Northern Sardinia: autumn comes into its own as a new travel season

Occupancy in September and October is up on 2025, and the hospitality sector is responding with seasonal experiences – from olive harvesting to wellbeing and longevity retreats.

Demand in September and October is showing signs of growth in northern Sardinia, according to data compiled by SRDN Consulting, a firm specialising in revenue management and hotel consultancy that monitors tourism trends in the region, with a focus on the Gallura area. Compared to the same period in 2025, the properties analysed recorded an increase in occupancy of up to 3% in September, with growth reaching 9% in October.

Forward booking data collected as at 31 August for the following 30 days also reveals some changes in the composition of international markets compared to the previous year, with notable increases from Spain (+141%), Switzerland (+46%) and the United States (+37%).
Brazil also features among the emerging markets for 2026.

While the beach remains the main attraction in the peak summer months, the arrival of autumn brings a different set of reasons to visit: nature, gastronomy, wellness and activities tied to the rural calendar come to the fore. The range of accommodation on offer is also evolving.

Extending the season means keeping properties open for longer, as well as developing an offering that showcases the experiences and services that are at their best during this period. Making the autumn months more attractive also helps to distribute visitor flows over an extended calendar.

GALLICANTU STAZZO RETREAT, LUOGOSANTO:
AUTUMN REFRAMES THE RETREAT EXPERIENCE

At Gallicantu, a countryside retreat near Luogosanto, milder temperatures allow for outdoor activities that would be difficult to organise at the height of summer. From 22 to 25 October, the property will host “Living Well”, four days dedicated to wellbeing and longevity led by physician and anthropologist Giuseppe Ferraro, who has spent years conducting field research into Sardinia’s Blue Zones. Woodland walks, Tai Chi and Qi Gong, breathwork, cookery lessons and tastings are central to the programme.

“The guests who choose Gallicantu are seeking tranquillity above all else, and in that sense little has changed over the years: we have always been chosen for our quiet and privacy, far from the more bustling atmosphere of the coast. What changes with autumn is the way the place is experienced.” explains Marco Berio, owner of Gallicantu. “You can offer things that simply aren’t possible in the warmer months. We light the fire in the cavern for tastings of local produce, or the brazier at aperitif time, roasting chestnuts to enjoy with a glass of wine. Walks and activities surrounded by nature also take on a different quality.”

Late October, however, remains the most challenging point in the season. “Last year we even brought forward our closing date by a few days. With Living Well, we’re aiming to reverse that pattern: this year we’ll be open until 1 November.”

CASCIONI ECO RETREAT, ARZACHENA:
BE PART OF THE OLIVE HARVEST

At Cascioni, an eco-retreat set between Arzachena and Porto Cervo, autumn brings the olive harvest: more than 3,000 trees spanning varieties such as Pizz’e carroga, Tonda di Cagliari, Bosana and Nocellara Etnea. Guests can also get involved with the picking, which begins on 14 September, learning how to care for an olive tree and harvest its fruit onto nets spread out below using traditional wooden rakes, before attending the first pressing at the mill.

Olive oil is also woven through other dimensions of the stay: from the aperitif, where a cocktail made with the estate’s extra virgin olive oil sets the tone, to treatments such as the Green Gold Ritual – a rebalancing and anti-ageing treatment at the Mediterranea Spa. A dinner under the stars marks the close of the harvest activities.

“The olive harvest isn’t an activity organised for guests, it’s work we’d be doing regardless. The estate takes on a different character during that period, everyone is busy in the olive groves, and guests staying at Cascioni are welcome to join in. It’s a part of life here that can only be experienced by coming at this time of year.” observe Bonaria and Luca Filigheddu, owners of Cascioni Eco Retreat.

The resort will remain open until 25 October.

PETRA SEGRETA RESORT & SPA, SAN PANTALEO:
THE SEA REMAINS, THE HOLIDAY CHANGES

Perched in the hills of San Pantaleo, Petra Segreta Resort & Spa will be open until 22 October, welcoming guests hailing predominantly from Europe and the United States, for stays averaging three to four nights. Compared to the central summer months, visitors from Eastern Europe are fewer, while numbers from Northern Europe increase.

The types of requests also shift: the coast remains the main attraction, with boat trips to explore coves and bays, but there is growing appetite for excursions and experiences within the resort, such as Gallura cooking classes, or wine tastings with the sommelier.

“After August, the more flamboyant aspect of the holiday season diminishes and, with the arrival of autumn, the essence of Petra Segreta seems to shine through. The first cool evenings draw guests back to the warm fireplace and the intimate atmosphere of the retreat is fully appreciated.” comments Gian Pasquale Aisoni, General Manager of Petra Segreta Resort & Spa.

Eighteen of the 27 rooms feature a private heated swimming pool, while the menu at Michelin-starred Il Fuoco Sacro restaurant follows the rhythm of the seasons.