culture and cuisine
Away from the shoreline, traditional festivals fill the calendar, and village streets come alive with music, dancing, folklore and plenty of local food. Late summer is festival season, and Sardinia really knows how to throw a party.
The Isole che Parlano (Talking Islands) Festival in Gallura takes place across several towns in September, bringing together traditional Sardinian culture and contemporary music and art from around the world. Meanwhile, the Sant Miquel Festival in Alghero also kicks off in September, featuring religious processions, local tunes, street eats, and a Sardinian night sky lit up with fireworks. For a slower, more authentic slice of the island, Autumn in Barbagia in central Sardinia runs from September to December, when the island quietens down a little. It celebrates local crafts, seasonal produce and old-school traditions, offering a local glimpse of life beyond the holiday hotspots.
The food here is designed to be enjoyed, with dishes steeped in tradition. Think sheep’s cheese, handmade bread, roast meat and Mirto, the myrtle berry liqueur found only on the island. Local wines like Cannonau and Vermentino flow freely, and dining is an unhurried ritual that pays homage to Sardinia’s relaxed way of life.
Time to unwind
Sardinia is an invitation to slow down, with laidback vineyard lunches beneath olive trees, late-afternoon swims in quiet bays, and long evenings where time seems to pause. If you fancy a change of pace during your holiday, a stay in Sardinia offers plenty of easy day trips. Head north to La Maddalena, a cluster of islands with shimmering waters fab for snorkelling. The main island is sleepy, dotted with pastel buildings and gelato stands.
On the northwest coast, Alghero is all cobbled lanes and medieval towers, with a seafront made for sunset strolling. Or venture inland to Bosa, where the colourful town spills down the hillside to the river. It’s chock-full of rainbow houses and one of the best castle views on the island from Castello Malaspina.
Even a short drive inland brings you to the ancient nuraghi, mysterious stone dwellings scattered across the countryside, alongside olive groves, and the odd wild horse if you’re lucky. One minute you’re basking on a sunlounger, the next you’re discovering a sliver of ancient history in a postcard-worthy village.
With Jet2holidays you can save £50 per person* on holidays departing until 31 October 2025. Jet2holidays handles the details so you can stay present in the moment. From flights to transfers**, every step of your journey is designed to be seamless and stress-free, whether you’re going in September or October. Plus, with generous baggage inclusions, you can pack everything you need for all your adventures, with no compromises and no essentials left behind. Families can also take advantage of Free Child Places† this October half-term and that under 2s now go free+, and PayPal Pay in 3 offers a flexible payment option‡. For more last-minute travel inspiration and great-value package deals, visit Jet2holidays.
As the UK’s number one tour operator and a Which? Recommended Provider in seven categories, Jet2holidays is known for its VIP customer service, with ABTA and ATOL protection giving extra peace of mind.
*Save £50 per person on holidays departing until 31 October 2025. The relevant discount will be shown throughout the booking path. Please note the discount is not applied to children travelling on a Free Child Place. Terms and conditions apply, please see our website for details. **Unless otherwise stated. †One free child place per two paying passengers. +T&Cs apply, see website for details.Subject to availability. T&Cs apply; please see www.jet2holidays.com/promotions#FCP2025 for further details. ‡Spread the cost over three interest-free payments. Available when booked online, for holidays under £2,000, departing within ten weeks.
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