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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Sardinia, Italy

Spring & Autumn Attire

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) call for flexible clothing. Light long-sleeved shirts and t-shirts serve as a good base. Pack light sweaters or cardigans for cooler evenings or mornings. A Light jacket or rain jacket is useful for occasional rain or a chill in the air.

Clothing Recommendations

Summer & Winter Wear

Summer (June-August) calls for lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen, rayon). Pack shorts, skirts, light dresses, t-shirts, and tank tops. Swimwear and beach cover-ups are a must. A light scarf or shawl is good for Sun protection or covering up. Winter (November-March) needs warmer layers like sweaters and a Medium-weight waterproof jacket.

Seasonal Outfits

Footwear Essentials

Walking & Exploring

Comfortable Walking shoes or sturdy Sneakers are a must. Cagliari's historic center has many hilly, cobbled streets and stairs.

Ideal for cobbled streets.

Warm Weather & Beach

Sandals, espadrilles, or Flip-flops are suitable for beach days and casual wear in warmer months.

For relaxation and coastal areas.

Specialty Footwear

Water shoes are useful for exploring rocky coves or less sandy beaches. Light hiking shoes for trails outside the city.

For outdoor activities.

Essential Documents

Useful Travel Papers

Keeping your travel documents organized and secure remains a top priority.

  • Original passport & visa documents (if applicable).
  • Digital and physical copies of all documents.
  • Travel insurance policy information.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) if renting a car (non-EU/EEA).
  • Vaccination records and health documentation.
  • Printed and digital copies of all reservations.
  • Emergency contact information (family, doctor, embassy).
  • Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable).

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Italy uses Type F (Schuko) and Type L (Italian) electrical outlets. Standard voltage: 230V at 50Hz. A Universal travel adapter with USB ports comes highly recommended. Most modern smartphones are compatible with Italy's GSM network. Consider a local SIM card upon arrival.

Items

Photography & Apps

A good Travel camera (Compact mirrorless or DSLR) enhances your ability to capture experiences. A Waterproof camera like GoPro HERO12 Black works for water activities. Recommended apps include Google Maps, Google Translate, CTM BusFinder, and Free Now (for taxis).

Digital Tools

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Utilize services like Google Photos or Dropbox to back up photos and important documents.

Device Protection

This guards your memories and information if devices are lost or damaged.

Electronics Retailer

B&H Photo for camera and electronics needs.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

A well-stocked personal health and wellness kit offers peace of mind and addresses minor ailments quickly. While pharmacies operate in Cagliari, immediate access to certain items proves convenient.

Kit Contents

Personal Care & Documentation

Bring a sufficient supply of all prescription medications for your entire trip, plus extra days as a buffer. Carry them in original containers with labels. A doctor's note detailing the medication and dosage helps, especially for controlled substances. Pack high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen (Banana Boat SPF 50), After-sun lotion, SPF lip balm, and Sunglasses. The Sardinian sun is strong, especially in summer.

Supplies

  • Prescription medications with documentation.
  • Insect repellent (DEET/Picaridin).
  • Water purification (if exploring remote areas).

Special Health Concerns

Altitude Sickness

Motion Sickness

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking & City Walks

For extensive hikes outside the city, lightweight Trekking poles and a durable Daypack prove useful. For city walks, a comfortable Backpack for water, snacks, and layers is adequate.

  • Daypack for city exploration.
  • Trekking poles for longer hikes.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
  • Bring your own gear for serious enthusiasts.

Snorkeling & Beach Days

Gear can be rented locally, but bringing your own Full-face snorkel mask or traditional Snorkel set offers better comfort and hygiene. This is particularly relevant for multiple snorkeling excursions. A lightweight beach blanket or towel, and a small Cooler bag for drinks and snacks, are useful for Poetto Beach.

  • Own snorkel gear for hygiene.
  • Beach blanket or towel.
  • Cooler bag for refreshments.
  • Rental options available locally.

General Travel Gear

No highly unique equipment is specifically needed for Cagliari beyond general Mediterranean Travel gear. The focus remains on comfort for walking and readiness for beach or water activities. Car rentals are widely available at Cagliari-Elmas Airport and in the city, making it easy to explore beyond the urban area.

  • Focus on comfort and versatility.
  • Car rental for wider exploration.
  • Consider quality for personal gear.
  • Renting for casual activities simplifies travel.

Rent vs. Bring Decision Matrix

When to Rent Locally

  • For casual activities like a single snorkeling trip.
  • For a half-day bike ride.
  • Often easier and more cost-effective.
  • Rental shops available in Cagliari and at Poetto Beach.

When to Bring Your Own

  • For serious enthusiasts.
  • If you prefer your own specialized, fitted equipment.
  • For multi-day hikes or advanced diving.
  • Better comfort and performance.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Beyond the obvious, a few additional items greatly enhance your travel comfort, security, and overall experience in Cagliari. These small additions create a big difference.

Travel Essentials

Reusable Items

These items promote sustainable travel and reduce waste during your trip.

Eco-Friendly Choices

Sustainable Travel Items

Filtered Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste.

Bamboo Toothbrush

Eco-friendly dental care.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For local markets.

Quick-Dry Towel

Lightweight and versatile, Useful for beach days.

Destination-Specific Items

Local Phrasebook & Apps

  • A basic Italian Phrasebook.
  • Reliable language translation app.
  • Even a few Italian words are appreciated by locals.

Hard-to-Find Items

  • Very specific dietary items.
  • Specialized contact lens solutions.
  • Niche personal care products.

Packing Pro Tip

A small, Secure travel wallet or document organizer keeps all your important papers together.

Bring sufficient quantities of items that may be difficult or expensive to purchase locally.