Visas and entry
Sardinia is part of Italy and therefore the European Union. EU citizens need only a national ID card. Visitors from the US, Canada, Australia, and most other countries can enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days under the Schengen agreement.
Money
The currency is the Euro. ATMs are widely available in all towns and at airports. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, though smaller bars and rural agriturismi often prefer cash. Tipping is not expected but is appreciated — rounding up the bill or leaving a euro or two is the norm.
Language
Italian is the official language. In Alghero, Catalan is still spoken by some locals and is co-official. In the mountainous interior around Nuoro, you'll encounter Sardinian (Sardo), which sounds more like Latin than modern Italian. English is spoken at most tourist-facing businesses in coastal resorts; less so in smaller inland towns.
Time zone
Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 in winter and UTC+2 in summer (CEST, from late March to late October).
Safety
Sardinia is one of Italy's safer regions. Petty theft can occur around busy ports and ferry terminals in summer — keep an eye on bags. Driving on mountain roads requires attention; single-track lanes and steep drops are common.
Health
No vaccinations are required. The Italian national health system covers EU visitors with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Pharmacies (farmacie) are well stocked and pharmacists can advise on minor ailments. The main hospitals are in Cagliari, Sassari, and Olbia.
When to go
See the separate when to go section. In brief: May–June and September–October give the best combination of warm weather, open beaches, and manageable crowds.