Sardinia

Do not leave valuables visible in parked cars — Break-ins targeting tourists' rental cars are the most common crime affecting visitors to Sardinia, particularly at beach car parks. Always remove all bags, cameras, and valuables from your vehicle before leaving it. A sticker in the window saying 'nothing of value inside' can help. Use the car boot if you must leave items.

Never leave your belongings unattended on the beach — Petty theft on popular beaches does occur, especially on La Pelosa, Cala Brandinchi, and other crowded beaches during peak season. Use waterproof pouches for valuables when swimming, and take turns with your travel companions when going into the water.

Drive with extreme caution on mountain roads — Sardinia's interior mountain roads are often narrow, have sharp hairpin bends, and are sometimes bordered by steep drops. Take these roads slowly, use your horn before blind corners, and be prepared for animals (sheep, goats, wild boar) appearing without warning. Mountain roads can also be slippery in autumn rain.

Respect sea conditions and warning flags at beaches — Sardinia's sea can become rough and unpredictable, especially in the Maestrale (northwest wind) and Scirocco (southeast wind) conditions. Always obey beach flag systems: green = safe, yellow = caution, red = dangerous/no swimming. Currents can be strong at cove beaches with narrow entrances. Never swim alone in remote areas.

Be aware of wildfire risk from June to September — Sardinia experiences serious wildfires during the hot, dry summer months, particularly in the interior. Never light campfires outside designated areas, do not discard cigarettes, and follow official advice during fire risk alerts. If you see a fire, call 115 (fire brigade) immediately. Smoke on main roads can impair visibility.

Avoid riverbeds and low-lying areas in autumn storms — October and November can bring sudden, intense rainstorms that cause flash flooding, especially in mountain valleys and riverbeds. Never camp in or drive through riverbeds that may be dry. Sardinia has experienced serious floods in 2008, 2013, 2018, and 2020. Check weather forecasts if hiking in autumn.

Protect yourself from intense Mediterranean sun — Sardinia receives over 300 days of sunshine per year, and in July and August temperatures regularly exceed 35°C. Use high SPF sunscreen, wear a hat and lightweight clothing, drink at least 2 litres of water daily, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity between 12:00 and 16:00. Heatstroke is a real risk for unprepared visitors.

Never hike alone in remote areas without telling someone your plans — Sardinia's mountains and gorges are spectacular but genuinely remote. Mobile phone coverage is patchy in the Supramonte and Gennargentu. Always tell your hotel or someone trustworthy where you are going and when you expect to return. Carry a physical map (not just phone GPS), plenty of water, emergency food, and a first aid kit. The Gorropu Gorge floor floods rapidly after rain.

Bring comprehensive travel insurance and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC) — EU/EEA/Swiss citizens should carry their EHIC for free emergency healthcare. UK citizens should use their GHIC. All other visitors should have comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover. Sardinia has good hospitals in Cagliari, Sassari, and Nuoro, but remote areas are far from medical facilities. Public hospitals are free for emergency treatment.

Tap water is generally safe but bottled water is widely available — Tap water in Sardinia's cities and towns is safe to drink. In very remote rural areas, the water quality can vary — when in doubt, drink bottled water. Be cautious with shellfish at low-budget establishments — always eat seafood at reputable restaurants.

Be aware of jellyfish, sea urchins, and processionary caterpillars — Jellyfish can be present in Sardinian waters, especially in calm summer conditions — Pelagia noctiluca (mauve stinger) causes painful stings. Treat stings with seawater and vinegar. Sea urchins are common on rocky sea beds — wear water shoes. In pine forests, avoid touching processionary caterpillar nests — the hairs cause severe skin reactions.

Be alert for common tourist scams at ferry ports and airports — Unofficial taxi drivers at ferry ports and airports may charge excessive fares. Always use licensed yellow taxis with meters, or agree on a price in advance. In Porto Cervo and Cagliari marina areas, be wary of overly persistent sellers. The 'bracelet trick' (tying a bracelet to your wrist then demanding payment) occurs at major tourist sites.

Book ferries well in advance and always confirm departure times — Sardinia ferries can be cancelled or delayed due to Maestrale winds, especially to and from northern Sardinia. Book ferries months ahead in summer. Keep mobile phone charged and check Grimaldi/Tirrenia/Moby Lines apps for updates. If your ferry is cancelled, your ticket is valid for the next available sailing.

Sardinia is very safe for solo travellers including women — Sardinia is considered one of Italy's safest regions for solo travel. The traditional culture strongly emphasises hospitality to guests. Solo female travellers report feeling very safe. Basic city-centre precautions apply (don't walk alone in unlit areas late at night). The Barbagia interior is perhaps the safest area of all.