Barbagia in Autumn: Sardinian Culture & Cortes Apertas
If spending fall in Italy is something you’ve always dreamed of, then a trip to the turquoise shores of Sardinia offers an excellent way to experience authentic Italian culture, heritage, cuisine, and scenery.
The Barbagia region of central Sardinia is not like the coastal resorts of Costa Smeralda in the north and Villasimius towards the south, but instead it is the true heart of the island. Away from the main tourist destinations, visitors get a chance to witness rural, traditional life in Sardinia, and when you visit in fall you’ll benefit from the slightly cooler temperatures which makes exploration all the more fun.
What’s great about this region of Sardinia in Autumn is that the locals open their doors to guests from around the island, and abroad too, in something known as Cortes Aperte, which translates as ‘open courtyards’. Each weekend, a different village in the area plays host to a cultural festival where there are regional wine and food tastings, music, and artisinal craftsmanship to enjoy.
Planning Your Autumn Getaway in Sardinia
This runs from September 6 to December 14 this year, and is an excellent opportunity to lose yourself in the festivities of the season amongst friendly local communities. When travelling to Sardinia, you can pair this with coastal exploration to see both mountain regions and everything the 1800 km of coastline has to offer.
We recommend a guided tour of the region while you’re there to make it logistically more feasible as the villages are spread out, and approximately 30 km to 50 km away from the main coastal regions. It’s the perfect tour for foodies, travelers who love to absorb local culture, and anyone wanting to experience a taste of the real Sardinia away from the classic beach resorts.
Immerse yourself in the music and dance that takes place in the streets, see the colorful local costumes for the weekend events, and fall in love with the smell of chestnuts roasting in huge open-air pots.
Top Experiences in the Mountain Villages of Barbagia
With so much to see and do each weekend, you’re spoiled for choice. The Cortes Aperte allow you to visit historic buildings and century-old courtyards, seeing places not usually open to the public, and laying your eyes on family heirlooms as well as tasting traditional family recipes.
There’s always an abundance of food at the Cortes Aperte, and some of the most flavorsome foods include pecorino cheeses, local freshly-pressed olive oil, pastries, cured meat salumi such as pancetta and mortadella, as well as various delicious wines.
For the perfect souvenir to take back for yourself or friends, browse the craftsmanship demonstrations which include ceramic work, intricate wood carving, and wool products from soft orbace wool.
It’s also an auditory delight to partake in the Cortes Aperte, as there are dances, choirs singing, and lots of regional dress costumes.
Sardinia’s Cortes Aperte 2025: Our Top Picks
With over 30 Cortes Aperte to choose from each year, it can be difficult to know which ones to attend, even though you’ll be blown away whichever ones you choose to attend.
Here is the complete list of Cortes Aperte taking place in 2025:
| September | October | November | December |
| 6–7 Bitti | 4–5 Lula | 1–2 Desulo | 6–8 Fonni |
| 13–14 Oliena | 4–5 Meana Sardo | 7–9 Mamoiada | 13–14 Ortueri |
| 20–21 Lodine | 4–5 Orotelli | 8–9 Ovodda | 13–14 Orune |
| 20–21 Sarule | 11–12 Gavoi | 15–16 Nuoro | |
| 27–28 Austis | 11–12 Lollove | 15–16 Tiana | |
| 27–28 Dorgali | 11–12 Onanì | 22–23 Atzara | |
| 27–28 Orani | 11–12 Tonara | 22–23 Ollolai | |
| 18–19 Belvì | 29–30 Gadoni | ||
| 18–19 Orgosolo | 29–30 Oniferi | ||
| 18–19 Sorgono | |||
| 25–26 Olzai | |||
| 25–26 Ottana |
And here are our top 3 picks for this year:
Orgosolo (18-19 October)
For art lovers, this festival brings local talent to life with murals painted on the streets which are sure to inspire. This is coupled with the voices of choirs echoing through the many narrow alleyways of the village, and the scents of suckling pig roasting in the town square.
Mamoiada (7-9 November)
When you want to immerse yourself in the classic spirit of inland Sardinia, the music, singing, and parades of Mamoiada are a top choice. Masked figures dance down the street with authentic musical instruments, and the courtyards and wine cellars open their doors so visitors and local villagers can enjoy local Cannonau wine and hearty lamb dishes.
Nuoro (15-16 November)
A picturesque village nestled into a mountainside, Nuoro has lots of things to do and see if you love artisanal, handmade crafts that have been diligently prepared throguout the year. Famed for its art, this traditional village has a splendid museum with ancient farming artefacts and costumes.
Plan the Perfect Italian Escape This Fall
We know that whatever period you choose to visit Sardinia, there’ll always be a weekend event taking place that will make you fall in love with the island, the culture, and the people.
Book your trip today and get the benefit of a custom-made tour by our local Sardinian-born expert Giulia Lucarelli who will make sure you get the very best of the region
Giulia Lucariello
Born and raised in Sardinia, Giulia brings unparalleled local knowledge and a passion for creating authentic travel experiences. Now based in London, she specializes in curating bespoke itineraries that highlight Sardinia’s hidden gems—pristine beaches, charming villages, and exceptional cuisine.
With a deep connection to her homeland and years of expertise in luxury travel, Giulia ensures every journey captures the island’s elegance, heritage, and breathtaking beauty. Whether it’s a private yacht tour or an immersive cultural experience, her personalized touch guarantees unforgettable memories.
Giulia helped my clients navigate Sardinia perfectly as i was sort of at a loss, never selling it before. I would contact her again in a heartbeat! I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.