Practical information Sardaigne

Sardinia is part of Italy, so it is part of the European Union and the Schengen area. No visa is required for French, Belgian, Swiss and Luxembourg nationals. A valid national identity card or passport is sufficient to enter the territory and stay for up to 90 days. For travelers of other nationalities, Schengen rules apply: a short-stay visa should be requested from an Italian consulate if necessary. We recommend checking the expiration date of your identity documents at least one month before departure, and having a digital copy of your documents. Children must travel with their own identity document; a family booklet is not sufficient.

No vaccinations are mandatory to enter Sardaigne. As elsewhere in Europe, it is advisable to be up to date with routine vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, pertussis, and MMR. Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B may be considered for extended stays or travelers seeking local immersion, but are not essential for a standard tourist visit. There is no risk of malaria or dengue on the island. Simply remember to bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives you access to care in Italian public hospitals under the same conditions as residents. Supplementary travel insurance remains useful for repatriation and high-risk activities.

Budget an average of €90 to €140 per day and per person, excluding international flights, based on double room accommodation, half-board, and main visits. In high season (July-August), prices rise significantly, especially on the Costa Smeralda where a hotel night often exceeds €250. For car rentals, expect €35 to €60 per day for a compact car in season, more for an SUV. A meal in a trattoria costs between €25 and €40 per person, a coffee €1.50, artisanal ice cream €3 to €4. Ferries to La Maddalena are around €20 return, boat excursions to the Gulf of Orosei approximately €50 to €70.

The best windows are mid-May to mid-June and September to mid-October. The sea reaches 22 to 24 °C, temperatures range between 22 and 28 °C, and crowds remain reasonable. July and August are stunning weather-wise but saturated: congested roads, fully booked accommodations, prices doubled. April offers blooming landscapes in the Barbagia, but the sea stays cool (17-18 °C). Winter is mild on the coasts (12 to 16 °C during the day) but many tourist facilities close from October to Easter, notably at the Gulf of Orosei. For mountain hiking, opt for May-June or September, summer often being too hot in the Supramonte.

The car is by far the most practical means of transport. The road network is in good condition, with two main routes: the SS131 crossing the island from north to south between Sassari and Cagliari, and the SS125 along the east coast. Distances appear short on the map but mountain roads in the Barbagia significantly slow average speeds. Regional ARST buses connect cities but serve isolated coves poorly. Train travel remains marginal except for the Cagliari-Oristano-Sassari route. A few ferries operate services to La Maddalena, San Pietro and Sant'Antioco. For the Gulf of Orosei, several coves are only accessible by boat from Cala Gonone or Santa Maria Navarrese.

Sardinia is one of the safest regions in Italy and Europe. The crime rate there is very low, including in major cities like Cagliari and Sassari. Pickpocketing remains rare, but standard precautions apply: do not leave visible objects in your car, keep an eye on your belongings on busy beaches. Local driving is fairly calm outside urban centers. In the mountains and when hiking in Supramonte or the Gorropu gorges, bring plenty of water, a charged phone and inform someone of your route: mobile coverage is poor and some trails require real experience. Our team remains available 24/7 during your stay.