A holiday in Sardinia — it is the second largest island of the Mediterranean Sea with a distinct way of life, wild nature and old traditions. The best time is from May to June and from September to October: the sea is warm, the beaches are freer, prices are lower. There are no direct flights from Almaty, you have to fly with a transfer in Istanbul, Rome or Milan. The island has three airports: Cagliari, Olbia and Alghero.
How does the island differ from mainland Italy and how is it structured?
Sardinia — the second largest island of the Mediterranean Sea, and this alone sets a special rhythm for a holiday. The Italian land here lives separately, and tours to Sardinia are valued for the combination of wild nature and old traditions.
Historical regions and their character
A holiday in Sardinia is almost always tied to one of the historical regions. Gallura in the northeast is known for granite rocks and bays such as Costa Smeralda. Barbagia in the center — a mountainous region with shepherd villages and sheep cheese dairies. Ogliastra in the east is famous for its gorges and access to the sea near Arbatax. Sulcis in the southwest — a region of mines and the dunes of Porto Pino. Iglesiente in the south preserves Spanish traces in architecture and cuisine. Castelsardo near Alghero is called the Catalan corner of the island. Hotels in Sardinia in each region are different: on the coast these are resort complexes, inland — family guesthouses. The choice of region determines the beaches, the prices, and how noisy your holiday will be.
Logistics inside the island: transport and distances
Sardinia Italy has no metro between cities, and this is the first thing to accept. The most convenient way to move around the island is by rented car. ARST buses connect major cities, but they run rarely and do not always coincide with ferry times. Ferries connect the island with neighboring small islands, for example Maddalena and San Pietro. Distances are deceptive: roads wind along serpentines, and a hundred kilometers takes two hours. From Cagliari to Olbia it takes about three hours without stops. Between the south and north of the island in summer additional trains run. Plan your route as a ring, not a zigzag, so as not to waste your holiday on the road.
What documents and visa are needed for a tourist from Kazakhstan?
For a trip to the island you need the same papers as for any country of the Schengen area. It is worth preparing the package in advance, because consular deadlines do not depend on the season.
Schengen visa: deadlines and submission through the consulate
Citizens of Kazakhstan need a Schengen visa to enter Italy. Documents are submitted through the Italian consulate or an accredited visa center, booking in advance. The package includes an application form, photographs, confirmation of hotel bookings in Sardinia and return tickets. Insurance for the entire duration of the trip is mandatory, it is arranged before submission. The processing time usually takes from two weeks, longer in high season. It is better to submit documents one and a half to two months before departure so that there is a margin. Check the exact list of requirements on the official consulate website before booking.
What to take with you on the trip and to the beach
On the island's beaches you will need thick sunscreen and a head covering. The mistral and sirocco winds are strong here, they raise waves and blow away light umbrellas. Take a windbreaker even in July: it is cool by the sea in the evening. You need closed shoes for walking on rocks and nuraghes. It is better to have two swimsuits so that one has time to dry. On the beaches of protected areas it is forbidden to take sand and shells, for this large fines are issued. A small cooler bag will be useful on trips through inland areas. Assemble a first aid kit yourself: in small towns pharmacies close for siesta.
Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the visa portal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic, https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/. The information on this page was checked on 10.09.2026.
How to get from Almaty and plan a route
The journey from Kazakhstan to the island always involves a transfer, and this should be taken into account when calculating days of rest. It is most convenient to build a route through major European hubs.
Flights with a transfer and choosing an airport
There are no direct flights from Almaty to the island, you will have to fly with one or two transfers. Most often tours to Italy from Almaty are built through Istanbul, Rome or Milan. On the island itself there are three airports: Cagliari in the south, Olbia in the northeast and Alghero in the northwest. Cagliari receives the most flights and is convenient for southern resorts. Olbia is closer to Costa Smeralda and Gallura, but there are fewer flights there. Alghero is suitable for the western coast and Castelsardo. Choose the airport by resort, otherwise you will add extra hours to the transfer.
Combination with a stop in Rome or Milan
A holiday in Sardinia can easily be combined with a stop in mainland Italy. Rome and Milan — convenient transfer points where you can spend two or three days. From Rome to Cagliari there are frequent flights, and ferries also run from Civitavecchia. From Milan it is convenient to get to Olbia and Alghero. Such a route breaks up the long journey and adds city impressions. It is cheaper to buy tickets for domestic flights in advance, together with the main flight. If time is short, it is better to fly straight to the island without a stop. The combination is good for those who go for two weeks or more.
Where to stay: hotels, apartments and seasonal booking
Accommodation on the island differs not only in price, but also in the rhythm of life around it. Prices for tours to Sardinia directly depend on how close the hotel is to the sea.
Features of coastal and inland hotels
Hotels in Sardinia on the coast are focused on beach holidays and operate by season. Many coastal complexes open in May and close in October. Inland hotels and agriturismo operate all year round and cost noticeably less. But from there it takes longer to get to the sea, sometimes more than an hour. In high season, accommodation on the coast is booked several months in advance. The cost of living is higher than the average in southern Italy, especially in coastal towns. Apartments are advantageous for families: there is a kitchen and more space. When checking in, clarify whether cleaning is included and whether there is air conditioning.
Car rental and driver requirements
A holiday in Sardinia without a car is severely limited, especially outside major cities. Cars are rented at the airports of Cagliari, Olbia and Alghero, where there is more choice. For rental, an international driving permit is required and often a credit card for a deposit. It is worth booking a car in advance: in July and August there are almost none available. Mountain roads are narrow, and winding roads require driving experience. Parking at popular beaches in summer is limited and paid. Gas stations in inland areas are rare, keep an eye on the fuel level. Take a car with full insurance: the narrow streets of old towns do not forgive mistakes.
What to do besides the beach: wines, nuraghes and yachting
The island offers more than the sea: it has its own archaeology, wines and boat trips. When is the best time to go to Sardinia for these experiences is a separate question, but many activities are available year-round.
Wine tours and local cellars
Wine tours in Sardinia are popular in the areas of Vermentino and Cannonau. White Vermentino is grown in the north, near Gallura and Olbia. Red Cannonau grows in the center, near Bosa and Barbagia. Monica gives soft red wines in the southwest, near Sulcis. Many cellars receive guests by appointment and hold tastings with pecorino cheeses. The island's cuisine includes bottarga, porceddu and malloreddus, which are served with local wine. A trip around the wineries is convenient to combine with lunch at an agriturismo. While driving, remember the limits: tasting and driving do not go well together.
Archaeological sites and the historic railway
Sardinia is known for nuraghes — stone towers of the Bronze Age. The largest complex Su Nuraxi near Barumini is worth seeing with your own eyes. In Cagliari, it is worth visiting the Castello district and the Roman amphitheater. The San Benedetto market in the capital gives an idea of local products. The historic Trenino Verde railway takes you through inland areas on an old train. The route goes through mountains and bridges, revealing the island from an unexpected side. It is better to buy tickets in advance; in season the carriages fill up. Such a day will diversify a holiday in Sardinia and show its hinterland.
A trip to this Italian island with children requires taking several things into account.
Families choose the southern coast near Cagliari and Villasimius: there are long sandy beaches and a shallow sea. The entry into the water at Porto Pino is also gradual, but the winds are stronger. Many resort hotels offer kids' clubs and all inclusive meals. Apartments are more convenient: there is a kitchen and a washing machine. Agriturismo introduces children to animals and local cuisine. Plan the drive in the car no longer than two hours, otherwise the trip will tire the child. Take a stroller with wide wheels: in old towns there are cobblestones. Bring your own first aid kit with a fever reducer; children's medicines are not always available in small towns.
In short
- Sardinia is the second-largest island of the Mediterranean Sea with a distinct way of life.
- The island is divided into historical regions, and the choice of region sets the character of the holiday.
- There is no metro between cities; a rented car is the most convenient.
- Citizens of Kazakhstan need a Schengen visa; documents are submitted in advance.
- There are no direct flights from Almaty; fly with a transfer in Istanbul, Rome or Milan.