This European island is likened to the Maldives. I stayed for a week – for $1,500

White sand, clear turquoise sea and lush trees swaying in the breeze. This might sound like a description of the Maldives — but it's actually what I experienced on a recent trip to Italy.

Sardinia, the Mediterranean's second-largest island after Sicily, is sometimes referred to as "the Maldives of Europe" for the beauty of its beaches — two of which appear on "The World's 50 Best Beaches" 2024 list, chosen by more than 1,000 travel professionals.

Like the Maldives, parts of Sardinia have a reputation for being expensive. Those with deep pockets head to Costa Smeralda — or Emerald Coast — known for its yacht-loving jet set, upscale golf resorts and designer stores.

Luxury hotel company Belmond opened the renovated Romazzino at Porto Cervo in August, with fellow LVMH brand Cheval Blanc set to open a hotel in 2026. Hotels from the Rocco Forte group and Mandarin Oriental are also due to open in the same year.

But it's possible to experience Sardinia's beautiful coastline without spending a fortune, as I found on a recent vacation. Airfare obviously affects travel costs, but I spent $1,500 for a week on the island, including flights from London.

First, I was happy to travel in the fall when prices are cheaper. Schools in the U.K. start in early September, and I reasoned that the weather would still be fine.

I was also content with mid-range accommodations and wanted to stay somewhere that included some meals to make budgeting easier. I was also keen to be near local restaurants as they're often cheaper than those in touristy places.

Searching online, I found that holiday company Neilson had a resort on Sardinia's northeastern coast, notfar from the Costa Smeralda. I'd been to a Neilson-run hotel in Greece a few years before and was