Flights Sardinia

Getting to Sardinia: a practical guide to flights and arrival

Sardinia has three main airports, and which one you choose will shape the first and last hours of your trip. All three are served by direct flights from a good number of European cities, though frequencies vary considerably by season.

Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB)

The busiest of the three in summer, Olbia sits in the north-east of the island and is the natural arrival point for the Costa Smeralda, the Maddalena archipelago and the Gallura region. It is also the most convenient airport for anyone heading to the north coast resorts around Palau, Santa Teresa di Gallura and San Teodoro. In high season the terminal handles a large volume of charter and low-cost traffic, so allow extra time at baggage reclaim and car hire desks.

Cagliari Elmas (CAG)

In the south, Cagliari Elmas serves the island’s capital and the beaches of the Costa del Sud, Villasimius and Chia. It has the widest year-round schedule of the three, which makes it a sensible choice for off-season travel. The airport sits close to the city, with a short train or bus link into the centre.

Alghero Fertilia (AHO)

On the north-west coast, Alghero Fertilia is smaller and quieter, and useful for the Riviera del Corallo, Bosa and the Neptune’s Grotto area. It is a good option if you would rather avoid the summer crowds at Olbia.

When to fly

Summer schedules are dense, with multiple daily connections from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and elsewhere in Europe. Outside July and August the choice narrows sharply, and some routes operate only once or twice a week. If you are travelling in spring or autumn, book early and check whether your preferred airport still serves your dates.

Practical notes

Fares to Sardinia rise steeply for peak weeks and for flights timed around the August public holidays. Midweek departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones. If you plan to hire a car, arrange it in advance; availability at the smaller airports is limited in high season. Ferry crossings from the Italian mainland are an alternative worth considering if you are bringing a vehicle or travelling with a lot of luggage.