If you’re looking to experience a unique island life with many different Italian cultures and traditions, you can’t go wrong with retiring to Sardinia.
Sardinia has everything you could ever want: dense forests, tall mountains, sprawling beaches, wholesome villages, vibrant cities, and delicious food and wine – there is something for everyone.
As an appointed ‘Blue Zone’, the island is home to one of the highest percentages of people over the age of 100 – making it a popular destination for retirees.
Plus, it is one of the oldest landmasses in Europe, therefore, the island is no stranger to longevity and preservation.
Whether it has something to do with the food, or maybe even the water! There is something about Sardinia that attracts retirees from all around the world and this isn’t without good reason.
With this in mind, this guide will explore all the reasons you should retire to the stunning island of Sardinia.
Let’s get straight into it!
Should I Retire To Sardinia?
Sardinia is one of the best places to relocate in your retirement. The island features a laid-back lifestyle with a beautiful backdrop.
Plus, its abundance of food and culture makes it the ideal place to celebrate your golden years.
If exploring the gorgeous countryside, walking along white beaches, eating locally grown foods, visiting some of the oldest archeological sites in the world, and appreciating delicious wine sounds like something appealing, then you might want to consider retiring to Sardinia.
The lifestyle of Sardinians makes it ideal for those in their later years. Even in the more touristy areas, if you stay away from the peak seasons, you’ll find the streets quiet after 8 pm with many bars and restaurants closing early (see more about staying in Sardinia here).
The locals here prefer to spend their time with friends and family – with comfort being the heart and soul of Sardinia.
Speaking of comfort, if you’re looking for relaxation, you’ll find plenty of this here too – with lots of serene greenery and peaceful beaches to visit.
Plus, we can’t forget to mention Sardinia’s rich history, with an abundance of museums and historical sites to spend time exploring.
On the other hand, if food is the way to your heart, there are various local and world-class restaurants for you to sample, too.
On top of all this, the mild climate makes it one of the most comfortable places to spend your time.
In January and February, the temperature averages at approximately 10 degrees, whereas in July and August, the temperature is between 24-24 degrees Celsius – British weather is sure to be a thing of the past!
Plus, you don’t have to worry about getting around the island either. Sardinia has an excellent public transportation system, as well as public health care – making it ideal for retirees of all ages.
Now, we can’t forget to mention one of the best reasons to make the move: reduced tax rates. Yes, you heard that right!
Some overseas pensioners are able to qualify for a 7% tax rate on their overseas income when making the move.
If you’re not already convinced to make the move, below we have outlined some reasons why you should retire to Sardinia.
1. The Cost Of Living
In many cases, the cost of living in Sardinia is much cheaper than in your home country. Here, not only do everyday items tend to be cheaper but also fresher, too – especially locally grown produce.
Plus, here property is much more affordable, as well.
2. The Setting
Sardina features an abundance of gorgeous beaches, breathtaking forests, and mountains, all of which are backdropped within a deep-rooted history – which you can explore within one of the many archaeological sites.
The island contains 2000 km of coastline, as well as many bays and coves, too. Plus, there are various activities to test your hand at – including sailing, golfing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, and even mushroom foraging!
One factor that attracts visitors far and wide to the area is the scenery – and it doesn’t cost a penny either!
When you combine this with the laid-back lifestyle and comfortable climate, there is no wonder why Sardinia is one of the most popular locations for retirees.
3. Culture
In Sardinia, the festival scene is out of this world!
On nearly every weekend, there is a different festival taking place – there is sure to be something that matches your particular interest and taste.
For instance, if you’re a fan of Jazz then you may be interested in those particular, high-quality, activities.
In addition to the regular festivals, you’ll also want to immerse yourself in traditional Sardinian culture. This includes everything: good food, a good time, and an all-around good time!
4. Longevity
Sardinia is known for its ageing population – thanks to a combination of lifestyle, local diet, and surroundings, the island contains one of the largest populations of centenarians in the world.
Plus, to help support you in your golden years, Sardinia provides its citizens with an impressive public healthcare system.
5. Rich History
Since Sardinia is one of the oldest land masses in the whole of Europe, with this comes an abundance of rich, deep history for you to learn about and explore.
Located on the island itself, there are thousands of megalithic and archaeological sites, countless mediaeval villages, hundreds of coastal towers, various Roman and Phoenician cities, and more museums than you can count!
Here, you’re simply spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring the island’s history, you’ll want to leave no rock unturned.
Dotted around the island, there are various ancient structures known as Nuraghe – these are supposed to be the best examples of settlements within the Bronze Ages.
In Barumini, you can visit the Su Nuraxi Nuragic Village, in Cagliari; view the Roman Amphitheater, and make a quick stop at the Porto Torres Bridge, to name just a few.
The history is just one of the best-hidden treasures the island has to offer. To fully understand an area, you need to start at the beginning.
At one of the various museums, learn about the ancient origins and people, this includes the Romans, Phoenicians, and Carthaginians.
6. Good Connections And Transport
If you’re worried about mobility, then there is no need! Sardinia is incredibly easy to get around.
On the island, there are three different airports – these include, Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero.
In addition to this, there is good, reliable public transportation that can take you all around the island.
Plus, if you’re looking to take a weekend break to France, Spain, or Italy, then a fast ferry will help you achieve this.
7. Unspoilt Nature And Beautiful Beaches
Sardinia provides varied landscapes and raw natural beauty like no other. Here, you’ll find rugged coastlines, wild fauna and floral, turquoise water, and secluded beaches.
Essentially, the whole island is one big natural playground with so much to explore and learn!
Plus, with so many beautiful beaches, it’s hard to choose the best one. So whether you decide to make a trip up North or South, you’re sure to find some breathtaking beaches.
Such beautiful beaches include the Archipelago of La Maddalena, which contains a rugged, unspoiled landscape with clear and clean waters.
8. Warm Climate
If you’re looking to escape the grey, rainy landscape of the UK, then there is no better place than Sardinia.
Instead of constant rain and gloominess, you’ll be rewarded with mild (although sometimes rainy) winters, bright springs, and warm summers.
Enjoy the day well into the evening by sitting outside one of the island’s various cafes and bars – basking in what the country has to offer: nature and paradise.
Sardinia is known as having a ‘6-month summer’, which means you can generally swim in the ocean from May to October comfortably. Plus, this can sometimes include April and November, too.
To cool down in the summer months, join the locals by relaxing on one of the various beaches the island has to offer and take a dip into the Mediterranean sea.
9. Outdoor Activities And Hiking Trails
Thanks to an abundance of different landscapes, Sardinia is home to various activities you can enjoy at your leisure.
From kayaking, sailing, climbing, and cycling, there is an outdoor activity for everyone!
For those who enjoy hiking, there are a few world-class trails for you to undertake – offering amazing views along the way.
For instance, embark on the Gola di Gorropu trail, otherwise known as the Italian Grand Canyon, for some spectacular sights.
Plus, there are many opportunities for road trips and camping, too.
Final Thoughts
There is no better place to retire than Sardinia.
Not only are you provided with comfortable temperatures all year round, but a combination of lifestyle and culture makes it the ultimate destination to spend your golden years.
Hopefully, this guide has informed you of all the reasons why you should retire to Sardinia.
