The crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches make Sardinia one of the beautiful places to visit especially for travelers who love nature. The island is wild and unorganized that exploring on public transport may make your vacation an unpleasant one. Therefore, if you want to enjoy your vacay on this Italian island, you should consider a leiebel (a Norwegian phrase for car hire).
In this post, we will give you the information you need about car rentals to enable you to enjoy your stay in Sardinia. But before you head over to the hills, ensure you read to the end. We also included tips for driving safely on the island.
Tips for Car Hiring in Sardinia
Here are some tips for hiring a vehicle in Sardinia:
Book in Advance
Depending on where you are coming from, the journey to Sardinia may be a long one. There is no doubt that you will be hungry and tired on arrival, and you just want to pick a car and drive away. In this condition, you may skim over Ts & Cs without actually understanding everything.
Since you are already reading this, you should know that booking in advance saves you money. Not just that, you also won’t fall a victim to scams because you already know what you want. You can check out Goautos in Sardinia to find out how to compare car rentals.
Your Choice Should Match Your Needs
Whether you are traveling with kids, a large family, your partner, or you are coming alone, the car you choose should match your needs. If you have a lot of luggage, you need a spacious car. If you have kids, then child seats are necessary. Also, if you want to explore certain parts of the island, you need to choose between an automatic and a manual transmission.
Check for Insurance Coverage
Before you hire a car, find out whether it is insured. Although Sardinia roads are somewhat quiet with few accidents, you can’t tell what will happen within the next second. Ensure you check the contract to see what the company’s insurance covers. In case you scratch or dent the car, it’s good to know whether insurance covers it or not.
Research the Rental Company
It is not enough to compare prices from different companies, you should research their offerings. Every company has terms and conditions which clients must adhere to if they decide to rent a vehicle. One of the things you should find out is whether the company permits dropping the car in a location that’s different from the point of pick up.
For instance, if you will arrive in Alghero but plan to leave from Cagliari, dropping the car in Cagliari will be more convenient. You should also find out the time the company expects you to return the vehicle and if there are charges for being late.
Additionally, find out whether you’re expected to return with a full gas tank and the consequences of not doing so. Some rentals charge less each day but they restrict the distance you should drive. For instance, if you go beyond 100 km, there will be a charge for the extra kilometers.
Inspect the Vehicle Before Signing
Before you sign a leiebil contract, ask a lot of questions and inspect the vehicle thoroughly. If you spot a dent, ensure the staff member on duty takes note of it. This will prevent the company from charging you for pre-existing damage. Don’t forget to take videos and photographs of the interior and exterior, particularly on small marks or damage that you find.
Do Not Return the Vehicle in a Hurry
If you will depart at noon, ensure you return the vehicle in the morning or the evening of the previous day. Also, speak with the company’s rep so they can confirm that you actually returned the vehicle in good condition. Do not just drop the vehicle and head back home; you will give the company the controlling power.
The rental company may decide to send you a letter after some months with additional charges. If you cannot return the vehicle in person, document everything, including photographs. If any problem arises, you will be able to compare before and after pictures.
What You Should Know About Driving in Sardinia
Here are some things you should know when driving in the city:
1. Restricted Traffic Areas
In Sassari, Pula, Nuoro, Cagliari, and Alghero, there are restricted traffic areas to ensure that historical cities are traffic-free. These restricted traffic areas are in many places in Italy, so if you’ve driven to the mainland, you already know this. If you drive into a traffic-free area accidentally, you will get a ticket.
Such locations are under surveillance and tickets are automatically issued. If the vehicle is rented, the rental agency will bill you. Locals have passes and emergency vehicles are allowed access to traffic-free areas. If you follow them ignorantly, you will pay a fine.
2. Go with a Map
It is best not to rely on road signs in Sardinia because they may point you in the wrong direction. Also, the routes may not be direct or fuel-efficient. As a result, having a map or a GPS is essential if you get lost. Well, if you get lost, you can just venture further down the small roads to get a little magical surprise. You may either end up in a dead-end or a small village and a historical site.
3. Maintain a Distance from the Vehicle in Front
When driving in a different country, it is good practice to keep a distance between your vehicle and the one in front, especially in Italy. The drivers here prefer to pay attention to what is in front instead of checking their mirrors. This could be dangerous particularly when the driver does not use an indicator light to specify direction.
If the vehicle before you decide to make a turn without notifying you, you will need some reaction time. Therefore, maintaining a distance reduces the risk of an accident. Also, vehicles may stop suddenly or slow down. You need to give yourself time and space to safely maneuver if it happens.
4. It’s Okay if Other Vehicles Overtake You
Most drivers have no regard for speed limits because they are already familiar with the road. It is best to give them a chance to pass because they’re impatient. Also, when they overtake you, stay on the right and try not to accelerate. You can visit to get more tips for your adventure.
Conclusion
Sardinia is a great place to visit as it has various historical sites and hidden beaches for relaxation. Hiring a car in the city is something you should do because it allows you to drive around without hassles. You do not want to limit your adventure options, so ensure you book in advance and read through the contract before accepting the conditions.