r/Sardinia • u/stoptakingmynamehoe • 29d ago
Cunversatzione Is it safe to leave belongings unattended on beach while swimming?
In canada/usa it is not really
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u/beetsu 29d ago
Never had any problems in Sardinia (or any other beach in Europe).
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u/tomorrow509 29d ago
Can agree with this but I can only speak for Italian beaches. Still, hide your valuables and always keep your beach spot in sight when you are in the water. Just common sense.
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u/ThundarAndLightning 28d ago
For the readers: NEVER leave your stuff alone on Spanish beaches. Never.
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u/4024-6775-9536 29d ago
There has been some theft on the beach and even the occasional broken car window.
It's not common tho, don't leave very expensive stuff anyway.
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u/jdilla89 29d ago
No problems at all left expensive camera gear on the beach while swimming, even went on a 6 hr boat tour I left my go pro suction cuped to my motorcycle on shore and was there when I got back! I’d say you’re good!
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u/War1today 29d ago edited 29d ago
Someone recently posted about their stuff being stolen in Sardinia. While violent crime is rare, petty crime is more prevalent. Just to be on the safer side, I would recommend you do not leave stuff unattended on a beach or even visible in a locked car. Unfortunately there is risk to leave stuff unattended no matter where you are in the world that is frequented by tourists. We were in Sardinia for 2 weeks last September and never had any issues although we took precautions like not leaving anything unattended.
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u/petit_aubergine 29d ago
i would argue it is safe in the USA - i’ve never had an issue and didn’t in sardinia during our last trip there and we were all over the island
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u/sushimamii 28d ago
I agree. At least on the east coast, I leave my belongings every single summer weekend on the towel to go into the water alone & never had an issue. Just don’t leave anything of value blatantly out. Also never had an issue in Sardinia or a beach like say Viareggio. Maybe in amalfi it’s less safe due to more tourism??
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u/Kind-Instance-7447 29d ago
I never had any problems… I wouldn’t suggest tempting fate just to do it. Maybe just take a few bucks with you and your license or a photo copy of your passport. But, again I’ve never had any problems or seen any sketchy stuff going on.
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u/Ok_Rice3260 29d ago
Never had a problem. If you’re going for a walk along the beach, most people take their phone/wallet with them. We f you’re swimming it’s ok. If you’re worried, wrap your valuables in a nappy.
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u/AppropriateEarth648 29d ago
That’s what we thought in Mallorca last year at a small beach. Our bag was stolen and according to the staff at near by hotel, it’s becoming more common.
Though Mallorca is not Sardinia, you are always taking a chance if you leave stuff unattended.
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u/Warchild24 28d ago
I guess it depends on where at in the USA. I live along the gulf coast my whole life and have always left our things on the beach while swimming and never once had anything taken. Many others on the beach do the same. While in Sardinia, we never had anything taken either.
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u/chillywilkerson 28d ago
Along the same lines, is it general ok to leave your bags in the car while at a beach? I ask since we want to go to a beach after we land but before we check into the hotel. I know in most places that would be an absolute NO, but just wondering if maybe Sardinia is an except to this. Thanks!
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u/5abiu 27d ago
I live here. We always leave our stuff on the beach when we go swimming. There are no guarantees that no one will touch it, but I've never had a problem, fortunately.
Try to limit as much as possible what you have to leave, and don't make it obvious where the most valuable things are (wallet, keys); you could stuff them with your sandwiches, for instance. You can even ask your beach neighbours to keep an eye on your things, if they seem sensible. On the other hand, if they don't seem ok, maybe don't leave your valuables unattended near them :-)
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u/412Junglist 27d ago
It depends on the beach. I have been there 8 times, usually for about 3 weeks each time. The last 2 times people that I knew had things taken from the beach. One was a pair of sandals 2 years ago, and a friend had a beach bag taken at La Cinta last year.
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u/SignificantDog2464 26d ago
I would say it depends on the size of the beach and number of tourists on the beach. If you put the most valuable things in the deepest corner of your bag and put towels and clothes over it should be enough to provide safety. Be relatively close to your stuff and keep an eye out. Try to bring small amounts of money or none at all (if needed pay by card, apple pay…) But i never had a problem here. I felt very safe on every southern beach :).
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u/gnattybot 23d ago
left my phone and wallet on Poetto beach (Cagliari) and had no problems swimming for 30+ minutes. i did cover my bag with a towel and felt totally safe leaving my stuff. Ive has my phone stolen from in Miami, U.S and have always been hyper vigilant but felt wayyy better here! just keep an eye when you’re in the water
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u/Raze_Lighter 29d ago
Yeah, I had no problems at any beach in Sardinia: Solanas, Pinus Village, Cala Cipolla. Nor on any other beach in Europe.