Under $100: Sardinia, Italy

Believe it or not, Italy on a budget is possible on the island of Sardinia. Located in the Western Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is the second-largest island and an autonomous region of Italy. While the beautiful destination boasts many similarities to its parent country, it maintains its own history and cultural traditions.

Some of the most beautiful things to see and memorable things to do in Sardinia come at little to no cost. Unlike several areas of Italy’s mainland, Sardinia is not vulnerable to earthquakes, so there are impressive ancient monuments that remain standing and are free to explore. Explore the ruins of Tharros, an ancient Phoenician-Roman port city abandoned in 1000 AD, located on the northern promontory of the Gulf of Oristano, or the ruins of Su Nuraxi Barumini, a UNECO World Heritage Site. The island is also home to three national parks boasting beautiful natural landscapes ideal for hiking, kayaking and other outdoor activities.

Just a couple miles north of Stintino is Spiaggia della Pelosa, an idyllic beach with white sand and shallow turquoise water, surrounded by scenic rocky landscapes. Another beautiful beach free to visit is Cala Goloritzè, which boasts unique limestone formations along the cliffside above the picturesque sandy shoreline.

For only $5, visit the Complesso Nuragico e Pozzo Sacro di Sana Cristina, a sacred Christian village built 900–1100 BC. For a taste of Sardinian agricultural life, visit the Parco Museo S’Abba Frisca outdoor museum, boasting a variety of plants, animals, artifacts and other elements of the island’s past, all for less than $10. For less than $5, discover the Citadel of Castelsardo, a stunning, well-preserved castle overlooking a charming town of stone streets and winding alleyways.

For an authentic Sardinian culinary experience, visit Terradome, located just outside the center of Uta. The restaurant features a garden and sun terrace and offers dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Panina Rustica is a great option for a quick, delicious and satisfying panini, and Trattoria Portixedda, located in Oristano, offers some of the best traditional seafood dishes at low prices.

The island of Sardinia has a well-developed road network connecting the island’s main towns. Some of the smaller territories are only accessible by car, so rental is a great way to go. There are also public transport buses that reach every town and run at least once a day for only a couple dollars.