Sardinia is investing huge resources in saving the countryside and a new model of tourism

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Sardinia is investing huge resources in saving the countryside

While most Mediterranean destinations are battling overtourism, Sardinia is taking a step that could serve as a blueprint for sustainable development for regions facing rural decline.

The regional government has launched an ambitious €38 million plan called “Tourism in the Villages,” aimed at revitalising 15 specific micro-locations on the brink of depopulation.

The focus is not just on attracting visitors, but on completely redefining the island's offer.

Franco Cuccureddu, regional councillor for tourism, crafts and trade, stressed that the aim is to position Sardinia in the growing global market for "village" and experiential tourism.

Each of the selected municipalities, from coastal Bose to medieval Castelsardo, will receive 2,5 million euros for infrastructure and content changes.

Decentralisation as a response to seasonality

The current statistics of Sardinia clearly shows imbalance: around 80% of tourists are concentrated exclusively on the coastal strip, while the interior remains neglected.

The strategy is based on two key pillars – decentralisation and extension of the season.

The plan is to redirect some of the travellers from the crowded beaches to the historical centres of the interior, offering them an authentic “slow” pace of life that is increasingly sought after in Europe.

In addition to reducing pressure on the coast, the goal is to create a year-round incentive to visit.

This includes developing hiking trails, a network of hiking routes, and stronger connections to local gastronomy and products. This opens up opportunities for local entrepreneurs and agencies involved in niche tourism, creating new jobs that could retain the young population.

Infrastructure and the problem of abandoned properties

One of the biggest challenges facing Sardinia is the vast amount of unused real estate. Of the approximately one million housing units on the island, as many as a third lie vacant.

In some villages, the percentage of abandoned or occasionally used houses reaches an alarming 60%. Interestingly, short-term rentals, despite public perception, only make up 3,5% of the total housing stock, which is below the national average.

The funds from this fund will be focused on improving access to historic centres, upgrading mobility, and strengthening the capacity of small, family-run hospitality establishments.

The goal is to create coherent itineraries that connect heritage, landscape, and authentic community experiences, which is key to attracting modern travellers who are looking for meaning, not just sun and sea.

Protecting resources as a priority

While opening up to new forms of tourism, Sardinia has no plans to sacrifice its natural gems.

Strict rules remain in place, especially in protected areas such as the famous pink beaches (Spiaggia Rosa), where fines for violations remain extremely high.

This initiative shows a clear intention: tourism must be a tool for the preservation of communities and nature, not a factor in their degradation.

Sardinia is investing huge resources in saving the countryside, and a new model of tourism original story published on Tragento editorial team.