Low Cost holidays to Sardinia

The Mediterranean island of Sardinia is much more than history, beaches and culture. Their gastronomy hides many treasures to make it a great foodie destination. But if there is one dish that deserves to be highlighted among others, that is casu marzu, a type of cheese that contains live larvae. Yes, you read correctly, live larvae. The taste is intense, very strong, and lasts several hours on our palate. The casu marzu comes from the Pecorino cheese, when the cheese is allowed to decompose during the fermentation phase. This process is facilitated by the larvae of the cheese fly, known as Piophila casei, which are introduced into the cheese. For many years the product was banned by the European Community, after which a black market emerged in which people paid astronomical sums to acquire this cheese. Nowadays, thanks to an increase in hygienic measures, this cheese can be purchased and tested in the regular market.

Undoubtedly, the Sardinian cuisine keeps many secrets, which will only be revealed to the most adventurous palates.

Neptune's Grotto is a breathtaking 10 million years old natural cave in Capo Caccia. The visit would be worth it only to enjoy the stalactites and stalagmites of this cave; however, there is much more to enjoy. The walk through the cave includes various speleological excursions through its intricate and sometimes narrow corridors, reaching beautiful cavernous lakes and discovering impressive calcareous rock formations. Inside the grotto there is an impressive 12 meters high and 30 meters wide column. Among the lakes that you will visit on your route there is an inner lake that reaches 120 meters, considered the second lake inside the larger cave in Europe. If you want to discover this extraordinary grotto and shelter from the sun for a few hours you have two options: the first will be by boat, hiring the full tour from Alghero; or, by land, arriving at Capo Caccia. The route by land involves descending 656 steps before reaching the cave. However, both the views before descending and the beauty of the experience are definitely worth it.  With the aim of avoiding losses, inconveniences, accidents and to obtain as much information as possible from the visit, the visit to the cave can only be done with an official guide.

In the heart of the Gulf of Orosei, we find one of the most magnetic caves of the island: the Grotta del Bue Marino. Not only spectacular for its geological formations which will take you into a dimension where the stalactites and stalagmites draw a new universe, in this enclave you can also walk through an impressive underground river. Without a doubt, the visit to Bue Marino is absolutely unmissable and unforgettable. In its walls there are cave paintings dating from the Neolithic period, as well as fossil remains from different historical moments. Just one kilometer away, there is a beautiful salt lake with sparkling water. The access to the Grotta is extremely steep, therefore, the only way to get there is from the sea. In Cala Gonone you can take a boat that, after offering you a walk with wonderful views of the cliffs, will lead you to Bue Marino's access. Just let yourself go and enjoy an absolutely wonderful excursion.

Sardinia will offer you the chance to get closer to an important part of the Mediterranean history. If you are interested in discovering the origins of the Sardinians and their civilization, Barumini is your destination. It is considered to be one of the main nuraghic sites in Sardinia. Any visitor with an interest in history must visit Barumini. The geological excavation that led to the discovery of this native village began in the 50s by Giovanni Lilliu and sheds light on the first civilization that lived on the island. In 1997 it was considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which has increased its visibility and popularity. The site dates from the 15th century BC and it is located around a colossal dolmen. The construction of the Nuraghe town of Barumini was developed in different stages easily recognizable. The Nuraghe structures were erected with different defensive towers, with impenetrable walls and multiple rooms. Around it, countless circular houses were built for its inhabitants. Barumini is a breathtaking journey in time. The environment where these deposits are located are perfect to go for long walks or hiking trails. Barumini is a short distance away from the capital, Cagliari, so it is the optimal trpi for an alternative day to the beach.

Traveling to Italy is a unique and unforgettable experience . It is a tourist destination of first international level, with an optimal infrastructure and with comfortable and frequent forms of transport. However, there are certain precautions you must take before embarking on one of the most incredible adventures of your life. Read the tips that we have prepared then, to be well prepared.

WHEN TO VISIT ITALY?

The delicious climate of the country makes it a favorable destination 365 days a year. Obviously, northern cities experience a more severe winter, for which you will need appropriate outerwear. In the central and southern regions enjoy mild temperatures throughout the year, being especially stifling in the summer months. Spring and autumn are the great tricks for a delicious trip through Italy. In summer or during Spanish bridges, Italy is also a priority destination. That is why, if you can travel in the low season, when they are not official holidays, you will enjoy more affordable prices and more agile and reasonable waiting queues. In summer, the heat can become the topic of conversation throughout your stay, especially in the south, where you will be permanently looking for a shade or an ice cream shop to refresh you. During the winter, and in the months before Christmas, Italy dresses up as a party, with its traditional Christmas markets. It is a magical time in which to fall for this fascinating country. In sum, there is no bad time to travel to Italy; only that, if you want to travel in high season, you have to contract everything with extreme anticipation and assume the prices and queues derived from mass tourism.

TRAVELING TO ITALY AT A GOOD PRICE 

As often happens with all European destinations, ticket prices during Easter and summer are significantly higher. So, if you want to travel on these dates, be sure to purchase your flight ticket as early as possible.

TIME ZONE

The time zone in Italy is GMT+1 (no DST considered), as the rest of Central Europe.

EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES

British Embassy Rome

• Address: Via Venti Settembre, 80A, 00187 Rome
• Phone: +39 06 4220 0001

British Consulates 

          Milan

• Address: Via San Paolo 7, 20121 Milan
  
• Phone: +39 02 723 001

As a member of the European Union and the Schengen area, you only need your valid passport to travel to Italy.

BY PLANE
Sardinia has 3 airports, two in the north and one in the south. Many of them have direct flights with various UK cities, both with traditional airlines and low cost. The airport with the highest passenger traffic is Cagliari-Elmas.

HOW TO MOVE AROUND ITALY
Italy, including Sardinia, offers an excellent train network between the main cities and regions of the country. The trenitalia.com page informs you of all the destinations, schedules and prices. The most convenient is to buy the tickets in advance in order to guarantee your place and it is even possible that a discount.

OR TRAVEL IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
When using urban public transport, be aware that train and bus tickets must be validated. This means that, in addition to acquiring tickets, you have to pass them through a machine, which stamps the use of the same with date and time. On buses, tickets can be validated inside the vehicle. However, in the trains, the validation will have to be carried out before mounting on them, on the corresponding machines, which are green and gray, and are at the head of the train tracks.

OR BY BOAT
The main islands, Sardinia, Capri and Sicily, are connected to mainland Italy by  an intensive ferry service which, in addition to offering high standards of comfort, is frequent and affordable. There are different operators that offer these services; Before buying your ticket, compare prices and schedules, and make sure you are at the right port and early enough to catch your Ferry.

OR HIRE A CAR
It is another excellent option to explore the island without without being tied to schedules. However. Just bear in mind in Italy, as in most european countries they drive on the other side of the road, so be extremely precautious when renting a car. Also, try to get information on parking and restricted access when driving in the cities, as it is often the cause of various fines in a single trip. Driving outside the big cities is a rewarding and unforgettable experience, as well as a wonderful way to get to know the authentic beat of Sardinia.

OR IN TAXI
In the transfers to the airports it is recommended to previously agree the price of the trip with the driver, to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Medical care in hospitals and outpatient clinics is correct. As a European, before traveling to Italy, you must obtain the European Health Insurance Card (or EHIC).

In your clinic they will be able to inform you better. With this card, you can receive medical attention in case of emergency. This card is in no way a substitute for travel insurance.

Additionally, it is advisable to get a travel insurance before traveling, which covers medical costs in case of emergency. This private insurance would be very useful in case you had to leave the country because of an illness or accident.

The euro is the official currency in Italy, so you will have to exchange currency.

ATMs
You will surely be able to withdraw money with your usual card in practically any ATM. However, you will have to consider the banks and cashier withdrawal commission. In many cases, the cashier will not report the commission that will charge you. Find out in advance at your usual bank.

CREDIT CARDS
Most of the establishments in the cities accept the majority of credit cards. Check with your usual bank to avoid uncomfortable surprises

BANK CARDS CANCELLATION PHONES

• VISA: 0800 89 1725
• MASTERCARD 0800 964 767
• AMERICAN EXPRESS +44 (0)1273 696 933

January 6 - Epiphany of the Lord (Italian national holiday)
April 14 - Good Friday
April 17 - Easter Monday
April 25 - Anniversary of the Liberation (Italian national holiday)
May 1 - Labor Day
June 2 - Day of the Republic (Italian national holiday)
June 29 - Saints Peter and Paul (local party in Rome)
August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin (Italian national holiday)
October 12 - National Holiday of Spain (national holiday)
November 1 - All Saints (Italian national holiday)
December 6 - Constitution Day (national holiday)
December 8 - Day of the Immaculate (national holiday)
December 25 - Christmas
December 26 - Santo Stefano (Italian national holiday).