Low cost holiday in Sardinia, where to discover the island's paradises without spending a fortune

Taking a holiday in Sardinia doesn't necessarily mean emptying your wallet, on the contrary. Although many areas are famous for their exclusive atmosphere where it is difficult to save even on water (see the prices of the Costa Smeralda), they are not the only ones to offer beauty, on the contrary. Although the popularity of the island is rising, and with it the prices of restaurants and accommodations, visiting the island can still be affordable , you just need to know where to go.

These are the destinations we recommend, and what to do to discover them at their best, to organize your budget holiday in Sardinia .

Oristano and surroundings

The area of ​​Oristano and its surroundings , although it boasts beautiful beaches and characteristic villages, is one of the least visited. This is certainly one of the areas to consider if you are thinking about where to go in Sardinia in the summer and do not want a destination that is too crowded. Among the most beautiful beaches we recommend Is Arutas , composed mainly of small quartz crystals, the beach of Putzu Idu , a privileged location also for admiring pink flamingos, and the beach of Torregrande , among the most popular in the area.

In the territory of Cuglieri we also find S'Archittu , a natural arch shaped by water and wind and which guards a small white sand beach. If you want to combine the sea with some archaeological and natural adventures, we suggest you visit the Nuraghe Losa in Abbasanta and the waterfall of Capo Nieddu .

For a cheap hotel (2-3 stars or b&b) in the Oristano area and surroundings in summer, the average cost varies between 70 euros and 100 euros per night for a double room, with the possibility of finding deals starting from 40-50 euros. As for food, in general, eating in Oristano and surroundings offers a good quality-price ratio, especially if you prefer trattorias and less touristy places.

Gairo Marina

Marina di Gairo is another low-cost Sardinian destination to go to in the summer in Italy . Located in the Ogliastra area, it boasts wild and uncontaminated beaches, perfect for those seeking tranquility and authentic contact with nature. Among these we recommend Su Sirboni (also known as “Cala Francese”), a beach of fine white sand, about 200 meters long, and Coccorrocci, the largest pebble beach in Sardinia, about four kilometers long.

Although there are not many accommodation options, to sleep in Marina di Gairo and the immediate vicinity consider a cost between 80 euros and 130 euros per night . For eating, however, consider a budget that varies between 30 euros and 60 euros per person per day.

Port Torres

Those who want to discover the north-west of Sardinia can consider the coastal city of Porto Torres . Here there is a seafront with several beaches, such as Balai , and several historical attractions such as the ancient basilica of San Gavino and the archaeological museum Antiquarium Turritano . Compared to nearby Alghero, Porto Torres is cheaper and, at the same time, allows you to easily reach the beauties in the surrounding area. Not only the aforementioned Alghero , but also the beach La Pelosa , Castelsardo, Bosa and Asinara.

Considering both B&Bs and 2-3 star hotels, the average for a double room is between 70 and 110 euros per night . For eating, however, consider a budget of between 30 and 60 euros .

Green Coast

Those who expect a different experience from a holiday in Sardinia, far from the seaside resorts and equipped beaches, will find a different welcome in the Costa Verde area. From small agritourisms to family-run B&Bs , those who want to save money and at the same time discover the less touristy island, will find their paradise here. The Costa Verde is the coastal area included in the municipality of Arbus , famous for its lagoon environments constantly exposed to the mistral, therefore widely frequented by those who practice surfing and windsurfing.

Discover the Sinis peninsula and its small island of Mal di Ventre, whose name is actually a mistranslation from the Sardinian Isula de Malu 'Entu , or “island of bad wind” because it is subject to sudden weather changes caused by the mistral. From an archaeological point of view, however, do not miss the Archaeological Museum of Cabras , custodian of the wonderful giants of Mont'e Prama, and the archaeological site of Tharros , the ancient city founded by the Phoenicians.

To sleep in this area during the summer months, consider a budget of between 70 and 120 euros per night for a double room, while for food plan on an average daily expense of around 40-60 euros per person.

The island of Sant'Antioco

Off the south-west coast of Sardinia is the island of Sant'Antioco, a perfect destination for those looking for a cheap holiday away from mass tourism . Here you can enjoy the pleasure of swimming in wild coves and savour the delicious seafood gastronomy. Among the most beautiful beaches we recommend Coaquaddus , Maladroxia , framed by rolling hills, Cala Sapone , wild and suggestive, and Cala Grotta , a paradise for snorkelling lovers, where the sea reveals caves and submerged passages.

To sleep on the island of Sant'Antioco, consider a budget of between 75 and 115 euros per night , while for eating between 35 and 60 euros per person, per day.