Trying to figure out which holiday destinations are going to fit your budget is difficult, it all depends on how long you’re planning to stay for, where you’re going to stay, what sort of activities you’re looking to do, as well as a whole other host of factors.
It’s always important to do your research on how expensive the area you’re planning to visit is before you set your heart on going, not only does it help to avoid any potential disappointment, but it’s also good to know how much you’ll need to save up in order to visit.
When it comes to Sardinia as a holiday destination, many people believe that it’s an expensive place to visit, but is this the case?
In this guide, we’ll tell you some of the most important things to know about Sardinia and whether or not it’s expensive (see what else Sardinia is famous for here).
So, if you’re looking for a guide to the cost of Sardinia, then you’ll find everything you need to know right here!
Avoid Costa Smeralda
The myth that exists around Sardinia being an extremely expensive place to visit and holiday typically tends to stem from Costa Smeralda, which is certainly a beautiful place to visit.
However, while it is a stunning location, it’s certainly not a true representation of what Sardinia is, as it’s more of an artificial playground created with the intention of attracting the rich and the famous to come and party.
So, if you’re considering a visit to Sardinia, then you can certainly save yourself a lot of money by avoiding Costa Smeralda, and there is much more to be seen across the island than what you’ll find here.
Why not try out the incredible West Coast? Alghero is an excellent place to visit and is rich with culture and beauty without being super expensive! (find out more about beautiful spots to visit here)
Off-Season Savings
Many people will gravitate towards visiting Sardinia during the summer months due to the school holidays and the immense heat, however, if you’re looking to save some money when it comes to booking your Sardinia holiday, then booking your holiday for sometime in the autumn is a great way to save money.
Although you might miss out on many of the tourist attractions, which tend to close after the holiday season has passed, this doesn’t mean that there’s nothing for you to do.
In fact, many of the seasonal celebrations found on the Sardinian calendar happen during this period, which makes it a great time to visit if you’re looking to take in the local culture.
If you’re willing to forego some of the convenience of the tourist infrastructure present during the holiday season, then you can enjoy much of what Sardinia has to offer at just a fraction of the price!
Free Beaches
When picking a European holiday destination, it can often be disappointing to find out that some of the best beaches you can visit, which you’ll definitely want to do, especially during the warmer months, can actually require an entry fee, which not only can be somewhat of a dampener on your holiday, but can also lead to an unexpected cost, which isn’t good if you’re planning on travelling on a budget.
However, if you’re considering Sardinia as a holiday destination, then one thing that you’ll be glad to hear is that all of the beaches on the island are completely free!
Although some of the beaches might require you to purchase a parking ticket, especially during the busier times of the year, of course, you could always save money by walking.
The hotel you’re staying at might have its own private beach, if not, there’s no need to panic though, as there are plenty of beaches to choose from across the island, so we’re sure you’ll find one which is perfect for you! (see more about how long to stay in Sardinia for here)
Choosing Where To Eat
One of the more costly aspects of going on holiday comes in the form of food, and it can be surprisingly simple to fall into some of the tourist traps when it comes to picking where to eat, as many hotels, cafés and hotels will provide a “tourist” menu, and although this makes ordering much easier, they tend to include inflated prices.
To enjoy great tasting and authentic Sardinian food, your best bet is to try and ask the host of your accommodation for some recommendations, or if you’re feeling particularly courageous, try to learn some Italian before you go, and ask some Sardinian locals in the street about where you should go to eat.
Most restaurants will display their menus outside the restaurant, so you should be able to compare prices easily, which will allow you to find a restaurant that suits your budget with ease!
Wine Markups
Italy is a prominent producer of wine, and Sardinia especially is known for its incredible vineyards, so it can become incredibly tempting to opt for a glass, or maybe even a bottle, of wine with your meal during your time in Sardinia.
However, this might not always be the best idea.
The restaurants in many major cities, and resorts such as Costa Smeralda, will often mark up the price of their wine quite considerably, especially since they know tourists will be willing to pay the price to sample some of the delicious wine on offer.
But, the wine that might cost the restaurant €9-10 for a bottle may end up being priced at €6 a glass, and it’s an expense that will soon add up throughout the duration of your trip.
So, if you’re looking to enjoy some of the great wine from Sardinia during your trip, the best way to do so whilst saving money is to purchase it from one of the local supermarkets!
Make Use Of Local Markets
If you’re really looking to visit Sardinia on a budget, then one of the best ways to save money during your time on the gorgeous Italian island is to purchase all of your food from some of the local supermarkets.
There are a number of discount supermarkets which can be found all over the more populated areas of the island, and whilst they might be more expensive than you would initially think, they’re still much cheaper than some of the supermarkets you will find in other parts of Europe.
However, if you’re looking to enjoy some fresh fruit whilst on the island, then many of the local markets will sell fruit for a much lower price than found at these big chain supermarkets, so it’s a great way to support the locals whilst also saving some of your money!
Summary
To summarise, Sardinia’s perception as an expensive holiday destination is mostly a myth, and when planned properly, can be the perfect budget getaway for those looking to soak in some of that gorgeous Italian sunshine.
So, as long as you plan properly, and don’t go too wild with your spending, then you can get a taste of life in Sardinia on the low!
