Embark on a journey to Sardinia there is no need to break the bank. The Mediterranean island offshore ItalyItaly's west coast is home to the glamorous Costa Smeralda – a favorite destination of movie stars, politicians and oligarchs, known for its high-end resorts, exclusive clubs and yacht-dotted waters – but think what to do splurging on an opulent vacation is the only thing to do. way to discover Sardinia would be a mistake.
Don't let the paparazzi fool you: VIP life is far from the norm here, and there's plenty to discover beyond the glitz. Best of all, this can all be done on a budget. Even though Sardinia's popularity and prices have increased in recent years, visiting the island can still be affordable if you plan it correctly. Here's how to explore Sardinia on a budget.
Daily costs
- Hostel room: €15-25
- Basic room for two: €50-80
- Agritourism (farm stay): €70-110
- Independent apartment (including Airbnb): €80-120
- Bike rental: €10 to €25
- Espresso coffee: €1.20
- Pizzas: €6 to €9
- Dinner for two: €60
- Beer at the bar: €5
- Average daily cost: €130-180
The season makes all the difference
As obvious as it may seem, traveling outside of peak tourist season is the easiest way to save money. This is particularly true in Sardinia, where prices skyrocket in July and August. Most Italians will take their annual leave at this time of year, and the cost of accommodation, car rental and ferry travel can double as demand increases.
Choosing to travel before or after July and August is a sure way to cut costs and avoid crowds clogging the most popular beaches. Fortunately, Sardinia's climate is pleasant most of the year, making it possible to swim in the ocean from May until October.
Look for low-cost flights at secondary airports
Cagliari is Sardinia's main entry point, with daily flights to most major Italian cities. But it is not the only airport in Sardinia. In fact, the best deals are often found by searching for flights to the island's other two airports, Alghero And Olbia. Ryanair, EasyJet, WizzAir and Volotea all offer frequent connections to the islands, with great deals for those who book well in advance. A one-way flight from Pisa to Alghero purchased two months before departure can cost less than €30.
Consider taking the ferry
The plane is not the only way to reach Sardinia. Slow travelers will enjoy crossing the Tyrrhenian Sea by boat (around 13 hours) from Genoa, Livorno, Piombino, Civitavecchia, Naples or Palermo. Passenger tickets outside the peak summer months can cost between €20 and €30, with extra costs added if you want to transport your car or sleep in a private cabin.
Again, planning ahead will help you save a few dollars: ferry ticket prices increase during the summer months, and boarding your vehicle can become more expensive than renting a car once you arrive in Sardinia.
Save this article to plan your Sardinia itinerary.
Book your car rental on time
Many of Sardinia's most impressive landscapes, archaeological sites, coves and beaches are in isolated areas, difficult – if not impossible – to reach by public transport. The best way to get around the island is by driving your own vehicle, which can be rented at all airports upon arrival. However, the daily cost changes significantly depending on when you visit.
In low season, a small car can be rented for around €40 per day. In July and August, prices can easily triple, exceeding €100 per day. An additional obstacle to finding an economical car in summer is that Sardinia has experienced a shortage of rental vehicles since the pandemic – failing to book in time could mean not finding an available car at all!
Cycling can take you further than you think
A motorized vehicle is not essential to visit the most remote corners of Sardinia, if you have the time. Cycling is an important activity in Sardinia and is also becoming increasingly popular among visitors, thanks to the improvement of many cycle paths around the island in recent years.
In a few weeks, you could consider touring the whole of Sardinia taking the roads parallel to the coast. Even though it is a real challenge, you will not forget it. Shorter adventures are also possible following cycling routes from Alghero, in the Sulcis region or on the protected island of Asinara.
Bike rental generally costs between €10 and €25, going up to €40 for electric bikes.
Search for free beaches
Although the idea of paying to go to the beach may seem strange to a foreigner, it is the norm in much of Italy. The coast of the peninsula is dotted with bagni, where you will need to reserve your spot on the sand by renting an umbrella and chair for the day. Fortunately, this is not the case in most of Sardinia, where most beaches are freely accessible. Exceptions exist in popular tourist areas where the option of a full-service beach club is available, but you won't have to travel far from hot spots to find coves and stretches of sand left to the natural state.
Find out where the most beautiful beaches are in Sardinia.
Be aware that free camping is illegal
Sardinia is vast and sparsely populated. As you travel through the island's picturesque landscapes, you might be tempted to pitch your tent in the wilderness and spend the night under the stars. Be aware that this is not allowed: if you are caught wild camping, expect a fine of €200. If you want to camp (in a tent or campervan), opt for the equipped campsites scattered throughout the island.
In restaurants, look for the daily menu and house wine
Restaurants catering to tourists abound in the most popular areas, and inflated prices are to be expected. Avoid unpleasant surprises by looking for prix fixe lunch deals, usually presented as menu of the day (menu of the day). Easily found in larger towns where trattorias cater to local residents, these daily changing menus typically include two courses from just €15. If you would like to add Sardinian wine to your meal, ask House wine. Often sold by the carafe, the house wine can be unpredictable, but it will allow you to toast with just a few euros.
There are few inns, but many farms
The hostel culture in Italy is not very developed and Sardinia lacks a good backpacker accommodation network. There are only about a dozen hostels on the island, and dorm prices often only make sense if you're traveling alone. But even though there is a shortage of shared accommodation, there are plenty of B&Bs and agritourism (farm stays) scattered across the island. Agritourisms can range from basic to luxurious and often allow you to experience the Sardinian countryside, not only through picturesque landscapes, but also through dishes prepared with ingredients grown on site. Look for deals outside of the main tourist season and savor local flavors in their place of origin.
Buy traditional foods where they are made
Want to bring home a wheel of the famous Sardinian pecorino? As you pass through the interior, try to spot signs pointing to farms that sell their produce directly to the public; Sheep's cheese, olive oil, wine and many other delicacies can be purchased directly from the producers. In addition to the lower prices than those charged in the city's stores, you will be assured of being as close as possible to the source.
