Which places in Sardinia are actually disappointing, and how much does expectation influence the experience?

In this episode, I look at some of the destinations visitors found underwhelming, from Porto Cervo and Cagliari to La Pelosa, Bosa and La Maddalena, and explain why timing, weather, crowds and social media can completely change how we see a place.

My blog is here: https://strictlysardinia.com/

Plan your trip

Car rental → https://www.discovercars.com/?a_aid=clautavani

Hotels and accommodation → https://booking.stay22.com/myadventuresacrosstheworld/5dotcQ2Wm1

Tours and activities → https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=1LKJLHM&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast

Need help planning your trip?

Book a one-hour travel consultation → https://calendly.com/claudia-strictlysardinia/sardinia-travel-consultation

Join my Facebook group → https://www.facebook.com/groups/sardiniatraveltips

Work with me

[email protected]

https://strictlysardinia.com/work-with-me-2/

The intro and outro of this podcast are brought to you by the Sardinian band Sa Ratapignata. You can listen to the full song “Bi Tui” on Spotify.

By Strictly Sardinia author Claudia Tavani.

How much of your Sardinia trip should you really plan?

In this episode, I explain why you should leave room for spontaneity during your trip to Sardinia and how this can make for a much better trip - whether that means changing plans because of strong wind or bad weather, staying longer in a place you fell in love with, or simply having time to enjoy chatting with locals.

I also explain why you really don’t need to see all of Sardinia in one trip.

My blog is here: https://strictlysardinia.com/

Plan your trip

Car rental → https://www.discovercars.com/?a_aid=clautavani

Hotels and accommodation → https://booking.stay22.com/myadventuresacrosstheworld/5dotcQ2Wm1

Tours and activities → https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=1LKJLHM&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast

Need help planning your trip?

Book a one-hour travel consultation → https://calendly.com/claudia-strictlysardinia/sardinia-travel-consultation

Join my Facebook group → https://www.facebook.com/groups/sardiniatraveltips

Work with me

[email protected]

https://strictlysardinia.com/work-with-me-2/

The intro and outro of this podcast are brought to you by the Sardinian band Sa Ratapignata. You can listen to the full song “Bi Tui” on Spotify.

By Strictly Sardinia author Claudia Tavani.

In this episode, I explore why tourism is important for Sardinia, but why it shouldn't be the only measure of a community's success. I discuss the difference between borghi and ordinary villages, why not every place needs to become a tourist destination, and why Sardinia is, first and foremost, a home to nearly 1.6 million people.

My blog is here: https://strictlysardinia.com/

Plan your trip

Car rental → https://www.discovercars.com/?a_aid=clautavani

Hotels and accommodation → https://booking.stay22.com/myadventuresacrosstheworld/5dotcQ2Wm1

Tours and activities → https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=1LKJLHM&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast

Need help planning your trip?

Book a one-hour travel consultation → https://calendly.com/claudia-strictlysardinia/sardinia-travel-consultation

Join my Facebook group → https://www.facebook.com/groups/sardiniatraveltips

Work with me

[email protected]

https://strictlysardinia.com/work-with-me-2/

The intro and outro of this podcast are brought to you by the Sardinian band Sa Ratapignata. You can listen to the full song “Bi Tui” on Spotify.

By Strictly Sardinia author Claudia Tavani.

Discover a side of Sardinia that most visitors never see.

In this episode, I take you to Serdiana, my mom's hometown and one of the island's best wine destinations. We'll explore its renowned wineries, beautiful Romanesque churches, traditional cuisine, and the peaceful countryside that makes it one of my favorite day trips from Cagliari.

Whether you're a wine lover or simply looking to experience a quieter, more local side of Sardinia, this episode will help you decide if Serdiana deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Read the full guide here: https://strictlysardinia.com/serdiana-sardinia-guide/

Plan your trip

Car rental → https://www.discovercars.com/?a_aid=clautavani

Hotels and accommodation → https://booking.stay22.com/myadventuresacrosstheworld/5dotcQ2Wm1

Tours and activities → https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=1LKJLHM&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast

Need help planning your trip?

Book a one-hour travel consultation → https://calendly.com/claudia-strictlysardinia/sardinia-travel-consultation

Join my Facebook group → https://www.facebook.com/groups/sardiniatraveltips

Work with me

[email protected]

https://strictlysardinia.com/work-with-me-2/

The intro and outro of this podcast are brought to you by the Sardinian band Sa Ratapignata. You can listen to the full song “Bi Tui” on Spotify.

By Strictly Sardinia author Claudia Tavani.

Are influencers really ruining Sardinia, or is the story more complicated than that?

In this episode, I share my thoughts on overtourism, social media, responsible travel, and why I believe education - not secrecy - is the key to protecting the island. I also explain how I approach my work as a Sardinia travel expert and why my goal has always been to help visitors explore the island responsibly.

For more practical tips and destination guides, visit Strictly Sardinia.

Plan your trip

Car rental → https://www.discovercars.com/?a_aid=clautavani

Hotels and accommodation → https://booking.stay22.com/myadventuresacrosstheworld/5dotcQ2Wm1

Tours and activities → https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=1LKJLHM&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast

Need help planning your trip?

Book a one-hour travel consultation → https://calendly.com/claudia-strictlysardinia/sardinia-travel-consultation

Join my Facebook group → https://www.facebook.com/groups/sardiniatraveltips

Work with me

[email protected]

https://strictlysardinia.com/work-with-me-2/

The intro and outro of this podcast are brought to you by the Sardinian band Sa Ratapignata. You can listen to the full song “Bi Tui” on Spotify.

By Strictly Sardinia author Claudia Tavani.

Trying to decide between the La Maddalena Archipelago and the Baunei Coast?

They're two of Sardinia's most famous destinations, but they offer completely different experiences.

In this episode, I compare everything you need to know before choosing between them: accessibility, beaches, boat trips, hiking, crowds, things to do beyond the beach, and who each destination is best suited for.

By the end of the episode, you'll know which one is the better fit for your trip—or whether you should visit both.

For more practical information, check out my complete guides:

• La Maddalena Archipelago: https://strictlysardinia.com/la-maddalena-sardinia/

• Gulf of Orosei / Baunei Coast: https://strictlysardinia.com/golfo-di-orosei-sardinia-guide/

Best La Maddalena boat tour - https://www.getyourguide.com/la-maddalena-l2430/from-palau-la-maddalena-archipelago-catamaran-tour-w-lunch-t444482/?partner_id=1LKJLHM&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast

Best Baunei Coast boat tour - https://www.getyourguide.com/arbatax-l4712/gulf-of-orosei-daily-excursion-on-a-sailing-boat-t461462/?partner_id=1LKJLHM&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast

Plan your trip

Car rental → https://www.discovercars.com/?a_aid=clautavani

Hotels and accommodation → https://booking.stay22.com/myadventuresacrosstheworld/5dotcQ2Wm1

Tours and activities → https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=1LKJLHM&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast

Need help planning your trip?

Book a one-hour travel consultation → https://calendly.com/claudia-strictlysardinia/sardinia-travel-consultation

Join my Facebook group → https://www.facebook.com/groups/sardiniatraveltips

Work with me

[email protected]

https://strictlysardinia.com/work-with-me-2/

The intro and outro of this podcast are brought to you by the Sardinian band Sa Ratapignata. You can listen to the full song “Bi Tui” on Spotify.

By Strictly Sardinia author Claudia Tavani.

Sardinia isn't a theme park—it's a real place where people live, work, raise families, and go about their daily lives.

In this episode, I explain how social media, algorithms, and unrealistic travel expectations have changed the way many people experience destinations, and why approaching Sardinia with curiosity and flexibility will almost always lead to a better trip.

For more practical tips and destination guides, visit Strictly Sardinia.

Plan your trip

Car rental → https://www.discovercars.com/?a_aid=clautavani

Hotels and accommodation → https://booking.stay22.com/myadventuresacrosstheworld/5dotcQ2Wm1

Tours and activities → https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=1LKJLHM&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast

Need help planning your trip?

Book a one-hour travel consultation → https://calendly.com/claudia-strictlysardinia/sardinia-travel-consultation

Join my Facebook group → https://www.facebook.com/groups/sardiniatraveltips

Work with me

[email protected]

https://strictlysardinia.com/work-with-me-2/

The intro and outro of this podcast are brought to you by the Sardinian band Sa Ratapignata. You can listen to the full song “Bi Tui” on Spotify.

By Strictly Sardinia author Claudia Tavani.

Is the Emerald Coast really the best place to visit in Sardinia? Or is it simply the island's most famous luxury destination?

In this episode, I explain what the Emerald Coast is, how it came to be, why it feels so different from the rest of Sardinia, and whether it's the right choice for your trip. I also compare it with some of my favourite coastal destinations, to help you decide which part of the island best matches your travel style.

For more information, don't forget to check out my detailed guides:

• Emerald Coast
• La Maddalena Archipelago
• San Teodoro
• Villasimius
• Costa Rei
• Gulf of Orosei

Plan your trip

Car rental → https://www.discovercars.com/?a_aid=clautavani

Hotels and accommodation → https://booking.stay22.com/myadventuresacrosstheworld/5dotcQ2Wm1

Tours and activities → https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=1LKJLHM&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast

Need help planning your trip?

Book a one-hour travel consultation → https://calendly.com/claudia-strictlysardinia/sardinia-travel-consultation

Join my Facebook group → https://www.facebook.com/groups/sardiniatraveltips

Work with me

[email protected]

https://strictlysardinia.com/work-with-me-2/

The intro and outro of this podcast are brought to you by the Sardinian band Sa Ratapignata. You can listen to the full song “Bi Tui” on Spotify.

By Strictly Sardinia author Claudia Tavani.

This wasn't the episode I had planned to record.

Whether you've been following Strictly Sardinia for years or you've only just discovered the blog or podcast, this episode is a little different. I share the story behind Strictly Sardinia, how I went from academia to becoming a full-time travel blogger and certified travel consultant, what goes on behind the scenes, and why I sometimes draw the line between answering a travel question and planning a personalised itinerary.

I hope it helps you get to know me—and Strictly Sardinia—a little better.

Plan your trip

Car rental → https://www.discovercars.com/?a_aid=clautavani

Hotels and accommodation → https://booking.stay22.com/myadventuresacrosstheworld/5dotcQ2Wm1

Tours and activities → https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=1LKJLHM&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast

Need help planning your trip?

Book a one-hour travel consultation → https://calendly.com/claudia-strictlysardinia/sardinia-travel-consultation

Join my Facebook group → https://www.facebook.com/groups/sardiniatraveltips

Work with me

[email protected]

https://strictlysardinia.com/work-with-me-2/

The intro and outro of this podcast are brought to you by the Sardinian band Sa Ratapignata. You can listen to the full song “Bi Tui” on Spotify.

By Strictly Sardinia author Claudia Tavani.

If you're planning a trip to Sardinia, choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Yet many visitors end up picking a base based on a beach photo rather than on the type of holiday they actually want.

In this episode, I compare Sardinia's three main gateways and explain the pros and cons of each.

You'll learn:

• Which destination is best for first-time visitors
• Whether you really need a car in each location
• Which base offers the easiest access to beaches
• Which city is best for food, culture, and local life
• Why Olbia is often chosen for its surroundings rather than the city itself
• Why Alghero appeals to so many travelers
• Why Cagliari remains my most recommended base for many first-time visitors
• When it makes sense to split your trip between two locations

I also discuss some of the most common mistakes travelers make when choosing where to stay and explain how to decide which destination best matches your travel style.

Useful links:

Cagliari Guide: https://strictlysardinia.com/things-to-do-in-cagliari-sardinia/

Alghero Guide: https://strictlysardinia.com/alghero-sardinia-guide/

Olbia Guide: https://strictlysardinia.com/guide-to-olbia-sardinia/

Plan your trip

Car rental → https://www.discovercars.com/?a_aid=clautavani

Hotels and accommodation → https://booking.stay22.com/myadventuresacrosstheworld/5dotcQ2Wm1

Tours and activities → https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=1LKJLHM&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=podcast

Need help planning your trip?

Book a one-hour travel consultation → https://calendly.com/claudia-strictlysardinia/sardinia-travel-consultation

Join my Facebook group → https://www.facebook.com/groups/sardiniatraveltips

Work with me

[email protected]

https://strictlysardinia.com/work-with-me-2/

The intro and outro of this podcast are brought to you by the Sardinian band Sa Ratapignata. You can listen to the full song “Bi Tui” on Spotify.

By Strictly Sardinia author Claudia Tavani.