Strictly Sardinia

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.

Drawing on a real conversation with visitors at Olbia Airport, she explains why choosing where to stay based on beach rankings is often a mistake, why social media has created a beach checklist mentality, and why so many travelers end up disappointed by crowds at Sardinia's most famous beaches.

You'll also hear why locals don't think in terms of "the best beaches," why hidden gems are often not what people actually want, and why the best beach day of your holiday may happen at a beach you've never even heard of.

In this episode:

• Why "the best beaches are in the north" is a myth
• Why famous beaches attract crowds
• The hidden gem paradox
• Why social media is changing the way people travel
• Why the closest beach is often the best beach
• Why you shouldn't try to see all of Sardinia in one trip
• How to choose the right base for your travel style

Read more on Strictly Sardinia: 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.

August is the busiest month of the year on the island. The sea is warm, the beaches are spectacular, and there are festivals and events happening everywhere. But it's also the month of Ferragosto, crowded beaches, busy roads, and high prices.

In this episode, I explain what Sardinia is really like in August, who should visit, who may be happier traveling in a different month, and the biggest mistakes visitors make every summer.

Read the full blog post here: https://strictlysardinia.com/sardinia-in-august/

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.

🎧 Episode Description — Authentic Sardinia

What does “Authentic Sardinia” actually mean?

In this episode, I talk about one of the most overused — and misunderstood — expressions in Sardinia travel.

We hear about:

• authentic villages
• authentic food
• authentic experiences
• hidden gems

all the time.

But Sardinia is not a museum or a theme park built around tourist expectations. It’s a living place — and in this episode, I explain what visitors often misunderstand when searching for the “real” Sardinia.

I also talk about:

• overtourism
• social media expectations
• inland Sardinia
• agriturismi
• the Emerald Coast
• and why slower travel usually leads to a much more meaningful experience on the island.

Read more Sardinia travel tips on my blog: https://strictlysardinia.com/

In this episode:

• Why “Authentic Sardinia” is often romanticized
• Why Sardinia is not frozen in time
• How tourism changes places
• The problem with “hidden gems”
• Why inland Sardinia feels different
• What tourists misunderstand about Sardinian food
• Why slower travel works better in Sardinia
• Social media vs reality

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 is one of the most misunderstood destinations in Europe.

In this episode, I talk about the mistakes tourists make when planning a trip to Sardinia — from underestimating driving times and trying to see the whole island in one week, to unrealistic expectations about beaches, public transport, and “authentic” experiences.

If you are planning a trip to Sardinia this summer, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes and enjoy the island much more.

Read more Sardinia travel tips on my blog: https://strictlysardinia.com/

In this episode:

• Why Sardinia is much bigger than people think
• The biggest itinerary mistakes tourists make
• Why public transport is often not enough
• What people misunderstand about the Emerald Coast
• “Authentic Sardinia” and unrealistic expectations
• Why famous beaches require more planning than expected
• What August in Sardinia is really like
• Why Sardinia rewards slower travel

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.