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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Sardinia, Sicily or Puglia?

30 replies

pinksunsets · 05/06/2022 21:39

Originally wanted to go to the Amalfi coast or Cinque Terre but accommodation prices seem to be eye-watering for this summer. Ideally would love to find a beautiful beach with some nice restaurants and just chill there for a week or so. Does anyone have any recommendations? Seems like Sardinia, Sicily and Puglia might fit what I'm looking for - which region would you recommend?

I'm on a tight budget so not looking for something super swanky. Don't have kids either so that's not a consideration. Not bothered about nightlife. Would love somewhere relaxed and pretty with authentic food!

OP posts:
WooNoodle · 05/06/2022 22:02

Puglia

Original poster
pinksunsets · 05/06/2022 22:08

Anywhere in particular, WooNoodle?

OP posts:
AWOL66 · 05/06/2022 22:16

You really need to drive if you go to Sardinia as the popular beaches are too far to walk to. It was hard to do all there was to offer there and in surrounding areas without getting a coach/driving. The town was typically traditional Italian really pretty and there were really beautiful parts but it wasn't really my cup of tea enough to go again - I'd have liked a bit more energy and excitement. Maybe the lack of car was a factor but it felt a bit like I was missing out on some excitement somewhere else. I've not been to the others though.

Original poster
pinksunsets · 05/06/2022 22:53

That's good to know AWOL66 as I don't drive and would have to rely on public transport!

OP posts:
whattodo2019 · 05/06/2022 22:57

Sardinia.

JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon · 05/06/2022 23:07

Puglia is incredible but you would probably need to drive. I would recommend trips to Alberobello and Matera as well as the beautiful beaches.

Sicily is also lovely and there are lots of resort type locations that would suit as well as lovely places to visit.

2catsand2kids · 06/06/2022 06:16

Sardinia is absolutely gorgeous but definitely not cheap. We were supposed to be going this summer but have cancelled it and are going to Greece instead as the costs were just getting ridiculous.

user1494050295 · 06/06/2022 06:19

Alghero in Sardinia. Not too expensive. Lovely beaches and you can hire bikes too. Roads empty to safe to cycle. Stay in the old town.

MissAmbrosia · 06/06/2022 08:19

We are going to Puglia in September but on the beach front it seems to be mostly rocky coves. You can get the train up and down the coast from Bari though. Baia Sardinia is nice or Cannigione.

WooNoodle · 06/06/2022 08:20

Ah I agree Puglia only best if you can drive.

TizerorFizz · 06/06/2022 08:23

I think Sicily would be cheaper with better public transport. Sardinia is expensive. I think none are places to go on a tight budget.

JetTail · 06/06/2022 08:32

Sardegna is typically the posher crew. Sicilia is where the Camorra originate from (the Mafia originate from Napoli)and would be the one I would have most interest in going to. Both are islands obviously, but I'd personally have more interest in Sicilia. I just feel it would be more authentic. I know nothing about Puglia. If you just want beaches, I'm not sure that it would matter terribly.

JetTail · 06/06/2022 08:33

Lol, not that I'm recommending encounters with gangs 😂

JetTail · 06/06/2022 08:34

A lot of millionaires live in Sardegna I believe. Sicilia would be less spoiled? I think!

JetTail · 06/06/2022 08:36

In general, what interests you more? Beauty or authenticity?

In visiting New York, would you hit Manhattan or Harlem 😮?
Not that Sicilia is Harlem. Not at all.

JetTail · 06/06/2022 08:41

Sardegna and Sicilia would also be terribly proud of their respective cultures. Google the history perhaps? If you just a beach, there are cheaper places in Ibiza even which have fabulous beaches and are family oriented. San Antonio is party central, but there are other really quiet and beautiful places on Ibiza for e.g.

massistar · 06/06/2022 09:39

I've been to Vieste in Puglia and loved it. Sardinia is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been but we were staying in a posh resort in house belonging to DH's family which would be expensive I think. Was near San Teodoro.

We're off to Sicily this year as haven't been there as a family although DH did a season there as a young lad and loved it.

So any of them!

Georgyporky · 06/06/2022 11:22

We've stayed in Cagliari & Alghero in Sardinia, both very different. Easy to get around the local areas by public transport.
We hired a car the first time we went to Sicily, it would have been very difficult to go anywhere without one. The second holiday was a cheapie package, so there were coach trips available.

Geamhradh · 06/06/2022 14:04

Sardinia is where posh Italians go, and tends to be on the expensive side for Italy.
Sicily is definitely the one with most culture, historical Roman and Greek sites, ampitheatres etc
Puglia is up and coming tourist wise. The Gargano area is beautiful (Viests, Peschici etc) but you'd need a car probably to get from Bari airport up there. The Salento area is where most Italians holiday, lots of resorts, hotel complexes with beaches etc. Gallipoli is the Benidorm of Puglia, it's where families let their teenager kids go for their first experience of holidaying alone.
Decent (clean and with facilities) beaches will all be private.

I'd go for Sicily probably. (I live in Puglia)

Original poster
pinksunsets · 06/06/2022 18:27

JetTail · 06/06/2022 08:36

In general, what interests you more? Beauty or authenticity?

In visiting New York, would you hit Manhattan or Harlem 😮?
Not that Sicilia is Harlem. Not at all.

I'd say I was more Harlem than Manhattan although I'd like both beauty and authenticity please! :)

OP posts:
Original poster
pinksunsets · 06/06/2022 18:31

Geamhradh · 06/06/2022 14:04

Sardinia is where posh Italians go, and tends to be on the expensive side for Italy.
Sicily is definitely the one with most culture, historical Roman and Greek sites, ampitheatres etc
Puglia is up and coming tourist wise. The Gargano area is beautiful (Viests, Peschici etc) but you'd need a car probably to get from Bari airport up there. The Salento area is where most Italians holiday, lots of resorts, hotel complexes with beaches etc. Gallipoli is the Benidorm of Puglia, it's where families let their teenager kids go for their first experience of holidaying alone.
Decent (clean and with facilities) beaches will all be private.

I'd go for Sicily probably. (I live in Puglia)

Interesting...! I was actually leaning towards Puglia (Matera, Lecce, Polignano a Mare sound lovely) but your description of Gallipoli is not very appealing. I have to say Sicily is the one I know least about but it seems like most people on here are recommending it. Will need to get researching!

OP posts:
JetTail · 07/06/2022 00:03

pinksunsets · 06/06/2022 18:27

I'd say I was more Harlem than Manhattan although I'd like both beauty and authenticity please! :)

Show quote history

Sicilia. Without a doubt.

AWOL66 · 14/06/2022 22:59

Sorry I realised when I commented I didn't say which town I went to in Sardinia - I went to Cagliari! :-)

MiniMaxi · 14/06/2022 23:14

I have no idea how you’d get around without a car OP (may well be possible but I don’t know). I love Puglia. Recommend Lecce, Otranto, Ostuni & nearby beaches, Cisternino, and Bari had an amazing vibe the nights we were there.

poppym12 · 14/06/2022 23:33

I love all three but relying on public transport I'd probably go to Sicily. Puglia would be difficult without a car, as would Sardinia unless you wanted to stay around the same area.