Sardinia is a beautiful country that's well known for its Mediterranean-inspired food as well as it's beautiful beaches. While it's known for all the things that make it a popular tourist hotspot, that doesn't mean there are no rules to follow... it just means that these rules are lesser-known. Tourists can actually be fined for violating some of these rules, however, meaning that it's better to know before you go - especially for those who plan on spending any length of time there.
Recently, a tourist was fined for breaking one of these rules and the surprising thing is that they were not the first convicted of doing the same thing. In Sardinia, tourists don't just receive a slap on the wrist - some of these rules, when broken, will result in a serious offense.
That's not to say that Sardinia's laws should spook any tourist out of visiting, of course! Those who are in the know will have a much happier - and legal - trip abroad, allowing them to appreciate all of Sardinia's natural beauty (without trying to take any of it home, which is one law travelers definitely don't want to break).
Don't Steal The Sand From Any Beaches
This is what the unfortunate tourist who was recently fined for $1,200 found out after attempting to bring back nearly four and a half pounds of sand from a beach in Sardinia. The tourist had filled bottles with sand which were confiscated before he left the country, resulting in a fine that he wasn't the first tourist to be charged with. Believe it or not, stealing sand is a serious offense but one that has racked tourists up thousands of dollars in fines, and it makes a person wonder why the sand in Sardinia is that valuable.
The answer? Sardinia's sand has been protected since 2017 after it became necessary when officials kept confiscating pound after pound of sand from beaches around the country. Sardinia's sand is unique in its perfection, with it occasionally giving off a pink hue, which is apparently a type of beauty that tourists just can't live without. Is it worth paying the fines and potentially disrupting the ecosystem, though? Not really.
Stay Clear Of Large Flocks Of Sheep And Yes... They Have The Right Of Way
Countries with a significant number of rural areas will usually have locations along the road where there will be a sheep or cattle crossing and Sardinia is no different. Farming is a way of life in the rural parts of this country (it's not all beaches!) and it's not uncommon to see a flock of sheep making their way across the road. While sheep in their natural farmland habitats might seem adorable and fun, it's best not to walk up to these flocks or try to get close to them.
Not far behind a flock will likely be a herding sheepdog, which won't let strangers pass as easily as the sheep will. Not only will it land a tourist in an uncomfortable entanglement with the farm's dogs, but it'll also be incredibly awkward. When it comes to driving around Sardinia, flocks of sheep - and the farmers - will always have the right of way, it's best to allow them to pass before trying to get through before they do - this is just considered to be rude.
Food And Drink Etiquette
Those who grew up in an Italian family will know that to turn away food is nearly impolite, even if a person isn't hungry. The same rules apply in Sardinia, where - especially in small towns - it's almost impolite to refuse food or drink from a local. It's easier to just accept it politely and move on.
When it comes to pouring drinks, there's another piece of etiquette to remember - it's best to never pour a drink with the back of one's hand facing the glass itself. In Sardinia, this is part of local superstition, and the locals believe that drinks should always be poured with the back of the hand facing away from a glass. It's also considered to be less pleasing to the eye, so keep that in mind when ordering a bottle of wine or pitcher of water.
It's also considered impolite to continuously refuse a local courtesy of paying for a meal. If a local extends their hand (literally or metaphorically) to pay for a drink or meal, refusing it might be a natural reaction - but it's not something that should be harped on. If a traveler's refusal is met with resistance, simply say "thank you," appreciate the gesture, and show kindness and respect in return.