A Romanian doctor shared, on a Facebook group dedicated to those used to planning and organizing their travels on their own, the experience he had, as a tourist, on the Italian coast, in Sardinia, during the summer vacation with his family.
The spectacular coastline of Sardinia Italy Collage Visit Sardinia Facebook
He talked about the costs, including the air transport – in the case of a holiday organized on the run -, the air delays, the places where he was, conditions, prices, but also tips for the beach or nice places to stay.
Sardinia – Italy is an island located in the Mediterranean Sea, known for its varied landscapes, from white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, to rocky mountains and wild regions. The island has a rich history and culture with influences from antiquity, including archaeological sites, local traditions and a distinctive culinary heritage.
The experience of low-cost transport and the conditions on Otopeni
“I would like to share with you the experience of seven days in Sardiniafamily with two three-year-old children. From the beginning I want to mention to you that the seaside holiday was taken super late, about 3-4 weeks before departure”, explained the tourist to justify some rather steep prices, such as that of plane tickets, for example, which he experienced on vacation on his own.
“Since it was August, then the Wizzair tickets to Alghero, departing from Bucharest, were 300 euros per person. I won’t say anymore that Wizz decided to advance the flight by about 12 hours, so at 04:00 in the morning I was at the airport. Extremely unpleasant. We also had strollers with us, we passed through Otopeni easily. I will choose to believe that Otopeni Airport is going through a “reform”, otherwise I cannot understand why there are no waiting places, at least as many seats as there are in a medium-sized plane”the author of the post also mentioned the conditions offered by both low-cost airlines (especially in high season) and Otopeni Airport, which this summer could hardly cope with the influx of tourists.
The cost of renting a car in Sardinia for a week
And as in more distant destinations, Romanians are among the tourists who prefer to rent a means of public transport to explore the area as best as possible, the doctor was no exception to this rule, mentioning the conditions and prices practiced in high season: “I rented the car from Sardinia, very ok, with full casco, about 510 euros. Car seats (for children – ed.) cost 90 euros. A Fiat Panda in which we kind of crammed. But I had not found something better in such a short time at an advantageous price”.
Tips to enjoy an exotic and famous beach – La Pelosa
Regarding the places to spend the night, he also explained about the choices made: “I stayed in three places. Many Sardinian accommodations are apartments, sometimes with kitchenettes. Initially (I stayed) in the northern area, in «La Pelosa». I stayed on the beach for two days, in “La Pelosetta”, adjacent to the famous one, which charges an entrance fee”.
The spectacular coastline of Sardinia Italy Collage Visit Sardinia Facebook
“La Pelosa” is one of Sardinia’s famous and impressive beaches, considered ultra-exotic. Located near Stintino, less than an hour from Alghero, on the north-west side of the island, the beach is famous for its fine white sand that contrasts spectacularly with the clear turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. In addition, the beach is surrounded by rocks and Mediterranean vegetation, offering a picturesque landscape. Nearby is Piana Island and the Pelosa Tower – a historic lighthouse that adds to the charm of the place.
Due to its popularity and ecological value, access to the beach is regulated at certain times of the year to protect the ecosystem and prevent overcrowding, which is why it is recommended to plan your visit in advance and inform yourself about possible access regulations, especially in peak season.
However, the Romanian tourist offers some tips on how you can enjoy the gorgeous beach, through little tricks: “You can go swimming without problems, the water does not exceed 1.80 meters. FYI (acronym for the phrase “For Your Information”), we couldn’t find reservations for the entrance to the beach until September. But if you come even to the beach «La Pelossa», between 07.00 and 07.45 in the morning, no one kicks you out if you are wearing a towel or a mat. The beach is exactly as in the pictures – amazingly beautiful! It is also super suitable for children, extremely smooth entry”.
Disappointing accommodations, but also other recommendations
Among the less pleasant experiences was the accommodation near the famous beach: “The Hotel Residence at Pelosetta was a total disappointment. They don’t have AC, just some ceiling fans. It was terribly hot. I do not recommend. The strong point was the free parking, breakfast and free access to the beach”.
But since Romanians chose not to stay too long in the same place, the next seaside holiday destination on the list was Olbia, on the north-east coast of Sardinia, considered one of the main tourist destinations of the island. It is an excellent starting point for exploring Sardinia, offering an attractive combination of history, culture, beaches and modern amenities.
“Then we went east. I stayed in a neighborhood of Olbia, Pittulongu, in a fully equipped apartment located 50-100 meters from the beach, for two nights. Here I had AC. From here I drove about 20 minutes to Spiaggia Bianca, which I wholeheartedly recommend: white, fine sand, fish right up to the shore. They also had a terrace/bar. Parking is approximately 1.5 euros per hour or 9 euros per day, one minute from the beach”mentioned the tourist about one of the spectacular beaches in the area.
Pittulongu Beach and Bados Beach, for example, are also appreciated for their fine sand and clear water, offering excellent opportunities for swimming and relaxation. Moreover, Olbia and its surroundings are ideal for water sports, including windsurfing, kitesurfing and snorkeling.
Sardinia Italy on the list of water sports lovers Photo Visit Sardinia Facebook DMS
The Romanian also explained why he didn’t go to other “famous” beaches: “… Either because of the distance or because they didn’t have parking right on the beach. Hard to find good accommodation on the Costa Smeralda, in short, but Vista Mare Apartments was ok”.
The Costa Smeralda is an exclusive area famous for its luxury resorts and gorgeous beaches. Olbia itself is not part of this region, but it is close to it.
Spectacular hotel but problems with internet and phone service
“Then I went to “La Maddalena” for two nights, I stayed at Hotel Cala Lunga, exactly in the north, in the national park. Spectacular hotel, great service, three small private wild beaches, plus pool. A memorable hotel, with two mentions – Wifi and extremely weak GSM signal. Hotel restaurant extremely expensive. But nine minutes (away) by car there was a Conad Supermarket. Notably, they have a cool children’s playroom”the doctor also mentioned about his experience as a Romanian tourist abroad.
Later, in a comment on the post, he also mentioned that many of the beautiful wild beaches can only be reached by water and also offered some recommendations: “I crossed the island through the center. If you want to visit «La Maddalena» with your own car only for the small wild beaches you have to go early in the morning. If you want to tour the adjacent islands, better take the boat – tour from Palau. We didn’t go (to the spectacular beaches that can only be reached by water) because it was very, very hot and with two children it seemed tiring. But the Beach “La Pelosa” seemed to me better than what I saw in “La Maddalena”.
“Accommodation prices are very high in Sardinia”
The author of the post also provided some information about accommodation and food prices in the gorgeous Mediterranean island, in full summer season: “The last evening, before the flight, I stayed in Sassari, a landlocked town (the second largest on the island – ed.), where I found comfortable accommodation. Accommodation prices are very high in Sardiniathere are few hotels, and apartments generally cost a minimum of 200-250 euros/night. Maybe through Airbanb is more advantageous. When it comes to food, the restaurants are more expensive than those in Tuscany, but often the quality leaves much to be desired. But if you go to the apartments, you can always buy everything you need from the supermarkets.”
Instead of conclusion
Beyond the fatigue of the road and other inconveniences, related to accommodation for example, the whole holiday adventure on your own, far from home was a memorable one, worthy of sharing with your compatriots: “All in all, well worth it, probably the most beautiful beach spot in Europe, rivaled only by some Greek islands.”
