Sardinia · Backpacking
ON A BUDGET
Sardinia is cheap inland and ruinous on the Costa Smeralda — buses reach more of it than people expect.
Cagliari and Olbia
Hostels sit in Cagliari's Marina and Stampace quarters and near Olbia's port. The Costa Smeralda has no budget beds whatsoever.
What a day costs
Dorm €22–38 in summer and less in May or October, a pizza or fregola plate €12–18, bus fares a few euros. Around €50–85, roughly $55–95.
Getting around cheap
ARST buses cover the island slowly but cheaply, and trains link Cagliari, Oristano, Sassari and Olbia. Without a car, expect two buses a day to the coves.
Free by day
Cagliari's Bastione and Castello ramparts, the flamingos at the Molentargius lagoon, and seven kilometres of Poetto beach — all free.
Via Sardegna, Cagliari
The Marina quarter's restaurant and bar street, and the beach kiosks at Poetto in summer; hostels organise car shares to Chia and Villasimius.