Sardinia, Italy Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Sardinia is a stunning island located in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Italy. With a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations, Sardinia is home to beautiful beaches, rugged mountains, and charming villages. The island boasts a unique blend of Italian and Mediterranean cultures, resulting in a vibrant and diverse atmosphere. Visitors can indulge in delicious local cuisine, explore ancient ruins, and soak up the sun on pristine beaches. With its picturesque landscapes and warm hospitality, Sardinia is a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable Mediterranean experience.

Why Sardinia, Italy?

  • Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
  • The island is home to the oldest olive tree in Europe, estimated to be over 3,000 years old.
  • Sardinia has been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlements dating back to 6000 BC.
  • The island has over 1,800 kilometers of coastline, making it a popular destination for beach lovers.
  • Sardinia is also known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque coastal towns.

Sardinia, Italy Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
57° F
° F
February
59° F
° F
March
61° F
° F
April
66° F
° F
May
73° F
° F
June
81° F
° F
July
86° F
° F
August
86° F
° F
September
81° F
° F
October
73° F
° F
November
64° F
° F
December
59° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
1.9 inches
February
2.2 inches
March
1.8 inches
April
1.5 inches
May
1 inches
June
0.4 inches
July
0.1 inches
August
0.3 inches
September
1.4 inches
October
2.3 inches
November
2.2 inches
December
2.3 inches

History

Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, has a long and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. Located west of Italy, this island has been influenced by various civilizations, making it a unique and diverse cultural hub.

The earliest known inhabitants of Sardinia were the Nuragic people, who built impressive stone structures called nuraghes, which can still be seen scattered across the island today. These prehistoric people were skilled in agriculture, metalworking, and trade, and their influence can still be seen in the island’s cuisine and traditional crafts.

In the 8th century BC, the Phoenicians arrived on Sardinia and established trading posts along the coast. They were followed by the Carthaginians, who took control of the island in the 6th century BC.

In 238 BC, the Romans conquered Sardinia and incorporated it into their growing empire. The island became a vital source of grain and other resources for the Roman Republic, and many impressive buildings and roads were constructed during this time. Christianity also spread to Sardinia during Roman rule, leaving behind numerous churches and religious artifacts.

In the 5th century AD, Sardinia was invaded by the Vandals, a Germanic tribe, and then by the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines ruled the island for several centuries until it was conquered by the Saracens, a Muslim group from North Africa, in the 8th century. The Saracens introduced new agricultural techniques and left a lasting influence on the island’s language and culture.

In the 11th century, Sardinia was divided into four independent kingdoms, which were constantly at war with each other. This period of instability ended in 1324 when the island was united under the Kingdom of Aragon. The Aragonese brought feudalism to Sardinia and built numerous castles and fortifications, many of which still stand today.

In the 19th century, Sardinia became part of the newly formed Kingdom of Italy. However, the island’s unique culture and traditions were largely preserved, making it a popular tourist destination for those seeking an authentic Italian experience.

Today, Sardinia is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and rich history. Its past is evident in the ancient ruins, diverse architecture, and traditional festivals that continue to thrive on the island.

Transportation on Sardinia, Italy

Getting to Sardinia, Italy and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Passport valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Visa not required for most nationalities for stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area.
  • Return/onward ticket required for proof of departure.

Departure Tax

No specific departure tax; taxes are included in airfare.

Driving

  • Driving License: EU licenses are valid; non-EU licenses require an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Driving Side: Right-hand side.
  • Road Conditions: Roads are generally well-maintained, though some rural and mountain roads may be narrow or winding.
  • Speed Limits: 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 90 km/h (56 mph) on rural roads, 130 km/h (81 mph) on highways.
  • Traffic Rules: Parking can be limited in popular towns like Alghero and Cagliari during peak seasons. Renting a car is recommended for exploring Sardinia’s beaches, countryside, and mountain regions.

Local Transportation

Sardinia offers a range of transport options to explore its beautiful beaches, rugged landscapes, and historic towns. Renting a car is the most popular choice, allowing visitors to easily access the island’s remote areas, charming villages, and coastal attractions at their own pace. Public buses provide an affordable way to travel between major towns like Cagliari, Alghero, and Olbia, though they can be infrequent in more rural areas. For a scenic and leisurely journey, regional trains connect some of Sardinia’s key cities and towns. Taxis and private transfers are also available, offering convenient travel for those seeking a more direct route.

Know Before You Go...® - Sardinia, Italy Travel Tips

Before making their way to Sardinia, Italy , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Sardinia, Italy even more relaxing.

Capital: Cagliari
Population: 6.5 million (estimated)
Size: 9,300 square miles (estimated)
Electric Current: 230
Official Language: The official language spoken in Sardinia is Italian, however, a large portion of the population also speaks Sardinian, a Romance language with Spanish and Catalan influences.
Currency:
  • The official currency of Sardinia, is the Euro (€).
  • Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Sardinia, especially in larger cities. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case of any issues with card payments. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, while American Express and Discover may not be as widely accepted.
  • ATMs can be found in most cities and towns in Sardinia, and they usually offer the option to withdraw cash in Euros. It is important to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with using your card abroad.
  • Traveler's checks are not commonly accepted in Sardinia, so it is not recommended to rely on them as a form of payment.
  • In smaller towns and villages, it is not uncommon for businesses to only accept cash. It is always a good idea to have some Euros on hand for these situations.
Tipping and Taxes:
  • Tipping in Sardinia is not mandatory, but it is customary to leave a small tip for good service.
  • In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is usually sufficient, or rounding up the bill to the nearest euro.
  • Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but it is polite to round up the fare.
  • In bars and cafes, it is not necessary to tip, but leaving some change is appreciated.
  • Value Added Tax (VAT) is the most common type of tax in Sardinia. It is applied to most goods and services, including restaurants, hotels, and shopping. The standard rate is 22%, but there is a reduced rate of 10% for certain items such as food, books, and public transport.
  • Visitors from outside the EU can claim a VAT refund for purchases over €155 made within 90 days of departure.
Dress Code: The dress code in Sardinia is typically casual yet stylish, with a focus on comfortable and breathable clothing suitable for warm weather.
Topography: Sardinia is a mountainous island with rugged terrain, featuring limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, and fertile valleys, surrounded by clear blue Mediterranean waters.
Telephone: * Telephone Country Code: +39 * Mobile Networks: Reliable coverage across the island, including coastal and rural areas. * Wi-Fi: Widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. Many establishments offer free Wi-Fi for guests.

Sardinia, Italy Weddings and Honeymoons

In Sardinia, Italy, getting married involves a few clear steps and required documents.

Apply for a marriage license at the local Comune (Town Hall) in the chosen municipality in Sardinia.

Required documents include:

  • Valid passports or national ID cards for both parties.
  • Birth certificates (translated into Italian and certified with an Apostille).
  • Certificate of no impediment to marriage (Nulla Osta) issued by your country’s embassy in Italy.
  • Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable).
  • Application form provided by the Comune.

Civil ceremonies are legally binding and conducted in Italian by a registrar. An interpreter may be required if the couple does not speak Italian.

Costs: Marriage fees vary by municipality but typically range from €200 to €500 for non-residents. Additional costs may apply for translations, Apostilles, and optional arrangements.

Optional Religious or Scenic Venue Ceremony: Sardinia offers breathtaking venues for symbolic or religious ceremonies, including pristine beaches, historic churches, and countryside villas. Popular locations include Costa Smeralda, the ancient Nuraghe complexes, and Alghero’s charming old town. These ceremonies are not legally binding without a civil ceremony.