Strictly Sardinia

Sardinia wants to attract tourists throughout the year, but is it ready to welcome them? With most international flights disappearing after October, hotels and restaurants in coastal destinations closing down, and less availability for tours, visiting Sardinia outside the summer months isn't always straightforward. In this episode, I discuss the gap between the political promises and the reality,...

Should Sardinia recreate its traditional festivals just to entertain tourists visiting in the summer? In this episode, I discuss the growing trend of organizing summer carnivals featurinig Sardinia's traditional masks such as Mamuthones. I explain why I find this practice problematic - but clarify that tourists aren't to blame. I also explain why promoting authentic celebrations throughout the yea...

Are you thinking of moving to Sardinia? Gorgeous beaches, a slower pace of life, and affordable properties make Sardinia an attractive place to relocate. But affordable for whom? What happens when people who have more money than locals move into communities where the locals are struggling with the cost of living, the cost of housing, and limited opportunities? In this episode, I discuss the econom...

What kind of tourism does Sardinia want, and what kind does it deserve? In this episode, I discuss tourism entitlement, unrealistic expectations, disrespect for the environment, and the economic impact of mass tourism. I also explain why criticism is welcome, but spending money on your holiday in Sardinia doesn't give you the right to demand everything from Sardinia and Sardinians. After all, this...

Why do so many Sardinians resist beach clubs and luxury hotels? In this episode, I look at what we risk losing when we develop large stretches of coastline and commercialize them, and why an unequipped beach is more appealing to the locals. My blog is here: https://strictlysardinia.com/ Plan your trip Car rental → https://www.discovercars.com/?a_aid=clautavani Hotels and accommodation → https://bo...

Is the west coast of Sardinia always windier? Are there really no trains? Does everything shut in October? In this episode, I tackle some common misconceptions that tourists planing their trip to Sardinia have - including a few that make me laugh, and others that make me cringe. My blog is here: https://strictlysardinia.com/ Plan your trip Car rental → https://www.discovercars.com/?a_aid=clautavan...

At times, tourists complain about Sardinia - and they actually have a point. From confusing booking systems to unreliable public transportation or opening hours to garbage and hard-to-find information, in this episode I look at the things Sardinia could honestly do better. My blog is here: https://strictlysardinia.com/ Plan your trip Car rental → https://www.discovercars.com/?a_aid=clautavani Hote...

This week, I will be talking about some of the complaints tourists have about Sardinia that I just do not agree with. Yes, some criticism is always necessary, but are tourists sometimes expecting a destination to adapt to them, rather than the other way around? From cultural differences to travelers' expectations, let's see what complaints people have that are simply not acceptable. My blog is her...

Which places in Sardinia are actually disappointing, and how much does expectation influence the experience? In this episode, I look at some of the destinations visitors found underwhelming, from Porto Cervo and Cagliari to La Pelosa, Bosa and La Maddalena, and explain why timing, weather, crowds and social media can completely change how we see a place. My blog is here: https://strictlysardinia.c...

How much of your Sardinia trip should you really plan? In this episode, I explain why you should leave room for spontaneity during your trip to Sardinia and how this can make for a much better trip - whether that means changing plans because of strong wind or bad weather, staying longer in a place you fell in love with, or simply having time to enjoy chatting with locals. I also explain why you re...

In this episode, I explore why tourism is important for Sardinia, but why it shouldn't be the only measure of a community's success. I discuss the difference between borghi and ordinary villages, why not every place needs to become a tourist destination, and why Sardinia is, first and foremost, a home to nearly 1.6 million people. My blog is here: https://strictlysardinia.com/ Plan your trip Car r...

Discover a side of Sardinia that most visitors never see. In this episode, I take you to Serdiana , my mom's hometown and one of the island's best wine destinations. We'll explore its renowned wineries, beautiful Romanesque churches, traditional cuisine, and the peaceful countryside that makes it one of my favorite day trips from Cagliari. Whether you're a wine lover or simply looking to experienc...

Are influencers really ruining Sardinia, or is the story more complicated than that? In this episode, I share my thoughts on overtourism, social media, responsible travel, and why I believe education - not secrecy - is the key to protecting the island. I also explain how I approach my work as a Sardinia travel expert and why my goal has always been to help visitors explore the island responsibly....

Trying to decide between the La Maddalena Archipelago and the Baunei Coast? They're two of Sardinia's most famous destinations, but they offer completely different experiences. In this episode, I compare everything you need to know before choosing between them: accessibility, beaches, boat trips, hiking, crowds, things to do beyond the beach, and who each destination is best suited for. By the end...

Sardinia isn't a theme park—it's a real place where people live, work, raise families, and go about their daily lives. In this episode, I explain how social media, algorithms, and unrealistic travel expectations have changed the way many people experience destinations, and why approaching Sardinia with curiosity and flexibility will almost always lead to a better trip. For more practical tips and...

Is the Emerald Coast really the best place to visit in Sardinia? Or is it simply the island's most famous luxury destination? In this episode, I explain what the Emerald Coast is, how it came to be, why it feels so different from the rest of Sardinia, and whether it's the right choice for your trip. I also compare it with some of my favourite coastal destinations, to help you decide which part of...

This wasn't the episode I had planned to record. Whether you've been following Strictly Sardinia for years or you've only just discovered the blog or podcast, this episode is a little different. I share the story behind Strictly Sardinia, how I went from academia to becoming a full-time travel blogger and certified travel consultant, what goes on behind the scenes, and why I sometimes draw the lin...

If you're planning a trip to Sardinia, choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Yet many visitors end up picking a base based on a beach photo rather than on the type of holiday they actually want. In this episode, I compare Sardinia's three main gateways and explain the pros and cons of each. You'll learn: Which destination is best for first-time visitors Whether...

Drawing on a real conversation with visitors at Olbia Airport, she explains why choosing where to stay based on beach rankings is often a mistake, why social media has created a beach checklist mentality, and why so many travelers end up disappointed by crowds at Sardinia's most famous beaches. You'll also hear why locals don't think in terms of "the best beaches," why hidden gems are often not wh...

August is the busiest month of the year on the island. The sea is warm, the beaches are spectacular, and there are festivals and events happening everywhere. But it's also the month of Ferragosto, crowded beaches, busy roads, and high prices. In this episode, I explain what Sardinia is really like in August, who should visit, who may be happier traveling in a different month, and the biggest mista...

🎧 Episode Description — Authentic Sardinia What does “Authentic Sardinia” actually mean? In this episode, I talk about one of the most overused — and misunderstood — expressions in Sardinia travel. We hear about: authentic villages authentic food authentic experiences hidden gems all the time. But Sardinia is not a museum or a theme park built around tourist expectations. It’s a living place — an...

Sardinia is one of the most misunderstood destinations in Europe. In this episode, I talk about the mistakes tourists make when planning a trip to Sardinia — from underestimating driving times and trying to see the whole island in one week, to unrealistic expectations about beaches, public transport, and “authentic” experiences. If you are planning a trip to Sardinia this summer, this episode will...

Should you fly into Cagliari, Olbia, or Alghero? In this episode, I explain exactly how to choose the right airport in Sardinia — and the common mistake that can easily add hours of driving to your trip. Read the full guide (with distances, routes, and practical tips): https://strictlysardinia.com/airports-in-sardinia/ In this episode: The 3 airports in Sardinia and what they serve Which airport t...

Planning to hike in Sardinia? Read this — or listen first. In this episode, I explain what you actually need to know before going on a hike in Sardinia — from what to bring to the mistakes that can quickly turn a simple hike into a risky situation. Check the blog for more travel tips and guides: https://strictlysardinia.com/ In this episode: What hiking in Sardinia is really like Why you must alwa...

Traveling to Sardinia with kids and not sure where to stay? In this episode, I walk you through the best family resorts in Sardinia — where to stay for an easy, stress-free trip, with great beaches, kids clubs, and the right setup for both children and parents. Read the full guide (with direct links to resorts, availability, and prices): https://strictlysardinia.com/sardinia-family-resorts/ In thi...