Tourists out and about, mostly foreigners (Northern Europeans), fewer Italians, are seen more in the cities – in Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero – than in the seaside resorts, but an initial overall assessment of this Easter 2026, low and in recent days even chilly, is decidedly positive.
Not everything is sold out, but the open accommodations are doing well . "This year, 300 of the 1,000 total hotels are already operational, a hundred more than last year's Easter, which fell on April 20th," explains Paolo Manca, president of the regional Federalberghi (Hotel Federation). "Then, between April 25th and May 1st, another 25% will open, and the season will begin."
What's the situation like? "Right now, it's good, not exceptional, but definitely good. In Cagliari, Alghero, and Olbia, occupancy is almost at maximum; elsewhere, we're at around 70%. Before the war broke out ," Manca continues, "we were seeing double-digit growth until the fall. When the conflict broke out in the Middle East, there was obviously a slowdown in bookings; the uncertainty is creating second thoughts, and news about potential fuel shortages and flight disruptions are slowing things down a bit."
According to an analysis by lastminute.com, the US war in Iran, which has also affected the Gulf states, has triggered a flurry of cancellations and rescheduling of trips from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other destinations in the United Arab Emirates to other destinations, including Sardinia . Approximately 17,000 bookings are thought to be impacted by the ongoing geopolitical crisis. Travel intentions have not diminished, but destinations have changed, including Sardinia, Sicily, and the Canary Islands. These places "guarantee safety, in addition to their mild climate and sea."
