Alghero Essentials A-Z

 

Customs and Immigration  

Citizens of the UK, EU, and US are not required to obtain a visa for entry into Italy; however, they must possess a valid passport. For individuals from outside the EU, a standard tourist visa permits a stay of up to 90 days.  

Disabled Travellers  

Sardinia, like many regions in Italy, has room for improvement in accommodating disabled travellers, and accessibility can often be challenging or poorly designed. It is advisable to consult a specialized agency prior to your trip for further information, such as Accessible Italy (accessibleitaly.com), the Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality (sath.org), or Cagliari’s Associazione Italiana Assistenza Spastici (T070-379 1010).  

Emergency Numbers in Alghero 

For emergencies, the following numbers are available: Ambulance 118; Fire Service 115; Police 112 (with English-speaking operators) and 113 (Carabinieri); Roadside Assistance T116.  

Etiquette  in Alghero

In Sardinia, the concept of “bella figura,” or maintaining a good image, holds significant importance. Be mindful of public regulations regarding behavior: sitting on steps or consuming food and beverages in certain historic locations is prohibited. Public spitting is considered disrespectful. When visiting some churches, it is necessary to cover arms and legs, and in rare instances, shorts may be unacceptable. Additionally, punctuality is not a priority in Sardinia, so be prepared for potential delays.

Families  

Sardinia offers a welcoming environment for children, whether one is enjoying a classic beach holiday or spending an afternoon at a gelateria. The family unit is highly esteemed, and children are often pampered. It is important to note that single parents or adults traveling with children who bear a different surname may be required to provide documentation when entering or exiting the country. For the most current information, please reach out to your local Italian embassy: in London at T020-7312 2200, in Washington DC at T202-612-4400, in Dublin at T353-1-660-1744, in Ottawa at T613-232-2401, and in Canberra at T612-6273-3333.  

Health  

It is highly advisable for all travelers to Italy to obtain comprehensive medical insurance. Citizens of the EU should also secure a free European Health Insurance Card (ehic.org), which has replaced the E111 form and provides access to reduced-cost medical services. Late-night pharmacies can be recognized by a prominent green cross displayed outside; for the locations of the three nearest pharmacies, call T1100. The emergency department in hospitals is referred to as pronto soccorso.  

Insurance  

All travelers to Italy are strongly encouraged to acquire comprehensive travel and medical insurance, as the EHIC does not serve as a substitute for private coverage. It is essential to review any exclusions and ensure that your policy encompasses all planned activities. Keep your insurance details stored separately; sending the information to yourself via email is an effective method for maintaining its security and accessibility. If you plan to rent a vehicle, ensure you have complete insurance coverage, or if you are using your own car, consult your current insurance provider to determine if an international insurance certificate is necessary.

Money

The currency used in Italy is the Euro (€). Throughout Sardinia, ATMs are available that accept major credit and debit cards. For cash or travelers’ cheques exchange, one should seek out a cambio. Numerous restaurants, shops, museums, and art galleries accept major credit cards, although a minimum purchase of €10 is typically required. Utilizing debit cards such as Cirrus for direct payments can be challenging in many locations; therefore, withdrawing cash from an ATM and paying in cash may be the most practical approach.

Sardinia can vary significantly in cost depending on the timing, location, and manner of travel, making it either one of Italy’s more expensive destinations or a budget-friendly option. Accommodation rates increase during the peak season from July to September, with August being the most expensive month. Hotel rates for double occupancy generally range from €80 to €250, which tend to be higher than those of B&Bs or agriturismi. A leisurely lunch can be enjoyed for under €15, while dinner typically costs less than €35 per person. With bus and train fares averaging around €20 for travel across the island, budget-conscious travelers with ample time and patience can manage to spend less than €100 daily per person. Conversely, those wishing to indulge can expect to spend over €300, depending on their choice of accommodation.

Opening hours and holidays

Many attractions offer reduced or complimentary entry for children, students, and senior citizens, so it is advisable to carry your identification. Retail establishments and museums typically close for lunch between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM and remain closed all day on Sundays. Nevertheless, major tourist attractions in popular areas are usually open throughout the day during July and August, although they may close entirely during the winter months. In contrast to those found in Venice or Rome, most churches in Sardinia operate on irregular schedules, with significant intervals between morning and evening openings; however, it is generally observed that they are more accessible prior to lunchtime. (For churches with set hours, please refer to the listings on this website.)

Police in Alghero

In Italy, there are various types of police forces, with the polizia (T113) and the Carabinieri (T112) being the most prominent. The polizia operates as the standard police force under the jurisdiction of the Interior Ministry, whereas the Carabinieri function as a military entity. Nevertheless, both forces are available to assist individuals in need of help.

Post and Mail in Alghero

The Italian postal service (poste.it) is often regarded as somewhat unreliable, especially in the context of international deliveries. The situation is even more problematic in Sardinia. When dispatching international packages, such as boxed souvenirs, it is generally necessary to present a passport. It is strongly advised to insure your shipment and obtain a tracking number. For overseas mail, the use of posta prioritaria (priority mail) is essential, and the cost of a postcard stamp starts at €0.60. Stamps, known as francobolli, can be purchased at post offices and tabacchi, which are identifiable by T signs.

Safety in Alghero

The crime rate in Sardinia is typically low; however, instances of petty crime are more prevalent compared to many areas in the UK or USA. The ports near Cagliari and Olbia are often considered unsafe after dark, but exercising common sense should mitigate potential issues. It is prudent to remain vigilant during nighttime or while traveling: avoid displaying valuables, carry only the necessary amount of cash, and do not keep all your money in a single wallet or pocket. Be cautious of pickpockets and bag-cutters on public transport; try to conceal your intended stop to prevent alerting potential thieves. Car break-ins are frequent, so it is essential to remove valuables and secure any luggage in the trunk. Additionally, be wary of scams, con artists, and vendors selling counterfeit goods, as purchasing fake designer items can result in fines. Overall, it is advisable to avoid taking unnecessary risks that you would not consider at home. Exercise particular caution when driving or interacting with locals in rural Sardinia, especially in the province of Nuoro, as the Nuoresi are known for their assertiveness. Although banditry aimed at tourists has diminished, it is wise to remain respectful and non-confrontational.

Telephone

The dialing codes for the principal towns on the island are as follows: Cagliari and its vicinity 070; Iglesiente and Sulcis 0781; Oristano 0783; Bosa 0785; Nuoro 0784; Ogliastra 0782; Sassari and Alghero 079; Gallura 0789. It is essential to utilize these local codes, even when making calls from within the city or region. The country code for Italy is +39. There is no longer a requirement to omit the initial ‘0’ from area codes when calling from abroad. For directory inquiries, please dial T12.

Time difference in Alghero

Alghero uses Central European Time, GMT+1.

Tipping in Alghero

Higher-end restaurants typically anticipate receiving a tip, although all establishments will appreciate one. A gratuity of 10% is considered generous. It is customary to leave some small change at a café or restaurant that has delivered exceptional service or permitted an extended stay at a table. While taxis may charge extra for luggage, an additional tip is always welcomed. Rounding up the fare is often well-received, particularly if it helps to avoid the need for change.

Voltage

Alghero operates on a 220V electrical supply and utilizes the standard European two-pin plug.