The pristine white sand shores and azure waters of the Maldives are truly spectacular, but there’s a European island that is just as beautiful, and it’s a fraction of the price.

I’ve been lucky enough to stay at a resort on a secluded island paradise in the Maldives, and it really is as stunning as you could imagine. There were luxurious overwater villas with private freshwater pools, miles of pristine sandbanks, tropical sea life swimming among the crystal-clear turquoise waters, and some of the most incredible sunsets.

But a holiday to the Maldives in South Asia comes at a cost. While you can catch a direct flight from London to Malé, you then need transport from the mainland airport to the island you’re staying on, either by boat or seaplane, and then there’s the price of the resort.

There are more than 150 resorts across the Maldives, and each typically operates on its own island, ensuring privacy and seclusion. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the most desirable factors about a getaway to the Maldives, alongside its stunning scenes, but a trip can see holidaymakers pay anything from £2,000 up to a staggering £11,000!

It’s certainly a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, but that doesn’t mean we have to go without the balmy sunshine, crystal-clear turquoise waters and unspoilt sand beaches during an island getaway, as I found out. In the same year, I visited the beautiful island of Sardinia in Italy, and it starkly resembles the picturesque vistas and tropical surroundings of the Maldives.

I was blown away by the serene, turquoise waters in Sardinia, which were as crystal-clear as those I had experienced mere months before in the Maldives. I fondly recall taking a dip in the sea and looking down at my feet to see an array of colourful tropical fish swimming beside me, and in July, the Mediterranean waters were incredibly warm too.

The stretches of white-sand beaches were just as stunning, offering a haven for days spent on the beach, with the backdrop of the striking, dramatic mountains. I stayed just outside the village of Chia in Sardinia, but with hundreds of pristine beaches nestled across the island spanning over 1,800 km, there’s a catalogue of places to explore and stay.

Aside from the serene shores, Sardinia offers everything for a sun-soaked getaway. From boat trips through the azure waters, snorkelling, bike rides, hikes through the island’s diverse landscapes, trips to coastal towns and the capital, to exploring ancient ruins and savouring the flavours of Italy, with a strong Mediterranean influence.

During my long weekend, I spent time on the beautiful beaches of Su Giudeu and Campana Dune, before a refreshing cocktail by one of the swimming pools at Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia. On another day, I rode an e-bike to the province of Capo Spartivento along the ancient Roman road and discovered the historical Chia Tower, with breathtaking views across the coast.

While it might not have sea villas or be as secluded as the Maldives, Sardinia is much more accessible, with flights from the UK taking less than 3 hours. Direct flights start from a mere £15 with Ryanair departing from London Stansted to Cagliari, the island’s main airport, according to Skyscanner.

What’s more, you’ll be greeted with up to 19C in April, and a balmy 30C by July. Having spent time in the Maldives and Sardinia, it’s easy to see their similarities, and I absolutely loved them both for an island escape – one is just much more affordable!

So if you’re looking for that serene island escape, I’d highly recommend a trip to Sardinia, as the European equivalent of the Maldives.

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