If you’ve heard anything about Sardinia, it’s likely the beautiful spring, the great weather and Sardinian banditry. As such, a question comes to mind on its own: how safe is Sardinia? Should you be concerned about crime, pickpockets, thieves? Let’s take a look.
Crime and mafia in Sardinia
Outlaws in Sardinia have a long history – first written records of kidnapping for ransom come from the 15th century, though the tradition naturally dates back to the Roman Empire. Kidnapping wealthy Italian islanders for ransom was their regular modus operandi – their influence grew especially in the seventeenth century, during the Spanish occupation of the island. Several regions were known as riddled with outlaws, including Sassari, Nuoro and Gallura. Sardinian banditry was still well active in the 19th and 20th century, even becoming romanticised in the 19th century, with outlaws becoming heroic figures in contrast to the vile oppressive authorities. In the 1970s, 80s and 90s, Sardinian bandits were still active in their kidnappings. It was genuinely a dangerous place to live. What about today?
Today, Sardinia is one of the safest places in Italy. It ranks third from last among all Italian regions. The crime rate in Sardinia is several times lower than the country’s average. There’s pretty much nothing you have to actually worry about today as a tourist. Sardinians are very kind and polite people, especially in the small villages. You can count on help from the locals if need be – after all, safety of tourists is the business of Sardinia.
As such, what should you look out for in Sardinia?
Don’t steal sand from Sardinian beaches!
What a wonderful thing we have to point out. Stealing sand or shells (or anything, really) from Sardinian beaches is illegal, period. In 2019, a French couple was facing up to 6 years in prison for trying to take 40 kg of sand out of the island by car. By car. Off the island.
Frankly, it’s merely a wonderful contrast to the outlaws of the past. How far we’ve come.
What else to look out for in Sardinia?
Realistically speaking, given that crime is not an issue, unless you’re the sand-coveting criminal, we’d point to the obvious: beware of the heat in summer and be careful when driving, as you may encounter some wild cows or sheep crossing from one meadow to another. There’s a theoretical possibility of a period with very heavy rainfall leading to floods, but that’s unlikely to be the period you’d be planning your holidays for anyway.
Earthquakes in Sardinia?
It’s the only region in Italy without a seismic risk, so you don’t have to worry about that at all.
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