What to pack for Sardinia: the list from people who live here
For Sardinia, the main things to pack are: ID and driving licence, SPF 50+ sun cream, water shoes, a mask and snorkel, a sweatshirt for windy evenings and, if you're going to La Pelosa (Stintino), the compulsory mat to put under your towel. The rest depends on a few variables: the sea, strong sun, rocks, evening wind and the distances you'll cover by car. It's not a city break, and it's not the mountains. It's a hybrid that rewards those who come prepared and punishes those who forget the essentials.
Over 300 homes managed since 2011 in northern Sardinia
Every year we help hundreds of families, couples and groups find the perfect home — with no mistakes and no surprises.
Documents and money – top priority
You can't leave without these
Mandatory
- Valid ID card — check the expiry date well in advance
- Health card (or the European Health Insurance Card, EHIC, if you're coming from another EU country) — covers A&E and emergencies
- Driving licence — a car is essential in Sardinia
- Payment cards (2 networks) — Visa + Mastercard
- A little cash — handy for kiosks, markets and some car parks (businesses are required by law to accept cards anyway)
- Bookings as PDFs — ferry, accommodation, excursions
Useful
- Travel insurance policy (if you have one)
- Personal medicines with prescription
- Passport (if you're coming from outside the EU; EU citizens only need their ID card)
Beach essentials
Sun protection — crucial
- SPF 50+ sun cream (face + body) — the Sardinian sun is stronger than you'd expect. Bring at least 2 bottles for a week.
- After-sun / aloe vera — essential for helping your skin recover overnight
- Lips: SPF 30+ lip balm — often forgotten, often regretted
In seaside resorts sun cream often costs more than in town: it's worth bringing it from home. If you can, choose formulas that are gentler on the sea (without oxybenzone and octinoxate): they're recommended, not compulsory.
Physical protection
- Rock shoes — sea urchins and rocky seabeds are everywhere in northern Sardinia. Without them, many coves become a no-go.
- Polarised sunglasses — drastically cut glare off the water
- Hat or bandana — the simplest, cheapest way to avoid sunstroke
Beach gear
- Mask + snorkel — without snorkelling you literally miss half of Sardinia. The seabeds in the north are extraordinary.
- Microfibre beach towel — dries fast, takes up much less space
- Waterproof beach bag / dry bag — protects phone, keys and documents
- Thin mat — compulsory at La Pelosa, useful everywhere
Clothing – a minimalist approach
| Category |
Recommended quantity (7 nights) |
Notes |
| Swimsuits |
2–3 |
Avoid wearing the same wet one for hours |
| Daytime outfits (cotton/linen) |
3–4 |
Light, quick to wash |
| Evening outfits |
2 |
Casual + one smarter for restaurants |
| Sweatshirt or light jacket |
1 |
Even in August — evening wind and temperature swings |
| Socks |
3–4 pairs |
Hardly needed, but useful for hikes |
An efficient shoe system: walking sandals + water shoes + one smart pair for the evening. Three pairs cover everything. Don't bring heavy hiking boots unless you're planning demanding trails.
Tech and accessories
- Power bank — a day at the beach with photos, maps and music will drain any phone
- Waterproof phone pouch — costs a few euros and saves costly regrets
- Cable and universal adapter — the homes have Italian-type sockets, but a multi-socket adapter is handy
- Bluetooth earbuds — for ferries, transfers, lazy days
- Small torch or head torch — useful for evening walks or caves
Essential travel first-aid kit
| Item |
Why you need it in Sardinia |
| Antihistamine |
Jellyfish and frequent sun reactions |
| Plasters + disinfectant |
Rocks and trails |
| Stomach remedy |
Big meals, heat, a change of diet |
| Lip SPF + aloe |
Sun and sea wind |
| Insect repellent |
Evenings in the countryside and inland areas |
| Personal medicines |
There are pharmacies, but they might not have the generic you use |
Season by season
July – August
- Just swimwear and very light clothes
- SPF 50+ is vital — the sun beats down hard
- Mat for La Pelosa — compulsory
- Always extra water in the car
September – October
- Add a light jacket
- Closed shoes for cool evenings
- Folding umbrella (Alghero averages about 4 rainy days in September and 7 in October)
- The sea is still warm — you'll need all your gear
What NOT to bring
- Powerful hairdryer — the equipment is listed on each home's page; if you need one, a travel dryer is enough
- Large terry beach towel — it's heavy, bulky and slow to dry. Microfibre is better in every way
- Too many shoes — see the 3-pair system above
- Stockpiles of toiletries — there are supermarkets and pharmacies everywhere in Sardinia
- A huge suitcase if you're flying low-cost — extra baggage on flights to Alghero, Olbia and Cagliari costs a lot
Quick final checklist – copy and save
To tick off the evening before you leave:
☐ Valid ID card
☐ Health card
☐ Driving licence
☐ Payment cards + cash
☐ Bookings as PDFs
☐ SPF 50+ sun cream (2 bottles)
☐ After-sun / aloe
☐ Rock shoes
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Hat
☐ Mask + snorkel
☐ Microfibre towel
☐ Waterproof bag
☐ Mat (if you're going to La Pelosa)
☐ Sweatshirt or light jacket
☐ Power bank
☐ Waterproof phone pouch
☐ Basic first-aid kit (antihistamine, plasters, repellent)
Planning your holiday in northern Sardinia (stress-free)
- Ferry or plane? It depends on where you're coming from and how long you're staying: we'll help you choose
- Car recommended? Yes, essential for hidden coves and total freedom. Book your car here
- Best period? June and September — fewer crowds, better prices, more privacy
- Where to stay? In a home with a terrace or garden: more space, more freedom, Sardinia lived from the inside.
👉 With AffittaSardegna you have everything: home + advice + local tips since 2011.
→ See available homes
Where to stay in northern Sardinia
We help you choose the right home based on the period, area and type of holiday.
👉 Book direct and save up to 15%.
FAQ
Do you need a mat at La Pelosa, Stintino?
Yes. At La Pelosa (Stintino) a mat under your towel is compulsory, along with rinsing your feet, so you don't carry the white sand away. You also need to book on spiaggialapelosa.it (in 2026: from 15 May to 15 October, €3.50 per person, free for under-12s; the 2027 rules come out in spring). Bring one from home or buy one in Stintino before you get there: there are checks at the entrance.
Which sun protection should you use in Sardinia?
In Sardinia use SPF 50+ on both face and body. The Sardinian sun reflects off both the water and the white sand, increasing your actual exposure. In protected areas, and at the beach in general, low-impact creams without oxybenzone and octinoxate are recommended — these filters are considered harmful to the marine ecosystem.
Do you need cash in Sardinia?
Not much. In Italy bars, restaurants and shops are required to accept credit and debit cards, but cash comes in handy at kiosks, markets and some car parks. A few tens of euros is enough: there are cash machines in all the main towns, from Alghero to Olbia.
Holiday homes in northern Sardinia
We have managed holiday homes in northern Sardinia since 2011. Book direct: save up to 15%, genuine local support, zero commissions.
See the homes →
