Sardinia is being presented as a more affordable European alternative to the tropical paradise of the Maldives, offering similar natural beauty at a significantly lower price point.

Writer Kara Buffrey, after a visit to the Maldives, sought a comparable European destination and found Sardinia. She noted that the Italian island frequently ranks among European locations with the clearest seawater, with visibility sometimes reaching 40 meters. This clarity rivals that of the Maldives.

Travel costs to Sardinia are considerably less than to the Maldives. Round-trip flights from London to Sardinian airports like Olbia or Cagliari can be found for as little as £50, whereas flights to the Maldives typically start at £700. Accommodation also reflects this price difference, with seafront hotels in Sardinia often costing around £120 per night, in contrast to Maldivian resorts where mid-range options can exceed £1,000 per night.

Buffrey also found the culinary offerings in Sardinia to be superior, preferring the Italian preparation of seafood dishes like sea bass, lobster, and octopus over the Indian and Sri Lankan influences common in Maldivian cuisine. Dining in Sardinia can be economical, with trattorias offering meals from £10.

The sea temperature in Sardinia during the summer months is reported to be between 23-26°C with calm winds. Buffrey stayed at the Falkensteiner Capo Boi on the south coast, describing it as a reasonably priced five-star hotel offering rooms from £120 and an excellent spa.

A woman relaxing by a swimming pool at a resort.

While the journey to Maldivian resorts often involves seaplanes, Buffrey found the scenic drive from Cagliari airport along the coast to Capo Boi to be breathtaking. The primary difference noted was the marine life; snorkeling in the Maldives offered an aquarium-like experience that Sardinia could not match.

A hotel room with a view of the sea.

Despite this, Buffrey recommends Sardinia as a "sumptuous, seductive" European alternative for those seeking a holiday similar to the Maldives but without the high expense, classifying the Maldives as a destination primarily for special, infrequent trips.