In recent years, several low-cost airlines have begun offering low-cost flights from all over Europe to Sardinia. Fares are very cheap, and you may be tempted to book and then sort out your accommodation.

DON'T! Make sure you have somewhere to stay before you book your flight. This is especially true in August, but reasonably priced, decent accommodation is becoming harder to find at other times, especially from May to September in the popular areas, because of the increase in numbers these flights are bringing. Sardinia is really not geared up to mass tourism (and the new Regional Government has pledged to make sure it never is) and the facilities can be stretched to the limit and beyond at times. It is always possible to find quiet, secluded areas, even at the peak of the tourist season, but this requires booking well in advance.

It is usually possible to find something at the last minute, but location or quality might not be the best, and the price being asked, especially in the high season, will suddenly make that low-cost break very expensive.

From November to March you shouldn't have a problem finding somewhere to stay, although it should be pointed out that many places are open only seasonally, and may be closed for all or part of this time. Restaurants too tend to close for annual holidays in December and/or January, although many do re-open for the festive season.

If you have already booked your flights and are searching for accommodation, persevere. You will find something, but you may have to alter your requirements a bit. For example, you may need to look inland, or well away from the more popular coastal areas, and hire a car to get around.