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I have been to the Maldives – this European island is simply as spectacular with £15 flights

The Maldives is a haven for sugar-white sand seashores and azure waters, however what if I instructed you there was a European island simply as lovely with £15 flights

I went on vacation to the Maldives and a European island in the identical 12 months (Picture: Amy Jones) This text incorporates affiliate hyperlinks, we’ll obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Be taught extra

The pristine white sand shores and azure waters of the Maldives are actually spectacular, however there is a European island that’s simply as lovely, and it is a fraction of the value.

I have been fortunate sufficient to remain at a resort on a secluded island paradise within the Maldives, and it truly is as gorgeous as you can think about. There have been luxurious overwater villas with personal freshwater swimming pools, miles of pristine sandbanks, tropical sea life swimming among the many crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a few of the most unimaginable sunsets.

However a vacation to the Maldives in South Asia comes at a value. When you can catch a direct flight from London to Malé, you then want transport from the mainland airport to the island you are staying on, both by boat or seaplane, after which there’s the value of the resort.

The Maldives is paradise, however so is Sardinia (Picture: Getty Photos)

There are greater than 150 resorts throughout the Maldives, and every usually operates by itself island, guaranteeing privateness and seclusion. Undoubtedly, it is one of the vital fascinating elements a few getaway to the Maldives, alongside its gorgeous scenes, however a visit can see holidaymakers pay something from £2,000 as much as a staggering £11,000!

It is actually a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, however that does not imply we’ve got to go with out the balmy sunshine, crystal-clear turquoise waters and unspoilt sand seashores throughout an island getaway, as I came upon. In the identical 12 months, I visited the gorgeous island of Sardinia in Italy, and it starkly resembles the picturesque vistas and tropical environment of the Maldives.

I used to be blown away by the serene, turquoise waters in Sardinia, which had been as crystal-clear as these I had skilled mere months earlier than within the Maldives. I fondly recall taking a dip within the sea and searching down at my ft to see an array of vibrant tropical fish swimming beside me, and in July, the Mediterranean waters had been extremely heat too.

The stretches of white-sand seashores had been simply as gorgeous, providing a haven for days spent on the seaside, with the backdrop of the hanging, dramatic mountains. I stayed simply exterior the village of Chia in Sardinia, however with tons of of pristine seashores nestled throughout the island spanning over 1,800 km, there is a catalogue of locations to discover and keep.

Apart from the serene shores, Sardinia affords all the pieces for a sun-soaked getaway. From boat journeys by means of the azure waters, snorkelling, bike rides, hikes by means of the island’s numerous landscapes, journeys to coastal cities and the capital, to exploring historical ruins and savouring the flavours of Italy, with a powerful Mediterranean affect.

Throughout my lengthy weekend, I hung out on the gorgeous seashores of Su Giudeu and Campana Dune, earlier than a refreshing cocktail by one of many swimming swimming pools at Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia. On one other day, I rode an e-bike to the province of Capo Spartivento alongside the traditional Roman highway and found the historic Chia Tower, with breathtaking views throughout the coast.

The seashores in Sardinia have sugarwhite sand and azure waters (Picture: Getty Photos)

Whereas it won’t have sea villas or be as secluded because the Maldives, Sardinia is far more accessible, with flights from the UK taking lower than 3 hours. Direct flights begin from a mere £15 with Ryanair departing from London Stansted to Cagliari, the island’s foremost airport, in line with Skyscanner.

What’s extra, you will be greeted with as much as 19C in April, and a balmy 30C by July. Having hung out within the Maldives and Sardinia, it is simple to see their similarities, and I completely beloved them each for an island escape – one is simply far more inexpensive!

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So in case you’re in search of that serene island escape, I would extremely suggest a visit to Sardinia, because the European equal of the Maldives.

Do you might have a journey story to share? Electronic mail webtravel@reachplc.com

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