A short and budget guide to Sardinia. The best beaches, hotels and activities on the island: secrets of holidays in Sardinia and reviews from tourists

Tourists from all over the world are attracted by the beauty and warm climate of Sardinia. It is an ideal place for beach holidays, swimming, diving and hiking. In addition, the island preserves a centuries-old history and retains its special flavor.

Sardinia is paradise on earth, this is how most travelers describe the island. The turquoise sea, golden sand and breathtaking scenery will not leave anyone indifferent. I want to return to the island again and again. Because it is difficult to find tropical exoticism anywhere else that is ideally combined with European service.

Many Italian islands are located in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, but why does Sardinia attract holidaymakers from all over the world? This is explained by its unique uniqueness. The island seems to be isolated from the whole world and has its own special flavor. The tourist will discover a fabulous place with a unique history and culture, bays that enchant at first sight.

It has everything for a comfortable stay - wonderful hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and plenty of entertainment for travelers of all ages.

Story

The first archaeological finds date back to the Neolithic era. On the island there are “tombs of giants” (300 in total) - stone slabs installed on graves and dating back to the 2nd-1st centuries. BC. These are the most ancient artifacts that speak of the first settlements on the island.

In addition to the tombs of antiquity, other early buildings have been preserved on the island - nuraghi or dry-masonry stone towers in the form of cones 10-20 meters high, as well as round huts made according to the same principle (II-VIII centuries BC).

Sardinia's history is varied and includes many wars. Sardinia was captured by the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Spaniards, and Moors. In 1720, Sardinia became part of Italy.

If you look closely at the map, it seems that the island resembles a huge sandal. Therefore, it is believed that the name of the place was given by the ancient Greeks, since “sandaliotis” means sandal.

Best season for vacation

Sardinia occupies a central position between Corsica and Sicily - it is the very middle of the Mediterranean Sea. The unique landscape of the island creates different climatic zones. Just a few decades ago there was not a single tourist in Sardinia. But thanks to the enterprise of local residents, the tourism business has become the main source of income for the island.

The special climate makes Sardinia accessible for holidays all year round. However, the year is divided into seasons of high and low tourist activity.

High season

These are the summer months when beach holidays are most active. The water is warm, the sea breeze brings coolness. Those who love solitude can merge with nature on unpromoted “wild” beaches.

Low season

Starts from mid-November. The island is noticeably emptying as lovers of a relaxing beach holiday leave. Now you can enjoy the sights and unique places of the island in peace and without fuss. It is from December to April that you can travel the length and breadth of the island without haste and visit the most interesting February festivals.

The Velvet season

Falls at the end of September and beginning of November. At this time, the island is very warm, the water temperature is not lower than 18 degrees. This allows you to soak up the beach under the gentle autumn sun.

Transport

The island has a well-developed transport network. Trains and buses run to many cities. For example, the cost of travel by train from Cagliari Central Station to Olbia is 18 euros.

Bus services are plentiful, but there may only be one or two trips per day in one direction. The cost of an intercity flight is about 6 euros. But you should be prepared for the fact that along the way the transport will stop at even the smallest villages, so a journey of 30 kilometers can take 2 hours or more.

For speed and convenience of movement, you should use a taxi. The driver will take the price strictly according to the meter. One kilometer costs from 1 to 2 euros, plus landing about 4 euros.

If a tourist plans to move around the region a lot, then it is better to rent a car.

Safety

The island is not at all dangerous from a seismological point of view. You can only learn about volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis here on TV.

There is no rampant crime on the island. Everything is quiet, calm and safe.

Language

The main language of the island is Sardinian. Almost all regions speak this dialect, so the language has received regional status. The main population, the Sardis, do not consider themselves Italians, so they constantly protest against the abolition of their national dialect.

Visa

Sardinia belongs to Italy, so to visit the island you need a visa acceptable for the country. Italy belongs to the Schengen zone, therefore, you must have a Schengen visa.

Map

How to get there?

The fastest way to get to a place is by air. The island has three modern airports accepting flights from all over the world. Air ports are located in different parts of the island, so when ordering a ticket you need to choose the airport closest to your vacation spot:

Alghero airport. An air harbor for tourists planning a vacation on the west coast of the island;
Cagliari Airport is the best landing spot for a holiday on the south coast;
Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport. Is this air port best suited for tourists? planning a holiday on the Emerald Coast or visiting the La Maddalena archipelago.

The frequency of flights depends on the season. Tickets sell out instantly. Therefore, you should worry about booking and purchasing them 3-4 months before the expected date of your vacation.

You can take advantage of direct flights from Moscow, which occur no more than once a week and only during the tourist season, namely from May to September. Flights from Moscow operate on Sundays. For a round trip ticket you will have to pay from 14 thousand rubles.

At the same time, charters are organized from the largest Russian cities, such as Yekaterinburg and St. Petersburg.

The most convenient flights are offered by Al Italia. Passengers are provided with one transfer in Rome, which will not take much time.

You can fly to any European capital, such as Berlin, London or Paris. Such flights are very convenient because they depart daily.

If the traveler is already in Italy or on neighboring islands, then the most convenient way to get to Sardinia will be by ferry. Such transport links are organized simply perfectly. Ferries have cabins of increased comfort. The largest receiving port is Olbia. This journey will take from 5 to 8 hours depending on the time of day. Ferries operate at night. During 8 hours of sea voyage, you can relax in cabins equipped with reclining chairs.

The cost of the cruise varies between 40-60 euros.

Where to stay?

Despite the fact that the island has many interesting historical attractions, tourists prefer to concentrate on beach holidays. In Sardinia, villas or beach houses are offered for tourists who like to relax with special comfort.

Their prices are very varied and depend on the location, the service offered and the availability of a pool. A good option for a family of 5-6 people can be found for 600 euros per week. Of course, there are even more expensive offers. Most houses are located far from bus routes, so you need to get to them by taxi or rented car.

There are many hotels in tourist areas catering to different budgets. The cheapest accommodation will cost about 200 euros for 7 nights. In central cities such as Cagliari or Olbia it is impossible to find an apartment for less than 500 euros per week, but the tourist will be guaranteed an amazing view from the window.

Top hotels

This section contains information on reviews of Russian tourists who visited the wonderful island. According to them, when choosing accommodation, it is best to look at the following hotels:

Valle Dell Erica 5* is an ideal place for families with children. The complex has its own beaches. There are many swimming pools, restaurants and children's playgrounds in the closed area. Isn't it boring here during the day? not at night. Spa centers, restaurants, clubs are open to vacationers 24 hours a day. The hotel offers yacht trips, tuna fishing and many other unique activities. A day's stay in such an establishment for one person will cost from 150 euros in the low season and 280 euros in the high season. The price includes two meals a day;
Colonna Capo Testa 5*. This is the best place for a romantic getaway. The five-star complex is located on one of the best beaches in Sardinia - Capo Testa. In low season, you will have to pay from 150 euros for a single room with breakfast, in high season – 180 euros;
Apartment in Santa Teresa Gallura. Typically, housing is represented by 2 or 3-room apartments, which have a kitchen where you can prepare any food yourself. The rental price does not include food and cleaning; you will have to pay extra for them. This type of accommodation can be classified as budget. It is most suitable for cohabitation of companies or families with more than 4 people.

Many vacationers choose apartments due to their independence from any schedules. There is no need to wake up for breakfast or vacate the room for cleaning. The only alternative to such housing can be a villa on the coast, but its price will be much more expensive.

The cost of apartments depends on the season and the furnishings can range from 30 euros or more per day.

What to do on the island?

Here any vacationer can find entertainment for every taste. For lovers of active recreation, a variety of fun activities are offered. These are sports activities - golf, shading, horseback riding.

The island is an ideal place for diving. A special school for beginners has been opened here.

Lots of discos and nightclubs? an ideal place for young people to have fun. A wonderful water park suitable for a family holiday.

For curious travelers, a huge variety of excursions are offered.

Those who like to spend the day looking for interesting purchases will find chic boutiques, shopping centers and souvenir shops on the island. After a shopping trip, you can relax in cozy cafes and restaurants.

Attractions

Not many tourists, going to the island, remember its historical monuments, thinking more about a beach holiday. Sardinia has a rich ancient history that begins with Nuraghe. Archaeologists have found thousands of metal towers throughout the island that date back to 2 thousand years BC.

These buildings are unique. Since no fastening solutions were used to secure the huge boulders. They are supported by their own gravity. The purpose of such buildings is still unknown. The buildings are under UNESCO protection.

In addition to nuraghe, there are many more interesting places and attractions on the island.

Caves

This is a natural attraction of the island. The area is riddled with unique grottoes and caves. The most notable is Su Marmori. It is included in the excursion program in Sardinia.

Tourists are especially amazed by the colorful stalactites and stalagmites that dot the floor and ceiling of the cave. There is no natural light; in the light of lanterns, the minerals look mysterious and majestic.

Neptune's Grotto

Visitors to the grotto delve into the mysterious underground world. From Alghero there are daily boat excursions during the tourist season that cost 16 euros. You can overcome a long descent down the stairs, then a tour of the grotto will cost 13 euros, but you will have to climb 659 steps from the beginning of the visas, and then up.

The total length of the cave is more than 2.5 kilometers.

Rocks

The most famous is the "Bear Rock" - Capo d'Orso. From the peak of the hill on a sunny day you can admire not only the endless blue of the sea, but also the island of Corsica.

La Maddalena National Park

This is the only reserve not only in Sardinia but throughout Italy. The area became a protected area only in 1996. In the near future, it is planned to open a marine park of international level here.

Botanical Garden of Cagliari

It is located in the Palabanda Valley. In the garden you can admire not only a huge number of unique plants collected from all over the world, but also archaeological sites from the times of the Roman Empire.

The garden collection amazes with its splendor and whimsical images. Not only unique terrestrial plants are presented here, but also amazing marine fauna.

Village of San Sparate. Murales

The word "murales" means wall painting. Walking through the streets of such villages, you find yourself in an open-air art gallery, the walls of the houses are so beautifully and picturesquely painted.

Painting is done by artists “from the people”, so the paintings reflect the daily life of the Sardinian peasant. There are many such artistic villages on the island. Now no one will remember who came up with the idea to change the appearance of the villages in this way. The most visited villages include:

Palau;
Orgogold;
San Sperate;
Mamoyada.

In addition to paintings on the walls, you can find philosophical sayings. The most famous: “Love the job you choose, then you will never have to work a single day in your life.”

Cathedral

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria in Alghero was built in the 16th century. The temple amazes with its unique architecture and splendid interior decoration.

St. Michael's Church

Construction of the building began in the 14th century. Saint Michael is the guardian of the city of Alghero, so local residents have a particularly reverent attitude towards the church. The building is decorated with an octagonal dome. The façade itself is designed in the early Baroque style.

Church of San Simplicio

The building was built in Olbia at the end of the 11th century. It has not lost its majestic beauty even today.

Weaving factory

In the province of Ogliastra, in the city of Ulasai, there is a unique place where exquisite wool and cotton carpets are made. Products are produced on handlooms. Visitors are shown all the stages of work and are even made to feel like weavers.

Not a single tourist leaves without a unique souvenir - the famous handmade Sardinian carpet.

Witch Museum

For just 3 euros you can get acquainted with exhibitions dedicated to witches and sorceresses. Since 2005, this unique place has attracted thousands of tourists. Visitors are shown interesting exhibits related to sacrifices and other macabre rituals.

In the souvenir shop at the museum you can purchase protective amulets and healing herbal teas endowed with special energy.

Bastion of Saint-Rémy

From its observation deck you can see even the farthest outskirts of the city. The structure was once part of the island's defensive complex. Now it is a favorite place for excursions.

Beaches of Sardinia

On the island along the coast there are sandy beaches, the number of which reaches several hundred. In addition to white sand, bright sun and transparent emerald blue sea, tourists will be greeted by pine and palm groves, rocks and cozy bays.

Travelers can move along the coast and choose suitable beaches for themselves - noisy and crowded or wild and secluded.

The following places are of greatest interest to beach lovers:

Costa Smeralda or the Emerald Coast is the most popular tourist area located on the northeast coast. Emerald Bay stretches 55 km along the sea and includes many separate beaches. Here you can swim to your heart's content, sunbathe on the cleanest sand, and also have an interesting and fun time in clubs, discos, pubs, restaurants and shops;
On the northwestern coast is the resort town of Stintino, whose beaches are compared by many to paradise. Compared to the elite resort of Costa Smeralda, it is quite quiet and not crowded. The main beaches are La Pelosa, Pelosette, Le Saline. Near the beach of Pelosetta, on a small island there is a stone tower from the 16th century. In Les Salines you can meet beautiful pink birds - flamingos;
Costa Paradiso is a cozy resort for a secluded or family holiday. Many travelers claim that it has the most beautiful sunsets in Sardinia. The resort is replete with wild beaches and quiet bays that will interest both beach lovers and divers;
It is worth paying attention to the beaches of Li Cossi and Cala Spinosa. Li Cossi is striking with granite pink mountains and vegetation. It’s good to come here in the spring, when the trees bloom and the smell of rosemary and juniper smells. Cala Spinosa - a wild beach surrounded by rocks, with rare tourists and golden sand;
Villasimius is a resort village in the southeastern part of the island, located near the center - Cagliari. This is a great place for lovers of noisy nightlife - there are many clubs, pizzerias, and restaurants. The Gulf of Carbonara is also located here, offering a beautiful view of the sea. The beaches of Villasimius are well suited for divers - this area is declared a protected area, and therefore you can explore the underwater world in an untouched state;
Separately, it is worth mentioning the Cala Luna beach, located on the east coast of the island near the town of Tortoli and next to the beach (just 1 km) Cala Goloritze. This is a beautiful place, famous for its vaulted rocks and freshwater lake. The sea depth here is shallow, so you can take children on vacation. By the way, the neighboring beach - Kala Goloritze - is not suitable for families with children, since the depth of the sea in these places near the coast is 30 meters.

What to try?

The serving of food in restaurants and cafes on the island largely depends on national traditions. For example, no matter how much you want, you won’t be able to try pizza before 19:00. Even if you are very hungry, you will not be able to eat anything substantial between 16.00 and 19.00. At this time, you will only be served cold sandwiches with cheese and ham.

Only tourist restaurants can make an exception, but they still need to be found. Local establishments offer a wide selection of authentic Italian dishes and local traditional ones. Of these, you should definitely try the following:

Culurjones. The dish is somewhat similar to ravioli, but the filling is simply amazing with its amazing taste. Potatoes, cheese, eggs and other ingredients create an unforgettable taste sensation;
Malloredus. Very reminiscent of dumplings;
Porkedoo. This is a gourmet dish. Suckling pig roasted over aromatic wood, seasoned with a special mixture of spices;
Stufato di capretto. This is a gourmet goat casserole;
This is dried tuna or mullet caviar;
Blue fish. Local restaurants cook it on their barbecue. The taste is simply fantastic;
Pecorino cheese.

In addition to traditional dishes, you should definitely try vegetables and fruits grown by local farmers. Oranges, grapes, figs, chestnuts, almonds, watermelons and much more are traditionally cultivated on the island.

Local establishments pamper visitors with seafood delicacies. You should definitely try the pasta seasoned with oysters or sea urchins.

Never deny yourself dessert. Sardinians love sweets. That's why the sweets here taste amazing.

As for drinks, you should definitely try beer. This drink is consumed here in large quantities. Not so cheap, but very tasty to try a glass of Cannonau red wine. Of particular interest is the local alcoholic drink Mirto, a mixture of wine alcohol with berries of the same name.

Don't give up on local wines; their taste is simply divine.

Prices for dishes vary depending on the class of the establishment. So lunch for two people in an inexpensive establishment will cost 15 euros. A glass of beer can be enjoyed for 4 euros. Lunch at fast food will cost approximately 4.5 euros.

Holidays

In Sardinia, local traditions are carefully preserved, so national holidays are often celebrated on the island. Carnivals are especially interesting. The most popular is the feast of St. Ephisio. It is held from May 1st to 4th every year. The procession takes place in Cagliari. A huge number of residents walk in a festive procession in traditional costumes through the streets of the city.

The holiday dedicated to the orange picking is very beautiful. For several days in April, Muraver residents and tourists throw oranges and lemons at each other.

The equestrian carnival in Sartille is one of the most popular holidays among tourists from all over the world. This bright, exciting event takes place in February.

You should definitely visit the Mamoyada carnival, which is also held in February. It is dedicated to pastoralists and farmers. The entire male population of the mountain village takes part in ritual dances. They are dressed in clothes made of skins, and wooden masks cover their faces. They ring hundreds of small bells strapped to their backs, asking the gods to bless and protect their fields and livestock.

What to bring?

Many shops, shopping centers and souvenir shops will not leave tourists without purchases. The island is famous for its handicrafts such as pottery or wicker baskets. Of course, you can bring them back from your trip.

Particular attention should be paid to items that reflect the spirit of Sardinia:

Local alcoholic drink Mirto;
Limoncello di Sorrento liqueur;
Cheese. The island is famous for its cheeses. Here you can find cheese with mold or larvae. Ask what product you can take on a long journey;
Tuna caviar Bottarga. It is sold in slices. Despite the high cost, everyone can afford to bring home a small piece of this delicious dish;
Local sweets.

Particular attention should be paid to products made of coral, gold and silver. Local craftsmen use unique technology to make them. Sardinian lace and handmade carpets have received well-deserved fame throughout the world.

Of course, you can shop for Italian clothes, shoes and accessories. Tourists have varied tastes, so everyone brings what they like best.

tour cost

The cost of a trip to Sardinia depends on the holiday season. The higher the season, the more expensive the tour.

For an eight-day tour for two without meals in the low season you will have to pay from 90 thousand rubles. The price includes round-trip flights from Moscow, hotel accommodation and medical insurance.

The minimum cost of an all-inclusive tour will be about 155 thousand rubles. With full board about 110 thousand rubles.

Sardinia is an amazing island, a holiday on which will leave you with the most vivid and pleasant sensations. Ideal beaches, azure sea and gentle sun make Sardinia the most attractive for beach lovers. This is a wonderful place with a special flavor. In addition to unique beaches, you can find many interesting entertainment and educational excursions here.

More interesting information about Sradinia can be found in one of the episodes of the program “Heads and Tails”:

Russia does not have regular air connections with the island of Sardinia, but during the tourist season they organize charter from major cities– such as Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. Planes arrive in Sardinia at airport of the island's capital - Cagliari. However, purchasing a ticket for such a charter flight is not an easy task, because they are mainly purchased by travel companies.

To the city from Cagliari airport you can get there on a special bus- these are sent every thirty minutes. They get to the bus station, which is located on the square. Matteotti. The journey takes approximately ten minutes t, it costs travel four euros. Or use a taxi service.

Due to the complexity of purchasing a ticket for a charter flight, independent travelers will most likely have to get to Sardinia with transfers. For residents of the capital, as well as St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg, the most suitable option is to purchase a ticket for flight from the company Al Italia with a transfer in Rome. It will be so best in terms of saving timeAnd, because this airline, which is a national carrier, has the most convenient connections. In addition, most flights from Rome to the island of Sardinia are operated by Al Italia.

And the last option is to fly from Moscow or any other city with any of the European airlines that... read more

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Weather in Sardinia by month:

Month	Temperature		Cloudiness	Rainy days / Precipitation	Number of solar hours per day
Month	During the day	At night	Cloudiness	Rainy days / Precipitation	Number of solar hours per day

January	8.4°C	4.0°C	47.6%	4 days (68.4 mm.)	9 o'clock 42m.

February	8.7°C	3.1°C	47.1%	5 days (72.9 mm.)	10 o'clock 42m.

March	11.8°C	5.1°C	43.0%	6 days (80.7 mm.)	11 o'clock 57m.

April	16.4°C	8.2°C	32.2%	6 days (60.4 mm.)	13:00 17m.

May	18.9°C	10.9°C	26.8%	6 days (100.4 mm.)	14h. 24m.

June	24.3°C	15.4°C	17.6%	4 days (62.9 mm.)	14h. 58m.

July	28.0°C	18.8°C	11.5%	2 days (35.7 mm.)	14h. 41m.

August	28.6°C	19.7°C	12.1%	4 days (64.4 mm.)	13:00 43m.

September	23.4°C	16.2°C	21.1%	4 days (59.1 mm.)	12h. 27m.

October	19.1°C	13.0°C	30.4%	3 days (66.7 mm.)	11 o'clock 8m.

November	13.4°C	8.7°C	44.0%	5 days (77.4 mm.)	9 o'clock 59m.

December	9.8°C	5.1°C	37.6%	2 days (42.5 mm.)	9 o'clock 23m.

*This table displays weather averages collected over more than three years

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Cost of a holiday in Sardinia. June 2014.

tour cost

Visas + insurance for two cost 120 euros. Ryanair bought tickets for the Vilnius-Rome-Vilnius flight online for 250 euros. From St. Petersburg to Vilnius by car and back 100 euros. We left the car with friends for free. From Rome, that is, from Civitavecchia, we traveled to Sardinia by ferry from the Saremar company. Tickets for it cost 150 euros. Apartments for 10 days - 360 euros, in an area called Isola Rossa, for 36 euros per day. It is more convenient to get around Sardinia by car. Car rental + gasoline - 250 +150 euros. The car was booked through the well-known Hertz. She was waiting for us at Olbia airport.

All excursions were carried out independently, in a rented car. There are not many attractions in the classical sense. But there are a lot of beautiful places, beaches, etc. We went to a picturesque city called Castelcado. So you can see the ruins of an ancient castle and wander through the medieval streets of the center. Santa Teresa has a wonderful beach overlooking Corsica. A liter of gasoline costs 1.4 euros. We spent about 150 euros on gasoline for 10 days.

Food and products

Prices depend on the distance to the beaches and main tourist routes. There are many chain stores where prices are two or even three times lower. Lunch in our understanding, that is, with a hot dish, in a bar or restaurant on the beach, without frills, cost about 20-25 euros per person. Breakfast from 5 to 10 euros. In supermarkets, prices are about the same as ours, or even higher, for example wines from 10 euros. In the cafe: Pizza - 10-12 euros. Beer - 3-4.5 euros. A cup of coffee - 1 euro. Sandwich - 3-5 euros. Sometimes we cooked ourselves, sometimes we went to a cafe. We spent about 50 euros a day on food.

Cost of services and entertainment

Umbrella on the beach - 8 euros for the whole day. Sun lounger - 10 euros. Scuba diving mask - 10 euros. It broke quickly, apparently Chinese. Catamaran on the beach - 10 euros per hour.

Total money spent on vacation

Helpful information?

Impressions from a holiday in June

In June it was quite hot, the sea was quite warm, there were noticeably fewer people on the beaches than in August. The roads are not congested, prices are lower than at the end of summer. In my opinion, this is a good time to relax.

Why is it better to vacation in September?

It seems to me that September is the ideal time to holiday in Sardinia if you are not dependent on school holidays. Very warm, few tourists, housing prices are falling noticeably, lots of local fruit and excellent wine.

Vacation with children

Sardinia has excellent beaches - clean, with good entry into the water and without strong waves near the shore. In terms of the number of children's entertainment, the island is noticeably inferior to Spanish resorts, but there are many interesting museums and historical places that are worth seeing at school age.

What to take with you on vacation?

A good guidebook wouldn't hurt; the island is worth a closer look at the less popular attractions. Good sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Warm clothes if you are going to visit the caves.

Where is the best place to stay?

We have been to the island several times and visited most of the resorts, my favorites being Costa Smeralda in the north and the Maddalena archipelago. We went many times and with different budgets. Of the hotels, we liked the Colonna Resort in the town of Porto Cervo the most - they have wonderful, clean pools and a good beach. Sardinia has a large selection of houses, villas, and apartments at very affordable prices, but it makes sense to rent a car - there are a lot of beaches, and it will definitely be interesting to drive along the coast. The Emerald Coast is located next to the airport in Olbia, getting there is easy and quick, in my opinion, this part of the island is more interesting than the south.

What to do at the resort?

First of all, of course, it’s worth visiting different beaches - in Sardinia they are amazingly beautiful, clean and quite different.

We liked the caves of Iz Zuddas - they are inferior in presentation to the caves in Mallorca, but still very impressive.

It makes sense to travel around small picturesque towns and visit restaurants. If you are interested in nuraghi, then there are interesting ones in both parts of the island; we were in Prisgiona - it’s a bit difficult with children, but still interesting. Almost every city has interesting ruins, churches, basilicas and fortresses. Olbia has a good archaeological museum. If you have time and opportunity, then it’s worth getting to the Maddalena archipelago - it’s very beautiful there, on one of the islands there is the Garibaldi House Museum.

The beaches on the island (especially on the Costa Smeralda) are wonderful, it is very difficult to choose the best one, among the not the most popular, but very beautiful, I would like to mention the beaches near the village of La Conia (Barca Bruchata and Mannena) - there are several more of them, you can walk along small paths.

On the Spiaggia Bianca beach near Golfo Aranci we saw a school of dolphins several times.

The general impression of the beaches was very good, the sea was clean, there were almost no sea urchins, and there were no jellyfish at all. The bottom is very interesting, you can see octopuses and large fish close to the shore, the sand is fine and very pleasant. The sea is calm, entry into the water is convenient.

Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent almost everywhere, often not very new. There are often no showers on the beaches, and, in my opinion, there are not enough lifeguards.

One of the tangible disadvantages is the intrusive African traders, who are quite difficult to drive away.

Despite the fact that Sardinia is not a cheap resort, the prices did not seem wildly high to me. I liked the small shops in Porto Cervo, a good selection of women's cotton clothing in non-banal styles. There are many high-quality bags from brands that have not yet become an eyesore. Interesting choice of shoes. You can buy great products.

Where can I eat?

In Porto Cervo I liked Trattoria da Patrizia - there are a lot of locals here, the interior is simple, but really very tasty.

In the same city I liked the Accueil restaurant - it was delicious, good dishes and interior.

About the quality of food and service

Most of the restaurants were very tasty, only one was amazingly bad. It was the only one where almost all the seats were empty in the evening - apparently, notoriety spreads quickly. The staff is friendly, they don't shortchange you, and they serve you quickly.

How much does it cost to eat? About food prices.

At the Accueil restaurant, dinner for two with wine cost about 140 euros; you can eat for 50-60 euros for two. You can take pizza with you almost everywhere.

Entertainment

The entertainment intended for children was not particularly impressive. We were in the dinosaur park - it seemed quite boring, I liked the dinosaur museum in Switzerland in the canton of Zurich much more.

Helpful information?

Driving through panoramic places along the coast, you can enjoy magnificent landscapes with an emerald-colored sea and bizarre granite cliffs. The number of yachts of various models and sizes here is also amazing. And here and there the villas of the richest people, such as Silvio Berlusconi, Roman Abramovich, Alisher Usmanov and many others, are buried in the greenery of the Mediterranean vegetation.

The heart of the Costa Smeralda is the town of Porto Cervo.

The incongruous are combined here in an absolutely amazing way: seemingly simple mud huts in the Mediterranean style are found in boutiques of famous expensive brands such as Gucci, Valentino, Versace, Dolce&Gabbana and many others. In the Porto Cervo marina there is a luxurious yacht club, where oligarchs today moor their “ship masterpieces”. Well, in September...

A short guide to Sardinia based on personal experience and everything you need to know for a budget trip to the island. Transport, accommodation and attractions.

With this guide I will summarize our trip to Sardinia, which lasted 10 days. During the trip, 6 cities were visited, several small treks were made to the mountains and kilograms of sun rays were absorbed on 12 beaches.

Guide to Sardinia

Although I spent only 10 days on the island, this was preceded by weeks of preparation. And now I think that I have something to say for those who are coming here for the first time and on a small budget.

How to get to Sardinia

There are three main airports in Sardinia, which are located near the three most visited cities by tourists - the Airports of Cagliari, Olbia and Alghero. Budget low-cost airlines Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, etc. fly to these airports.

Ryanair flights are worth considering if you are flying from eastern Europe, and easyJet and Vueling from western Europe and England. Budget tourists will be closer to Ryanair with flights from Poland or Lithuania. There is also an airline, but it mainly flies to the island from mainland Italy.

I will repeat my advice given a little earlier in another story about Sardinia. In order not to waste time traveling around the island, it is advisable to fly to Cagliari airport and fly from Alghero airport or vice versa. In this case, there is no need to waste time returning back and you may end up with approximately the following route around the island, capturing almost all the most interesting places.

Brief information about transfers from all three airports. If you need more information, follow the links; each airport has separate, more detailed instructions.

: the choice of options is not large - ALFA city bus for 1 €, intercity bus Sassari-Alghero-Bosa for 1.3 €. It is better not to use the latter - there is a risk of going in the wrong direction, it costs more and travels less often. will cost 50€.
: budget option - train for 1.3 €, tickets are sold at and in vending machines, to search, enter the stops Cagliari Elmas and Cagliari. Option for a large group with luggage for 35 €.
: the easiest and most budgetary way is city buses 2 and 10 for 1 €, which will take you in just 5-10 minutes. A taxi costs a flat 15€, but it is also possible with a meeting at the airport for 30-40€.

Transport in Sardinia

It's easy to get around the island by public transport without renting a car. More details about this in a separate instruction, and below is short information on transport.

For long distances, carriers Trenitalia and ARST travel around the island, and local transport companies in cities. Intercity buses and trains have air conditioning and comfortable seats, and since the journey usually takes no more than 3 hours, you won’t get tired.

Trenitalia trains:

Unlike mainland Italy, trains here are rarely late, as the transport network is much smaller. Trenitalia trains connect almost all major cities on the island with the exception of Alghero and Nuoro.

Trenitalia train tickets It’s better to buy in Russian without any extra charges, since the official website is very confusing. Tickets purchased online are valid for 4 hours from the departure date for any train and you don’t have to worry about being late.

ARST buses and trains:

The company represents almost all intercity transport on the island, and sometimes urban transport. These are mainly buses, but there are also trains over short distances. The company's website has a schedule of all buses. See the page for bus and train fares.

Finding accommodation in Sardinia

When it comes to finding housing, I repeat the same advice that I give in my travel stories. I’ll give them here too, because they really help you find a suitable option without overpaying.

Hotels in Sardinia:

If you prefer hotels, then in order not to overpay, use this site does not book rooms, but indicates where to book them without overpaying. When booking hotels, be sure to use this to save 10-20%.

Apartments in Sardinia:

Apartments are often cheaper than hotels and this option is for those who want to feel like a local resident. The apartments have the ability to cook, which means you can reduce food costs. The largest number of offers of apartments and even rooms for a day on a site proven over the years.

To ensure that you have only positive impressions from your holiday stay, follow one very important piece of advice - book accommodation with a lot of good reviews and avoid troubles.

Read about your personal experience of searching for housing and reviews of real apartments in Sardinia in three stories:

Sights of Sardinia

The main attraction of the island of Sardinia is the ancient Nuraghi from the civilization that lived here 2000 BC. and disappeared like Atlantis. But if there are no traces of Atlantis at all, then at least something remains here, and while historians and scientists argue about the origin and purpose of these structures, we as tourists will appreciate their mystery even more.

Sous Nuraxi di Barumini

The largest complex of nuraghi is located near the town of Barumini. The easiest way to get here on your own is from Cagliari by bus or ARST for 4.9 €. Nuraghe di Barumini is located outside the city, 1.5 km from its center.

Another solution on how to get to Nuraghe would be to order an excursion in Russian, the price of which includes a transfer from Cagliari.

Cagliari is the capital of the island and the largest city on the island. It’s a good place to start diving into Sardinia, since all the following cities on the island will be smaller, and the feeling of the real spirit of Sardinia is getting closer.

I’ll name the TOP that you need to visit to check the box - I was here. If you need more than just a tick about visiting the city, then it’s worth doing two small treks that will take a maximum of 1 day - this and

Sardinia is a small island in Italy. The largest settlement with a population of only 200 thousand people is also the center of the island - the city of Cagliari. Every year many tourists come here wanting to relax under the gentle rays of the sun and sunbathe on the best beaches.

Sardinia - a paradise for tourists

The island has a unique picturesque nature, where high mountains give way to flower meadows or oak forests. The coast of the island is shrouded in rocks, at the foot of which there are snow-white sandy beaches. The climate of Sardinia is multifaceted: in summer it is warm and dry, there is no rain. There is little precipitation in late autumn and early spring. In winter it is quite cool here: a cold, harsh Mistral wind blows across the island.

Large settlements are connected by railways and highways. You can get to the island by plane, boat and motor ship. The airport is located in the center of the island, and there are seaports in every resort town on the island of Sardinia.

Best beaches

So, the most beautiful beaches of the island can be included in a special list:

The coast of Villasimius is the best holiday destination: it has crystal clear seas and an excellent beach of the same name. The town is located in the south of Sardinia.
The most beautiful beach on the island is located in Costa Rei.
For a holiday on "Cala Sinzias" you will have to pay about 5 euros.
A heavenly cozy place on the island - the Costa del Sud beach.
The luxurious resort of Ogliastra is located in the east of the island. There are several good Sardinian beaches here - with hotels and the necessary infrastructure.
One of the best beaches in the north of Sardinia is Pevero.

"Villasimius"

This is one of the best beaches in the south of Sardinia. You can get here by public transport from Cagliari, or by car - you will have to drive about 50 km to the south-eastern coast of the island. On the way to the city, you can admire the superb landscape that will amaze everyone with its beauty and uniqueness. Villasimius has a large number of hotels where tourists stay. There are no campsites here and it is not customary to live in a tent on the shore. The resort is designed for wealthy tourists.

On the main street there are many shops, grocery and souvenir shops. On the way to the sea, you will come across several villas where celebrities and businessmen live. The buildings are amazing with their architecture, and in addition, in some houses live cats and other animals that you can touch.

Renting a place on the beach with an umbrella and a sun lounger costs about 15 euros per day. In the morning hours there are not many people here, since the sea at this time is not very clean - algae accumulates here from the night. Closer to lunch, the water becomes crystal clear, so the number of people wanting to swim increases. The cost of living per night varies from 25 to 500 euros per person.

"Costa Rei"

This is the best beach in Sardinia for families with children. The calm, clean sea and huge sandy beaches will make your vacation irreplaceable. The sea in this place is shallow, so children can swim without the close supervision of their parents.

The beach is located 50 km from the main city of the island, which is very convenient when traveling without your own car. The resort was included in the list of the best beaches in Sardinia and the world in 2009. Fans of surfing, underwater fishing and other water sports gather here every year. An influx of tourists, despite the start of the summer season only at the end of May, is expected all year round. The town attracts guests with its picturesque nature, excellent sea, and various holidays. For example, in mid-April the Orange Festival takes place here. On this day, more than 300 thousands of oranges that used by residents during duels - people shoot at each other. All this is accompanied by concerts, fireworks and dancing. In July and August there are summer carnivals and celebrations such as folklore, music and dance day.

"Riscinia", "Ferrato", "Santa Gusta", "Cala Pira" - these are the best beaches in Sardinia, where there is entertainment for single tourists, romantic couples and the whole family. Here the music does not stop around the clock and the festivities do not stop. The resort has many good restaurants, shops and souvenir shops. Pharmacies are open 24 hours a day, and you can also call a doctor directly to the hotel.

"Cala Sinzias"

One of the best beaches in Sardinia is located on the east coast of the island, near the town of Castadas. The beach is limited by the picturesque bay of Sinzias, which attracts tourists with magnificent views. Quite recently, Cala Sinzias was included in the list of the cleanest beaches in the world. Its shore is covered with snow-white sand, which heats up at noon. This is not very convenient when vacationing with small children, but if you take special shoes with you, you can avoid inconvenience.

The beach can be reached by car. Leaving Castiadas, you need to turn onto the CP19 highway. You can also take buses that depart daily from the city's main bus station.

Beach "Costa del Sud"

This place attracts tourists every year with its wild beaches and hidden coves. This corner of the island is not surrounded by luxury hotels and night bars. The place is famous for the fact that its beaches resemble a snow-white virgin desert, untouched by civilization. The nearest villa is 20 minutes away by public transport, which passes here only three times a day.

"Costa del Sud" is also famous for the fact that the ancient Roman city of Nora is located on the resort territory. Ancient Phoenician traders sailing the Mediterranean needed a place to store their goods. The most ideal was the Costa del Sud, surrounded by various bays, so an entire trading city was built here. Then, for unknown reasons, the city was deserted, abandoned, and historians could not find it. Only in the last century, a strong storm exposed part of the land, allowing archaeologists to stumble upon ancient buildings. However, it was not possible to completely “excavate” the city, since in its place there is a guarded military facility.

Beaches of Ogliastra

They are rightfully a landmark of the island. The most beautiful on the coast of Sardinia is “Cala Luna” - a snow-white beach washed by the clearest blue sea. The final touch is created by thickets of oleanders, coloring the shore in a delicate pink color.

The Cala Sisina beach is surrounded by rocky shores and quiet grottoes, which have been attracting diving enthusiasts for several years.

The small resort town of Tortoli is famous for its Lido di Orri beach, which is included in the list of the best beaches in Sardinia. The shore is covered with pure white sand, which is colored blue by the blue sea.

One of the longest beaches on the coast is "Torre del Bari" with a length of more than 8 km. It is located in the southeast of the island. The cape dividing the beach into two parts is interesting from an architectural point of view: There is an ancient tower here, which was built by the Spaniards in the early 15th century.

"Pevero"

One of the best beaches in the north of Sardinia, which combines two coasts: Piccolo and Grand Peverie. Pevero Beach is famous for the fact that celebrities like to relax here, so paparazzi hunt here all year round. If this doesn’t bother you, you can safely come here even with small children: the sea here is shallow and the entrance is very shallow.

You can get to the beach by bus from Porto Cervo, as well as by your own car along the SP59 highway. Tourists stay at hotels near Feather Bay, where parking is available.

Hotels in Sardinia

The five-star Hotel Castello in Cagliari is the epitome of style and elegance. The main building has only six floors and was built in classical Italian style. This is one of the best hotels in Sardinia with its own beach. The hotel is located a few steps from the sea, and the center of the island can be reached in 30 minutes. The hotel has about 200 rooms and several restaurants. The hotel's beach is covered with snow-white sand, which, thanks to the tall trees, practically does not heat up. The price includes the rental of sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach, as well as thalassotherapy services, a SPA center, and access to the gym.

One of the good hotels in the north of Sardinia was built in the middle of the last century. This is the five-star hotel "Romazzino", located a stone's throw from the turquoise sea. Consists of the main building and small villas. "Romazzino" is suitable for families with children, since the sea in this place is shallow. The hotel offers a children's playroom, a swimming pool with instructors, and the restaurants have their own children's menu. For adult entertainment, there are 24-hour night bars, clubs and shops.

Tours for May to Italy
Last minute tours to Italy

Sardinia is located 200 km west of mainland Italy and only 12 km south of French Corsica. This is a place where you can combine a wonderful beach holiday with interesting excursion trips: most of the island is occupied by natural and archaeological reserves. And its southern coast is famous for its long sandy beaches, palm and pine groves, and calm and clear sea. And, most importantly, comfortable hotels.

Sardinia is the essence of Mediterranean beauty and is adored by lovers of swimming, boating, windsurfing, hiking, rock climbing and hiking. In the warmest month (August), coastal areas are literally filled with them. At the same time, the internal life of the island in parts remote from tourist resorts is very interesting and original. After all, this is an autonomous island. Officially, it belongs to Italy, but don’t even think about declaring this in front of the Sardis, who consider themselves a special people. And the stone monuments of the Nuragic civilization of 1500 BC. e. indicate that the inhabitants of Sardinia overtook the Etruscans for several centuries on the territory of what is now mainland Italy.

How to get to Sardinia

By plane

The most famous of Sardinia's three international airports is Costa Smeralda in Olbia, from which it is a stone's throw to the famous resorts of Porto Cervo, Baia Sardinia, and Porto Rotondo. From June to September, the Italian Meridiana Fly flies directly here from Moscow Domodedovo (once a week, travel time 4 hours, round trip ticket from 350 USD) and the Russian Es Seven (3 times a week). The rest of the time, Olbia can be conveniently reached by Alitalia flights with a transfer in Rome (6 hours 20 minutes) or Milan. From 6:15 to 23:40, buses No. 2, 3 and 10 run between the airport and Olbia (15 minutes to the center). The cost of a taxi ride is 36 EUR. Prices on the page are as of November 2018.

The southern coast is famous for its endless sandy beaches, palm and pine groves, and calm and clear sea. The famous Forte Village hotel complex is located in the Santa Margherita di Pula area. Nearby Villasimius (40 km from Cagliari) is of interest to scuba diving enthusiasts: not far from the shore there are 4 sunken ships, and there are also underwater reefs. There is a water park and a golf club 20 km from Villasimius towards Cagliari.

Transport

The main means of transportation on the island are buses and trains. All city and intercity bus services connecting almost all settlements on the island are operated by the regional transport company ARST. True, the frequency of flights is quite low, and the schedule is often disrupted. Tickets are sold at special ticket offices, vending machines, newsstands, bars and tobacco shops. Traveling without a ticket is punishable by a substantial fine.

Single tickets are valid on city buses for 90 minutes. The day pass is valid from the start of the first trip until 0:00 on the same day.

The island's major cities and ports are connected by State Railway lines (office site in English). Trains from Olbia to Cagliari depart 6 times a day (journey time is 3.5 hours), to Sassari - the second largest city in Sardinia - 8 times a day (1 hour 40 minutes). From mid-June to mid-September, of particular interest to tourists are the “Green Trains” in retro style (office site) running along several routes through the protected corners of the island. The length of the routes is from 46 to 159 km. To overcome them on a narrow-gauge railway, a train of 2-4 wooden carriages led by an antediluvian steam locomotive takes from 2 to 5 hours.

A taxi ride within the city costs 15 EUR.

Ferries

Ferries play an important role in the transport system of Sardinia. They connect the main ports of the island with each other, and the island itself with the cities of mainland Italy. Particularly popular is the ferry from Santa Teresa Gallura to Bonifacio in French Corsica (4 times a day, 50 minutes). You can take a ferry from Porto Torres to Barcelona, Spain (12 hours).

Bicycles for rent

Many hotels offer bicycle rentals. True, for two people the cost of such a service is quite comparable to renting a compact car. Prices in street companies are lower, and the choice of bicycles - city, mountain, road - is much wider. When ordering online, the bike will be delivered to any location and picked up back.

Hotels in Sardinia

Guides in Sardinia

Entertainment and attractions

Sardinia captivates with its landscapes. The best sights here were created by nature; man only slightly embellished her creations. The most fantastically beautiful rocks, similar to a bizarre sculpture garden, are located at Cape Testa in the north of the island. There are few places in the Mediterranean where you will find such a wild coastline, full of unexpected charm.

The “star” of Northern Sardinia is the 55-kilometer coastline, called Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) for the amazing color of the water. In the 1960s The beauty of this place captivated the multi-billionaire Prince Aga Khan IV so much that he decided to turn it into a resort “for his own.” The center of social life of the Emerald Coast is the glamorous Porto Cervo with the best piers in Europe, where the yachts of world celebrities moor.

From the north, the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago, the entire territory of which is occupied by a national park, look at the “billionaires’ reservation”. To understand why they are so famous, you need to walk along the trails built here, inhaling the pine scent and admiring the coves and dramatic pink cliffs created by the wind and sea waves. Giuseppe Garibaldi lived on one of the islands of the archipelago, Caprera, for 26 years. The house of the father of a united Italy is now a museum.

The starting point for the La Maddalena islands is the port of the resort town of Palau, the approaches to which are guarded by the Monta Altura fortress.

Not only the geographical, but also the cultural and historical center of Sardinia is the inland mountainous region of Barbagia with picturesque towns and villages, formerly real nests of robbers. The name of the most notorious village, Orgosolo, whose inhabitants lived in banditry, became a household name. Now she looks very hospitable. The walls of its houses are decorated not only with bullet marks, but also with bright murals, which turned Orgosolo into a real tourist hit.

In addition to the rugged peaks and charismatic settlements, Barbagia attracts with the deepest canyon in Europe - the Gorropu Gorge, a real miracle of nature with waterfalls, tiny lakes with turquoise water and white sheer walls rising to a height of 500 m. The width of the Gorropu at its narrowest point is only 4 m.

A characteristic part of the Sardinian landscape is the nuraghi, high conical towers made of basalt blocks. They are scattered throughout the island, but are especially numerous south of Sassari and in Barumini. There is nothing in the world that even remotely resembles these mysterious prehistoric buildings. Entire complexes of nuraghes have been preserved, spaced only a couple of tens of meters from each other. What are these - temples, tombs, watchtowers? Their builders left behind neither writing nor even legends.

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Where in Sardinia to combine a beach holiday with excursions

Weather

The weather in Sardinia is always comfortable. Already in March there is enough sun and warmth here. Starting in April, resort hotels fill up with vacationers. Even children can swim in mid-May. Summers are dry and hot, especially in the south of the island. Sea breezes, trips to mountainous areas and hotel air conditioners save you from the scorching heat. In September, the heat gradually subsides, but this does not affect the water temperature in any way. In October the nights become cold and the sea begins to cool. Winter, although rainy, is quite pleasant. There are almost no tourists, and only European pensioners entertain themselves with excursions to the interior of the island.

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