How to Visit Sardinia, Italy on a Budget (Expert Guide)

Welcome to Sardinia – a small island just off the coast of Italy that’s known for its stunning beaches, beautiful natural landscapes, quaint coastal towns and mouthwatering cuisine. With so much to offer, Sardinia is perfect for everyone – especially if you’re on a budget! 

Content creators & travel experts, Tegan Phillipa & Ned Kelly recently spent a few days visiting Sardinia, Italy. While they were there, they took us along with them as they explored some of the cutest little towns and shared some of their favourite budget travel tips!

Check out all the action:

Another great tip is to book early and choose your accommodation wisely. Booking last minute will mean less choice - because everyone has already snapped up any great deals on offer! Plan your trip in advance and get in early so you can get the right accommodation for your budget!

Another way to save money on food while visiting Sardinia, and any other destination, is to travel with a pop-up kettle! You can get them from camping stores and you can use them to prepare a whole bunch of meals on a budget. They are also easy to transport because they just pop up and pop down.

One of the items Tegan and Ned always travel with is a pop-up kettle. Not only can it be used to make coffee, it can also be used for two-minute noodles, oats, eggs and so much more! 

Another way to save money while you travel is to head to the local supermarket and grab yourself some groceries so that you can cook your own meals at your accommodation.

To save money one night, Tegan and Ned had some left-over gluten free pasta for dinner that they had prepared the night before. They added some Greek feta and left-over olives to create a cheap but delicious alternative.

When travelling on a budget, it is a good idea to think about how you are going to get around your destination ahead of time. This can allow you to find the best option for your budget and save you money.

When it comes to getting around Sardinia, there are several options to choose from. Sardinia is a big island, and it takes about four to five hours to get from one side to the other, so it is important to consider your options. Hiring a rental car is a great option for flexibility and convenience - just be sure to book in advance so you can get the best price. You can also use public transport such as buses or hire a scooter (however the terrain can be quite challenging - so we recommend you be a confident scooter/motorbike rider).

First up, is a town called Castelsardo which is located on the north-west side of the island. It's a cute little town with rainbow buildings on top of a cliff face. You can also climb to the top of the cliff face where you'll find a castle. The castle is only five euros to enter and offers some of the most stunning views you'll find.

If you're looking for a beautiful place to go that has a bunch of stunning beaches - then you must visit Spiaggia Delle Vacche. Pack yourself some lunch, find a spot and enjoy all the sights in this magical location.

If you do decide to hire a boat or head out on a tour, one of the places you must visit is Cala Luna. The area is famous for a series of stunning caves dotted along the shoreline. Cala Luna is a breathtaking sight.

If you are planning to visit Cala Luna during your trip, Tegan and Ned's advice is to get there as early as possible. The local ferry stops here which means it can often get quite busy!

Grotta Del Fico is a system of caves that you can enter and explore for around 10 euros per person. The area is only accessible by boat, and there's a guy who hangs around the front on a boat and he will come by, pick you up and take you into the dock.

While Tegan and Ned, unfortunately, did not have time to have a look around - they have heard that it's amazing inside and recommended checking it out!

Cala Mariolu looks like something straight out of a movie and is a must-see if you are visiting Sardinia. The area is breathtakingly beautiful and is the perfect place to come to if you are looking for a beach day.

Sardinia is filled with beautiful small towns - and S'Archittu on the west coast is up there as one of the best. S'Archittu translates to 'small arch' in English and got its name from a small naturally formed rock arch. The arch is a popular spot for swimming and jumping.

Cagliari is the iconic capital city of Sardinia. This over 5,000-year-old city is the perfect final stop if you are looking to finish your Sardinia trip on a high!

If you are looking for something to eat in Cagliari on a budget, we highly recommend visiting La Piccola Pizzetta, where you can grab yourself a slice of pizza for just 2.40 euros. But don't stress if you're looking for some more traditional food - they also have a range of pastas for you to try!

In Italy, it can sometimes seem as if gorgeous beaches are as common as gelato - but the beaches of Sardinia stand out as particularly bellissima. If you're exploring Sardinia on a budget, then a couple of beach days are a must!

Sardinia is home to a bunch of free beaches that provide the perfect backdrop for a lazy day. From relaxing on the white sand beaches to cooling off in the clear turquoise water during the summer months - you'll find your bliss.

One of the best ways to explore Sardinia on a budget is to hire a boat. This is a cost effective way to experience Sardinia and see all the sights this beautiful island has to offer. If you are looking to get out on the water, then one of the best places to go is Cala Gonone. You can either get on a ferry, rent a boat, or even hire a skipper to take you around the island.

If you are looking to travel on a budget, then you really can't go past Sardinia, Italy. With a bunch of free activities to do, a bunch of great beaches, cute little towns and stunning natural scenery - Sardinia could provide a cheaper alternative to Greece & Spain for tourists on a budget.

Feeling inspired to visit Sardinia? Book your holiday today!