Is Sardinia worth a visit – and where to stay? Hints and tips for the first time on the island

It is absolutely worth going to Sardinia for its pristine beaches and crystal waters, its thousand years of cultural heritage and its food. On the island, one finds a broad range of experiences from high of the Costa Smeralda in the north to the historic Cagliari in the south. Accommodation options include the charming off the beaten track coastal towns, Alghero or Villasimius for the beach, La Maddalena for nature or agriturismos in the traditional countryside for a Sardinian experience.

1. What makes Sardinia a must-visit destination for beach lovers?
2. Which are the best towns and cities to stay in Sardinia?
3. What unique cultural experiences can tourists enjoy in Sardinia?
4. What’s the best time of year to visit Sardinia?
5. What are some hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations in Sardinia?
6. What local cuisine should I try when visiting Sardinia?
7. Are there family-friendly activities and accommodations in Sardinia?
8. What natural wonders and outdoor activities can I experience in Sardinia?
9. How expensive is Sardinia compared to other Mediterranean destinations?

What makes Sardinia a must-visit destination for beach lovers?

As a travel agent working in Sardinia for years, I can confidently say that our island is a paradise for beach enthusiasts. The moment you set foot on our shores, you will immediately know why the Spaniards have referred to Sardinia as the “Caribbean of the North”. Our coast’s length is nearly two thousand kilometers, and this is why we have a diversity of beaches that suit everyone.

We will start with the famous Costa Smeralda which is located in the northeast. Here are some of the best beaches in the region. The sand is soft and white, and the water is so clean and green that you might find it hard to believe that you are not in a painting. Popular beach places such as Spiaggia del Principe and Capriccioli Beach are a luxury with lustrous yachts lining the horizon.

But Sardinia is not just about glamour. Go to the rocky west coast, and you will find primitive, uncultivated beaches that will astound you. Is Arutas, near Oristano, is known for its quartz sand that is of rice grain size. Snorkeling is the best choice here as the clear waters of the ocean floor show you a whole new different world filled with different species of marine life to explore.

For those who are more adventurous, the windswept beaches of the north like Porto Pollo provide the best environment for windsurfers and kitesurfers to show their skills. Ideal conditions for these exciting sports are created by the frequently blowing northwesterly Mistral winds. Even beginners have numerous schools they can go to in order to learn and experience the fun of catching the waves.

Now allow me to lead you to a hidden gem that the majority of tourists would pass by without noticing – Cala Goloritzé. It may not be easy to reach but believe me, you will not be disappointed by your choice. This small beach, found in the east of the island, is lined by limestone cliffs and boasts a large rock that rises from the sea. You are not alone if you think that the water here is even bluer and clearer than any super-blue you have ever seen!

Families with children are best to stick to smooth, sloped beaches like Poetto near Cagliari and Villasimius’ Porto Giunco. Shallow waters are perfect for the little ones to splash in safety, and there are lots of conveniences nearby for the families to become more comfortable.

Sonically, beaches in Sardinia are not just for fun swimming and assuming the sun position. Moreover, many of our beaches are surrounded by scented Maritime vegetation which provides the unique smell of nature that is almost gone. The smell of herbs, juniper, and roses mixed with the salty sea aerates created an addictive fragrance which is specific to Sardinia.

Without the beachside bars and restaurants of course, I wouldn’t want to blank that out. There’s nothing better than having a freshly baked fish plate or a cold beverage while you see the sun plunging into the Sardinian sea. Nearly every beach has small chiringuitos (beach bars) where you can relax, watch the Sardinian lifestyle, and have a nice time as well.

Last but not least, the water quality still remains a major issue on our beaches. Sardinia is at the top of the ranks for clean, unpolluted waters in Italy for the last couple of years. Many of our beaches have been given the Blue Flag, a very prestigious certification, so you can be assured that the sea is extremely pure to swim in.

Whether you are in the mood for the high lifestyle, adrenaline, tranquility or nature beauty, Sardinia’s beaches can give all exhibitions. It’s not about the destination, it’s the paradise of the beach lovers. Believe me, you will be planning your next trip before you leave the island because you will have fallen in love with our beautiful island even before you arrive.

Which are the best towns and cities to stay in Sardinia?

From a local who has lived and worked in Sardinia for years, I can honestly say that the real challenge of selecting our wonderful island as a place for your vacation or holiday can be just the beginning of the fun and the excitement, in the end. We count with several breathtakingly beautiful towns and cities, each different from the others in its unique way. Let me give you a screenplay of some of the best of them that have proven to be most thrilling for our guests.

Firstly, Cagliari is our capital, and there you can easily get a hotel if you want to sleep in town and then go to the beach in the afternoon. You should not miss out the Castle Plan and the view from the top. More-mentioned Poetto beach is fine for sunbathing and water sports. Cagliari also has superb restaurants and shopping centers, it is the hub of Sardinia transportation for other cities.

If you are in a more glamorous and luxury mood, then Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda is the right place for you. It’s the hotspot of the rich and famous and hosts the best hotels, designer boutiques, and private beach clubs. Next to it, you will find some of the best beaches in the world. However, one thing to bear in mind is that these especially come with high costs that only the people of the elite will go through.

Laid-Back Alghero (northwest) is the type of place that I recommend often to persons who enjoy a calm and restful holiday. The architectural and culinary features of this lovely town are very much Catalan. The old town is still surrounded by the medieval walls and very close to the town, there are mostly the marvelous beaches. Here you can also decide to go to Cape Caccia if you like and have a wonderful experience with the well-preserved beauty of the mountain.

Friends of history and culture buffs need to contemplate living in Oristano which is situated on the western parts of Sardinia. It’s more authentic than other touristy towns so you get a sense of the Sardinia most tourists don’t see or that’s at least how people who are not from here would describe it. The closeby ruins of Tharros, one of the Phoenician’s ancient towns and perhaps the oldest in the region, are an absolute marvel. There are many other beaches nearby that are as unique as Is Arutas, which is the only one made of snowy quartz.

Water sports enthusiasts especially those who are into windsurfing and kitesurfing, may find Palau a great place to have the time of their lives. Maddalena Archipelago is near and there you can found very clean and clear waters. The Capo d’Orso which is also nearby is a rock formation that looks like a bear.

Families who want a balance between nature and nightlife can consider visiting San Teodoro. There is a good variety of beaches with the most well known of them being La Cinta. This is why San Teodoro has a joyful, buzzing with life feeling around, and not surprisingly 70% of the people there are either students or people who came there to work.

With those crowded activities driving you off, a clever idea might be to lay up for a while in Bosa, a western town. This town is a spectacle of a place with it climbing the hill to a 13th-century castle, the houses on the hill formed a cluster of colored beauty. Bosa Marina which is the neighboring beach is serene and probably the most peaceful among the others.

If you want to fully experience the slightly different life of a local on the already-isolated small island, select Carloforte from San Pietro Island, in the southwest. Though a bit remote and less commercialized, this one-of-a-kind town has its own riches. The presence of Genoese settlers and their language and culture, like in Porto Venere, contribute to the very special and still active tuna fishing tradition here. The Girotonno festival, focusing on the culinary use of tuna fish is another festival in the town.

If you are into prehistoric archaeological collections, you have to choose Arzachena, Where along with the Giants’ Grave of Coddu Vecchiu there are also the Nuraghe La Prisgiona. By the way, you will still be close to the beaches of Costa Smeralda, but you won’t require a second mortgage to cover your sun-tanning expenses there.

Without forgetting that Olbia is part of the magnificent Sardinia, it is even underrated by some travelers. However, is it the entertain the place? The charming and historical centre of the town, the magnificent restaurants close to it and stunning beaches like Pittulongu are its main attractions. It can be reached easily, and you can go to and from other locations at the island.

Remember one more thing, a bowl of Sardinia sometimes is bigger than the whole of what we know, so you better think that you are for sure cutting around the island in some pieces making them your resident locations from time to time! Though it does not matter, some of the places are like places of residence and if you like one of them, you can spend some more days there.

What unique cultural experiences can tourists enjoy in Sardinia?

Being a resident of many years of Sardinia plus an experienced tour guide, I can affirm that our Island is especially rich with unique cultural setting. We’re not only the beaches or the sea, which by the way, fishermen witness clean and pure but we also boast a vast amount of history and cultural diversity, which make our island unique for both the rest of Italy and Europe.

First of all, there are the local folk festivals with their colors, sounds, and rhythms that make the visitors of Sassari want to come back the next year for the cavalcade. One of the most memorable is the Cavalcata Sarda festival, which usually takes place in May in Sassari. The parade is all about people in costumes based on traditional dress, together with amazing horse races. The music, the dance, and the food can’t be missed. It is an event through which the Sardinians know how to pronounce their city’s important legacy.

The unbelievable S’Ardia di Sedilo – a call for adrenaline horse race that occurs every July on the mesmerized reef-clad hill of Sedilo in the locality of Oristano – is a constant party for the town of Sedilo. It is a race, of course, but it is also a religious festivity for San Constantino. The swaying and headlong pace, the high risk of the race, the noise, so it is like a total whirlwind of experiences which are altogether amazing though.

For a calmer cultural shock, undoubtedly no other place can do it better than the nuraghi. As one of the few elements, these stone towers which were used as bronze age forts in ancient times are exclusive to Sardinia. The Su Nuraxi complex of Barumini is a World Heritage site of UNESCO and a place where we can get a peek at the prominent part the island has played in the ancient world. Viewing these structures one cannot escape the feeling of being quite close to the people who built them some odd ten thousand years ago as it conveys a connection with the people who had lived on this island for thousands of years.

For music devotees, a performance of cantu a tenore is an option you can’t miss. It was for this reason acknowledged as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Their A shout, the switch in the pitch of the sounds and the movements during the dances become the scariest and at the same time, the most mesmerizing moments one can reach during the traditional performances of the area. The rich tradition of folk groups that perform in most towns, especially during the festivals of summer, offers folk music accompanied by dance.

If you are a person of artisanal crafts interest, Samugheo or Nule would be your ideal cities to visit for traditional Sardinian weaving. The colors of the carpets and tapestries are so sharp and alive that it is hard to believe that they are woven on a loom. A number of loom workshops offer public demonstrations as a part of their services, and that is also your opportunity to try the loom. This is a nice way to take home a piece of Sardinian culture with you.

For a glimpse of the authentic local life, check out one of the numerous agriturismi. The agriturismi are working farms that usually offer accommodation and food. You may work on the farm, learn to prepare traditional food, or just be satisfied with the laid-back rural Sardinian way of life. It is the place where you can grasp the essence of local life, get connected with the inhabitants, and feel their famous hospitality on your own skin.

On the topic of eating, many people find it cool to eat in a typical Sardinian festival. There are many villages with the saints’ day or festivals which you are allowed to be a part of if there is a huge turn out of participants. You will be eating the dishes as suckling pig (porceddu), malloreddus pasta, and fregola among many more. The food is great, naturally, but in addition, the friendly, home-like atmosphere is what really makes these feasts priceless.

For a spiritual experience that is somewhat of a unique kind (the Festa di Sant’Efisio) and a zoo, Cagliari is the place to be during spring. It is a feast in honor of Sant’Efisio and is attended by hundreds of people. The four-day-long parade graces the streets with costumes, music, and decorated carts.

So, shall you be an aficionado of archeology, of course you can’t afford to miss the Giants of Mont’e Prama in Cabras. The archaeological find consists of unique stone statues, like the terracotta warriors that were discovered in 1974 and are much older than these Chinese works. The mystery that is accompanied by their existence and functions, strengthens their attraction.

Here’s the deal, to gain the maximum out of your time as a tourist, you might think of choosing one of the alberghi diffusi. This is a rural village hotel system where abandoned houses in the historic center of these villages, are turned into hotel accommodation. You’ll be far from the tourist context, and as a result, you will be part of the local area, standing by to help the historical center.

Keep in mind this: experiencing Sardinian culture is not like observing it; you will almost become a part of it! So, join the dancers or try to at least learn a few words of Sardinian (Sardinia is not a dialect but a language of its own!), and always say ‘yes’ to an offer for a meal or local wine. This is how the Sardinians will make your cultural immersion in their country an unfading memory.

Which methods can be used to explore Sardinia and the best way to explore it?

Living here for many years and being one of the locals who has lived on and working on the beautiful island, I can assure you that renting a car is the best method for visiting the island at your leisure and convenience. A rental car is the ultimate vehicle that will afford you flexibility to unmask less visisted beaches, adorable villages, and such staggering landscapes on your own personal itinerary basis. You will choose car rental companies in every airports and big towns.

Once you€™re driving, you will love the high-quality routes that take one from one town to another very well. Though, you have to watch out for narrow, winding roads when you are passing the countryside or coastline. Those routes are very picturesque, but paying attention while driving is a must.

Suppose you are a user of public transport, our bus network will surely keep you satisfied. The most common bus company called ARST connects all the towns and the villages. The bus is an option that is also cheap to use. It is preferable to keep in mind, however, that there are limited schedules in rural areas, particularly, on weekends.

For the longer distance, it is a good idea to pick up the train(JJ2) option. Trenitalia has the lines that link all cities for example Cagliari, Oristano, Sassari, or Olbia. The trip might take longer than driving, however, it decided to be a very relaxing way to enjoy the Sardinian landscape.

Do you know how exciting hopping on the island ferry sounds? The travel service providers, for example, Delcomar and Maddalena Lines, offer routes to smaller islands such as La Maddalena and San Pietro. It is a fantastic way to take a delightful trip to discover the amazing archipelagos of ours.

Besides, for the cycling enthusiasts, there is a huge place in Sardinia for you to cycle to since loads of the coastal roads and mountain routes are just perfect for biking. Most tourist areas offer bike rental shops with some even giving them for free.

If you€™ve limited time but want to see the most, you can also avail of organized tours. Many companies provide day tours or multi-day adventures which consist of the island€™s main attractions.

Be aware that each transportation mode has its special perspective. Try many ways to have your ideal Sardinian holiday!

What are the best times to visit Sardinia?

As a person who has experienced various seasons in Sardinia, I can say that each season holds its own distinctiveness. However, the best time to travel really depends on what you are looking for in your holiday.

do you need a brief only summer months from June 1st to August 31 to visit? Well, if you are inclined to sun, sea, and sand, summer months remain a good fit for this. The weather is warm and dry, perfect for beach days and water sports activities. However, do not overlook the high tourist season when places are overcrowded, rates are at their peak, and you need to reserve your stay well ahead.

If tranquility is more important, the off-peak months of May and September will be an excellent option. The weather still remains pleasant and sunny, but the majority of the tourists have already adjourned. Rates are much cheaper and the atmosphere is quite relaxing. This time, we also get to enjoy our beaches the most.

Spring, especially April and the first half of May, is the best time to visit if you are a nature lover. The island is full of green and everyplace seems like a garden as the wildflowers flourish, a very suitable thing to do this time is hiking and visiting the countryside. Besides, you might even witness some local Easter celebrations if you plan your visit during the Easter season.

It should be noted that the weather in the fall and particularly in the month of October is not as hot as in summer nevertheless it is not an excessive climate. In the course of the fall, the time is fair and few people are less during the off-peak period. It is a time for outdoors activities and for villagers to showcase their local culture by organizing such festivals, for instance, Autunno in Barbagia, where local people bring out their traditional handicrafts and food.

Winter in Sardinia is relatively mild than in a lot of locations in Europe, but it can get wetter. From November through March, the island will be evidently quieter with fewer numbers of people. During this time, the beaches are not ideal for swimming, but it is a great time to explore the island€™s archaeological sites, museums, and cities without too many crowds. Also, there might be the almond blossoming in February.

The peak season for windsurfing and kitesurfing is from April to May and September to Early October when the winds are the strongest. These periods are particularly windy leading to conditions that are very favorable for kitesurfing and windsurfing. This is more likely to happen at the northern locations, like Porto Pollo.

If you are aiming to participate in local festivals, plan your visit in accordance with particular events. The Cavalcata Sarda in May, Sant’Efisio procession in early May, and Festa di Sant’Antioco in August are only a few of the vibrant and colorful events you can see.

The point is to remember that all the areas of Sardinia are not the same in terms of weather. Generally, the coast is tepider than the inner regions and thus is suitable for Summers. In the inner areas it may be a little bit chilly, particularly during the night.

You can come at any time, and we can assure you that you€™ll have an amazing experience on our island. Each period of the year proposes a specific way to relax both for the locals and the visiting people.!

What are some unique places in Sardinia that go beyond the beaten track?

Having been a local for a long time and having visited every corner of this island, I am thrilled to share with you some of the hidden treasures of Sardinia. Even though the emerald coast and the famous beaches are so magnificent, there are just an assemblage of alternatives by avoiding the beaten track.

Let the Sinis Peninsula lead the way on the west coast. This protected marine area is home to the most wonderful and complex sand visages which you could see. Is Arutas beach, by the way, is like a large picture gallery, as it is covered with minuscule pearls that look like rice grain shaped quartz pebbles.? If you are so engaged, then you might like visiting the ancient city€™s ruins near the sea to feel Phoenician and Roman sceneries.

If it is the idea of the wild nature that fascinates you, the best place is in the Supramonte region. The steep limestone plateau is a heaven for hikers and nature lovers. Gorropu Gorge, sometimes called Europe€™s Grand Canyon, is a place where you can do some challenging hikes and at the same time be impressed by the fantastic views. This village is well-known for its lively political street art that in some cases, cover buildings as most inhabitants are involved in the political movement.

If you are tired of crowded beaches but still need the pristine beach touch, then moving to the archipelago of La Maddalena is the answer. Main island can be busy but the situation will be different if you ship to other islands like Spargi or Budelli which offer some very good nature because of the clear water they have. The famous pink beach of Budelli is a protected area, yet you can still revel in seeing it from a distance.

History lovers should take in the Nuragic complex of Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Those mysterious Bronze Age edifices that are specific for Sardinia unveil a piece of the island€™s ancient history. Su Nuraxi in Barumini is the most well-known but check out the other smaller sightseeing spots too. They are quite often less pressed and therefore can result in a more intimate admiration of the places.

The offbeat place that is worth the while is the San Pietro island, on the south-west coast. This usual town, Carloforte, has a kind of a characteristic of being more like Liguria than Sardinia because of its unusual history. The local traditional tuna foods are the ones deliver the most authentic feels from the area.

As a confirmed nature lover, I would advise you to take a look at the Giara di Gesturi horse sanctuary which is a basaltic plateau home to the wild horses. In spring, the plateau is transformed into a flowery garden and so provides everyone with a scene that engages the senses and takes them out of the mundane reality.

When you are among the precious metal treasures, of the Greek influence of a century ago, or Romanesque remains, then in us it is possible to have a very deep experience of the Sardinian history, and of archaeology. Along with Su Nuraxi, other fort-structures like Nuraghe Losa and Santu Antine were also outstanding. They give a more home-like impression as they are comparatively less-crowded.

Another unusual adventure that pops into my mind is to Cala Goloritz© in the Gulf of Orosei. It is one of the best beaches you can see. It is hard to reach though and accessible by hike only. Don’t be afraid to dive off the cliffs or just swim around the pillars Colombia is known for its coasts, which are dotted with idyllic beaches and coves.

On top of that, for you to get accustomed to Sardinian wine, it may be a good point to go to the Cantina Mesa in the Sulcis area. The winery that engage a designed architect is popular and it offers wine-tasting services, where the unique specie of Carignano del Sulcis wine is displayed.

What local cuisine should I try when visiting Sardinia?

In my own words, let me confirm to you that Sardinian food is wonderful and delicious. Our island’s food is unique, bringing ancient traditions together with fresh, locally grown products. It’s a complete blast to share with you some of the most popular dishes!

Firstly, the porceddu cannot be the one you have to miss. It’s a young pig, slowly roasted over an open fire. The meat is tender and the skin is crispy – we eat it to celebrate special occasions. You’ll find it at a few of the traditional restaurants and also during the village’s festivities.

Try the culurgiones if you are fond of pasta. These are almost identical to little pockets of pasta filled with potato, pecorino cheese, and mint. They look like wheat sometimes and are perfect with a basic tomato sauce.

If you are at the seaside, don’t skip fregola con arselle either. Fregola is our local pasta – tiny balls of semolina dough. We usually cook it with clams, tomatoes, and parsley. It’s like a Sardinian paella!

Cheese lovers are in for an atmosphere! Pecorino Sardo without a doubt is the best of our sheep’s milk cheese. Whether you try it fresh or aged, both will be great. If you are brave enough, request casu marzu. It is a fermented cheese with live insect larvae. Not suitable for everyone!

You can rapidly find it, just hunt for pane carasau. Shepherds used to make it – it’s a thin, crispy flatbread. Often we eat it with a slice of cheese and a glass of local wine.

Wine lovers – you have to taste Cannonau. It’s a strong red wine which is said to be one of the components of Sardinians’ longevity. It can be best enjoyed with some wild boar stew to get the real local experience.

Forgetting the dessert would be a big mistake! Seadas are like pastry pockets filled with fresh cheese, which are fried and then honey is poured over them. They can be a perfect end to any meal.

Finally, complete your meal with a glass of mirto. It’s a liquor made from myrtle berries and it’s a good digestive aid.

Please remember that eating, here, is more than just the act of putting food into your mouth, it is about getting together with family and friends and sharing the joy of life. Therefore, relax, enjoy your meal, and live life the Sardinian way with a smile on your face!

Are there family-friendly activities and accommodations in Sardinia?

Having collected plenty of experience as a guide and a parent, I can definitely say that Sardinia is a perfect place for families. We’ve got lots of things that help children and parents have a delightful time.

Let’s begin with our beaches, which fit the demands of most families. Poetto Beach in Cagliari is a well-liked place. It is a long beach, with shallow waters and several facilities nearby. La Pelosa in Stintino is another favorite place with its white sand beaches and warm shallow water conditions.

For a blast, try Aquadream – water park in Costa Rei. There are plenty of slides and pools for all ages. You can also visit Dinosardo near Oristano, which is a dinosaur park much appreciated by the kids!

In case you would like to feel the atmosphere of our nature, ensure that you visit the Gennargentu National Park. You can spend a day hiking or observing wildlife as well as riding the “Green Train” through wonderful natural views.

For some moral values take a trip to the Nuraghe Su Nuraxi, in Barumini. These are ancient stone towers that are captivating for kids and adults. A lot of them offer kids-friendly visiting too.

One of the available options to stay in Sardinia would be a family room or adjoining rooms in the bigger hotels, but this is not the only choice. The Chia Laguna Resort that is located in southern Sardinia is a great experience for the whole family. It is a complete holiday place with pools, kids’ clubs, and direct beach access.

In case you prefer to be separate from other guests, it may be better to rent a villa or an apartment. Places like Palau or Santa Teresa Gallura in the north are full of such rentals which are family-friendly and are located quite close to the beach as well as to the towns.

Stay for a night or two on a rural farm! You will live on a mountain farm and see the farm animals that provide us with food. You will have your meals cooked at home and enjoy the outstanding hospitality of the people who live in the central areas of the island.

And food, of course! Many restaurants are glad to offer children’s menus. The pizza and pasta are usually the favorites, but kids might find some surprise in local dishes such as culurgiones (cheese and potato-filled pasta).

Last but not least, choose to come to Sardinia in May, June, or September to enjoy the best weather with fewer people and lower costs of travel.

The last thing to remember is that kids are very important to Sardinians. You can notice local people giving your kids compliments. It is all about the bond and family-friendly atmosphere that we Sardinians are proud of!

What natural wonders and outdoor activities can I experience in Sardinia?

I, as a person who has gone from every peak to every corner in this island, say that Sardinia is heaven on earth for the devotees of natural wildlife and outdoor activities. I invite you to visit our nature spots and thrilling activities!

The Costa Smeralda, on the one hand, is well known for its turquoise sea and sand. But one should not forget the raw splendor of Cala Goloritzè or the pink gravel of Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli Island.

The Gorropu Gorge is a must-see for those who love hiking. It is one of the most grandiose canyons in Europe and its network of pathways caters for all kinds of hikers. The views are so astonishing!

If you like rock climbing – head to Cala Gonone. Limestone cliffs in this area are challenging for those who are fond of climbing. Both beginners and experts have routes there.

Porto Pollo is the place where water sports fans shine. It is one of the most popular water sports destinations in Europe where windsurfing as well as kitesurfing are practiced. Winds are great for almost the whole year.

Try also sailing along the Sardinian coast. Some of those magnificent caves lies close to a place called Alghero. Both material ways work fine: go down the steps or enter by boat.

The fabulous Gennargentu National Park, derived into the discovery of rare animals like the Sardinian deer and golden eagle, too. This is home to the highest mount in Sardinia that is known as Punta La Marmora.

On the other hand, go to the Giara di Gesturi plateau to have a unique experience there. Wild Sardinian horses graze there freely. Especially in the spring when the plateau is covered with wildflowers, the sight is fascinating.

Scuba diving and snorkeling are also amazing in Sardinia. The Maddalena Archipelago offers clear water and a diverse aquatic life. You can also have the luck to see dolphins!

If you like biking, it’s easy to find roads near the coast, and mountain paths that provide routes for everything from beginners to pros. The whole area proves very popular especially among cyclists for trips to biking routes around the town of Pula.

Finally, cruise all around the island. You can hire a boat for yourself or join an organized tour and see remote and lovely places accessible only by sea.

Sardinia’s natural environment is holy and protected. Do not spoil the beauty of the setting: start from yourself and follow the rules. Thus, we shall keep the wondrous of Sardinia unspoiled for many generations to come!

How expensive is Sardinia compared to other Mediterranean destinations?

As someone who has extensively explored Sardinia and the other Mediterranean destinations, I can honestly tell you of the cost advantages involved.

Sardinia’s expense level is comparatively in the middle of the two areas. Here is the breakdown of the main cost factors:

Accommodation:

From my complete experience, Sardinia accommodations are the most expensive in the other Mediterranean destinations. However, I noticed that near the coast, adventure vacations and luxury villas come with a great price tag. Nonetheless, choosing an agriturismo (farm vacation) or staying in the countryside could be one of the most significant routes to cost reductions.

Food and Dining:

I have seen that dining out in Sardinia is generally cheaper than in some cities like the French Riviera or both islands in Greece. Many local trattorias and agriturismos which are found in Dolianova and Sarral also have a variety of delicious and economical traditional meals. Nevertheless, the restaurants in the areas most tourists go to can be very expensive.

Transportation:

On my trips, I have come to the conclusion that transportation costs in Sardinia add up in many cases. Renting a car, which is quite often the only way to fully experience the island, can turn out to be expensive. The public transportation system leads to the conclusion that Sardinia is not as well-networked as the other Mediterranean destinations.

Activities and Attractions:

Most of the beautiful beaches in Sardinia are accessible and free to visit. On the other hand, I have discovered that water sports activities and boat trips can be more expensive, as is true of all Mediterranean destinations.

Overall Comparison:

Mainly, Sardinia has been with other locations, as follows:

• More costly than destinations like Spain, Portugal, or Croatia
• Similarly priced with other Italian coastal regions
• Less than such crowded tourist zones as Monaco, Santorini, or Capri

I have known that the pricing of Sardinia changes as the highs and lows of some seasons. As anglers and some anglers flock to Sardinia, they usually let the booking of flights, hotels, and other trips surge significantly. For the price-oriented consumers, I’m lenient to propose you to visit during the shoulder season (May-June or September-October) when you can still enjoy the warm weather at a lower cost.

To sum up, although Sardinia may sometimes be costlier than other Mediterranean places, I can say that with prudent and frugal traveling – like choosing remote areas and going out of season – one can indeed visit the charming isle without busting allocations.