8 things you should know before moving to Sardinia, Italy

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Sardinia_MapThis blog My Sardinian Life receives daily hits from people looking to move to Sardinia, Italy. So, I’ve compiled a little list for those out there searching for a life less ordinary in paradise. The search engine terms which brought people to my little blog are always written in English: Sardinia cost of living, move to Sardinia, jobs Sardinia and so on.

Canada, England, Australia and America want ‘in’ on this little island secret but before you pack your bags, take these pointers into consideration. My intention with this post is to put into perspective what day-to-day life is like on the most stunning island in the world – Sardinia, Italy. Disclaimer: these are just my opinions. 

8 things you should know before moving to Sardinia, Italy

  • The grass is NOT always greener on the other side. Life has its ups and downs all over the world, and living in Sardinia is not going to take your downs away. Be sure you are making the move for the right reasons. Question everything! Have no fear!
  • Visit the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your home country before setting foot on the plane.
  • For Australian/American and Canadian citizens looking to work in Sardinia, Italy. As a tourist, you are granted a 90-day tourist visa. See this awesome post by my Australian friend who lives in Bagni di Lucca, Italy. She explains it perfectly in her post titled: Getting a visa for a long stay in Italy. This link is directed to Australian citizens, please check with the Italian Embassy or Consulate where you have residency for up-to-date information. Click here for a list of Italian Consulates in Canada. Here for a list of Italian Consulate/Embassy in Australia. If you know the links for the Italian Embassies or Consulates in England or The United States then please leave the link in the comment section below. Thank you!
  • Looking for a job? Good luck, most of the country is out of work and in Sardinia, it’s even worse. The unemployment rate for the fourth quarter of 2008 was 8.6%, by 2012 the unemployment rate increased to 14.6%! The rise in unemployment was due to the global financial crisis that hit Sardinian exports, mainly focused on refined oil, chemical products, and also mining and metallurgical products.
  • Living – Do you want to live in one of the stunning, small and rugged towns or do you prefer larger cities where everything is easily accessible? There will be more opportunities in the larger towns in Sardinia than the rural areas, however, you will need to apply for work while you are still in your home country then have your employer start the paperwork for your work visa. Please check out this super fabulous post by Sara Rosso titled – Help! How Do I Live and Work in Italy? Sara has lived in Italy for like a billion years and she knows what she’s talking about. Be sure to give her a click over at Ms. Adventures in Italy. You won’t be disappointed with what you find over there.
  • What are the best work sectors in Sardinia? Agriculture, fishing, construction, mining and tourism. If you’re experienced and speak Italian and are looking for seasonal work try a basic google search for hotels in Sardinia, find their email and drop them a résumé. Last year, I worked in a 4-star chain of popular hotels as a waitress. The pay was €1500 a month, seven days a week, every day was a split shift and I worked about 10 hours a day.

Source: Wikipedia

  • 2013 is the year where everyone suffers from the worldwide financial crisis and there is no exception for Sardinia. I’ve lived here for 5.5 years and can honestly say that this year will be a hard one. Over the past few years, I’ve watched in angst as the number of tourists dwindled. We are now in our first week of July and when I walk into town it’s empty but for the local shopkeepers. My little town used to fill up with eager tourists lining the streets for local pecornio, gelato or pane, not this year.
  • Speaking Italian. As a tourist, you will be fine journeying through this lovely island, as an expat you will find it difficult to get by on a day-to-day basis without speaking or understanding Italian. English is not spoken nor used in Sardinia. Sure, there are other expats who speak English in Sardinia but the locals … forget it. You’ll be lucky if they even speak Italian! There are over 200 distinctly different dialects spoken in Sardinia and the further away you are from touristy places, you’ll hear less and less Italian. I am greeted daily in the local dialect, my neighbours speak to me in dialect, when I go into town all I hear is dialect. To understand dialect you will need to first understand Italian, and my advice is to take a course before you come or study hard, like I did, on your own.
  • Cost of living. It’s expensive. Very expensive. In the six months, I was in Cayman, the price for a bag of potatoes increased to €o.70! Oh, snap! That’s all sorts of crazy bullshit! Today’s Gas Special is €1,74 a litre. $2.38 CAD a litre. $2.48 AUD a litre, you get the picture, riight? Please check out two posts I wrote last year titled: Cost of Living 2012 | Sardinia, Italy and The Daily Groceries | Sardinia Italy for more detailed day-to-day expenses.

I sincerely hope this post puts some things into perspective for the people searching to move to Sardinia. It’s not easy and it’s not all fun and games. If your dream and desire are big enough to make it come true then do it!

Have I missed any important points for someone searching to live in Sardinia? Please tell me in the comment section below.

Is it your dream to live la dolce vita? I’d love to hear about your journey in the comment section below.

141 thoughts on “8 things you should know before moving to Sardinia, Italy”

  1. Hey everyone
    I thinking about mooving to sardinia too. The weather, the sea, food, and also i found a bachelor that looks interesting I Think i Will study in sassari .. and be Living in algehero?
    I would say om a little bit frightened abort the unemplyment rate. But maybe it is something that Can chance in the future?
    I would love to Hear from someone Will help me with some good advices

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  2. Well, I’m Sardinian and I’m very surprised about the article. Especially about the language in Sardinia.

    I have to admit the Italians often can’t speak English or they speak a terrible English. I have the same problem; sorry. Anyway, I want to try to explain my opinion about the article.
    The italian school understates this subject; besides, it’s very difficult for latin people to learn the not-latin languages. I studied also French for only three years and I realized it’s more simple. I have no problem to understand English text, but it’s different to write in English and most of all it’s difficult to understand someone who speaks English. English words are too short to be recognized; we are used to long words.
    Of course, this is a problem only for all the Sardinians and Italians that usually don’t speak English. It’s different when they practice it.
    On the other hand, the problem doesn’t depend on the level of education. I’m an engineer and the italian engineriing university is very hard (more than any european or american university); only the best students can become engineers in Italy.

    Anyway I’m totally disagree about the dialects.
    First of all, every Sardinian speaks italian and often he does it better than the other Italians. Maybe because the sardinian language is a latin language, as Italian, French, Spanish; it’s not an italian dialect as the roman one, the sicilian one, ecc. So Sardinians recognize the differences between italian and sardinian languages.
    The sardinian dialects are spoken only in the villages and only among relatives or friends. When I work in any village (I was born and live in Cagliari), nobody dares his dialect; such confidence would be a rudeness, but Sardinians are polite and respectful people.
    Again, many Sardinians can’t speak any dialect, because the sardinian dialects aren’t teached at school. If any parent or grandparent is not a Sardinian, the family can’t use its dialect and so sons and daughters will never learn it; this is a common case in the sardinian cities and so the dialects are rarely used there.

    So, don’t worry for the language or any other thing. You will easily find who speaks English; sometimes a good English and sometimes a bad, but enough, English.
    Sardinia is a friendly land for every people. No matter your country. It has been like this for thousands of years and it will be for the future.

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    • Sorry, but I need correct my post in the middle.

      I wrote:
      […] every Sardinian speaks italian and often he does it better than the other Italians […]
      I should write:
      […] every Sardinian CAN speak italian and usually he does it better than the other Italians […]

      Indeed, rural Sardinians usually speak their dialects in their villages, because they know each other. But everybody can speak italian, when they need to talk to someone who they don’t know.

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      • Where I live in Sardinia many people at times do not understand Italian language that is fine with me, people in villages who just speak their dialects and most do many have forgotten the Italian language just a habit so many do not understand what I say in Romano or Italian so I have to speak slowly ,this is more in the country.

    • Hi. Me and my husband have a holiday home in Costa Paradiso (not too far from Santa Teresa di Gallura). We spend as much time as we can there – hopefully much more when my husband finally retires!
      I’ve always loved languages and decided to learn Italian when we found our house 15 years ago. It’s such a beautiful language! I’m by no means fluent – but I’ve found Sardinians are without exception always pleased to help either of us if we can’t find the right word/phrase/grammar. They also often express their delight that an English couple have made the effort to learn the language. Personally I find many English speakers from any country be it UK, USA or Australia just expect other nations to learn English! So if you are considering visiting Sardinia please at least try and learn some basic phrases to help you get by.

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      • Hello Jayne
        I have lived in Italy half of my life my husband was from Rome my children our half half I am from the Uk .I moved to Sardinia ten years ago from Rome,where you have your home is very different to where I live in Sardinia my area is not touristy and the locals on the whole speak a very strong dialect and speak only that so I had to do my best as few understood my fluent Italian!!! In some villages speak a very interesting more Catalan dialects but Gallora Costa Paridiso our very different places and have many mainland Italians visiting and livening there and Costa Smeralda is a world away from hear a lot of culture has been lost those parts of Sardinia along the coastline ,I have to say in many places in Sardinia many do not really speak Italian like on the continent as Italian is not spoken on a daily basis .I have to speak slowly and clearly in Italian for people to catch what I say especially the elderly.I work teaching and I work voluntary around small villages with the church .
        Sincerely Rosalie

      • Hi Rosalie. I appreciate that Costa Paradiso is more touristy – but it is nothing like Costa Smeralda! We have made many locals in Trinità d’Agultu who I consider to be dear friends. My point was just a general one that I think English speaking people from whatever part of the world should make more of an effort to learn the language of any countries they intend to settle in, instead of looking for areas where people will understand and speak English! Just my own opinion obviously.

      • Thank you Jayne you out right about this, my reply was not so much to you but in general to who have written in ,yes we have to make the effort I am glad that I learnt Italian when I was 20 or so ,now I am not interested in learning languages I am 65 ,I am picking up the dialect hear slowly but I am not making much effort ,but yes to live anywhere it is important to speak the language where we choose to move too it would be rather difficult not being able to communicate.Loverly to think you our so happy hear, me too.
        Sincerely Rosalie.

      • When I first moved here, 12 years ago, I could say pizza, pasta and ciao! It was a lonely time, no friends etc. Then I buckled down and studied at home, learnt the language and finally met a friend. It was hard work but I did it. I don’t speak the local dialect but understand it 100%. I will say a few words to my husband and he laughs and laughs.

    • I agree with you! I don’t find a problem using general Italian to communicate with Sardinians. Sardinian language is more commonly used among the older folks in small towns and in fact, as to my understanding, is also quickly becoming a lost language considering the lack of use by the yiunger generations. I’m always trying to learn more Sardinian and also to advocate for more instruction to the younger generations so as to keep this beautiful language alive! As long as you know some Italian, you’ll get by. And many Sardinians are not only beginning to learn English, but it is being taught to the kids in preschool as early as 4 years old! My 4 year old starts English instruction at preschool next month! I have also carried on full English conversation with seemingly fluent 11 year olds thanks to their instruction in school! The Sardinians are striving harder to learn English… They have a great desire to learn thanks to tourism! I can’t tell you how many times I have been approached to provide lessons! In fact, many Americans and even myself have found work in this field! So if you speak fluent English, your need to find a job has just been made that much easier!

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      • I have to tell you all that it is not correct the last blog that Sardian language is dying, where I live young old middle age everyone speaks it some of our Holy masses our Sardo,the language will not die out, and the people our proud to keep it.I am Scottish ,Gaelic is coming back hooray.
        I teach hear and many young people our in the uk ,Los Angeles, Holland and all coming home fluent in English hooray.

      • Rosalie – I totally agree with you. The locals have even begun to speak it with me. 😉 It’s their first language, it’s strong and not going anywhere.

      • My husband is Sardinian, and like many from his generation, they are not speaking it. They still understand it because their grandparents who are still living still speak it. But his mother and he and his friends do not, aside from swear words. As a result, though they understand it to hear it when their grandparents are speaking it, they themselves, cannot carry out a conversation in Sardinian. This is apparent to me that the language is indeed dying with the lack of use from younger generations. There was even a local TV program about its decline. I speak from accuracy, I promise. And it saddens me as much as anyone else. This is why I encourage all of my Sardinian friends to try to integrate the culture of this language into the school’s here. So that it won’t die off as many other dialectical languages through the times and from all over the world have. Yes, it is still here, with out older Sardinians when speaking among each other and with their children and grandchildren. But if you stop, listen and pay attention, the children are not responding in Sardinian, but in Italian aside from the more commonly used words such as eja and ajò.

      • I honestly think it depends largely on where you live. My stepdaughter is 22 years old, and she speaks dialect to her parents and everyone from town. When I pass kids on the street, they too, are speaking dialect. I believe you when you say you speak from experience, I’ve seen the tv program. In some schools the have in fact, started to implement ‘Sardo’ language studies into the curriculum.

      • Oh I’m so happy to hear this. Just to be sure I wasn’t wrong on a few details, I went then to ask around to my Sardinian friends and family what their thoughts were. They say it’s been a 20 year long controversial decision whether or not to introduce the Sardinian language studies in the school systems. Guess it hasn’t caught on everywhere. May I ask what province you are in?

      • I totally agree! Thanks for the excellent comment. As an ESL teacher in Sardinia, I can also see the desire to learn English. It’s an excellent tool to have, and Italian kids today know this, thanks to social media.

        Where I live, 100% Italian is spoken directly to me in my day-to-day errands. However, the moment locals speak with each other they speak in dialect, all ages. Just this morning while waiting at the doctors office, a woman stopped talking (dialect) and turned to me and asked in Italian, “ma capisce dialetto?” Do you understand dialect? She asked me. I told her yes.

  3. Jennifer, great article with many helpful facts! Thank you for the energy you put into this post. My partner and I are looking to visit Sardinia next year during May or June to experience the island’s kitesurfing. Can you recommend where to look for budget rental options?

    Many thanks! Can’t wait to explore such an amazing place:)

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    • Thank you for such kind words. Unfortunately, I don’t know where you could look for budget rentals. Are you looking to rent a car, an apartment or…? And what area will you be visiting? May and June are my favourite months on the island, it’s not too hot and not many tourists around yet. I hope you have an excellent time here.

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    • Destiny, if u renting a car then u can rent b&b or agroturismo places as u go, just rent something for first few days (not sure how many u will have) and after rent as u go. Some of my friends do that every year. It’s not expensive during May or June.

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  4. Pingback: Ollolai, Italy: The small Sardinian town selling homes for €1 «

  5. I am Italian Amarican running a bed and breakfast in the US. My husband and I and our children are looking at possibly moving to Sardinia and finding a bed and breakfast to run? I do speak Italian enough to get by I guess you would say. What are your thoughts and also what area would give us country charm with ocean near by where tourist like to visit

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    • Hello, sounds like a great endeavour. My only concern would be the winter months when Sardinia closes up shop for the season. There’s not much going on here tourist wise from October to May-ish and a lot of B&B’s, hotels close for the season. It would be hard to fill your rooms during the winter especially more centred in the country. So, if you don’t mind that – then I can suggest a lot of places. Do you have any idea whereabouts on the island you’d like to be?

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  6. Hi Jennifer – Not so long ago I woke and said that I want to live part of my life in Sardenia – I am born in South Africa and my parents are Italian with my mother being born in Naples and my father from Verona where we still have a family apartment. I do speak Italian fairly well. I have not been to Sardenia so I suppose the first thing to do is come and spend a long holiday to learn and understand the Island. Being a South African we are used to a bit of space and a bit of wild which I am assuming Sardenia can offer.

    The idea would be to buy a house in the country but not far from a functional resort town. Maybe set up a business that imports African home-where and trade with the locals tourist and visitors that have houses. But thats jumping the gun.

    Jennifer can you help me find (or put me onto somebody) a suitable house to rent say from June to End September 2018. Naturally I will assume that you will recommend the best possible option and area on the Island. I like very rustic but with a sense of style and cleanliness. Being an Island views of the ocean preferable.

    Just throwing it out there – any advise or communication will be very much appreciated.

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  7. Hi Jennifer, I am also Canadian! From Toronto.

    7 months ago I met a Sardinian girl In Cuba and it’s been a love story every since. I just got back to Toronto 2 days ago after spending 3 months living with her in Rome! She is visiting me in Oct then we’re going to Nyc in December and thereafter we will be discussing our future and where we will live. Of course I want to live in Italy (Sardinia perfered) she has family all over Sardinia, but mostly Olbia. I was making searches on google and came across your blog! Amazing and helpful. But as you have experience as a Canadian I am seeking general information and information about working in Italy and visas. I work in real estate here, I am also younger (in my 20’s) and she’s 30. So I do have more contacts but as for the work and visa’s and the general difference you’ve found between Canada and Italy are appreciated as 3 months we spent a lit of time traveling around Italy together not so much seeing the day to day life.

    Thanks so much!

    Brendan

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    • Hi Brendan,

      My story will differ from yours as I married a man from Sardinia 10 years ago. So, I didn’t need a work visa. Finding work may be a problem as most of the island is suffering from unemployment. However, you may find an agency that requires an English speaking agent. I wish you both luck and if you have any more questions just ask.

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      • Hello Brendan.
        I started my own business in Sardinia It was a business in selling properties it was a little different than most estate agents, it was involving co sharing ,ie family members or friends buying a holiday home together and everything is under one hundred euros aiming at people with less money and enjoy restoring ect,but due to Brexcit in the UK and all the troubles at the moment in Europe I had to stop for now, but do write to me in the future to see if it will progress forward,our mayor in my town in Sardinia was very supportive,I wanting to generate bushiness in Sardinia,I speak fluent and have lived half my life in Italy,,contact me at the end of September.We shall have to find a way to meet.
        yours sincerely Rosalie Stuart

      • Hi Rosalie,

        I would love to speak to you about this and possible get some answers from you regarding real estate in Italy (Sardinia).

        Your business idea sounds very potential, I’ve heard from many it’s more difficult for those to start business in Italy and that the Italians don’t have the entrepreneurial mindset (said from Italian friends). My SO has many friends and her entire family from Sardinia and I know it’s possible if you set your mind to it.

        I would love to speak to you.

        You can email me if you would like through –
        Brendan.beales@hotmail.com

        Best regards, looking forward to speak!

        Brendan.

  8. Hi
    First of all, it’s so nice to find this blog and the fact that there is a good international community there.
    I’m based in the UK and am in the process of living and setting up business in the north east of Sardinia, in the food industry – a very unique and homemade thing
    I’m finding online help quite scarce but can anyone help with where I can get more information on paying taxes, any local help with starting a business, any issues I may face, dealing with the authorities, any red tape,renting or buying property…..in fact anything that would be useful to me. It’s quite a scary thing to uproot and move but I’m 100% into the idea.

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    • Hopefully, someone here can point you in the right direction. Unfortunately, I don’t have experience in starting up a business in Sardinia. I wish you a mountain of good luck.

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  9. Dear Jennifer:
    Thank you again for your blog. Are you still living on Vancouver Island or back in Sardinia?
    My husband and I are planning to visit Sardinia this fall. Cannot wait!

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      • I know Vancouver Island quite well but Sardinia is now home right? At least I don’t think it rains in Sardinia so much. Yes, we are planning to stay in Sardinia in mid September for about a week or two. Would like to do some hiking and biking, swimming etc. Do you have any recommendation?
        Thank you.

      • Yes, Sardinia is home, but so is Canada. It does rain a lot here in the winter months, spring and summer are rather dry and pleasant. September is an excellent month for hiking in Sardinia, it shouldn’t be too hot. As I only have experience in the north; do you know what airport you’ll be flying into? Here’s a lot of swimming, biking and hiking about the island, you certainly will not go without.

      • Thank you for your comments Jennifer. We would like to fly to Alghero from Milan. I don’t think ferry ride would be a better option as it takes too long to get on the Island. Giovanni your photos are amazing, makes me want to travel there even more.

      • Hi, I’m Giovanni and a the moment I live in Sardinia…I think that Alghero, with The regional park of Porto Conte could be the right choice for a family.If instead you want something mor “wild” the Barbagia area with Baunei is perhaps the best. If you want to see some photo about Alghero you can visit my FB page TRAILDELGRIFONE…(the griffin trail). Let me know if I can help you…

  10. What ON EARTH are people ranting about when they keep talking about “chemtrails”? I worked for almost 20 years for a large US airline and I can absolutely assure you there is no such thing. Are all the Americans hoping to live in Sardinia just a bunch of paranoid nutcases?! PLEASE— can some normal people post here?

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  11. Hello!
    Thank you for your blog, really nice to read about this beautiful island.
    But you wrote this article 4 years ago. What you would change it now, in 2017?

    Can you say something about this new year starting? Something is different from 2013?
    Thank you!

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    • Hello, and thank you for stopping by and commenting. I can’t say I’d change any of the items listed here for a newcomer to Sardinia. Are you planning a move here?

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  12. Hello and thank you for making this blog available. I have been looking at Sardinia for years but trying to heal from the toxic life in america and get out of this place and move to a nature land where the people do not poison their land, water, and air like the mindless and corrupt people here in the US. Myself and my boyfriend are looking at Sardinia now again. He says it is safer in the northern areas that are touristy and I want to avoid all americans and get away from tourists and go to the southern areas. He said that Southern people do not like tourists and especially americans. I don’t blame them for the americans as anyone would want to protect their beautiful place from money hungry destroyers of everything such as the US. However, what are your thoughts? Thank you kindly.

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    • First I would say treat people as you would like to be treated.Their are many wonderful Americans all over the world and in America ,It is the same in Sardinia you will also find many things hear you will not like.If you mind your own business and respect their way of life you will be fine,remember they are deeply religious hear respect that and that is very important.Sardinia is a very safe place,be happy to be a tourist then life is easy,the Sards have retained there culture because they never let outsiders changed their culture.That is a good thing,I am a very happy tourist hear.

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      • Thank you Rosalie. That is how I live here in FL. I mind my own business and treat others with the respect that I would expect of them, but here people are in your business trying to force you to have your lawn, your home, your life “their” way. I prefer the quiet solitude and the “live and let live” attitude which is why I am looking for a new place where consumerism and destruction of everything natural isn’t the 1st priority. I love places that honor and preserve their own cultural traditions (pending nobody is hurt). My BF says that Sardinians in southern Sardinia don’t like outsiders at all and would be mean to us if we moved there. That was my only concern.

    • Hi, I’ve been to island 3 times and I’m from New York. treat people with respect you get respect. Easy. I love love love Sardegna! Beautiful rugged land is right up my ally being a rock climber. Maybe the locals can be a little standoffish to outsiders but I don’t speak the language so I get that and apologize for not knowing the language. At the same time I was invited to a locals house for a beer whose only form of electricity was from his solar panels. Simple a bit primitive but not in the dark. perfect for me being I’m not a social media fan. The locals know who is there for the right reasons and porto cervo area is Not Sardegna. Sardegna has strong traditions another reason why I love the island. The land is rugged and beautiful and so are the people north and south. Yes the food is natural none of the crap you get here in the states. My body always feel rejuvenated after holiday in Sardegna. Believe me the annoying americans don’t go to Sardinia. They go to more tourist areas like Venice, Rome etc… The only thing that bothered me was the litter in certain areas. other than that it is probably one of the most amazing places in the world! Good luck and when you move there let me know if you can find me work 😉 ciao ciao

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  13. Hi everybody, I am a sardinian living in Sardinia, and I just would like to tell you to don’t listen what Tommy Vercetti says about our island. I know a lot people from mainland Italy and foreigners that live in Sardnia, love Sardinia and get along very well with Sardinians…of course, like every place in the world, our island have its good and bad aspects. But if you have the chance Icome here and see them by yourself, not by the eyes of someone which seems guided just by rage and anger.

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    • Hello and thank you for your comment, I do agree with you. Every country, city, town and farm in the world has its good and bad points, Sardinia is no exception, and once one spends time here and learns her ways, it’s only then, when you will see how open and gracious the island really is.

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    • Hello, buon giorno,
      I am so very happy to have found these posts again.. My name is Cynthia i am an American that is needing to break away from the materialistic un healthy American lifestyle. I have been wanting to move to Sardinia. I sold my home and have been trying to research how to make it possible to buy a small bit of land and place a container home on it with solar power and a well. Keeping a smaller foot print on the land. I have fibromyalgia and the more I work on healing myself the more I am being guided to living some place that is a bit off the beaten path. The food in America is mostly poison in my opinion, lacking any of the nutrients we need to be healthy. Even organic has either additional un needed bad ingredients and or even worse, still might not even be organic. I am ready to give up some comforts so my home and land will be paid for and I can grow a few organic fruit trees and raw foods. Or buy other organic food grown locally. Which will be helpful for me to heal myself and live happier and in less pain. I will probably need to find a not so glamorous job that will allow me to be able to afford a few things like my oil painting supplies, photography, writing and low cost travel off the beaten path to meet people of all cultures. Which could possibly lead to an income by selling my oil, arts, photography and writing “blogging”. I even have been thinking about being a street artist in the tourist towns by characters painting and other things. Anyway I can find to help put a smile on someone’s face and lighten their day with love and happiness is where I need to be. I have heard there are a few sustainable organic communities on the island and would love to find out if I would be accepted. I am not afraid to pick grapes, clean rooms, frame a building, pour concrete and other things. I do have a working background of interior design, general contractor, property photographer, stager. I also was a successful retail store manager and district trainer for two different woman’s retail chains one high end. At times I had up to a staff of 25 to manage. All though I’m pretty sure that the love lacking life style helped contribute to my thyroid cancer a few years back. Which I am free from now. I know it won’t be an easy move but at 44, I can no longer let fear stop me from going after my dreams. Please if anyone has helpful advice or knowledge of where and how I should look to get started. I appreciate any and all knowledge. I am not sure why I am so drawn to Italy but I know in my heart this is the right place for me. I feel this is my true home. Scrivo e parlo un po’ italiano. I am studying every day to get better at it. Although I have know idea how to speak the local dialect but I know I can learn that too.
      Grazie mille
      Cynthia

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      • Dear Cynthia.
        It is a good thing you are learning to speak Italian, that will help a lot.I have lived in Italy for many years.
        You must look up the law on buying land as you cannot buy a small piece of land in Sardinia and build you have to buy a large amount of land to be allowed to build ,there are reasons for this.It is better to buy a house with land,and do not move on your own and live isolated as it is not a very safe thing to do,you have to understand that in Sardinia people are still very Catholic or set in their ways and follow certain ways of thinking,and a woman their own gives cause for gossip and difficulties,unless you have the money to go to a tourist area where they are more broad minded but that is more expensive.My advice is to buy with a man or live in a community ,or live in a popular tourist area.Take it from me I work with people hear and I work with the church and I have lived in Sardinia five years and Italy for thirty years,I was married hear and have children grown up now, I have citizenship,You can get advice in Sardinia about doing all the legal stuff,I have found a good bank that helps foreigners, Intessa San Paolo,
        You could be very happy hear just follow the protocol and be sensible, not to be a young woman living on her own as they will very clannish, but they are lovely people if you respect their ways.This is not modern America.!!
        Sincerely Rosalie Stuart

    • Hi Roberto. Thank you for your balanced reply. I am a British man living in New Zealand, and I am considering moving to Italy / Sardinia. I am an Osteopath, I obviously would need to learn the language but what do you think the work opportunities for someone in my work is like in sardinia? Many thanks, Rik

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  14. Dear all.
    I have lived in Sardinia for five years ,but I have lived in Rome before,I am Scottish,I moved hear on my own in 2012,I love the Island,I feel very respected. The people hear they are deeply connected to nature like myself,they have retained there culture as they are very protective over their way of life.If you wish to move hear they are many beautiful and cheap houses to buy due to there desperate needs and little money, The population is only one and a half million there are more Sardinians living abroad than in their own country.There is little work but many have empty properties,I live near the main motorway three miles away so it is very easy for Sassari, shopping Alghero, beaches and airports and ports. You can I have good life hear if one respects thier way of life and the church,that is not a problem for me as I am a Catholic and a contemplative.The other thing is that I always will be an outsider and I prefer it that way myself, as then no one can feel threatened that one has come to take over,which in Scotland has happened a lot.We must respect Sardinia they have a lot to teach us all.I am very happy hear and so are my children and friends when they visit. I have citizenship in Italy so that makes things much easier.Hear in my village there is great broadband and all the things one needs ,there is a council, good recycling, a tennis court three shops two bars and a wonderful Benedictine monastery, and much more..
    I feel blessed to live hear In peace,I buy all my food and wine locally and do many exchanges of produce with people.Due to the climate my bills are low,the odd tax or two! but whats new anywhere.
    Living hear is like going back in time, but that is very positive.
    All the best to other expats in Sardinia.
    Enjoy, respect and be kind and all will be well.God Bless you all

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    • Dear Rosalie: I found this particular blog profoundly intriguing as it resonates with my style of living. I’m contemplating living out my retirement in Sardinia in about two years, hopefully with my two Great Pyrenees. I have lived on a number of continents, unfortunately, none of my four languages are Italian, but I’ll start learning immediately. I live on a northern pacific island and am dependent on short ferriy rides to the Mainland. What are the challenges taking ferries to mainland Italy?
      I live a simple life and am curious but never nosy. From what I’ve read sofar, this is not congruent to a non-religious lady? Yes, I too prefer considering myself an outsider!
      Any tips for me? I’m trying to be as blunt yet discretely honest as you.
      Hoping for a reply. Have a good rest of the week.

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      • Hello. Ferry rides are about 12 hours from the north to mainland Italy.

        I would suggest finding a nice place along the coast where you can find supermarkets and a pharmacy. Rural areas are extremely rural in Sardinia. I live in the northeast coast and 6km from the beach. Best of luck to you and thank you for stopping by my blog and commenting. Feel free to ask anything, either here or you can contact me privately on my contact page.

      • Very nice to hear from you.Ferries are great I take them all the time to Rome Genova Barcelona or France the two ports for me are one hour away or half hour,I brought a house inland 20 mins from south of Sassari two miles from the motorway makes life easy the houses inland are much cheaper I paid 32 thousand euro for a big bright house with garden it looks up to loverly hills and a monastery three shops a loverly butchers bread shop sweet shop council library a new gym walk and a gym buses go into the city not many ,15 mins from a small train station all public transport is infrequent hear.
        I like to be near the city and ports and airports and a good motorway which goes north to south of the island.
        I am only hear eight months of the year as the summer months inland is to hot then I return to Scotlad in June to the end of September.
        The ferries to the mainland are many and go each day overnight usually some day ferries in summer.I leave for the Uk next week so I go to Barcelona with my car and pick up a ferry in Bilbao for the Uk .
        Many blessings Rosalie.

  15. Hi. Thank you for your blog, it inspired me to visit Sardinia. I studied and lived in Aprilia for a year. I love the Italian culture and hope to visit often. Definitely cat up with a espresso!

    A coffee lover and roaster Italy is my passion!

    Truly will love to visit more often to enjoy the gifts of God; sun, wine, herbs, music, language, the romance of ancient history!

    Ciao,

    Rafaela
    Providence, Rhode Island

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  16. Howdy folks,what’s shaking ? Just passing by and just cant resist wha the mighty Atzori said. See,every time a sardinian gets slapped in the face with truth it fires back with Sardinian history and low paying jobs in Costa Smeralda. Dude,I know a couple of guys in Costa Smerald that pulls down 30K euro at the end of the each summer season and guess what they are all waiters from Sardinia,give yourself a break with this and have a fucking Ichnusa.

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  17. Dear Jennifer,
    Thank you for your wonderful and very informative blog on Sardegna! My husband and I, both recent retirees and refugees from the increasingly chaotic U.S., just spent a glorious week there with our Roman “family”–friends who own a vacation home near Cagliari. I’m absolutely in love with the beauty, clean water, relatively clean air (yes, chemtrails there, too, dammit! 😭) and intend to return as soon as possible to continue my healing journey.

    Yes, I do speak Italian since my 2 year experience in the early ’60’s going to la scuola media in Roma and living with the aforementioned family. Trips there every 15 years or so have kept my language skills and affection for the culture and beauty of the place and people alive and thriving!
    I took my mother’s operatic skills to a newer, practical level and carved out a fine existence as a session and touring singer out of NYC for 24 years….which provided me with a modest pension I can live on. While I had previously rejected the possibility of living anywhere in the European Union for the same political and health reasons that pushed me to leave the good ol’ USA, I’ve come to realize that life in Italy would be a whole(some) lot healthier than agro-chemical ridden Uruguay.

    I’m currently visiting my mom in Florida but will return to Piriapolis next week, where we’ve been living for the past 1 1/2 yrs. My health has dramatically deteriorated there, as has the health of a few other expats I know who have suffered severely with gut and lung problems with concurrent weight loss…..
    I don’t want to digress too much at this point, but the gist of my story will reveal the other very important reason for my desire to relocate to Sardegna: the wide availability of sustainable, organic foods—BRAVO, EUROPA, for banning GMOs and for growing an awakened population that insists on pure food quality! In Uruguay, I went from a perfectly proportioned 5′ 2″ 110 lbs. in November of 2014 to my current 87 lbs. (or 41.5 kilos) –a recovery from the 37 kilos I’d shrunken to prior to my (gluten free) pasta and pecorino laden trip to Italy! I contracted celiac disease in the ’80’s and am convinced it was due to my choice to live a largely vegetarian lifestyle in the states. Along with legumes and nuts, protein choices became everything soy: milk, cheese, meat, fake meat called seitan (gluten), all of which eventually wreaked havoc with my guts. I believed I was on a balanced diet and have dedicated my life to the study and pursuit of holistic arts, but with GMO’s explosive (literally!) domain, I was finally diagnosed with celiac in 2007. Did my research best I could, but Uruguay is rampant with the stuff, with Monsatan, Cargill and Bayer’s presence seemingly irradicably entrenched in their ecosystem….Rio de la Plata reflects the poisonous effluent in the dead fish and mollusks on the muddy shores of the bay from Montevideo to Punta del Este. A small enclave of us expats continue to rant and rally and there is an awakening….organic ferias are offering modest amounts of produce for the past couple of years reflecting a slow change. My husband just returned “home” and said the supermercado shelves are sadly lacking in fresh produce choices. We’ll be living on squash and sprouts this winter…..ai yai yai. What a schiaffo in the viso after all that beautiful, organic Italian abbondanza….managgia porca miseria!!!

    Can’t wait to do more research. Beyond our allotted 90 days, how do we apply for residence? I want to give what I can to the community and teach stuff like singing, breath work, aromatherapy, nutrition, etc…..maybe write a cookbook on healing with food and herbs. So as not to be perceived of as “ugly Americans”, make a valuable contribution, insomma. Become part of a holistic community, if there is such a thing somewhere on the island.

    WHERE ARE THE HIPPEST ENCLAVES on the island?

    Thank you so much for taking the time to read this . I’m very grateful for any positive input and info anyone may have towards our relocation dreams! We want to rent until we can figure it out and feel into the place that invites us to most deeply sink our souls into Sardegna’s soil. Con gratitudine e auguri di abbondanza per tutti che leggono le mie parole…..

    I’d be happy to share my music with any of you who desire to contact me privately.

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  19. And one more thing. I don’t think u can have 5th ave or Broadway on the island. After all it’s an ISLAND!!!! If u looking for theaters and museums and upscale ppl – maybe u need to move to Milan or another big city. Beauty of Sardinia in it’s nature and simple locals. ( btw, u can find sooooo many towns, villages even little city’s in America, ppl r very simple and never been out of their home towns) So, I really hope your life will be happier for u soon. Best of luck, Tommy.

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  20. Tatiana,best of luck for your upcoming adventure. On and off I’ve lived in the US so I see your point. There are only 2 places in the world I can name right away when I see them on TV without any hint : one is Sardinia,the other one is the Nevada desert. Sardinia will get into your system ( it may get,it depends if this move is temporary or permanent) ,it did to me,I’m not ashamed to admit it,so except for the dumbass locals I steer clear from I’ve learned to make the best out of my life here.
    I remember a Sardinian waiter in San Francisco once told me ” sardinia is beautiful,too bad is full of sardinians”. I have friends from the US visiting me yearly,they love it out here,but they just can’t get their head around these primitive local folks. You will love ,it’ll feels like a primitive Albania,Iran or maybe rural Greece/Sicily without the mafia,but with a lot of garbage,loudmouths,arrogant,low self-esteem jealous folks. You will be the americans,you will be so interesting for them,you will make them very happy by telling them when will you be going away. They will cuddle you,spoil you,open your homes for you. Probably you need a break like this. Come back in a 100 years,it will still be the same,or probably worst.

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    • I must admit that I’m utterly offended by your honest discrimination against the locals, of the island you inhabit. I will allow your comment to stay on this blog, however any future comments that are discriminatory in nature will not be tolerated.

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    • Lol Tommy you made me laugh! I’m not American by birth. I was born and raised in Sankt Petersburg, Russia. But moved to states for 25 years. And I can tell you for sure there is a bad and good ppl everywhere. You just have to find the one u will click with. And it’s much more good ! And golden rule works everywhere in the world. U know….treat ppl the way u want to b treated… I guess we have been lucky, we meet great ppl and make friends for life in many places. As a matter of fact, I met great woman here, on Jennifer’s site,from Sardinia, we become pen pals for almost 2 years now. ( Thank u Jennifer ;-)) so we planing to live between 3 countries :)! After all- we have friends in every one of them.

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    • Sardinians are friendly people, but also proud people. They are islanders and over the millennia they had to distinguish friends (merchants and travellers, who were wanted for their goods and news) and invaders. So they are wary at first and then they became friendly or harsh.
      Maybe you haven’t been polite and respectful. Sardinia is not Sicily. In Sardinia nobody tolerates abuses. There isn’t mafia, because nobody would even tolerate mafia’s abuses.

      You told Sardinian are primitive. Not more than other europeans. Of course there are some differences between rural and city areas, like everywhere in the world. I think you mistake annoyed people and primitive people. Be more polite next time.

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  21. Ok so,after all these bla bla bla here is my unbiased opinion about living in Sardinia. First of all a bit about me : I’ve been living in Sardinia for the past 29 years and I’m self employed in the tourist business. Where should I start ? Ok here it is : first of all be prepare suffer racism. I’ve been here for 29 years,went to school here,married here,divorced here,married again here worked here,payed taxes,bought and sold homes etc etc..I mean..It’s an entire life we are talking about,bottom line this will not be considered enough by local sardinians to be considered one of them. They are form sardinia,you are not,and never ever will. Racism is alive and kicking in the island and local dumbasses will not have problems in showing it in your face. Another thing to consider is envy. Sardinian people make envy their way of life,period. Even you have nothing,even if you drive a rotten bottom of the barrel 10 years old beaten car they will envy you for this,so be ready to deal with it. Then again,these guys love to have it all without giving nothing back. Social welfare is rampant,working is not a way of life used to build something,is just something seen as an optional,something considered a burden rather than something that generate an income. It actually make sense….why busting it’s ass at work when italian social welfare guarantees a decent life ? Add that 99% of the new generation of sardinians don’t have mortgages : they all live with their parents or in homes built for them by their parents. Worts case scenario ? Parents adding a full floor to their own homes so that their kids can live in once married. There is a constant feeling that people wait a party and/or a celebration to end just to start another one. When Christmas and NYE celebrations are over folks can hardly wait for Carnevale to arrive. Now Carnevale ( or carnival,or mardi gras however you name it ) is a big deal here,something rivaled only by Brasil. It’s a full week of celebration with public and private businesses working at reduce schedule or not operating at all. Now,once the celebrate week is over you may thing it’s over until next here but wait !! No !! They take another long weekend to celebrate carnival’s end. 5 o clock ( ehi,it’s gotta be 5 o clock somewhere,right ?? ) is the pivotal time of the day : the time the long day at work is done and it’s time so sit at the bar and have you liver destroyed by liters and liters of Ichnusa beer ( Ichnusa is the local made beer,sardinian thinks is a 100% sardinian product but Ichnusa was acquired by Heineken a while ago).
    The way they treat their land : sardinians constantly love to arson,trash,pollute an destroy their land. They all act an talk like big time warriors defending their land when someone from mainland italy comes down here to build businesses and hire local people ( read : creating jobs) telling that nobody can touch and take advantage of their land,nobody !! They rather set it on fire,and they do !!!
    About culture ? Zero,nothing,nada. Theaters ? Museums ? Opera ? You wish. And better yet simple conversations ? Fuggedabout it !! Especially the latter. Conversations are kept to a superficial basis,especially when you are in your ’20ies or early 30ies. People here just talk shit,they are just very superficial,very envy of one another. Belive me,after 29 year I speak italian with them and they speak italian back to me but we simply speak 2 different languages. I just live my own life and gave up them,fuck them !

    THE GOOD THINGS :

    Yeah there are some,of course. Like for example if you are a simple person,if you’ve spent most of your life in a big town and you are fed up with people,chaos,traffic and all the other advantages or disadvantages a big town may give you Sardinian is your place. The sense of peace,the crystal clear waters even in winter time..I mean,really,this is truly Atlantis. And in winter time there is virtually NOBODY. If you are and avid sportsman like I am this is the place to be. You can surf,paddle,cycle year round,amazing.
    Life costs : it all depends what you look for. Personally speaking I live very frugal life. I don’t drink,I don’t party,I don’t go our for lunch or dinner every fucking weekend starting from thursday. Yes,supermakets are bit on the pricey side and so is gas,but you don’t need a big fancy car to get around.
    And then there is air,fresh air. Even after 29 year everytime my plane lands and I exit the airport and it never ceases to amaze me. The air just feels up you lungs and it makes you feel clean inside.

    Now…after 29 year if I had the chance would I do this all over again ? I was a little more than a teenager when I came and had many chances to leave but work alway brought me back here,but bottom line I don’t think I would do this again. If you are considering to come here for a short time do it,sardinians will be more than happy to know that you won’t be staying here forever and they will show ( they will fake at doing it..) you the best of them,but if your intentions make roots in the hard,graniteish land thing again.

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    • Actually, thank u Tommy! We moving to Sardinia in January . And after your note, I want to do it even more! Negative,you describe,doesn’t scare me. But good points – makes Sardinia more desirable then ever! I guess, u just need a change. We moving to Sardinia after 25 years in USA. And I understand a lot of what u there saying. I guess every country has some bad and some good. It’s ok. Keep looking for a place where u will b happy! Grass is always greener on the neighbors yard 😉
      Good luck in your journey.

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    • As a Sardinian, I find very funny how you describe Sardinians as racist and self-hating litterers, while it’s actually your very first comment here that gives away your racist view against the locals. You are pleased not to project your own negative emotions onto people you seem to have lived with for so many years, or so you claimed, without actually getting to know them (on this point, Jennifer’s reply to your post will more than suffice). It’s never, ever fair to generalize about a group of people, as we are all individuals with our own needs and interests. That being said, as a broad statement we could say that Sardinians are just quieter, more reserved people than those from the “continent”, as we call the Italian boot (obviously, this does not apply to all Sardinians, just to many of us including myself). Many Italians mistake this more introversed nature of ours for coldness and covert hostility towards them, while in fact there is none of it (well, it’s actually more than a little when we happen to hear such offending nonsense). Yes, we might be kind of diffident and it might be somewhat difficult to break the ice but, as anyone else in the world, we actually prove to be quite friendly, and even loyal, people with those who behave. Which is, in all likelihood, the very reason you’ve got so many troubles to begin with, judging by your ignorant posts. First of all, some history: we’ve seldom been given the chance to self-governance, more often than not we’ve been invaded by a number of foreign peoples who treated us like crap, including the Savoyards (some of whose deeds, to educate yourself, can be read here: http://beyondthirtynine.com/sardinian-history-the-glorious-nineteenth-century/ ), making us feel like we were strangers on our own land. And the way the average mainland italian “comes down here to build businesses and hire local people ( read : creating jobs)”, that we also know from experience and can be defensive about it: looking down on us like we were a bunch of good-for-nothing barbarians or, in your own words, “primitive local folks”, employing people from their own region with the Sardinians being left the menial and less paid jobs (the “Costa Smeralda” way), collecting the Sardinian region’s funds and then fleeing with the money with little to whatsoever no punishment (as everyone knows, the Italian rule of law leaves, to put it bluntly, a lot to be desired). At least, that’s what happened from the ’60s onwards with the so-called “piano di rinascita”. Even today, some of the most important fields, like the garbage collection system, are run by mainland and Sicilian companies (whose efficiency turn out to utter disaster, especially in cities such as Alghero). No to mention the construction industry, which is spoiling the island’s ancient coastal beauty. This, of course, doesn’t imply that some uneducated locals (still far from being the majority, being more like ours black sheep) and turists as well do not engage in nefarious activities like trash littering, which is really unfortunate. As for the other typical Italian stereotype that we Sardinians are lazy people relying on subsidies, before blaming us get some facts straight and, since you seem to know some Italian, give this ( https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertenza_entrate ) a read.

      I’d tell you more, but this will suffice: anyone is more than welcome in Sardinia, as long as he doesn’t show an arrogant, pretentious and imposing mindset and is willing to integrate. We’re used to this attitude by other people and despise it greatly. So, if your intention is to “steer clear from dumbass locals”, trust me, you may want to go somewhere else, either in Italy, US or wherever suits you best. With such a judgemental attitude, it’s more than likely that you’re not going to be missed, anyway. Good bye!

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      • It is me who has to thank you for allowing me to write the comment, Jennifer. I actually apologise for my outburst (which was directed to the user Tommy Vercetti) but I couldn’t help, I sincerely hope I didn’t shed a negative light on Sardinians. If only they knew the suffering we endured back in the days and how we were discriminated against, they would probably gain a deeper understanding of our reputed “wariness”. Anyway, congrats for the blog! I’m sorry for the comment, time I was on my way.

      • No need to apologize. Your points are valid and backed with excellent documentation.I do value the opinion of the locals from this island, for without them I’d have nothing to base my writing on. Some of the most humble people I’ve met here. Thanks for the link on a brief history of Sardinia. I did read it, and learned so much more.

      • Greetings. I am trying to export myself from the land of the GMO, Fluoride, Chemtrails, Wifi, EMFs, Chlorine, Pesticides and greed…. I completely agree with you on the comments about seeking to find healthy options and healthy minded people. I look for places without americans to be away from the materialistic and illogical ways of living. I can understand why people are hesitant to welcome americans and certainly do not blame them. I am happy to see there are people from the US who are not like this and it gives me hope.

    • Sorry, but are we talking of the same place?
      I go back home to Cagliari from NY several times a year, and I enjoy the Opera season, Symphony, Chamber Music, Theatre etc. We have also several first class museums, only in 2016, the Archeological Museum put up a fabulous exhibition with the Hermitage of St. Petersburg…

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  23. Hello Jennifer! I enjoyed reading your blog about Sardegna very much. I left Canada and worked and lived in Cagliari in 1983 and 1984, and got to travel a good bit of the island, mostly by bus and train. I speak fairly fluent Italian but found, like you, that the locals do not speak it as much, unless they heard me speaking Italian (with a Canadian accent!), and answered me back in Italian. There are moments in the middle of the frigid winters when I dream about sunny Sardegna!! LOL I am curious to know to where in Canada did you move back? Cheers, Gordon

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    • Ciao Gordon,

      Thank you for dropping in with a great comment! Cagliari is one part of Sardinia I haven’t traveled to, yet. I did go once, but we were in and out, buying supplies for construction. The languages are beautiful on the island, I do miss Gallurese all day, every day. 😉 I will be back. Sooner than later. Have you returned since 1984? I am currently living on Vancouver Island. And you? Salute, Jennifer.

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  24. Hi Jennifer-
    I was enjoying your blog then I read you left Sardinia. It made me sad!

    How is Canada? I hope all is well.

    Did you or did you know someone who tried to start a tourist business in Sardinia? My husband is Italian. We are trying to figure out how to move to Italy and work.

    Any information you have would be appreciated!
    Sara

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    • Hello Sara,

      Thanks for stopping by, I did leave Sardinia and I left my heart and soul there too! Canada is nice, but doesn’t compare to Sardinia. Im counting down the days until I return.

      I don’t know anyone that started up a business in Sardinia, however, if you’re husband is Italian it shouldn’t be a problem. What type of business are you wanting to go into? Maybe someone on this forum could help you out …

      Good luck.
      Jennifer

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  25. Hello! I am gong to move to Italy next year because of my job and I can’t wait to step on Italian land. I’ve been there a few times to visit friends but I am sure that living there is completely different thing. Thanks for the interesting article!

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  26. Good day Jennifer.
    I’m thinking of moving to Sardinia, work isn’t a problem. But what I’m having issues with is finding apartments and houses for rent. All I can find is short term rent options.
    Another question is internet pricing and electricity stability.
    Also how many immigrants from Africa are present on the island?

    I would love to live in a non rainy area. So the southern cities are the only option.

    Best regards , Igor

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    • Hello Igor,

      Sardinia is a beautiful island to live, you will have a wonderful time. What part of the island are you thinking of moving to? Let me know then maybe I can help you out a little more.

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      • I would love to live in a low rain area. And as I read – it’s the South.

        So thats where i want to live )

        -Igor

  27. Hi – I live in London but have a holiday home in telti near olbia. We are thinking of living there permanently or at least try it. I have 3 children, one is staying here to finish GCSE, a 10 year old and a 3 year old. I speak basic Italian, but my kids don’t. I need to get my 10 year old talking asap or he will be very unhappy with no school or friends. Do u know any expats with kids his age? Or is there somewhere to find them? Do u know of a tutor that can help him learn Italian quickly? Any help would be sooooo appreciated x

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    • Hello! Thanks for taking the time to pop in with your question, I hope I can be of help. The biggest suggestion I can offer is to just fully immerse your children into the school system or if during summer months get them involved in sports or some activity that involves other children from your town. I do not know, off-hand, a tutor to help you out, sorry. I hope this helps and if you need anything please don’t hesitate to write. All the best and good luck.

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      • Hi, I’m Gianni, an italian blogger. 2 years ago I moved to Sardinia with my family(wife and 3 children) and now I live in Sassari. If you want I can try to reach the canadian teacher that teach english to my last child at the kindergarten and ask her if she has time to follow your children. Let me know if you need other informations about Sardinia or useful thing to know. You can reach me through my website http://www.themediterraneantastes.com.

        Best regards.

        Gianni

  28. jennifer,Im considering a visit to sardena with the intention of possibly living their during the school year Im retired but have a 9 year old son. how are the schools,and can I find a school that teaches in english,also when does the school year start and end thanks tommy

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    • Hi Thomas, I’m an italian blogger(www.themediterraneantastes.com) that recently moved to Sassari(north Sardinia). I can try to answer some question: school start in September and end in June. Here in Sassari there are few native english language teacher, and I suggest to you to contact one of them to associate the English did in school (little) of tutorials support. I think that you can find something more in Cagliari(south) the other big city of Sardinia(the biggest). I sincerely don’t know how are things in the other cities or villages. If you have some more question, contact me, I’ll be happy to help you if possible.

      Best regards.

      Gianni

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    • It is a very late reply, as I only recently discovered this blog.
      Yes, in Cagliari there is at least one school that teaches in English: Chatterbox. Some of my young nephews and nieces study there and speak flawless English.

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  29. Sardegna like the rest of Western Europa is a wonderful place. Why should anybody speak any other language than Italian? USA I dont hope that people will speak my language either. But in Sardegna is Italiano and dialeto. OK part of Sardegna they still speak Spanish and Catalan since long back was part of the kingdom of Spain. Italia very safe and great food. When compare to the USA which food is mostly hot doggies and sugar plus sugar. Bad diet and too many fatt people. Also crime low in Europa while USA since citizens walk around killing anybody and the polize are animals wanting to kill you also. I traveled to USA for 3 months and me + friends was always afraid of ors life. I prefer Europa any day. Next time I visit America will be to Argentina, Chile, Santo Domingo or Cuba but NEVER back to the USA.

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  30. I am a Pakistani and I was thinking of settling down in Sardinia.I came to know the real information through your blog which is not only amazing but also an eye-opener for foreigners like me.Thank you for your help and best wishes.

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  31. hi jennifer i have done alot of research about italy ive just started to look into sardinia the prices of homes seem very reasonable i live in sarasota fl usa, i have been in sales and marketing all my life mostle real estate, what goes on in this country is something i dont like anymore, i feel change is wonderfull, but the right change, my grandmother was born in palermo sicily, i was born and raised in brooklyn ny, proud of being from there, my mother being italian cooked awesome food, now my wife cooks great, im not looking for much, maybe any sort of job if i move to sardinia, my research was only in the main land and sicily as far as homes jobs and a good place to live, i was born with alot of common sense and street smarts, i am also looking to visit sardinia, my wife has been to calabria with her father who was born there, you seem to know alot about sardinia its great to talk with someone like you, if you have the time maybe you could give me some common sense tips, i would appreciate anything you write, thanks hoping to hear from you bill franca

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  32. This has been great reading. I visited Sardinia in 2010 and stayed in a little b & b in a little village on the west coast, near to Oristano with a widowed Sardenian mumma and her sister – both dressed in the traditional black mourning attire. I found the communication very challenging. I have basic italian travelling words which didnt help much at all. Her son who lived with her was deaf so it was very loud Sardinian language/Sardinian mouthing and sign language all the way. I enjoyed the experience, but I am looking to live for every (Australian) winter, more than the 90 days permitted as a tourist in the Tuscany region which I am currently located for 6 weeks.

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    • Your experience in Sardinia sounds magical. I would have loved to be part of those intimate exchanges between a mother and her deaf son, I can just imagine how animated they were with their hands and such. Wishing you all the best in Tuscany.

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  33. Hi Jennifer…I’m Italian. I was born in Sardinia about 40 years ago, but I’ve lived in Grosseto(Tuscany) for 25 years. In September 2013, after a really difficult year(cancer, problem with my job and with my familiy) I decided to return to Sardinia with my wife and my children, to start a new life here. The problem is that for better or for worse(I hope that is the right way to explain the concept) we are in a different world…Is really impossible to find a job,
    but if you have the opportunity to open a new business, there are so many possibility, just because so many stores have closed or because there have never been. Just this week, my wife and I are trying to open an online store with Sardinian products to sell abroad. I hope to finally have luck. I would also like to create a couple of blogs about Sardinia (one who speaks of excursions, culture, places to visit etc., and another who speaks about natural, organic, eco friendly life and products).
    It is really difficult to succeed I know…And is also really difficult to live here if you are used to lived in another place.
    But at this moment I have no other choices, I have to do it!
    I hope to have news about you and your life, and if you come back to Sardinia, let me know!
    Good luck.

    Gianni
    P.S.: I also hope that my English is good enough….

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    • Hi Jen and Gianni
      Thank you for your blog and Gianni your English is amazing 🙂
      We may have an opportunity to move to Sardinia, very exciting but I have a 9 month old and I do not speak Italian or any other languages except English. Are there many mums on the island or groups to join as my husband will be off working.
      Thanks in advance
      Renee

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    • Ciao Gianni! I was just wondering how is it all going for you and your family back in Sardinia…Are you guys happy with your choice? I am aware that the situation there is really tough work wise but me and my boyfriend (he is Sardinian and moved to London so that we could be together) still have hopes we’ll be able to live there one day.
      Many thanks!

      Giada

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      • Hi Giada, thanks for your reply…yes, it is really difficult here, because we don’t want a simple job, but we want to create something new. We are trying to create a network with other countries, and sell Sardinian products(wine, olive oil and so on…). We have created an online store(www.themediterraneantastes.com) with a blog about Sardinia. We want to promote Sardinia in every possible way. It’s really difficult for us, because we are alone and we need to save all that is possible, but I am a positive person and I think everything will be fine. I think that Sardinia is a good place to start something like that, there is a lot to do….you know. I’m trying to have some contact in GB, perhaps you could be interested?

        Best regards.

        Gianni
        P.S.: Life in Sardinia is amazing. A lot of beautiful places to visit(I moved here from Tuscany another beautiful region, but I think that here there is an incredible number of natural attractions), but nothing more if you think at places like Florence or Rome…There a lot of people that want to change something but do nothing, and politician that are…politician….

      • Ciao Gianni,
        grazie per la tua risposta. Immagino quanto sia difficile al momento ed e’ per questo che sinceramente adesso non me la sentirei proprio di tentare un passo del genere.
        La vostra idea e’ molto bella e devo ammettere che io ed il mio ragazzo avevamo pensato alla stessa cosa ma temo non sia semplice far decollare un business (almeno per noi che non abbiamo alcuna esperienza in quel settore) ma spero mi proverete il contrario e ve lo auguro!! 🙂
        Posso chiederti se pero’ o tu o tua moglie avevate un lavoro prima di prendere la decisione di trasferirvi in Sardegna?
        Grazie e a presto!

        Giada

      • Ciao Giada. Anche per noi è un lavoro nuovo, abbiamo esperienza all’estero ma in altri settori…Il vino e i prodotti tipici sono una scommessa, spero vincente. Dobbiamo costruire come già detto tutta la rete di contatti e non è facile, anche perchè qui, soprattutto da parte degli esperti, arrivano risposte sbagliate a quesiti spesso fondamentali(come accise o regole x esportare). Quando abbiamo deciso di venire in Sardegna avevamo un lavoro in Toscana, e siamo venuti con l’intenzione di aprire un società nel biologico con un socio, che invece, a pochi mesi dal nostro arrivo si è dileguato lasciandoci nel panico più assoluto(abbiamo tre figli piccoli…) da qui l’esigenza di trovare un alternativa e di non accontentarsi di un lavoro dipendente…Pensiamo di avere le capacità e vogliamo riuscire a tutti i costi…Se ti fa piacere teniamoci in contatto e ti farò sapere se ci saranno novità o da parte tua se vorrai essere la controparte in Inghilterra e trovare possibili clienti interessati…

        Ciao a presto.

        Gianni

      • Ciao Gianni!
        Vi auguro di riuscire con successo a realizzare il vostro progetto, in bocca al lupo!
        Certo: mi farebbe piacere tenerci in contatto così’ mi fai sapere come vanno le cose. Per curiosità’: voi in che zona siete?
        A presto!

        Giada

      • Ciao Giada! Per me è importante avere un contatto con il resto del mondo….e tu che sei a Londra vivi una realtà sicuramente molto diversa! Fammi avere vostre notizie. Io sono nella zona di Sassari. Allo stato attuale tutti i miei fornitori sono della parte sopra Oristano/Nuoro e vado raramente dalle parti di Cagliari(ho solo un fornitore a Iglesias) quindi no ti so’ come vadano le cose laggiù. Qui la situazione non è delle migliori anche se nelle grandi città di rendi poco conto di tutto.

        Ciao a presto.
        Gianni

  34. Hello there! I found this blog v interesting as I am considering a move to Sardinia because of my bfriend who is from Barbagia…My mum was born there too so I know the places pretty well. I am an Italian girl who moved to London nearly 7 years ago and I’ve been working in childcare for nearly 10 years. My biggest worry is obviously how to find a job there as the situation (especially in the South of Italy and in the Isles) is so very bad! I am thinking of trying to get a job I could do from home (like a virtual assistant or smthg like that). Any tips please?
    Grazie mille!

    Giada

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    • Ciao Giada,

      After 6 years in Sardinia my husband and I have decided to call Canada home as we cannot find work in Sardinia. It’s sad, I do miss the island. Wishing you all the best.

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      • That’s so sad, Jennifer…I do love your blog though…Tbh what you said sounds quite discouraging…still hoping things will get better and we will get a chance to build up our lives back in Sardinia. Thanks for your help- take care!

  35. This might be a stupid question but can you get a job in Sardinia if your there illegally ? Getting any type of visa is expensive and takes time. I ask this question because I read that illegal immigrants from Romania and other countries live in Sardinia and work there.

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    • Your assumptions about Romanians that are illegal immigrants in Italy are wrong,Romanians are part of European Union and they have the right to work in Italy,all they need is their national ID. Read more before you make defamatory speculations about Romanians in Italy,maybe was a time when Romanians used to work in Europe illegally but that time gone away in 2007.Most of Romanians they go to Sardinia in vacations,i haven’t see no Romanian in Sardinia working not that will be something wrong,but Romanians do holidays in Sardinia and Corsica just like Brits and French.

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      • I apologize if you were offended. Yes your right that Romanians are part of the EU, i should of done my research better. If Romanians live in Sardinia they are there legally as you say but are still immigrants like many of us in other countries. I think and maybe im wrong that most Sardinian people do not trust immigrants and are not open minded about immigration. Not saying all Sardinians are not comfortable with immigrants (legal or illegal) but italy (Sardinia) is faceing an immigration (refugees crisis). My point is that some nationalities are not open minded about immigrants illegal or legal. I live in the United States legally but as you might know there is a lot of illegals comeing to the US and a lot of Americans treat me and other people who are here legally as if we were here illegally. They see us invaders even though we are working, and obeying the laws.

  36. Hi Jennifer,
    How about living in Sardinia if you’re not having to work there? I work online and so as long as the internet works it’s not a problem as my business will be outside Sardinia. Is work the biggest issue?
    many thanks
    Andrew

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    • Ciao Andrew,

      Yes, work is the largest issue by far. If I could find a decent full time job things would be very different. There is available working internet here – so Im sure you will succeed with your business. Best of luck.

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      • Ciao Jennifer,
        many thanks for your reply and that’s a relief to hear (at least for me!). I really love the island and am trying to decide between the mainland Puglia/Calabria?Sicily regions and Sardinia.
        Sardinia seems to have more of what I want but I’m struggling to find a place that meets my requirements as I need a property that can allow we to run events at certain times of the year, be near to the beach but not be ridiculously expensive – all possible on the mainland and Sicily but Sardinia is just much more beautiful to me!
        Do you know where I could find a selection of property agents as I’ve pretty much exhausted the initial google search ones?
        As you’re so prevalent online you should think about making that into a little business 🙂
        I really appreciate all your insights into the island and life there as it’s so hard to know if you’re making the right move and how realistic everything is in your mind when you’re only visiting!
        Grazie mille!! 🙂

      • Ciao Andrew,

        I’ve been thinking about turning my little blog into a business but not sure which steps to take as I’ve never gone head first into the sphere of the internet.
        I’ll ask around for property agents for you. Do you know where on the island you’d like to be? North, South?

      • Hi Jennifer,
        I’ve been looking in the North so far and I like the idea of somewhere not to far from Alghero for the airport as I need to have easy access back to London. I have yet to investigate the south!

        There’s a lot that you could do with your blog. Happy to offer some ideas. Just email me directly so that this doesn’t turn into business discussion on your lifestyle blog 🙂

        Thanks for your help!

  37. Hi Jennifer, I have been living in Sardinia since 2009 and, like you, I let anyone who is interested in living here know the facts… because actually, it’s beautiful for vacation but very different when you live here day in and day out (like any place really). So I think you did a lot of people a big favor by spelling it out for them (I shared on FB). The brave ones can arrive with their eyes open and have a better experience. Being as prepared and realistic as possible is always a good way to start an adventure….

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  38. Thank you for mentioning my blog. Many people don’t know about the necessity of getting a long stay visa. Many travel agents don’t mention it.

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  40. Very honest and helpful account, especially on the realities of working in Italy, which is something many people don’t consider. It’s a shame, because I’m sure it keeps many younger expats from moving here. And yes, while in other parts of Italy you may be able to “wing it” without speaking Italian, in Sardinia it’s just impossible!

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    • Thank you kindly for your comment! 🙂 7 years ago when I was doing research on coming to live in Sardinia, all I found were blog posts about la dolce vita, and at times, it really is la dolce vita. But there is a tough reality about living here that needs addressing and not just swept under the rug. I’ve written over 400 posts on how amazing and stunning Sardinia is, turning it into a fable, and with every fable there is a dark spot – which is reality. It’s important to me to share both sides of My Sardinian Life. 🙂

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  41. This pretty much sums up everything you need to know about moving to Sardinia! GREAT post! I wish I had read this before I moved here! I completely agree with the limited english (and Italian!) you’ll hear! It’s amazing how you can drive 20-30min to another town and they speak another dialect!! As for the “crisi” we see it get worse and worse every summer we come here…this year tops the charts! The shops, streets of the Costa Smeralda are…EMPTY! Unbelievable! I don’t know how the locals carry on!!!

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  42. Sounds like you are trying to discourage people…. You really want it all for yourself right 😉 just joking… Living anywhere but home has its challenges…. Visa, banking, daily life like paying bills can be tough. I can’t say for Italy, but we are living in China and it is tricky sometimes. We are lucky since my work deals with most of these hassles… Yes hassles since language and understanding make them WAY more difficult than at home. I agree do your homework and ask a million questions of yourself and others who have done it BEFORE leaving. Living somewhere is not the same as a vacation…..

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    • No…that’s the last thing I want to do – discourage people. It really sounds like that? I’m just saying how it really is – it’s not easy finding a job out of country then getting all the documents right, then moving to a strange land.

      I like how you’ve said “Living somewhere is not the same as a vacation.” Brilliantly said, thank you!

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      • No you don’t sound discouraging at all! You’re selling Sardinia as the most beautiful island in the World (which is), how could it be discouraging?! By giving the right informations to those who are really interested in moving to Sardinia? ;^) that’s reality.

      • No I was just joking that you wanted to keep the beauty all to yourself 😉
        One of the biggest misconceptions I had moving abroad was that the workload and daily grind would somehow be less, so we could travel and explore our new city more. Work is work no matter where you are and it is not like a vacation. Of course it has given lots of opportunities to travel and do things since we are closer to them in China than home, but we still need to wait for holidays and long weekends to try and squeeze them in.

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