BPG_Sardinia

Accommodation

All hotels are categorised from one to five stars or, at the very top end of the scale, 5-star deluxe. Stars assigned denote facilities and are no indicator of charm or atmosphere. Tourist offices abroad will provide a list of accommodation.

In high season you need to book well in advance. The most crowded and expensive times are Easter and mid-June to early September. Prices on the Costa Smeralda are prohibitive but get cheaper the further inland you go. In winter many hotels close down; those that remain open offer dramatically cut rates – particularly top category hotels. Breakfast is normally included in the room rate. Hotels with their own restaurant often insist on half-board (or occasionally even full-board) during the season. Most hotels demand a supplement for a room with a view.

Hotels may require confirmation of a reservation, and a deposit of one night’s stay, payable by credit card, is often requested. Failure to turn up or to inform the hotel in advance of cancellation usually incurs the loss of the deposit.

An appealing alternative is an agriturismo, traditionally a working farm, although the majority now are modern properties, rather than picturesque old farm buildings. They have sprouted all over Sardinia, many of them in remote locations well away from coastal resorts. The properties vary widely – as do the prices – and government controls are very limited. There is often the option of eating in, and some agriturismi, using home-grown produce, are renowned for their cuisine. Some are equipped with kitchens and rented out on a weekly basis. For details, try www.agriturismo.net, www.agriturismo.it, www.agriturismo.com, www.agriturismi.it, or www.agriturist.it. Except in August, you are unlikely to have problems finding rooms.

The last few years have seen a big rise in the number of B&Bs in private homes, varying from ancient palazzi to modern suburban houses. Prices are roughly equivalent to a two-star hotel but generally offer better value. Online listings available at www.sardegnabb.eu.

I’d like a single/double room Vorrei una camera singola/matrimoniale or doppia

with bathroom con bagno

What’s the rate per night? Quanto si paga per notte?

Airports

Sardinia is served by three main airports: Elmas at Cagliari (www.sogaer.it), Olbia–Costa Smeralda at Olbia (www.geasar.com) and Fertilia at Alghero (www.algheroairport.com). All three handle flights within Italy, as well as charter and scheduled flights from London and other European cities. Cagliari’s airport is 6km (4 miles) from the centre; trains run every 20 minutes between 5am and 9pm and the journey time is about 5–7 minutes. Olbia’s airport, 5km (3 miles) from the centre, has a bus service every 20 minutes to the city centre taking 10 minutes, and a summer bus service to Arzachena, Palau and Sant Teresa di Gallura to the north. From Fertilia there are hourly buses to Alghero, 10km (6 miles) away, taking 20 minutes. Logudoro Tours bus service (tel: 0792-81728; www.logudorotours.it) links the airport with Cagliari, via Oristano, connecting with Ryanair flights. Bus services also operate from the airport to Sassari, Bosa, Santa Teresa di Gallura, Stintino and Nuoro.

Budgeting for Your Trip

Generally speaking, prices are average for Italy, but there are wide variations, depending where you stay and the time of year. In popular resorts such as Santa Teresa di Gallura, hotel prices in August are double those in spring or autumn. In general the best value tends to be inland, especially the agriturismi. In high season expect to pay €130–200 for a comfortable double with bath or €80–100 in a cheap town hotel. In agriturismi you pay from €50 to €90 per person for half board. For a good evening meal in a restaurant expect to pay €30–45, for a light lunch €15–20, coffee or soft drink €1–2.50, beer in a bar €2.50–4 and spirits €2–4, but up to €10 in a smart café on the Costa Smeralda. Bear in mind that drinks at the bar are far cheaper than those served at a terrace table. Entry fees to museums and archaeological sites vary from €2 to €12; entrance is free for EU citizens under 18 and over 65.

Camping

Sardinia has numerous designated sites, mainly around the coast. Some are huge complexes complete with pools, restaurants, shops and sports facilities. Accommodation may be in caravans or bungalows as well as ready-erected tents. Details of campsites can be found at www.campeggi.com or at www.camping.it. Alternatively, local tourist offices can supply lists for their area. Campsites are normally open from Easter to October. Camping rough is forbidden.

Car hire

Although much of the island can be covered by bus or train, services tend to be slow and infrequent, so to really explore the island you need to hire a car. Bookings made and paid for in advance are usually cheaper than hiring a car once you are in Sardinia. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before you go – local suppliers have a habit of making you pay for extras you may not need.

Cars can be picked up at the main airports, where the major companies have their outlets. Drivers must present their own national driving licence or one that is internationally recognised. There is a small additional charge for an extra driver. Credit card imprints are taken as a deposit and are normally the only form of payment acceptable. ‘Inclusive’ prices do not normally include personal accident insurance, windscreens, tyres and wheels. Make sure you return the car with a full tank of fuel – there are hefty refuelling charges if you fail to do so. Car hire is quite expensive at €250–300 a week for a small car, and petrol prices are high.

I would like to hire a car Vorrei noleggiare una macchina

for one day per un giorno

for one week per una settimana

Climate

Sardinia’s climate is typical of the Mediterranean, with long, hot summers, warm springs and autumns and mild winters. A good time to go is May when it’s usually warm and sunny, beaches are uncrowded and the countryside is strewn with wild flowers. Autumn is pleasant and the water is still warm enough for swimming in late September or even October. The really hot months are July and August when temperatures soar to 30°C (86°F) or more, but sea breezes bring welcome relief. Less pleasant are the maestrale and ponente winds (from the northwest and west respectively). In winter average coastal temperatures are 10–14°C (50–57°F); the interior is far colder and snow sometimes covers the highest peaks. Rain falls mainly in winter and autumn, with a few sudden showers in spring.

Clothing

Wearing miniskirts, skimpy shorts or shoulderless garments in churches is likely to cause offence. Wearing scanty clothing or swimwear may also offend, especially in inland towns. Only the very smartest restaurants and those in top hotels require jacket-and-tie formality. Casual clothes are quite acceptable in most trattorias.

Crime and Safety

The crime rate in Sardinia is low and visitors can stroll through the streets without any threat. There are, however, occasional instances of petty theft and it’s wise to take simple precautions: always lock car doors and never leave valuables visible inside; leave important documents and valuables in the hotel safe; wear a money bag or, if carrying a shoulder bag, make sure it faces away from the street to deter motorcyclists who can snatch bags at high speed.

I want to report a theft Voglio denunciare un furto

My wallet/passport/ticket has been stolen Mi hanno rubato il portafoglio/il passaporto/il biglietto

Driving

Entering Italy. To bring your car into Italy, you will need an international driving licence or valid national one, car registration papers, a motor insurance certificate, a red warning triangle in case of breakdown, a national identity sticker for your car, a visibility vest (in case of breakdown).

Main highways linking cities are mostly dual carriageways and are fast and surprisingly empty. There are no motorways (hence no tolls). The SS131 (Carlo Felice highway) links Cagliari in the south with Sassari and Porto Torres in the north, with a branch linking Abbastanta and Olbia, via Nuoro. In remote areas, such as the Gennargentu mountains, roads are not so good and signposting is random. Detours to beaches along dirt tracks can be long and tiring, especially (as in the Costa Smeralda) when they come to a halt at a villa complex with no public access to the beach. Many of the most scenic routes are tortuous coastal or mountain roads where you need to watch out for reckless drivers overtaking on blind bends.

patente driving licence

libretto di circolazione car registration papers

carta verde green card

Rules of the Road. Drive on the right, pass on the left. Speed limits are 50km/h (30mph) in towns and built-up areas, 90km/h (55mph) on other roads and 110km/h (70mph) on main highways. At roundabouts the traffic from the right has the right of way. Seat belts are compulsory in the front and back, and children should be properly restrained. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05 percent (stricter than the UK which is 0.08 percent) and zero for those who have had their licences for less than three years; random breath tests do occur. It is compulsory to keep dipped headlights switched on (day as well as night) – though many drivers ignore the regulation.

Are we on the right road for...? Siamo sulla strada giusta per…?

Breakdowns. In case of accident or breakdown call 113 (general emergencies – police) or the Automobile Club of Italy on 803-116, which has an efficient 24-hour service available to foreign visitors for a fee.

I’ve had a breakdown. Ho avuto un guasto.

There’s been an accident. C’è stato un incidente.

Petrol. Many petrol stations close from 12.30–3.30pm, but there are plenty of ‘24-hour’ stations with self-service dispensers accepting euro notes and credit cards. Main highways plenty of petrol stations, but in remote regions they are sparse. Most accept credit cards.

Fill it up please. Faccia il pieno per favore.

Parking. Finding a parking space in cities and main towns can be a nightmare – even off-season. If you are lucky enough to find a space, you may need to purchase a special ‘scratchcard’, only available from tobacconists and bars. The card has to be displayed in the car, with details of the date and time of parking. Other street parking is controlled by meters or parking attendants.

Where’s the nearest car park? Dov’è il parcheggio più vicino?

Can I park here? Posso parcheggiare qui?

Electricity

The electrical current is 220V, AC; sockets take two-pin, round-pronged plugs. Visitors from the UK will require an adaptor. Visitors from the US will need a transformer for 110V appliances.

Embassies

Australia: Via Antonio Bosio 5, 00161 Rome, tel: 06-852 721, www.italy.embassy.gov.au.

Canada: Via Zara 30, 00198 Rome, tel: 06-85444 1, www.canada.it.

Ireland: Villa Spada, Via Giacomo Medici 1, 00153 Rome, tel: 06- 585 2381, www.ambasciata-irlanda.it.

New Zealand: Via Clitunno 44, 00198 Rome, tel: 06-853 7501, www.nzembassy.com.

UK: Via XX Settembre 80a, 00187 Rome, tel: 06-4220 0001, www.ukinitaly.fco.gov.uk.

US: Via Vittorio Veneto 121, 00187 Rome, tel: 06-46741,

https://it.usembassy.gov

Emergencies

General emergencies: 113

Police: 112

Fire: 115

Ambulance: 118

Help! Aiuto!

Stop thief! Al ladro!

Getting There

By Air. An increasing number of low-cost airlines now fly direct to Sardinia from the UK and other European destinations. Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) has regular flights from Stansted to Alghero. EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) flies from Stansted to Cagliari and from Gatwick and Bristol to Olbia. Scheduled airlines have been forced to cut the costs of flights to compete with low-cost airlines. British Airways (www.ba.com) flies direct to Cagliari from Gatwick and from Heathrow to Olbia.

There are no direct flights from long-haul destinations. Passengers from the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia can fly to Rome or Milan and take one of the many connecting flights to Sardinia, but it’s worth comparing the cost of a cheap flight to London, and then a charter or flight with a low-cost airline to Sardinia.

By Ferry. Sardinia is well connected to Italian mainland ports. Ferry services operate to the island from Civitavecchia, Naples, Livorno, and Genoa; also from Palermo and Trapani in Sicily. The main ferry companies operating services to the mainland are Tirrenia (www.tirrenia.it) and Moby (www.moby.it). The shortest route between mainland Italy and Sardinia is Civitavecchia to Olbia, which takes 4–7 hours depending on the type of ferry. Prices vary accordingly. Many services operate from Easter to October only and some of the faster services are restricted to high season only. Sardinia also has ferry links with France, connecting Marseille with Porto Torres in the north (14–17 hours) from April to October 2–3 times weekly, and a regular all-year service between Bonifacio in Corsica and the resort of Santa Teresa di Gallura. Porto Torres also has a ferry connection to Barcelona.

Health and Medical Care

All EU countries have reciprocal arrangements for medical services. UK residents should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), available from post offices or online (www.ehic.org.uk). This only covers medical care, not emergency repatriation costs or additional expenses. Post-Brexit, UK residents will need to check new regulations before travelling. To cover all eventualities a travel insurance policy is advisable, and for non-EU residents, essential. For insurance claims, make sure you keep all receipts for medical treatment and any medicines prescribed. Vaccinations are not needed, but take sunscreen and mosquito repellent in the summer. Tap water is safe to drink, unless you see the sign ‘Acqua non potabile’. However, many visitors prefer to copy the locals and drink mineral water.

A pharmacy (farmacia) is identified by a green cross. All main towns offer a 24-hour pharmacy service, with a night-time and Sunday rota. After-hours locations are listed in local papers and posted on all pharmacy doors. Italian pharmacists are well trained to deal with minor ailments and although they do not stock quantities of foreign medicines they can usually supply the local equivalent. If you need a doctor (medico) ask at the pharmacy or at your hotel. For serious cases or emergencies, dial 118 for an ambulance or head for the Pronto Soccorso (Accident and Emergency) of the local hospital. This will also deal with emergency dental treatment.

I need a doctor/a dentist. Ho bisogno di un medico/ dentista.

Where’s the nearest (all-night) chemist? Dov’è la farmacia (di turno) più vicina?

Language

Sardinia has two languages – standard Italian and Sardo or Sardinian. The island tongue reflects a host of different influences; the roots are in Latin, but the language was later modified by the various European powers who invaded the island, notably the Spanish. In Alghero an old version of Catalan can still be heard; on the island of Sant’Antioco a Ligurian dialect is still spoken. Each region has its own dialect, and some Sards can only communicate with each other in Italian, particularly in inland Sardinia, while on the coasts there is more emphasis on Italian than on Sardinian dialects.

The vast majority of tourists here are Italian, and although you will find English speakers in the main resorts and towns, elsewhere local people are only likely to speak a smattering of English, if that. Sardinians are appreciative of visitors who speak some Italian and (unlike Florentines and Venetians) don’t have the infuriating habit of replying in broken English when you speak to them in Italian.

LGBTQ Travellers

Sardinia is conservative compared with the cosmopolitan cities of northern Italy. Although not necessarily averse to gay couples travelling together, locals do not always tolerate overt displays of affection. There are a few gay bars and clubs, notably in Cagliari and Sassari. To find general information and listings of gay venues within Italy, contact ArciGay, the national gay rights organisation, tel: 051-095 7241, www.arcigay.it. For gay events in Sardinia check out www.associazionearc.eu or www.movimentomosessualesardo.org.

Maps

Sardinia is such a large island that even the best maps don’t mark every road. The best road maps are the Touring Club Italiano at 1:200,000 and the Automobile Club d’Italia at 1:275,000. Maps are available at bookstores and kiosks, but the better ones are more readily available in specialist map or travel book shops abroad.

Media

Newspapers. English and foreign newspapers are available, usually a day late, in the cities and main resorts during the season. The International Herald Tribune is available in the main centres Monday–Saturday. The two main island newspapers are Cagliari’s L’Unione Sarda (www.unionesarda.it) and Sassari’s La Nuova Sardegna (La Nuova; http://lanuovasardegna.gelocal.it).

Television. An increasing number of hotels provide satellite TV, but you won’t necessarily get English-language channels. As regards Italian TV, there are the state-run RAI 1, 2 3, 4 and 5 plus numerous private channels pouring out tacky soaps, films and ads. State-run radio stations, RAI 1, 2 and 3, mainly broadcast news bulletins and music.

Have you any English-language newspapers? Avete giornali in inglese?

Money

The unit of currency in Italy is the euro (€) divided into 100 cents. Euro notes come in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5; coins in denominations of 2 and 1; then 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Exchange Facilities. Banks and post offices offer the best rates, followed by bureaux de change and hotels. Some bureaux de change offer commission-free facilities, but the rate of exchange is usually higher than in banks. Travellers’ cheques can be exchanged (you need your passport), but attract a high commission and sometimes a transaction fee. Not all hotels or shops accept travellers’ cheques.

Credit Cards and ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants, petrol stations and stores. Some smaller hotels, agriturismi, B&Bs and simple trattorias will only accept cash. ATM machines (or Bancomats) are found all over the island.

I want to change some pounds/dollars Desidero cambiare delle sterline/dei dollari.

Do you accept travellers’ cheques? Accetta i travellers’ cheques?

Can I pay with a credit card? Posso pagare con la carta di credito?

Opening Times

Major museums, archaeological sites and caves are open all day every day. Others vary widely, but most close for lunch, from 12.30 or 1pm–3.30 or 4.30pm and for one day a week, normally Monday. Archaeological sites often remain open until an hour before sunset. Most churches are open daily from 7 or 8am–12 or 12.30pm, and from 4 or 5pm–7 or 8pm. In general banks open Monday to Friday 8.30am–1 or 1.30pm and some also open for an hour or so in the afternoon from 2.30 or 3pm–4 or 5pm. Some banks also open on Saturday morning. Shops are open Monday–Saturday 8 or 9am–1pm, and 4 or 5pm–7 or 8pm, though some supermarkets and main town stores are open all day. In summer, tourist shops in main resorts such as Alghero are open until 10pm.

Police

The Polizia Urbana, or city police, regulate traffic and enforce local laws, while the Carabinieri are the armed military police who handle public law and order. The Politizia Stradale patrol the highways and other roads. In an emergency the Carabinieri can be reached on 112 – or you can ring the general emergency number, 113.

Where’s the nearest police station? Dov’è il posto di polizia più vicino?

Post Offices

Main branches are open Monday to Friday 8.30am–6.30 or 7.30pm, Saturday 8.30am–12.30 or 1pm, sub-post offices Monday to Friday 8.30am–2pm, Saturday 8.30am–noon. The postal service is slow, and for important communications it is best to use the more expensive express system. Main post offices offer a poste restante service. Correspondence should be addressed to Fermo Posta, Ufficio Postale Principale, followed by the name of the town where you wish to pick it up. You will need some form of identification (preferably your passport) on collection. Stamps (francobolli) can be bought from tobacconists (tabacchi), as well as from post offices.

I’d like a stamp for this letter/postcard. Desidero un francobollo per questa lettera/cartolina.

Public Holidays

Most shops shut on national public holidays. As well as the main holidays listed below, some towns also take a public holiday to celebrate the local saint’s day.

1 January New Year’s Day

6 January Epiphany

March/April Easter Monday

25 April Liberation Day

1 May Labour Day

15 August Ferragosto; Assumption Day

1 November All Saints’ Day

8 December Feast of the Immaculate Conception

25 December Christmas

26 December St Stephen’s Day

Telephones

Calls can be made from public telephones with a prepaid phone card (scheda telefónica), available from tabacchi or newspaper stands. Remember to rip off the perforated corner before calling. Payphones have instructions in English for international and other calls. Post offices and tobacconists sell international telephone cards (€5 and €10) with a pin number which can be used from public telephones, land lines and mobiles. Instructions are given in English on the card. When phoning abroad, dial 00 for the international code, followed by the city or area code and then the number (omitting any initial 0). Calls can also be made with a charge card bought from your telephone company prior to travel. This is useful for telephoning from hotels, which levy hefty surcharges on long-distance calls. The cheapest time to telephone from Italy is 10pm to 8am on weekdays and all day Sunday. Italian area codes have now all been incorporated into the numbers, so even if you are calling from the same town you are telephoning, the code needs to be included.

Mobile Phones. If your mobile phone cannot receive or make calls in Italy (check with your mobile company before leaving) you can purchase a SIM ‘pay as you go’ card (scheda pre-pagata) in any mobile phone shop and have a new mobile number for the length of your stay. Local mobile network operators include Tre (www.tre.it), Vodafone (www.vodafone.it) and Wind (www.wind.it). EU travellers pay domestic prices for roaming calls, SMS and data.

Please give me … Per favore, mi dia...

a phone card una scheda telefonica

5 euros/25 euros cinque euro/venticinque euro

Time Zones

Like the rest of Italy, Sardinia is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

New York Sardinia Jo’burg Sydney Auckland

7am noon 1pm 9pm 11pm

Tipping

A 10–15 percent service charge is often included in restaurant bills, and although a tip will be appreciated, no extra is expected. For quick service in bars, leave a coin or two with your till receipt when ordering. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip but it is normal to round up the fare.

Toilets

Public ones are hard to find, but you can always use toilets in cafés and bars. Buying a drink at the same time will be appreciated.

Tourist Information

Within Sardinia you will find a tourist office (Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno e Turismo, or AAST) in most towns and main resorts. The majority are helpful and can supply you with maps, pamphlets and details of accommodation and local attractions. However, some of the staff in the smaller offices have a very limited command of English. Centres with no official tourist office may have a Pro Loco in the town hall which serves a similar purpose but is open for limited hours in summer only. Failing that you can always try the local tour agencies, who organise excursions and car hire, and can provide general information. Most tourist offices are open Monday to Friday 9am–1pm and 4–7pm, Saturday 9am–1pm, though some of the minor offices keep shorter hours. The Alghero office is the best equipped on the island, and is open from Monday to Friday 9am–1pm and 3.30–6.30pm, Sat–Sun 9am–1pm (www.algheroturismo.eu).

To obtain information on Sardinia prior to travel, visit www.sardegnaturismo.it or contact the Italian National Tourist Office (enit) in your home country (www.enit.it).

Main Tourist Offices in Sardinia

Alghero: Piazza Porta Terra 9, tel: 0799-79054, www.alghero-turismo.it.

Cagliari: Via Roma 145, tel: 070-677 7397, www.cagliariturismo.it.

Carbonia/Iglesias: Via Mazzini 39, tel: 0393-800 592, www.visitsulcis.it

Olbia: Via Dante 1, tel: 0789-52206, www.olbiaturismo.it.

Oristano: Piazza Eleonora 18, tel: 0783-368 3210, www.gooristano.com.

Where’s the tourist office? Dov’è l’ufficio turistico?

Transport

Bus. The bus network covers virtually the whole island, including some of the tiniest villages in the mountainous interior. The services are provided by a number of different companies and tend to be faster than those of trains. The fast services operate between the main towns: Cagliari, Oristano, Sassari, Nuoro and Olbia – for example, Cagliari to Sassari takes three hours non-stop, or four with stops en route. Certain services, particularly those to beaches or other tourist attractions, operate only in the summer months. The main bus company is the Azienda Regionale Sarda Trasporti (ARST; www.arst.sardegna.it). From June to September tourist passes are available on their buses for one, two, three or four weeks. The large towns have good bus systems and the service is cheap. Tickets can be bought in advance in bars, tobacconists or newspaper stands and then stamped once you board the bus or by using the DropTicket app on your mobile phone.

Trains. Services are provided both by the state-run Ferrovie dello Stato (www.trenitalia.com) and the regional public transport company ARST (www.arst.sardegna.it). Trains are inexpensive but tend to be slow and services infrequent. Trenitalia provides a service linking main towns – for example, Cagliari to Sassari (3–3.5 hrs), Cagliari to Olbia (3.5–4 hrs) and Sassari to Oristano (2.5 hrs); ARST provides some of the local services and also runs the delightful Trenino Verde (www.treninoverde.com). The narrow-gauge ‘Little Green Train’ chugs its way through some of the most remote and beautiful regions of the island. Provided you don’t mind nearly five hours in uncomfortable vintage carriages, and returning (if needs be) the next day, try out the route from Mandas, 69km (43 miles) from Cagliari, all the way to the port of Arbatax on the east coast. The service was set up in 1888; today it runs during summer months only and is primarily for tourists. The service also covers the Nuoro–Bosa route and several lines in the Sassari region. One of the most popular routes is Sassari–Tempio Pausania–Palau, through oaks and granite masses to Tempio Pausania, then descending to the north coast with beautiful views over the Arcipelago della Maddalena.

Ferries. Regular car-ferry services connect Palau in the north of the island with the island of La Maddalena, and Portovesme in the southwest with the Isola di San Pietro.

When is the next ferry/bus/train to…? Quando parte il prossimo traghetto/autobus/treno per…?

Where can I buy a ticket? Dove posso comparare un biglietto?

One way/roundtrip Andata/andata e ritorno

Travellers with disabilities

Sardinia is not an easy place to get around for travellers with limited mobility, and few of the museums and archaeological sites have wheelchair access. Accessible Italy (http://accessibleitaly.com) is a good online resource. In the UK you can obtain further information from Disability Rights UK (Plexal 14 East Bay Lane, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park tel: 0203 687 0790; www.disabilityrightsuk.org) and in the US from SATH (tel: 212-447 7284; www.sath.org).

Visas and Entry Requirements

For citizens of EU countries, a valid passport or identity card is all that is needed to enter Italy for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the US need a valid passport.

Visas (permesso di soggiorno). For stays of more than 90 days a visa or residence permit is needed. Contact your country’s Italian embassy.

Customs. Free exchange of non-duty-free goods for personal use is allowed between EU countries. Refer to your home country’s regulating organisation for a current complete list of import restrictions.

Currency restrictions. Amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent in another currency must be declared when travelling outside the EU.

Websites and Internet access

The official tourist site is www.sardegnaturismo.it. Also try:

www.sardiniapoint.it practical and cultural information.

www.ciaosardinia.com itineraries and public transport.

Internet cafés and points can be found in the main towns and resorts. You will need to present a passport or driving licence before using a public internet point.

Youth Hostels

The island has seven official youth hostels including ones at Cagliari, Castelsardo and Alghero. For information and reservations (essential in summer), log on to www.aighostels.it (the Italian Youth Hostel Association) or www.hihostels.com (Hostelling International).