If your sights are set on a trip to Europe, be travel ready with these helpful tips from ALG Vacations.
21.03.2024 - 20:39 / lonelyplanet.com
Embarking on a trip to Sardinia doesn’t have to break the bank. The Mediterranean island off Italy’s western coast is famously home to the glamorous Costa Smeralda – a favorite destination among film stars, politicians and oligarchs known for its high-end resorts, exclusive clubs and yacht-dotted waters – but thinking that splurging on an opulent holiday is the only way to experience Sardinia would be a mistake.
Don’t let the paparazzi fool you: VIP living is far from the norm here, and there is much to be discovered beyond the glitz. Better yet, it can all be done on a budget. While Sardinia’s popularity and prices have grown in recent years, touring the island can still be affordable if you plan it right. Here’s how to explore Sardinia on a budget.
As obvious as it may sound, traveling outside the peak tourist season is the easiest way to save money. This is especially true in Sardinia, where prices skyrocket in July and August. Most Italians will take their annual leave at this time of the year, and the cost of accommodation, car rental and ferry transport 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 up the more popular beaches. Luckily, Sardinia’s weather is pleasant most of the year, allowing for a dip in the ocean as early as May and as late as October.
Cagliari is Sardinia’s main entry point, with daily flights to most major Italian cities. But it’s not Sardinia’s only airport. In fact, the best deals are often found when looking for flights to the island’s two other airports, Alghero and Olbia. Ryanair, EasyJet, WizzAir and Volotea all offer frequent connections to the islands, with great deals available to those who book well in advance. A one-way flight from Pisa to Alghero purchased two months before departure can cost under €30.
Flying is not the only way to reach Sardinia. Slow travelers will enjoy crossing the Tyrrhenian Sea on a ship (approximately 13 hours) departing from Genoa, Livorno, Piombino, Civitavecchia, Naples or Palermo. Passenger tickets outside of peak summer months can cost between €20 and €30, with additional fees added if you want to transport your car or sleep in a private cabin.
Again, planning ahead will help you save a few bucks – the price of ferry tickets increases during summer months, and taking your vehicle on board can become pricier than renting a car once you get to Sardinia.
Save this article to plan your Sardinia itinerary.
Many of Sardinia’s most impressive landscapes, archeological sites, coves and beaches are found in isolated areas that are difficult – or impossible – to reach with public transport. The best way to move around the island is by driving your own
If your sights are set on a trip to Europe, be travel ready with these helpful tips from ALG Vacations.
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