Living in Sardinia, Italy – 17 Interesting Pros and Cons

Everything you need to know about Living in Sardinia

So you are considering making a move to Sardinia, and you’re wondering what living in Sardinia is like? In this article, we aim to answer all of the burning questions that you may have and get to the core of what life is like living in Sardinia. 

Living in Sardinia is for curious, open-minded souls who crave natural beauty. Please remember that moving to Sardinia will not be the same as going on holiday to Sardinia, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy what it has to offer. The grass is not always greener, and life and everyday stress may still be there, even if you move away. It’s time to take off those rose-tinted glasses!

Regardless, Sardinia is beautiful and memorable, but not without its cons, we have tried to be as balanced as possible, but we welcome your thoughts. Feel free to disagree, agree and add to the conversation to help others decide whether living in Sardinia is the right choice for them. Get ready for the pros and cons of living in Sardinia. One important thing to take away is that life moves much slower on Sardinia, it is an island, and if you are happy with just enjoying a laid back life, it will be the right place for you.

Disclaimer: every experience will be different, and these are only our opinions. 

Where is Sardinia?

Sardinia is the second biggest island in Italy (after Sicily). It has a lower population density than other regions in Italy, with a population of a 1.6million and a population density of 68.2 inhabitants/km squared.  

Sardinia has three primary airports, Olbia, Alghero and Cagliari, and they are well-connected and served by the major airlines, so you have so much to see on your doorstep. There are also Olbia, Golfo, Aranci, Porto Torres and Cagliari, where you can reach France, Spain and Italy.

About Sardinia:

What is Sardinia Italy famous for?

Sardinia is famous for its people’s longevity and for having some of the world’s best beaches. Sardinia is one of the few Blue Zones, as it has one of the highest numbers of centenarians in the world. Did you see the documentary with Zac Efron on Netflix? The documentary goes into detail, but in a nutshell, it is because the Sardinians are social, eat a Mediterranean diet, have an active lifestyle and enjoy a good glass of wine. 

Is Sardinia expensive?

It does not have to be expensive to visit Sardinia(if you avoid the peak season and tourist hotspots), but the cost of living in Sardinia can be high. When people think of Sardinia, they think of the Costa Smeralda and the luxury resorts, but Sardinia is much more than that. If you compare the cost of living with other regions in the South of Italy, such as Campana or Puglia, Sardinia is much more expensive to live in. However, if you compare the cost of living in London, Paris or Berlin, you have a different story. The cost of living is relative to an individual. 

What is it like living in Sardinia?

What is it like to live in Sardinia, Italy? Now that is a good question. Expats in Sardinia can expect a laid back lifestyle. There is not the go-go attitude that other countries have adopted. Things are much more peaceful, and people take time to enjoy the beauty that surrounds them. Some modern cities, such as Cagliari, Olbia and Sassari, are full of life, and then there are the many smaller towns and villages, which offer a different way of life.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in Sardinia? 

The Advantages of Living in Sardinia – 9 Pros 

Warm Climate

Sardinia is blessed with mild (can be rainy) winters, sunny springs and hot summers. Therefore, Sardinia’s weather is an advantage, especially if you are coming from a grey, rainy place like the UK. You can sit outside in cafes and bars, and you can enjoy paradise and nature. It is known for having a ‘6-month summer’, and you can generally swim in the sea from May to October, sometimes including April and November (depending on if you are feeling brave). To cool down in the hot summers, you can join the locals by relaxing on the beaches and taking a dip in the sea. 

Rich History

Living in Sardinia is like living amongst hidden treasures as it has a history of invasions. The culture has ancient origins and various peoples, including the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians and the Romans. Today, Sardinia is essential for archaeologists and historians.

There are ancient structures called Nuraghe dotted all over the island, which are thought to be one of the best examples of Bronze Age Settlements. You can visit the Su Nuraxi Nuragic Village in Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Roman Amphitheatre in Cagliari and the Porto Torres Bridge (to name only a few). We have mentioned only a small slice of Sardinia’s rich history, and to see prehistoric settlements is genuinely magical.

Unspoilt Nature and Beautiful Beaches

Sardinia has a raw natural beauty and a varied landscape. There are wild flora and fauna, rugged coastlines, secluded beaches and turquoise water. The whole island is a natural playground, and if you live in Sardinia, you will soon appreciate that. It’s difficult to say what the best beach or place is on the island. 

Read about North Sardinia and South Sardinia’s highlights to make your mind up. We love the Archipelago of La Maddalena because of its rugged, unspoilt landscape and clean and clear waters, but there are many places to choose from.

Hiking Trails and Outdoor Activities

There are various landscapes in Sardinia, and with that comes an array of different activities to enjoy. Sailing, cycling, kayaking, and climbing are some of the outdoor attractions that you can enjoy. If you enjoy hiking, there are world-class trails in Sardinia. For example, the Gola di Gorropu, otherwise known as Italy’s Grand Canyon, is truly spectacular. It’s also the perfect place to go on a road trip, and camping in Sardinia is a lot of fun too. Ideal for affordable weekend trips.  

In case you would like to travel by car, you can rent a car at Discover Cars.

Deep-rooted Culture

Art, history, music, cuisine, museums are all over the island and are ready to be enjoyed. Sardinians are proud of their rich cultural history, and you can feel this living in Sardinia. Remember, Sardinia should not be mistaken to be the same as the rest of Italy. While they have many similarities, there are also many differences, and a lot of people will refer to themselves as Sardinians and not Italians.

If you want to see the ‘real Sardinia’, head to Barbagia – it is a place of centuries-old traditions and resistance to invasions. You can see this clearly through the murals in Orgosolo. 

Welcoming Local People 

What are the Sardinian people like? The local people are polite, respectful and friendly; no matter where you are from, they will welcome you. It is in their blood. If they ask you if you want some food or drink, you should accept it, and the same goes for if they offer to buy you a coffee or a beer! Be polite, and you will feel at home.

Strong Community and Family

Family and community play a vital role in Sardinian life. You will likely see groups of families and friends enjoying moments together. Life is simple, and the small things matter on the island. While other places have lost their communities and family bonds, Sardinia recognises the importance of this. They have strong family values, which ensure that their family is put first and well cared for, and people who have this support are less likely to be stressed and depressed. One of the exciting points about Sardinia’s Blue Zone is that people laugh with their friends, reducing stress and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. 

Festivals

There are strong traditions in Sardinia, and many important festivals take place all over the island. Sardinians are proud of their past and have a strong passion for their land, and you can see it in their festivals. They know how to celebrate, and if you decide that living in Sardinia is for you, you should experience them with the locals. 

There are so many to choose from, but some include:

• The Sant’Efisio celebrations in Cagliari (1st May).
• Carnival in Tempio Pausania.
• The Cavalcata Sarda – Sassari (last Sunday in May).
• The Barbagia Carnival – the Mamuthones and Issohadores of Mamoiada (mid-winter). 
• Sa Sartiglia in Oristano (the Sunday before Lent). 

Fresh food

The quality of food you can get in Sardinia is superb, and one of the best things you can do is buy fresh local produce at the supermarket or markets. Fruit and vegetables are of excellent quality, but they can vary from store to store. Sardinians are known for having a healthy diet. They eat well and share meals. Like the rest of Italy, Sardinia is known for its fabulous food, and the restaurants will not disappoint. 

The Disadvantages of Living in Sardinia – 9 Cons

Moving to any new country or place will have positives and negatives. It is part of the package. Just remember that these cons will not apply to everyone, and each situation will be different. You can be lucky – you can be unlucky. If you are happy with the smaller things in life and are not money-driven, then you will enjoy your life in Sardinia.

Jobs in Sardinia

Unfortunately, jobs are hard to come by in Sardinia, so a lot of the younger generation moves abroad or to the mainland. Most of the country is out of work, and a lot of the jobs are seasonal. The main sectors are tourism, agriculture, fishing and construction. But don’t arrive on the island and expect to find a job. There is no sugar coating the high unemployment rate. 

If you are a native English speaker, and you know where to look, you will be able to find a job teaching English. As the tourist sector is so large in Sardinia, most schools are now teaching English, and the students have more of a desire to learn the language. 

Bureaucracy & Taxation System

Bureaucracy can be frustrating and challenging to understand in many countries. Sardinia’s bureaucracy (like the rest of Italy) can be complicated, intricate, and could cost you lots of money if not understood properly. For example, if you want to buy a car, the ownership change can be costly, €300-€500.

If you compare this to other countries, such as Australia and the UK, where you pay much less, this is something you need to consider when you purchase a car. If you want to be self-employed and start your own business (online/ ESL teacher ), you will have to be VAT registered and have an accountant from day 1. For this reason, you need to know that the starting costs of setting up a business in Sardinia could be high.

It would be best if you spoke Italian.

Do you need to speak Italian in Sardinia? Yes, learning Italian should be a priority when you are living in Sardinia. You do not need to talk to Sardinian, but it might be a good idea to learn some Sardo dialect. We are not saying that the Sardinians do not speak English, but you should not rely on it. Also, why not take this as an opportunity to learn a beautiful language? The locals will appreciate your effort and help you along the way.

Salaries 

Similarly to the rest of Italy, the wages in Sardinia are generally lower for professionals than other comparable developed countries, such as Germany, France, and the UK. There is a standardisation of salaries to earn €1200 and €1800 per month. If you are an employee, instead of getting paid 12 months per year, you can get paid 13 if not 14 months salary. Usually at Christmas and in the summer months, so you can have something to look forward to.

Houses are not insulated.

It is changing with newer houses, but generally speaking, Sardinian homes are very cold in winter. They are not built for low temperatures due to the material they use, and this means that you are looking at cold winters. Of course, you can have a heater to solve this problem, but then you will be paying more for electricity to be comfortable. You may have the opposite problem of it being too hot in the summer, but then you can use the air-con…

Overcrowded in Summer

You will have to share your paradise with many tourists in July and August, who sometimes take over the island as if it is their own. They flock from mainland Italy and worldwide to enjoy the white sand beaches and crystal clear water. The peak time would be in the middle of August at Ferragosto when everyone and their dog is on vacation on the island. However, you shouldn’t let this deter you, a lot of the locals make most of their money from these peak months, and if you live in Sardinia long enough, you will be able to find a secluded beach, you’ll have to look a little harder than usual.

Public Transport

To enjoy what the island has to offer, you will need a car. There are trains and buses, but they do not go to every corner of the island. Therefore, to make the most out of living in Sardinia, a car is needed. Of course, this would be down to the individual and where you live. If you want to explore – investing in a car is a good idea.

Hot Summers

It depends on the point of view, but it could be too hot in summer if you are not used to it. As it is an island, Sardinia is exposed to wind, which helps in the hot summer days when temperatures can reach 40. If the wind decides not to play, then the air could be stuffy, and it could be quite uncomfortable if you are not used to hot climates. Luckily, there is fresh, clear water that you can take a dip in. Of course, there are plenty of people that love hot summers, so this will depend on where you are coming from and for some it may be an advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions – Living in Sardinia

How do I move to Sardinia?

You need to make sure you go to the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country to check your visa requirements and get up to date information. Tourists from outside the EU are granted only 90-day tourist visas. 

Where should I live in Sardinia?

There will be more opportunities in the cities and larger towns if you are looking for work. In the cities, you will be able to find everything you need. The capital city is Cagliari, is a great place to live, it is a metropolitan city, by the sea. It can be expensive, but the area around it is much cheaper,r and you can still enjoy the city. 

There are plenty of mountainous and coastal villages that are beautiful, and these are great options if you want to live in peace and be in contact with the community. There are even inland villages where you can buy a house for €1. Read more here.

The best thing to do would be to come to Sardinia first and see what suits you. 

Is Sardinia safe?

Yes, Sardinia is not without its problems, but we feel that it is safe to live in. People are warm and welcoming, especially with foreigners. 

What is the cost of living in Sardinia, Italy?

Unfortunately, Sardinia is an expensive place, but compared to other European cities, it has a lower cost of living. If you are looking at Sardinia real estate or looking at homes for sale in Sardinia, this could be an excellent investment, especially if you buy a house near the coast, although these can be hard to come by. A lot of Sardinians rent their houses or second homes in the summer months. 

Final Thoughts – Is living in Sardinia for you?

Living in Sardinia can be challenging, but it can also be glorious. The food, the sun, the people, the raw nature are all highlights, but we hope we have pointed out some disadvantages too to show that it is not always easy. Remember, if you’re considering living abroad, check out our post about seven things to consider before making up your mind.

Are you interested in life as an expat? Read our travel stories about living abroad.

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