There is no doubt that the best way to see the sights of Sardinia is on foot, and with lots of cobbled streets be sure to pack comfy footwear for daytime (we love Hotter shoes, they're just so comfortable – and stylish too!).
If you are planning to enjoy walks in the valleys and mountains be sure to wear good walking boots with ankle support.
For dining out, leave your sneakers behind; this is a time to get those stylish shoes on.
Heels are popular for ladies in the evenings but so are smart sandals, and with the uneven surfaces they are probably a better idea.
In the countryside and at the beach you're best advised to leave your high heels at home completely in favor of stylish flats. We love the Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops range – using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light.
Clothing Tips for Women
Throughout Italy women dress with understated style. Stick to classics… and pop on a bright red lipstick.
It is a good idea to keep your swimwear for the beach, beach bars and hotel pools; and cover up with a kaftan or sarong when walking around public areas.
Avoid skimpy shorts and tops in public areas, opt for something with more style.
If you want to blend in and feel at your most comfortable then pack a smart, fashionable casual dress.
A few well-chosen pieces of costume jewelry and a smart pashmina or scarf (very popular with Italian women) will transform any outfit.
Restaurant dress is smart casual – simple dresses with jewelry and a pretty scarf, or pants with a wrap will work well.
Clothing Tips for Men
Restaurant dress is smart casual but there is no need for ties or jackets. In fact in the heat of the summer many men opt for smart shorts.
If you're looking for versatile and stylish beachwear, try the Madda Fella range of shirts, shorts, polos and swimwear.
For great versatile travel jackets with multiple pockets including RFID security options, we love the SCOTTeVEST range.
Pack for the Weather
The weather is very changeable. Temperatures can vary rapidly particularly in spring and Fall and dressing in layers is the best way to cope with this.
It can rain at any time and our advice would be to pack a lightweight raincoat and small travel umbrella even in the summer (although a light waterproof with a hood may be more practical than an umbrella).
Winter – November, December, January, February and March – can be cool so dress warmly, with layers, and take a warm smart coat, gloves, warm hat and scarf.
In the summer – July and August – it is very hot, so wear plenty of sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection), sunglasses and a sunhat.
Spring (April and May) and October to April are cooler and dressing in layers will help you cope with the temperature changes.
We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂 Download for iPad/iPhone or Android
Other Things To Pack
Ensure you have a few Euro coins as well as notes when you arrive; for the toilets at the airport and parking fees.
Tipping is welcomed and 10% would be seen as generous. Tip in cash.
You can buy your toiletries and sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection) in the main cities but not in more remote regions and they can be a good deal more expensive than at home.
Look after your mobile phone with a phone bunjee – it protects against loss, theft and damage.
3G is available throughout the island and if you are out all day and use your phone as a camera too your battery can run low fairly quickly. Consider taking a solar powered charger to top up – the last thing you want to do is miss a great photo opportunity or get stranded on a mountain road without a phone.
A lightweight day sack or shoulder bag will come in handy to carry your sightseeing essentials.
Tap water is generally safe to drink but if you prefer to buy bottled water, consider carrying a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle – fill up from any source and get clean, safe drinking water without wasting plastic bottles.
If you're aiming to travel with just carry-on baggage, try the CabinMax soft-sided rucksack – it's light, roomy and has plenty of pockets to keep your stuff organized.
Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home!
