Sardinia is an island in the Mediterranean located in the south of Italy. It's a region of contrasts, with magnificent natural landscapes, a rich culture and preserved local traditions. If you're tempted by the idea of settling here, it will surely be because of the many advantages offered by the second largest island in the Mediterranean. To help motivate you in your plans, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'd like to share with you my 9 good reasons for moving to Sardinia.
Wild and unspoilt nature
Sardinia is an island in the Mediterranean with many unspoilt natural landscapes, including mountains, beaches, lakes and forests. It's an ideal place for those who love nature and outdoor sports.
The island has been preserved from mass tourism and is large enough not to be 'polluted' by foreign pensioners, digital nomads or tourists. Some places are very difficult to get to, which makes discovering them all the more rewarding. Sardinia is a wild island, and it wants to stay that way.
Gastronomy
Sardinia is renowned for its tasty and varied cuisine, with dishes based on fish, meat, vegetables and local cheeses. The life expectancy of the locals is among the highest in the world, and its cuisine goes a long way to explaining this. The region is also renowned for its craft wines and beers.
Here are just a few of Sardinia's culinary specialities:
- Porceddu: a suckling pig cooked on a spit, often served at celebrations or family events.
- Malloreddus: a type of gnocchi made with durum wheat semolina and water, often served with meat or vegetable ragout.
- Pane carasau: this is a kind of flat, crusty bread, often used to accompany dishes in sauce or to be dipped in soups.
- Sebadas: a pastry made with bread dough and cheese, often served hot with honey or jam.
- Culurgiones: a kind of ravioli stuffed with potatoes, cheese and onions, often served with butter and Parmesan.
- Pecorino sardo: this is a sheep's milk cheese typical of Sardinia, often served sliced or grated over pasta or vegetables.
There are many other culinary specialities in Sardinia, depending on the region and the season. Don't hesitate to try some of the local dishes during your stay on the island!
Culture & history
Sardinia is an island rich in history and culture, with numerous archaeological sites, museums and festivals to discover local traditions. If you love ancient civilisations then you'll be delighted.
Here are just a few of the historic sites to visit in Sardinia:
- The Su Nuraxi nuraghe: this is a Nuraghic archaeological site located in Barumini, comprising a complex of towers and buildings dating back to the Bronze Age. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The archaeological site of Tharros: an ancient Phoenician and Roman port on the west coast of the island, with remains of temples, houses and baths.
- Castelsardo Castle: a medieval fortress on a cliff overlooking the sea, with panoramic views of the coast. Today it houses a museum and local crafts.
- The Museum of Mineralogy and Palaeontology: this museum in Cagliari features a collection of fossils and minerals from Sardinia, as well as exhibitions on the island's history.
- Church of San Giovanni di Sinis: a Romanesque church on the west coast of the island, with 12th-century frescoes and a beautiful view of the sea.
Quality of life
Sardinia is a great place to live, with a pleasant climate, friendly people and a wide range of high-quality services. Add to this a high life expectancy and delicious cuisine, and Sardinia ticks almost all the boxes for a destination with a high quality of life. Of course, like everywhere else, quality of life depends on income, but there are some things you can't buy, and Sardinia has them for you.
Before tackling the next point, let me remind you that the first and most important step to take before moving to Italy is to obtain your Codice Fiscale, your Italian tax number. Without it, it's impossible to work, find accommodation or open a bank account. I can do this for you, remotely and in just a few clicks. Check out my service by clicking here.
Water sports
If you love water sports, then Sardinia could be your ideal destination. Bordered on all sides by the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts, with numerous beaches and spots for surfing, diving and sailing.
Its crystal-clear turquoise waters, combined with endless beaches of fine sand, make Sardinia an ideal place for anyone who loves water and water sports. Even the dolphins make a point of it!
Cost of living
In general, the cost of living in Sardinia is lower than in the coastal regions of mainland Italy, making it an attractive place for those looking to live more cheaply. Although some of the island's tourist spots, particularly in the north, can be as expensive as other European regions, the region is large enough to offer inexpensive accommodation, whether for buying or renting.
What's more, the ease with which you can find local, quality produce means that eating well is not expensive in Sardinia, with fruit and vegetables at your fingertips.
Life is good in Sardinia
Sardinian hospitality
The people of Sardinia are renowned for their warm hospitality and friendly welcome. They love to share their culture and traditions with visitors and are often willing to help or give advice to tourists. In Sardinia, it is common to greet each other with a handshake and to invite each other for a drink or to sample the local culinary specialities. The island's inhabitants are also very attached to their family and friends, and enjoy spending time in their company. If you visit Sardinia, you're sure to be charmed by the hospitality and friendliness of the island's inhabitants.
Diversity of activities
Sardinia offers a wide range of activities to suit all tastes, including outdoor sports, hiking, diving, sailing, golf and much more. It's worth noting that the island takes full advantage of its geographical position and relief, even offering the possibility of skiing in winter!
For those who prefer tranquillity, Sardinia is also a destination not to be missed, with its many villages, churches and traditional festivals to discover.
Economic potential
I have to be honest: Sardinia is not New York or even Milan. The island still suffers from a lower level of development than northern Italy, although things are moving in the right direction. The island is a developing region, with many job opportunities in different sectors, and attractive tax incentives. Sardinia is also renowned for its craft industry, with many workshops producing quality goods that have preserved skills that are sometimes thousands of years old.
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I've given you my 9 good reasons for moving to Sardinia, there are of course others such as its architecture, its festivals or its wildlife, but it would be difficult to cover everything in a single article, and everyone must discover their own good reasons for moving to Sardinia.
