location.beaches.beaches_subtitle

The Costa Smeralda beaches are among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, famous for their turquoise crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores. Spiaggia del Principe (Prince's Beach) is considered one of the 20 most beautiful beaches in the world, named because Prince Karim Aga Khan used to swim here. The stunning landscape with granite rocks and emerald waters creates a tropical paradise-like scene.

The La Maddalena Archipelago is a national park comprising over 60 islands with pristine beaches and turquoise crystal-clear waters. The seven main islands - La Maddalena, Caprera, Santo Stefano, Spargi, Budelli, Razzoli, and Santa Maria - each have unique landscapes. Caprera was home to national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for diving, snorkeling, and boat excursions.
faq.subtitle Sardinia
EU citizens: no visa needed. USA, UK, others: visa-free up to 90 days. From late 2026: ETIAS authorization required (€7, valid 3 years). Russia: Schengen visa required
Very safe - 3rd safest region in Italy. No mafia presence. Main concern is pickpocketing in tourist areas. Violent crime very rare
May-June and September are ideal (22-27°C, empty beaches, 25-30% cheaper). Avoid July-August (very crowded, hot, 2-3x more expensive). Nov-March: cheapest but many tourist facilities closed
Highly recommended. Public transport is infrequent and doesn't reach best beaches. Car rental from €30/day. Staying inland saves 30-40% - need car to reach coast
Yes, but beaches are free! Restaurants 30-40% more expensive, beach clubs €60-500/day. Stay in Olbia (20 min) or inland villages and save 50%. Do day trips to beaches
By flight (1-1.5h, €30-150) or ferry (5-10h, from €40). Ferry better if bringing car. Civitavecchia (Rome) to Olbia 5-8h. Book ferries 2-3 months ahead in summer
Useful tips for visiting Sardinia
Rent a car - public transport doesn't reach best beaches. From €30/day, February cheapest (€14/day)
Visit in May or September - empty beaches, 25-30% lower prices, perfect swimming weather
All beaches are free - even Costa Smeralda. Bring your own towel/umbrella to save €30-60/day on beach clubs
Stay inland or in Olbia to save 30-50% on accommodation - 15-20 min drive to beaches
Try Porceddu (roasted suckling pig), Culurgiones (Sardinian ravioli), and Seadas (cheese pastry with honey). Look for agriturismo for best local food
Try Cannonau (red) and Vermentino (white) wines - the local signature wines. €4-5 per glass
Book ferries 2-3 months ahead in summer - Early Bird offers save 20-30%. Overnight crossings save a hotel night
Carry cash for small villages and markets - cards not always accepted outside major cities
Average temperature by month
location.transport.subtitle
| location.transport.title | location.transport.price | location.transport.app | location.transport.note |
|---|---|---|---|
location.transport.bus | 1.3 € ~1.5 $ | DropTicket | ARST buses: from 1.30 EUR (short trips) to 5 EUR (long routes). Cagliari to Villasimius ~4 EUR. Tickets via DropTicket, Tabnet apps. Schedule irregular in rural areas |
location.transport.train | 1.3 € ~1.5 $ | Trenitalia Sardegna: from 1.30 EUR (airport to station) to ~20 EUR (across the island). Cagliari to Olbia ~8-15 EUR. Cagliari to Sassari ~12-18 EUR. Slow regional trains, scenic routes | |
location.transport.ferry | 40 € ~46.1 $ | — | Civitavecchia to Olbia (Tirrenia, Grimaldi, Moby): from 40 EUR (deck seat) to 120 EUR (cabin). Car from 55 EUR extra. Travel time 6-7 hours. Prices vary greatly by season. Book ahead in summer |
location.transport.taxi | 5 € ~5.8 $ | appTaxi | Cagliari: base ~5 EUR, then ~2 EUR/km. Airport to center ~25 EUR. Night surcharge and radio call surcharge +4 EUR. appTaxi app for hailing |
location.transport.bike | 15 € ~17.3 $ | — | Rental: city bikes from 15 EUR/day, e-bikes from 25 EUR/day, road bikes 30-50 EUR/day. Many shops offer delivery. Weekly discounts available. Sardinia Grand Tour, Biking Sardinia are major operators |
Cost of food, accommodation and services
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
Hotels and rental prices
Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.
location.payment.subtitle
Cards accepted in cities and tourist areas. Cash needed for small villages, small trattorias, beach kiosks, markets. Carry €200-300 backup
Euro (€). Use ATMs inside banks. Avoid exchange offices. Revolut and travel cards work well
Not mandatory but appreciated. 5-10% for good service. Tip in cash only - POS systems don't support gratuities
Attractions and points of interest