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SOLO TRAVEL IN SARDINIA IS AWESOME!
After publishing my super popular article on the Top 10 Sardinia Beaches, some of you asked me whether traveling solo around Sardinia could be a viable and interesting option to discover my beautiful Island.
Well, in fact not only is totally doable and safe (for women as well, as we are well known for our hospitality and generosity with foreigners!) but I strongly recommend to take some time for yourself to discover some of the gems off the beaten track.
By traveling solo you will have the time and freedom to create your own itinerary, change it as you please and enjoy the peace of being by yourself immersed in nature or, why not, meet the locals and try to communicate with them.
TIP TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE LOCALS: Sardinian people don’t speak English very well but we certainly try our best to understand and communicate with people, at the condition that you come to us with a big smile, as we can be pretty reserved and shy sometimes! But don’t let this scare you, approach us gently and kindly ask your questions or use a piece of paper and a pencil to draw whatever you need!
BONUS – BASIC ITALIAN TO SURVIVE AS A SOLO TRAVELER:
Knowing a few Italian words can open a lot of doors in Sardinia! It will make so much easier to break the ice, as we think that foreigners pronouncing Italian words are very cute! Below are a few “life-saving” words and sentences for you. Get ready to take notes (and don’t forget them home!).
BASIC ITALIAN SENTENCES YOU NEED TO KNOW TO SURVIVE!
- Buongiorno: Meaning “Hello” or “Good Morning” (so don’t use it by night if you don’t want people laughing at you). If it’s evening, switch to “Buonasera” (Good Evening).
- Mi scusi: Means “Excuse me”. Good to start a conversation or at least show you’re making an effort to! You can use the sentence if for whatever reason someone seem to be pissed off at you. Try and add the sentence below, explaining that you don’t speak Italian, don’t ever forget to smile and you should be good!
- Io non parlo Italiano: “I don’t speak Italian”, so they know that is pointless for them to shout VERY LOUD. Yes, Italian people think that shouting at foreigners in Italian, adding as many hand gesture as possible, will magically turn them into Italian speaking people. I explained this to my parents when I brought some foreign friend in my house, but nope. It doesn’t work, they keep on shouting!
- Mi serve / Sto Cercando: “I need” / “I’m looking for”. Try to use your mimic skills or draw whatever you might need. Usually, Sardinian people are willing to go out of their way to help you out (if they trust you enough), even escorting you to places if necessary, but don’t forget to smile and use the next sentence of this mini Italian course.
- Grazie molto gentile: “Thank you, you’re very kind”. Everyone appreciates a bit of courtesy and you will win Sardinian’s people heart by using this sentence as much as you can. You might even score a free meal at their house or an invitation to the local bar for some beer or the typical Sardinian liquor “Mirto”. A word of warning: Sardinians DONT’ accept no as an answer to an invitation. It’s highly insulting for them if you say no when they offer you something for free! So smile and say YES!
So now that you know the basics of surviving by yourself in Sardinia, let’s get into the details of what you could experience in my Island! There are so many things to try and things to see in Sardinia that it would take me forever to name them all, so I’ll start with a brief intro of why it’s worth visiting and I’ll proceed by giving you a few itineraries, things to do and places to stay in different parts of Sardinia.
READY?! ENJOY THE RIDE 🙂
Sardinia is a timeless land, a place where you can find complete relaxation and where, at the same time, you can join a lot of activities such as excursions into nature, spending days at a wonderful beach provided with all the comforts (one of my favorite activities!), guided tours of the old towns and workshops dedicated to traditional crafts.
The impressive richness and diversity of this island holds a strong appeal for solo travelers: If you are traveling alone you’ll have different needs compared to a family or a couple, as already mentioned, you can plan a route with the help of expert guides and ask advice to the locals (yes, with my crash course now you can!).
So, let’s start with some suggestions for activities and places in one of my favorite part of Sardinia: The north-east part of the Island called “Gallura” (where the famous village “Santa Teresa di Gallura” is, obviously!).
WHAT TO DO IN NORTHERN SARDINIA: GALLURA
-Zoom in and click on the red dots to see the areas of interest I’ll be mentioning below!-
Activity #1 | Spend the day at the beach: Bay of the Mimose
Spending your first day at the beach is a great way to start your Holiday in Sardinia! If you choose to stay in Northern Sardinia (close to Costa Smeralda, the favorite destination by VIPs), I suggest you to go to Baia delle Mimose, at Marina di Badesi, a beach that I love to call my “Private Paradise”.
The white beach stretches for kilometers is surrounded by junipers and the typical sea roses (considered the icon of this beach) and is crossed by the estuary of the River Coghinas.
The beach offers a wide range of facilities, ranging from sunbeds and beach umbrellas, pedal boats rental and restaurants in the surroundings, so you can stay here until sunset and then come back to your hotel.
The deep colors of this oasis are the perfect introduction to a great masterpiece known as Sardinia.
Activity #2 | Mount Limbara: The Bizarre shaped rocks and the eco-museum
If you like active holidays you’ll fall in love with Gallura! You can explore this area following hiking trails.
Have you ever tried to go hiking on a mountain surrounded by bizarre shaped rocks? The first stage of this excursion is Monte Limbara, a granite mountainous range enclosed by two forests. One is located on the northern slope and features a luxuriant Mediterranean scrub; due to its rich flora the forest is included within the Sites of Community Importance.
The other forest is on the southern slope and is dominated by rocks shaped by mistral, the dry and cold wind blowing from the northwest. The excursion is a chance to visit the eco-museum at Mount Limbara called Semida, a Sardinian word stands for “trail”.
A series of works of art dot a park in the heart of the mountain: a metal door with carved the word “attraverso” by Clara Bonfiglio, a thin screen of orange Plexiglas, by Monica Solinas, the iron chain that bounds the granite boulders made by Pinuccio Sciola, a thick rope stretched across the landscape realized by Giovanni Campus and the metal cage framing a huge boulder by Bruno Petretto. A great example of how contemporary art can meet the natural landscape.
Activity #3 | Discovering Aggius, an authentic Sardinian village
There are many reasons to visit Aggius, a small village in Gallura: the first is the charm of its old houses built of granite stone, then its museums, dedicated to the local history, culture and tradition. Aggius, in fact, was awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club for its attractions and tourists services.
A solo travel is an opportunity to customize your itinerary and decide, for example, to learn a trade from a craftsman: in Aggius you can join a workshop of hand-loom carpet making and weaving, a rag doll making workshop or a cooking class devoted to the typical Sardinian bread.
The Ethnographic Museum (MEOC) is a real treasure: here are displayed the original objects and tools tracing the popular culture of Gallura from XVII century to the present day.
The Museum of Banditry, situated in the oldest part of the village, is a thrilling journey into the phenomenon of banditry; the figure of the bandit covered an important role in Sardinia from XVI century to XIX century, so this museum hosts rare material as mug-shots of the bandits, an arsenal of weaponry and the documentation about the outlaws. For more information, you can check out the website: www.museodiaggius.it
Aggius allows you to understand why this island is a sought-after destination by curious travelers and tourists who prefer authenticity rather than a little souvenir.
I’ve been there many years ago and I still remember its traditional vibe and the amazing atmosphere, a great choice to dive into the real Sardinia!
Best Hotel for Solo Travelers to discover Gallura:
These are fun and great activities that I highly recommend if you decide to travel alone in Sardinia, but it’s also very important to stay in a well-equipped hotel, located in a strategic position to save you precious time and allow you to enjoy the marvelous Badesi beach, the excursion to Mount Limbara and the interesting Aggius guided tours.
Resort Le Dune is a great choice even for long stays, due to its wide range of amenities: a Spa, 5 tennis courts, and the overland excursions organized by the Hotel staff (very convenient!). Take advantage of the less crowded period (May-June or September-October) to savor your stay to the utmost!
OTHER RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES FOR SOLO TRAVELERS:
Coming soon! with plenty of information on how to find places to meet other solo travelers or if you are on a budget, best places to stay and things to do in different areas for a smashing solo Holiday in Sardinia!
Thanks for your patience until I complete this article. If you have any specific topic you would like me to cover in this guide, feel free to leave a comment! Your feedback is always very appreciated 🙂
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT SARDINIA!
- Where To stay in Sardinia for Couples: A Local’s guide!
- One week in Sardinia: the Best Itinerary For you!
- Best Sardinia Beaches You can’t miss on Your Trip
- Fabulous reason to Visit Sardinia in Low Season
- Amazing Things To Do In Sardinia in Summer
- Best Costa Smeralda Beaches With Map
- Costa Smeralda Best Hotels & Resort (Cheap & Luxury)!
- Sardinia By Car: The Ultimate Guide on How To Get Around the Island!
- Sardinia Photos: My 15 favorite Instagram Pictures!
- Sardinia Travel Guide: Unmissable Places To See and Things To Do!
- Sardinia Holidays for Families: Where To Stay with your kids!
- Sardinia Solo Travel: A Backpackers guide by a Local!
- Sardinia Camping: Your Guide (By a Local)
- Sardinia Travel Guides
- Sardinia in 2 weeks: Best Itinerary
- Sardinia in 3 weeks: Best Itinerary
Comments
would like to try sardinia, but i am solo traveler, love the beach etclooking for small village to stay 1wk, min. like to be on my own, i write and compose songs, so solo is great fancy south of island, what do you think.
I think why not! Traveling around Sardinia is always a great experience even when doing it solo! 🙂
Hi There,
Your blog actually motivated me to go Sardinia.
I am an 26 years old asian girl, I am planning to travel to Italy in July and from there come to Sardinia by ferry, I am planning to spend 4 days on this island. I am a student and like to relax near the beautiful beaches (Peace and calm). I am not at all a party girl. Could you please help me with some doubts? How the public transport works there and where should I stay? I am also confused about the port. Which port would be most convenient? where i can find everything (accommodation, grocery, beautiful beaches) nearby?
Thank you!
Mamta
Hi . I’m a senior woman hoping to visit for a week in July. I’m on my own and am taking the ferry in to Oblia and planning on leaving from the south. I love beaches and history. How many days do I stay in Oblia? Do I rent a car or take the train south? Money is an object but I don’t want to miss much. I’m pretty sure I can manage on my own but would like advice for the week’s plan. Thank you for any advice.
Hi there,
Thanks for the nice blog.
I will be travelling solo in the second to third week of June 2019. Only hv about a week or so, which part of the island would you recommend staying? I think I would love some sunbathing by the beach, dinner at some small village, and meeting with new people 🙂
Hey! Thanks for stopping by and sorry for the super late answer (IT issues with website)
So, regarding your question, it’s quite broad as every part of Sardinia is truly great! In my opinion, for a solo traveler, San Teodoro still remains the best option! I don’t know your age so it’s difficult to say, but if you are in your 20’s or 30’s it’s a perfect choice.
If you want to relax a bit more and still try to meet people, I am thinking but your best bets would be either going for traditional villages like Baunei or Castelsardo, where the locals and the tourists mix pretty well or go for a resort (not my top choice, to be honest, but some people enjoy it very much). In that case, the island is full of resorts and you only need to pick your favorite beach and choose one.
Hope this helps!
Cheers
Clelia
Thank You for sharing a nice blog. Travelling solo might be a daunting thought, but it’s also a deeply satisfying way to explore and experience the world. We caught up with solo traveller.
Indeed! I love solo traveling, my friends nominated me as the antisocial traveler but nothing could be further from the truth! Solo traveling you got to challenge yourself, but also meeting extraordinary people along the way! Cheers Clelia
Hi there, is it possible to travel around Sardinia with public transport. If not which area would be best to visit without hiring a car?
thank you.
Angela
Hey Angela, sorry for the late reply but I’m just catching up with the comments for Sardinia! As for your question I hope I’m still in time to help!
Traveling without a car in Sardinia is possible but not as easy as one can imagine. If you can’t rent a car my suggestions are to stay either in San Teodoro, Villasimius or Santa Teresa di Gallura where you will find lovely beaches at walking distance and everything you need (supermarkets, restaurants, night clubs and more). These places are also the best-connected ones by public transport.
Hope it helps!
Cheers
Clelia
I am 65 and have travelled a lot so not nervous about travelling on my own. I would like to spend at least 2 weeks on the island..I prefer time to get to know an area than a long list of places I just
‘saw’ . Can you suggest modest accommodation for at least two weeks starting mid to late September please?
Hey judy, so nice of you to travel on your own in Sardinia and I completely agree with you when you say that you want to have the time to discover a place, that’s also my motto and the best way to travel. That said, well… the list is very long! One place that I truly loved for several reasons is the village of Baunei. Located on the Golfo di Orosei Area but not on the sea. It is a small village where you can taste real Sardinia, the slow pace of life and the locals (they won’t speak english but a smile can go a long way with people!). Of course you should have to rent a car as this area has SO MUCH to offer, from discovering the Gennargentu mountains, drive and park your car to get to Cala Goloritze’, a beautiful beach only reachable by foot and also rent a boat or use the biggest companies to explore the coastal area and its beaches. The food will be 100% genuine as well as the small restaurants.
I remember that I went there with my family and we didn’t even rent a hotel we stayed in a local house (at the time it was similar to the concept of Airbnb but even better) and the prices were super cheap compared to the normal fees of the Hotels.Even if you can still find accommodation in Sardinia in September for a super reasonable price in Baunei. In two weeks you will love that place, but as I said, a car is necessary because the village is quite isolated (which makes it truly stunning) and in just 20 minutes or a bit more you can reach some of the fabulous places I have mentioned. have a look at the TripAdvisor Things to do near Baunei to have an idea!
Cheers
Clelia
Hi Clelia
I love your site! I am a little overwhelmed 🙂
I am planning to travel solo to Sardinia the last week of September for about 6 days.
This is a treat to myself so want to stay at a lovely hotel with a beautiful view. I also want to be in an area which I can explore, experience some culture and maybe do some climbing?
Which area would you recommend?
Thank you so much
Samina
Hello Clelia,
I am 24 and will be travelling to Sardinia in July this year. I fly in to Oblia on July 12 and fly out of Cagliary on the 17th. I am very active and ideally I would like to be seeing parts of the island on a vespa as well. I also am looking for some nightlife as well as to just relax by some of the incredible beaches Sardinia has to offer. What do you suggest I do?
Kind Regards,
Christopher, from Sydney, Australia
I’ve been wanting to visit Sardinia for years but never quite made it. I’m definitely planning on heading there this September (2016).
I really could do with some advice as I think the reason I’ve not gone there yet is that I can’t choose which area to head for! I’m a solo traveller and ideally looking for uncrowded beaches during the day but some life at night (harbour or town with places to eat etc).
I’m really drawn to the look of the Costa Smerelda, but I’m not dripping with money, nor do I wish to dress as such! I’ve also been recommended to both the Alghero area and to Cagliari area. I’m so confused!! If it helps, I’m a single gay guy and like an all-over tan!
Your expert advice and recommendations would be really welcome!
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Hello Clelia,
I’m Italian but I guess since this part of the blog is in English we can go that way.
I was trying to set up a one week vacation with an old friend of mine in Sardinia for the last week of August. We are both 45 and would like a nice place on the beach, not too messy (not too many kids or teens) but not a desert either (we’re not a couple and would like to know other people).
We’d like also to avoid VIP places (not because of budget issues, just because we don’t like VIP :-))
I’m sorry, I know you’re not a travel agency, but whatever suggestion you could have would be greatly welcome.
Thank you very much
Marcello
Hi Marcello,
Apologies for my late reply, I’m trying to catch up with all the messages and emails I receive and sometimes I miss some (especially here on the new articles). I hope you had a great time in Sardinia!
As for your question, i will still reply as it might help other people in the future:
In my opinion finding quiet places in August might be a bit challenging, but your best bet to still enjoy your time in Sardinia (by the beach) is the west coast around Oristano or go further South to the less touristy Carloforte or Nebida area. Carloforte is a little bit better in terms of socializing with people as there is a small lovely village where you can sit in a bar or eat at a good restaurant, while the Nebida area (south-west) is quieter.
All the other areas in Sardinia are pretty crowded in August but the majority of the party scene goes on in san Teodoro, Costa Smeralda and to a certain degree in Villasimius, so I would avoid that if you don’t want the mess that comes with it.
Cheers
Clelia
Dear Clelia,
First of all my compliments on your blog, you provide great info and your writings are an excellent read :)!
Yesterday I booked a flight for next week (I’ll depart a week later) and now very anxious on finding a place to stay.. And to figure out how to move around ;).
I am a 34 year old Dutch woman and trying to travel on a budget (think around 30-40€ for a night) and by public transport.
I will be arriving at Oblia and departing from Alghero;
Considering the recent and forecasted heat ;), I am opting for the beaches and maybe book some surf lessons :)!
If you have any recommendations for me that would be great appreciated!
Best,
Elise
Hi Elise!
Sorry for the late reply but sometimes keeping up with tons of requests is very challenging! I hope you found a nice place to stay in the end!
As a reminder to all the people coming to Sardinia, usually if you rent a house/apartment/villa, please always ask if they also provide Air con as this is not a must in Sardinia and many houses don’t provide it.
Hope this might be of help for other travelers in the future!
Cheers
Clelia
We are two women of 50+ and have a week to cover the island, or a least some of it. We will hire a car. We enjoy walking/hiking, places of interest. We are not beach bums although a day either side would be o.k.
Moderate accommodation with a choice of restaurants, cafes.
We are looking at the lst week in October. I need to check the weather too!!
Cheers, Magzie x
Hey Magzie… a week is definitely not enough to cover the island! you can split your stay in max 2 places and since you like hiking, nature and a bit of choice in terms of restaurants&co I’d strongly recommend the Cala Gonone area and Arzachena if you want to add a second stop. Regarding the weather… it’s very unpredictable but usually the first week of October if you’re lucky and it’s sunny it’s still very enjoyable. There have been seasons when I was even able to swim 🙂
Cheers
Clelia
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