Is Cagliari Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Caligari, the capital of Sardinia, Italy, is sometimes called a “hidden jewel”.

This city features a wide expanse of natural beauty and culture that attracts tourists worldwide.

This European city offers a host of history, entertainment, fun, and breathtaking natural amenities including rugged mountains and popular coastal beaches abutting the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

If you’re planning your next trip or vacation to Cagliari, Italy – this is the guide for you!

Our guide provides an in-depth description of some common warnings and dangers visitors face when traveling to the city where vibrant lifestyles spill onto cobblestone streets.

Read on to learn tips and tricks for staying safer in Caligari.

Warnings & Dangers in Cagliari

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Traveling to Cagliari poses a moderate safety risk. There are few incidents of violent crimes like robbery, muggings, and assaults that happen here. However, there are a much higher number of crimes of opportunity like pickpocketing, overcharging tourists, and other local tourist scams that travelers should beware of. The following are examples of common warnings and dangers to know about when traveling through Cagliari, Italy.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Taking a taxi in and around Cagliari is safe for most travelers. However, tourists should beware of local taxi scams where tourists are charged more than the normal rate for transport. Avoid becoming a taxi scam victim by using reputable services, mapping out your destination in advance, and keeping your eye on the meter while you’re traveling.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Cagliari visitors should beware of overly friendly locals, vendors, and strangers as this area is known for operating several scams. Local criminals often team up to distract tourists from their route and then pickpocket them of whatever cash, cell phones, and valuables are within reach while the unwitting visitors are distracted.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Italian travelers with concerns about natural disasters like earthquakes, flooding, or volcanic activity should note that this area has a low risk of being affected by natural disasters. While infrequent incidents do happen here, there have been few historical reports that show the likelihood of experiencing a disaster while visiting.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

There are very few incidents of violent crime against tourists visiting Caligari. This means the likelihood of getting mugged here or becoming a victim of other violent crimes against people like robbery and assault is currently low. It is still advisable for travelers to stay vigilant and use common sense safety tips like not walking alone at night to stay safer.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Caligari is not a city that is known for high levels of violence or terrorist-related activity. Eager adventurers wondering if it is safe to travel to Italy should note that the US State Department has the country of Italy set at a level two travel advisory. This means that tourists should exercise increased caution and stay alert when traveling in the area.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Your risks of being scammed while traveling in Caligari fall on the higher end of the scale than most other crimes in the area. Local criminals often commit crimes of opportunity including pickpocketing and petty theft by distracting unwitting tourists and removing valuables, cell phones, cash, and wallets from their back pockets when they aren’t looking.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

It is always advisable for solo women travelers to take extra precautions when traveling abroad alone. The risk of women travelers becoming victims of violent crimes like assaults, rape, and robbery is lower in Caligari than in other European countries. However, isolated events do happen. Stay safer by traveling in pairs or groups, following your instincts, and avoiding sketchy-looking areas of town.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

People concerned about getting sick from drinking local tap water should know that the water in Caligari is generally safe to drink and meets all local safety standards and requirements set by the European Union. Travelers with pre-existing medical conditions and those with sensitive stomachs should stick to drinking bottled water to prevent any unpleasant side effects.

Safest Places to Visit in Cagliari

Most places in Cagliari are safe to visit in the daytime and there are also a few local hotspots where visitors and residents gather to celebrate the nightlife.

Following are a few examples of where excited tourists go to have a good time.

Castello District:

Visit the Castello District when you’re looking for a charming and safe outing while visiting Cagliari.

This area is known for its breathtaking views, ease of access to historical landmarks, vibrant piazzas, cafes, and well-lit streets.

Poetto Beach: 

Cagliari’s main beach is a popular tourist attraction where visitors and locals go to relax and soak up the Italy sun.

This family-friendly travel zone where beachgoers take advantage of sunbathing, swimming, and watersports is regularly patrolled by local lifeguards.

Botanical Gardens: 

Italian visitors seeking a quiet adventure and getting back to nature can take a leisurely stroll through the local Botanical Garden featuring unique local flora, shaded walking paths, and unforgettable panoramic views of the area.

Places to Avoid in Cagliari

Unlicensed Transportation Services:

While the Sardinian city of Cagliari is generally safe when taking common sense precautions, there are a few areas of concern that tourists should avoid.

Plan your itinerary and transportation routes beforehand.

Always avoid taking rides from unlicensed taxi drivers or “friendly” locals!

Obvious Tourist Traps:

Common local hotspots in Cagliari can turn into an expensive vacation for unsuspecting tourists who don’t realize that they are being charged higher prices for goods and services including hotels, dining, entertainment, and transportation.

Avoid getting caught up in tourist traps and overcharging scams by researching the costs of local goods and services before you arrive.

Overly Friendly Locals:

Many of the pickpocketing and petty thefts that happen in Cagliari are perpetrated by overly friendly locals posing as taxi drivers, or tour guides, or simply creating a distraction with the end goal of separating unaware tourists from their valuables and belongings when their heads are turned.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Cagliari

So... How Safe Is Cagliari Really?

Cagliari is a relatively safe city where visitors from around the globe go to relax, unwind, and bask in the beauty of local architecture and coastal beaches.

Residents and tourists here have a low to moderate risk of becoming victims of violent crimes like robbery, muggings, or assault.

Visitors have a much higher chance of being scammed or con by local criminals seeking out unsuspecting targets.

How Does Cagliari Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Most American travelers can enjoy Visa-free entry for up to ninety days within six months. Travelers from other countries and those with extenuating circumstances will need to contact the State Department to learn about Visa application requirements.

Currency

The city of Cagliari and the rest of Italy all use the European Euro as their primary currency. Travelers can exchange currency before arrival at online currency exchanges or banks. Exchange currency at airports, hotels, ATMs, and local currency exchanges on arrival.

Weather

Cagliari’s climate boasts a combination of hot and dry summers with temperatures that can reach the high nineties. Humidity can be high in late summer where sea breezes offset the heat. Year-round temperatures are generally mild, steady, and comfortable.

Airports

The Cagliari Elmas Airport is the primary airport providing international flights to countries in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Travelers can find domestic and international flights on popular airlines like British Airways, Easy Jet, and Lufthansa.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must for European-bound travelers who want to protect their trip and valuables from the unexpected. Get travel insurance to protect your wallet against trip cancelations, unexpected medical expenses, and lost or stolen baggage.

Cagliari Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Italy - Safety by City