There is nothing better than swimming in Sardinia’s clear water, but leaving a bag unattended on the sand can be a worry. The safest approach is to bring as few valuables as possible and make a plan for the belongings you do need. No trick can guarantee that an unattended bag is safe, and hiding it under a towel is not reliable protection.

Before you leave your accommodation

Leave your passport, spare bank cards, jewellery and most of your cash in a secure place at your accommodation whenever practical. Take only what you need for the beach, such as a small amount of money, a key, and a phone if you need it. Check whether your hotel, beach club or accommodation offers a secure locker.

Use a waterproof pouch for essentials

A waterproof pouch or dry bag can protect a phone and small items from water and sand. For valuables you must keep with you, choose a pouch designed to be securely worn on your body and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Test it with a tissue before trusting it with a phone, and remember that waterproofing does not automatically make a pouch theft-proof or suitable for every swimming activity.

Do not take a passport or more cash than you need into the sea. If you need your phone for navigation or emergencies, consider whether a trusted companion can hold it while you swim.

Swim with a companion or take turns

If you are at the beach with friends or family, take turns swimming so someone can keep an eye on the bags. This is generally more useful than trying to disguise a bag beneath a towel. Choose a spot where you can see your belongings from the water only if someone remains on shore; do not rely on visibility alone to prevent theft.

Are busy beaches safer?

A beach with lifeguards, staffed facilities or a beach club may offer more support than an isolated stretch of sand, but crowds do not guarantee security. If a locker is available, ask how it works and whether it is suitable for your phone, wallet and keys. Keep the locker key with you as directed by staff, and do not leave valuables unattended just because other people are nearby.

What about hiding a bag under a towel?

Covering a bag with a towel or placing it behind a beach item may make it less noticeable, but it does not secure it. Anyone can lift the towel, and a bag left unattended remains vulnerable. Treat this only as concealment, never as your main security measure.

A simple beach-safety checklist

  • Leave passports, spare cards and unnecessary valuables secured at your accommodation.
  • Take only the essentials you need for the outing.
  • Use a suitable waterproof pouch for items you must carry, and test it before use.
  • Take turns swimming with someone you trust, or use a staffed locker if available.
  • Keep accommodation keys and car keys secure, and follow any instructions from the beach club or locker provider.
  • Never assume that a hidden bag is safe simply because it is covered by a towel.

Enjoy the sea without worrying about your bag

The best way to protect your belongings while swimming in Sardinia is to minimise what you bring and avoid leaving important valuables unattended. A waterproof pouch helps with water protection, while a trusted companion or secure locker can reduce theft risk. If you are alone and have no secure storage, take only what you can safely keep with you and accept that leaving a bag on the sand always carries some risk.