Sardinia delivers probably the greatest Mediterranean highway journeys in Europe. This two-week itinerary covers every coast of the island, hitting celebrated seashores, historic cities, and genuine inland gems.
The information follows sights, routes, and consists of native journey practices. Begin and finish factors may be both Olbia (north) or Cagliari (south), each with main airports and ferry connections.
For those who’re already on the Italian mainland, a fantastic choice is to take the ferry to the island. This usually makes extra sense than flying, as you’ll be able to convey your automotive too, which is what we did. That method, we might convey every little thing we wanted, go to a few actually lovely locations alongside the way in which, and luxuriate in a cool ferry crossing. Plus, we saved on airfares and automotive rental prices.
Learn as nicely our journey tip on Easy methods to Get to Sardinia.
Fast Overview: Route & Areas
| Days | Area/Space |
|---|---|
| 1–4 | North Coast (Olbia, Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena) |
| 5–7 | West Coast (Alghero, Bosa, Costa Verde) |
| 8–10 | South Coast (Cagliari, Villasimius) |
| 11–14 | East Coast (Orosei, Cala Gonone, Baunei, Olbia) |
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1–4: North Coast – Seashores & Glamour
Base: Olbia / Costa Smeralda
- Drive from Olbia to Porto Cervo and the famed Costa Smeralda.
- Discover Spiaggia del Principe, Capriccioli Seashore, and Liscia Ruja—all verified for turquoise, shallow waters and well-maintained amenities. You’ll go to a few of the most lovely seashores on this planet. The surroundings, the colour of the water and the rock formations are merely gorgeous.
- Take the Palau ferry (autos allowed) to La Maddalena Archipelago Nationwide Park, famend for abandoned sandy coves and clear snorkeling. A number of licensed boat excursions function day by day.
- Tip: Porto Cervo is famous for upscale nightlife, however northern Sardinia’s villages like San Pantaleo and Cannigione supply genuine meals and decrease costs.
The seashores everywhere in the island are gorgeous. The north-eastern ones are probably the most well-known, however we’ve seen many others that had been equally inviting and delightful.
That’s why we’ve included a number of of them on this article: Greatest Seashores in Sardinia
Days 5–7: West Coast – Genuine Sardinia
Base: Alghero, Bosa
- Drive to Alghero, a city with Catalan roots, medieval partitions, and bustling seafood markets. Its previous city and Neptune’s Grotto cave (guided excursions year-round, climate allowing) are customer highlights.
- Observe the scenic SP49 coastal highway to Bosa—a riverside village with pastel homes and the Malaspina Fort. Bosa is confirmed for its picturesque heart and river views.
- South of Bosa, uncover the quartz-sand seaside at Is Arutas and wild waves of the Costa Verde.
Days 8–10: South Coast – Historical past & Capital Tradition
Base: Cagliari / Villasimius
- Head south through Oristano in the direction of Cagliari, the historic Sardinian capital.
- Cagliari’s prime websites: the Bastion of Saint Remy, Poetto Seashore, the traditional Roman amphitheater, and the previous districts of Castello and Marina.
- Eat: Cagliari’s eating places serve signature dishes like culurgiones (Sardinian ravioli) and bottarga (cured mullet roe).
- Tour: Day journeys to Villasimius and Costa Rei for unspoiled south-eastern seashores are easy through SS125 freeway.
Days 11–14: East Coast – Wild Landscapes & Journey
Base: Orosei, Cala Gonone, Baunei
- Drive up the SS125 (the “Orientale Sarda,” one among Italy’s prime scenic roads) to Orosei. The Gulf of Orosei is legendary for limestone cliffs, sea caves, and pristine coves.
- Cala Gonone: Gateway for boat excursions to Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and the ocean cave Grotta del Bue Marino. Journeys run day by day in summer season—verify availability and climate earlier than reserving;
- A hike to Cala Goloritzé, a UNESCO-listed seaside solely accessible on foot, is very beneficial (path well-signposted and maintained).
Highlights & Actions
- Greatest seashores: Spiaggia del Principe, La Pelosa (Stintino), Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu, Poetto, and Is Arutas.
- Historic websites: Su Nuraxi nuraghe (Barumini, UNESCO-verified), Castello di Cagliari, Malaspina Fort (Bosa).
- Wildlife: Pink flamingos seen at Cagliari’s salt flats and Molentargius Park in spring and summer season.
- Consuming: Strive native specialties—porceddu (roast suckling pig), seadas (cheese pastry with honey), and Cannonau wine.
- Boat excursions: Licensed operators on La Maddalena and the Gulf of Orosei supply day by day journeys; advance reserving beneficial for August.
Learn as nicely our journey tips on…
Important journey suggestions for Sardinian highway journeys
Sardinia is good for highway journey explorers, however a profitable journey requires up-to-date planning and native know-how. Listed below are crucial journey suggestions for anybody self-driving round Sardinia’s coast:
1. Automobile Rent & Reserving
- Advance reservation required: Particularly in July-August, ebook your automotive weeks forward for the very best availability and costs.
- Rental areas: Main airports at Olbia and Cagliari, plus Alghero and port cities.
- Driver necessities: Most rental companies require a legitimate EU or worldwide driver’s license, and drivers to be a minimum of 21 (typically 25) years previous.
We headed to Sardinia with our personal automotive and took the in a single day ferry. That saved us the rental automotive prices, flights and we had a fantastic journey and the children liked the ferry crossing.
2. Driving & Roads
- Highway circumstances: Highways (SS and SP roads) and essential coastal routes are nicely maintained and paved. Inland routes may be slim and winding—drive slowly and with warning.
- Pace limits: 50km/h (cities), 90km/h (secondary roads), 110km/h (main roads), except in any other case posted. Many roads have pace cameras (“autovelox”).
- Gas: Most fuel stations settle for playing cards and are open day by day, although some shut for an extended lunch (12:30–15:30) exterior massive cities. Refill earlier than coming into distant coastal stretches.
3. Navigation & Indicators
- Navigation: GPS or Google Maps works nicely, however convey a paper map as cell reception could also be weak within the mountains and distant coasts.
- Highway indicators: Indicators are clear and sometimes in Italian, with some areas listed in Sardinian dialect.
4. Parking & ZTL (Restricted Zones)
- Seashore/city parking: Many seashores and city facilities have paid parking zones. All the time examine indicators for deadlines and fee strategies.
- ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato): Many aged city areas (particularly Cagliari, Alghero, Bosa, Castelsardo) limit non-resident automotive entry throughout components of the day. Fines are automated for violations. Fairly nasty, proper? So be careful and search for marked indicators.
5. Security & Safety
- Private security: Sardinia is very protected for self-driving vacationers. Violent crime is uncommon; normal precautions apply.
- Car security: Theft from autos can happen, significantly at distant seashores. As normal, by no means depart seen valuables in your automotive.
6. Ferries and Island Connections
- Automobile ferries: The one automotive ferry to La Maddalena leaves from Palau (runs year-round).
- Advance reserving is very beneficial throughout summer season and weekends.
7. Necessities to Pack
- Solar safety: Sardinian solar is intense; pack sunscreen, hats, and sun shades.
- Money: Though playing cards are broadly accepted, many distant seaside parking heaps or rural eating places settle for solely money.
- Water and snacks: Providers are sparse alongside some distant coastlines or mountain stretches.
8. Native Driving Tradition
- Locals could drive rapidly on winding roads; use pull-outs to let sooner vehicles go.
- Roundabouts: All the time yield to visitors already inside.
9. Emergency Data
- Emergency quantity: Dial 112 for police, hearth, or medical emergencies.
- Breakdown providers: Most rental companies present a toll-free quantity for help. Just remember to have the contact particulars of your insurance coverage, should you drive with your individual automotive.
10. Sustainability
- Respect seashores and nature reserves: Take all waste with you; by no means park on sand dunes.
- Help native: Use native guides, eat regional delicacies, and store at markets for genuine experiences.
These journey suggestions for driving in Sardinia will assist guarantee each a easy journey and a accountable journey expertise.
Journey Dudes encourages accountable and sustainable exploration. Respect native pointers, get rid of waste correctly, and help genuine Sardinian companies all through your journey.
