Sardinia delivers the most effective 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 points of interest, routes, and consists of native journey practices. Begin and finish factors will be both Olbia (north) or Cagliari (south), each with main airports and ferry connections.
When you’re already on the Italian mainland, an incredible choice is to take the ferry to the island. This usually makes extra sense than flying, as you may deliver your automotive too, which is what we did. That approach, we may deliver every little thing we wanted, go to a few actually stunning locations alongside the best way, and luxuriate in a cool ferry crossing. Plus, we saved on airfares and automotive rental prices.
Learn as effectively our journey tip on How you can 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 Seaside, and Liscia Ruja—all verified for turquoise, shallow waters and well-maintained services. You’ll go to a few of the most stunning seashores on this planet. The surroundings, the colour of the water and the rock formations are merely beautiful.
- 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 each day.
- Tip: Porto Cervo is famous for upscale nightlife, however northern Sardinia’s villages like San Pantaleo and Cannigione provide genuine meals and decrease costs.
The seashores all around the island are beautiful. The north-eastern ones are probably the most well-known, however we’ve seen many others that have 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 Its outdated city and Neptune’s Grotto cave (guided excursions year-round, climate allowing) are customer highlights.
- Comply with the scenic SP49 coastal highway to Bosa—a riverside village with pastel homes and the Malaspina Fort. Bosa is confirmed for its picturesque middle 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 direction of Cagliari, the historic Sardinian capital.
- Cagliari’s prime websites: the Bastion of Saint Remy, Poetto Seaside, the traditional Roman amphitheater, and the outdated 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 each day in summer season—affirm availability and climate earlier than reserving;
- A hike to Cala Goloritzé, a UNESCO-listed seaside solely accessible on foot, is extremely 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: Attempt 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 provide each day journeys; advance reserving beneficial for August.
Learn as effectively our journey recommendations on…
Important journey ideas for Sardinian highway journeys
Sardinia is right for highway journey explorers, however a profitable journey requires up-to-date planning and native know-how. Listed here are an important journey ideas for anybody self-driving round Sardinia’s coast:
1. Automotive Rent & Reserving
- Advance reservation required: Particularly in July-August, e book your automotive weeks forward for one of the best availability and costs.
- Rental places: Main airports at Olbia and Cagliari, plus Alghero and port cities.
- Driver necessities: Most rental companies require a sound EU or worldwide driver’s license, and drivers to be not less than 21 (generally 25) years outdated.
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 an incredible journey and the children liked the ferry crossing.
2. Driving & Roads
- Highway circumstances: Highways (SS and SP roads) and most important coastal routes are effectively maintained and paved. Inland routes will 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 velocity cameras (“autovelox”).
- Gas: Most gasoline stations settle for playing cards and are open each day, although some shut for a protracted lunch (12:30–15:30) outdoors massive cities. Replenish earlier than getting into distant coastal stretches.
3. Navigation & Indicators
- Navigation: GPS or Google Maps works effectively, however deliver a paper map as cellular reception could also be weak within the mountains and distant coasts.
- Highway indicators: Indicators are clear and sometimes in Italian, with some places listed in Sardinian dialect.
4. Parking & ZTL (Restricted Zones)
- Seaside/city parking: Many seashores and city facilities have paid parking zones. All the time examine indicators for cut-off dates and cost 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 computerized for violations. Fairly nasty, proper? So be careful and search for marked indicators.
5. Security & Safety
- Private security: Sardinia is very secure for self-driving vacationers. Violent crime is uncommon; normal precautions apply.
- Automobile security: Theft from autos can happen, notably at distant seashores. As regular, by no means go away seen valuables in your automotive.
6. Ferries and Island Connections
- Automotive ferries: The one automotive ferry to La Maddalena leaves from Palau (runs year-round).
- Advance reserving is extremely 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 automobiles move.
- Roundabouts: All the time yield to site visitors already inside.
9. Emergency Info
- Emergency quantity: Dial 112 for police, fireplace, or medical emergencies.
- Breakdown companies: Most rental companies present a toll-free quantity for help. Just be sure you have the contact particulars of your insurance coverage, in case you drive with your personal automotive.
10. Sustainability
- Respect seashores and nature reserves: Take all waste with you; by no means park on sand dunes.
- Assist native: Use native guides, eat regional delicacies, and store at markets for genuine experiences.
These journey ideas for driving in Sardinia will assist guarantee each a clean journey and a accountable journey expertise.
Journey Dudes encourages accountable and sustainable exploration. Respect native tips, get rid of waste correctly, and assist genuine Sardinian companies all through your journey.
