Q. How do I get keys for the Apartments and Villas?
A. If you have rented a private villa or apartment you will be contacted by email or phone before your departure and advised of how/where to collect the keys and pay your security deposit.
Q. How do I know where the accommodation is?
A. Log onto the www.sardiniahotelsdirect.com website and go to your accommodation page, then click on the location map.
Q. Is it expensive to eat out?
A. The cost of eating out is about the same as in the UK and prices vary depending on the type of restaurant. You can eat out in typical Italian pizzerias cheaply, with a large pizza costing from 5–8 euros each and a carafe of wine about 8–10 euros for 1 litre. At the other end of the scale, seafood restaurants can be pricey with fresh fish being charged per kilo. Most restaurants display their menus outside so you can check the price before sitting down. Like the rest of Italy, most restaurants make a cover charge per person.
Q. What is the difference between north and south of the island?
A. The whole island is beautiful, however the main difference is the scenery. In the north the beaches tend to be small sandy coves and bays with clear blue sea, particularly turquoise in the north east with amazing rock formations and the Maddalena islands and National Marine Park to explore. Although there are mountains all over the island, in the south they extend nearer the coast especially along the east coast where cliffs plunge into the emerald sea with satellite white sand beaches interspersed which can be long stretches in places eg Costa Rei (SE) and at Chia (SW).
Q. How big is the island?
A. The island is about the size of Wales – it is the second biggest island in the Med (after Sicily) 24,090 sq km (9,300 sq miles).
Q. How long does it take to drive from north to south and east to west?
A. It takes about 4 hours to drive from the north to the south, and about 1½ hours from west to east as from Alghero (NW) to Olbia (NE). There are no motorways as such but good A roads such as from Sassari to Cagliari and from Sassari to Olbia.
Q. What are the roads like and driving in Sardinia?
A. Driving in Sardinia is quite easy. There is less traffic than in the UK (except in Cagliari, the capital). There are plenty of road signs but we recommend you buy a map. The roads can be quite windy in some of the more mountainous areas. Don't forget they drive on the right and it is Italian law to drive with your lights on at all times.
Q. What is full board?
A. Full board includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Q. What is half board?
A. Half board includes breakfast and dinner.
Q. What is the sea temperature like?
A. The sea temperature is obviously warmest in July and August and generally stays warm in September and October. Although the outside temperatures can be high in May and June, the sea is usually cooler and generally takes until July to really warm up.
Q. What is the time difference?
A. Sardinia time is one hour ahead of the UK (GMT).
Q. Can you buy 'normal' baby food, baby milk and nappies in Sardinia?
A. Baby food can be bought in local supermarkets and pharmacies, however it is unusual to find the same brands as in the UK. Nappies can also be found in local supermarkets. Baby milk is only sold in pharmacies behind the counter on request and beware it is very expensive and you are unlikely to find the same brands as in the UK so do take your own.
Q. Do many people speak English?
A. Quite a few Italians will speak a little English in local restaurants (menus are often translated into English) and shops if you are in an area which attracts tourists. In the hotels there is almost always English speaking staff. Inland fewer people will speak English.
Q. How many English people are there compared to other nationalities in Sardinia on holiday?
A. There is a mix of nationalities visiting Sardinia but predominantly Italians holiday in Sardinia particularly in August. There is a growing number of English visiting Sardinia with a mix of French, Scandinavian and Germans but no majority of one nationality over another.
Q. Are there lots of mosquitoes?
A. There are no more mosquitoes in Sardinia than any other Mediterranean island and some areas and some hotels/resorts are sprayed in the summer months to alleviate any problem. It is worthwhile taking precautions eg insect repellent particularly at dusk if you or your family tend to get bitten and use an electric repellent plug in your bedrooms.
Q. Is there a difference in temperature between north and south?
A. There is a slight difference in temperature, the south being 2 or 3 degrees centigrade warmer.
Q. How many airports are there?
A. There are three main airports, Alghero (north west), Olbia (north east) and Cagliari (south).
Q. Are the cars air conditioned?
A. Yes, all our cars have air conditioning.
Q. Will the hotels cater for food allergies?
A. Most hotels are very accommodating and are used to catering for a whole range of tastes. However, if you have a severe food allergy it is best to let us know so we can contact the hotel before you go. You must also speak to the hotel when you arrive.
Q. Are there kettles?
A. It is unusual to find kettles in Sardinia, so if you like a cup of tea in the morning it is best to take your own travel kettle.
Q. What plug sockets do they use in Sardinia?
A. 2pin 220–240volts. You will need to take a standard European plug adapter on holiday with you.
Q. What is an Agriturismo?
A. Agriturismi are usually found in the countryside and can be farms, guesthouses, bed & breakfast and most commonly restaurants. They usually offer a set menu dinner (about 30 euro per person) with local traditional cuisine using either home or locally grown/produced ingredients. In Sardinia expect anti–pasta with cured hams, sausage, salami, cheese, olives, bread etc, followed by traditional home made pasta with ricotta cheese and tomato and basil sauce, followed by roasted suckling pig and rosemary potatoes and for sweet seadas which is a pancake usually served with local honey and home made biscuits. Locally produced wine is served by the jug.
Q. When is siesta and what will be open when?
A. This varies in different areas, but can be any time between 12 noon and 4 pm, when most shops will be closed but most shops open again between 4 or 5pm and 7 or 8pm.
Q. Can I go on holiday to Sardinia in the winter?
A. The island is seasonal and most hotels are open from April/May to September/October. However, we do offer some hotels, particularly in the larger airport towns, which are open all year round and some hotels, villas and apartments that open earlier to take advantage of the lovely spring weather.
Q. How long do I need left on my passport to travel to Sardinia?
A. You should make sure the date you are travelling home is before the expiry date of your passport.