If you’d like to relocate to a paradise island in the Mediterranean then Sardinia (Italy) certainly ticks all the boxes. With magnificent weather, affordable property prices and a thriving community of fellow Expats, Sardinia is the 2nd largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, behind Sicily. Situated to the West of the Italian Peninsula, South of the French island of Corsica, Sardinia has long been one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.
Officially known as the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, the island has recently become a magnet for Expats from all over the world, especially from the United States, UK and Northern Europe. The cost of living, good international transport links, incredible scenery and fascinating heritage all make Sardinia a great place to live long-term.
The capital of Sardinia is the bustling city of Cagliari which offers Expats a fantastic lifestyle at prices that are far lower than most of Italy’s major cities. However, there are also many towns and villages scattered throughout the island which are also a great choice for relocation.
Important Reasons For Relocating To Sardinia.
There are many reasons for relocating to Sardinia. One of them is incentives offered by the authorities for relocating to certain areas of Sardinia where the population is shrinking.
Explore The Great Outdoors.
Sardinia’s scenery is massively varied and is every nature lover’s dream come true. The small island has rugged mountains, ancient woodlands, pristine beaches, coastal lagoons and crystal clear waters.
The island is a haven for hiking, mountain biking, yachting and watersports. The divine landscapes are well preserved and although there is a lot of agriculture on the island there are also wide stretches of largely uninhabited woodlands and meadows where the natural ecosystem thrives.
Excellent Quality Of Life.
The day-to-day quality of life in Sardinia is hard to beat. With lovely weather and lots of sunshine, amazing local cuisine including an abundance of fresh seafood, and a great sense of community, you’ll feel right at home on the island. Sardinia even has one of the highest life expectancies in Europe, so not only is it enjoyable to live on the island but it’s also good for your health!
Low Cost Of Living.
Despite the island’s beauty and the high quality of life, the Sardinian cost of living is very affordable compared to most other parts of Europe and America. As a rough guideline, a single person can live comfortably in Sardinia for around 1200 Euros per month, including rent, while a family of 4 can live for under 3000 Euros per month, including rent.
Property prices are quite low, food and other essentials can be bought very cheaply at local markets and stores and even the transport on the island isn’t too expensive. This makes it a popular option for retirees who want to make the most of their pensions as well as young professionals who work remotely and want to enjoy a top quality lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Unique Cultural Heritage.
The culture and history of Sardinia are fascinating to explore. The island itself, due to its geographical location, has numerous influences, including Italian and Northern African, that have merged to create a unique heritage. From important archaeological sites to museums, annual festivals and celebrations, Sardinia has more than enough to keep any culture-vulture’s appetite whetted!
Excellent Infrastructure.
The infrastructure on the island is modern and well-integrated with the continent. With several major airports, ports and a relatively extensive public transport system on the island, Sardinia has the infrastructure in place to make getting from A to B easy and hassle-free. There is also an excellent healthcare system on the island so even older residents are well catered to in terms of any medical needs they may have.
The Most Popular Towns In Sardinia For Relocation.
The following are some of the most popular towns in Sardinia for relocation:
Cagliari.
Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia and has superb amenities, a buzzing culture and a long and interesting history to discover. There are numerous shops, supermarkets and farmers markets where you can buy your groceries while all the top fashion brands are represented on the high streets. Cagliari is renowned for its seafood and with plenty of restaurants and cafes to visit you’ll soon find yourself falling in love with Sardinian cuisine.
Some of the cultural highlights of Cagliari include the Museo Archeologico Nazionale which has a massive collection of ancient artifacts that have been unearthed on the island. Meanwhile, for an evening stroll after dinner, the Castello district is a beautiful example of traditional Sardinian architecture, with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses and lovely views over the city.
Cagliari is situated right on the coast so you can spend a sun-soaked on Poetta Beach or take a dip in the turquoise waters of the warm ocean. Cagliari’s Marina is popular with tourists and locals and is packed full of restaurants, shops and bars. Each year, the city hosts numerous festivals, concerts, theater shows and cultural events.
Life in Cagliari is the epitome of the Expatriate idyll, and with a strong community of fellow Expats you’ll always be able to ask for advice, get some support or simply make friends with other people from a similar background to yourself. It’s also easy to get from Cagliari to other European cities and with sunshine and warm temperatures all year round, living in Sardinia will feel like a full-time vacation.
Olbia.
Situated on the Northeastern coast of Sardinia, Olbia is a great choice for relocating Expats. The town has a thriving local economy that is primarily based on agriculture, tourism and the service sector which means there are lots of job opportunities for Expats, particularly if you are bilingual. The infrastructure of Olbia is modern and up-to-date and the large international airport means you can easily visit other parts of Europe or travel back home to see your family.
One of the town’s most beloved landmarks is the Romanesque Basilica di San Simplicio, a magnificent church that is wonderful to explore or visit for special services and events. Just off the coast of Olbia, the Isola di Tavolara is popular with locals who take day trips to the tiny island to spend the day on the pristine beach. You can also take boat tours to the Maddalena Archipelago, a nearby chain of islands, or visit Pittulongu Beach for a picnic by the sea.
The city hosts several major festivals throughout the year including the impressive Wine Festival, the inspiring Street Art Festival and the annual Jazz Festival which attracts some big names from the music scene.
Sassari.
Despite being the second largest town on the island, Sassari is often overlooked by relocating Expats. However, it’s a wonderful place to base yourself and has a great cultural heritage, superb local cuisine and a great shopping district where you can buy the latest fashions and shop for your groceries. The town has a well-integrated transport network that includes a train station and a nearby port, so it’s easy to travel to other parts of the island and beyond.
The Duomo di Sassari is one of the town’s major tourist attractions while the historic palace, the Palazzo Ducale, has stunning architecture and hosts some fantastic art exhibitions. If you’d like to relax by the coast then Platamona Beach has long stretches of sandy beaches and calm waters that are safe for children and young swimmers to play in. Each year, Sassari hosts popular cultural events including the Film Festival and the exciting Carnival of Sassari.
Alghero.
This charming town on the Northwestern coast of Sardinia is famous for its Catalan heritage, the lively atmosphere in the town’s nightlife and its spectacular beaches. The town is particularly popular with Expats from the UK but there are also a lot of Expats from the United States and other parts of Europe, such as Germany.
The town has extremely good amenities including an extensive healthcare system, great transport links, several international schools and plenty of supermarkets and shops to do your grocery shopping in. Alghero’s old town is one of the most beautiful parts of the city and with its medieval walls, narrow streets and stunning architecture you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped back in time. The Alghero promenade is the center of the town’s nightlife with trendy bars, relaxed restaurants and a nice selection of shops to browse through.
There are numerous nearby beaches, including Le Bombarde, Maria Pia and Lazzaretto, where you can spend a day in the sun or splash around in the sea. Despite the relatively small size of Alghero, the town hosts many festivals throughout the year including the Festival of Sant’Agostino, the Jazz Festival and the Catalan Festival.
Oristano.
This small town is perched on the West coast of Sardinia and is best known for its spectacular architecture, traditional festivals and charming old-worldly atmosphere. The town has a great community and Expats are well-integrated so if you decide to move to Oristano you can enjoy an authentic Italian lifestyle while still making Expat friends. The town has a famously slow pace of life which makes it perfect for anyone who wants to get away from the busy modern world.
Among Oristano’s top landmarks is the Torre di San Cristoforo, an impressive medieval tower in the historic center of the town. You can also explore the Gothic Cathedral of Oristano or take a trip to Sinis Peninsula, a delightful coastal area with beautiful scenery, lagoons and ancient ruins. One of the year’s cultural highlights is the Sartiglia, a fun horse racing event complete with medieval costumes, street vendors and a lively carnival atmosphere.
Sardinia – Haven For Your Life-Changing Relocation.
There are few places in the world that offer relocating Expats a higher standard of living than Sardinia. With stunning natural beauty, sweeping beaches and rugged coastlines, a welcoming local community and fascinating culture, Sardinia is a haven for relocating Expats.
The island boasts excellent transport links, a top quality healthcare system and all the modern conveniences you would expect. For anyone looking for a peaceful retirement or the chance to start fresh in a new country, Sardinia should be right at the top of your list for relocation.
