European destination with ‘Thai island vibes’ you can fly to for £21 | Europe | Travel

Summer will be here before we know it, but with the UK weather remaining unpredictable even in those months, the best way to guarantee some sun is to head off on holiday. 

The thought of Thailand, with its picturesque beaches, balmy temperatures and laid-back way of life, is a dream destination for many people. 

However, sitting on a plane for hours on end doesn’t sound so fun – thankfully, there are plenty of European spots much closer to home that are just as beautiful. 

And there’s one particular region of Italy which is said to have ‘Thai island vibes’ but is just a couple of hours from the UK. 

Even better, you can fly there for as little as £21 – so if you’re looking for some holiday inspiration then Sardinia is the place to be. 

The experts at SkyParkSecure have identified some destination alternatives for far-flung holiday spots, and they say Sardinia is ideal if you want that Thai island vibe without the long-haul flight. 

You can fly to Cagliari airport from as little as £21 one way in March from Stansted Airport, so even if you have to travel to London to fly, it could still be an affordable choice. 

Even better, the flight time is only around three hours too, so it’s perfect for a long weekend or a midweek break if you don’t want to go too far away.

The beaches of Sardinia, with their turquoise waters and secluded coves, rival the tropical beauty of Thailand’s famous islands. With its laid-back atmosphere and mouth-watering cuisine, Sardinia offers a European take on paradise.

One of the most famous spots is Cala Goloritzé, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with crystal-clear waters often considered the most picturesque beach in the whole of Sardinia. 

You can either reach it on foot or via a boat trip, which is also an excellent way to spend the day island-hopping and swimming in the cool turquoise waters. 

Another place that’s an absolute must-visit is the uninhabited Asinara island, known as ‘Italy’s Alcatraz’ as it was once a place for detained prisoners. 

Now though, it’s famous for a different reason. Since 1997, though, it has been a national park where you can go hiking, cycling and spot some interesting wildlife, including albino donkeys which roam freely around the island. 

And if you have worked up an appetite after a long day of hiking, snorkelling, caving or just general exploring of the region, then you’re in for a treat. 

The cuisine of Sardinia is second to none, especially if you’re a fan of seafood. Being a coastal region, it’s made even more delicious and fresh, and is best enjoyed in a pasta dish – try it with some fregola, a classic shape from Sardinia. 

Culurgiones are a type of Sardinian ravioli-like stuffed pasta that are also worth a try, topped with some Pecorino cheese which is also from this region. 

And for dessert, you’ll want to try some seada – a savoury bread best served with sweet toppings such as honey and sugar.