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 contains native journey practices. Begin and finish factors might be both Olbia (north) or Cagliari (south), each with main airports and ferry connections.
In the event you’re already on the Italian mainland, an ideal choice is to take the ferry to the island. This typically makes extra sense than flying, as you possibly can convey your automobile too, which is what we did. That method, we might convey all the things we wanted, go to a few actually stunning locations alongside the way in which, and luxuriate in a cool ferry crossing. Plus, we saved on airfares and automobile rental prices.
Learn as properly our journey tip on Learn how 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 Seaside, and Liscia Ruja—all verified for turquoise, shallow waters and well-maintained services. You’ll go to a number of the most stunning seashores on the earth. 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 supply genuine meals and decrease costs.
The seashores everywhere in the island are beautiful. The north-eastern ones are essentially the most well-known, however we’ve seen many others that have been equally inviting and exquisite.
That’s why we’ve included a number of of them on this article: Finest 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 Its outdated city and Neptune’s Grotto cave (guided excursions year-round, climate allowing) are customer highlights.
- Observe 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 seashore 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 high 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,” certainly one of Italy’s high 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 seashore solely accessible on foot, is very advisable (path well-signposted and maintained).
Highlights & Actions
- Finest 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 supply each day journeys; advance reserving advisable for August.
Learn as properly 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 below are crucial journey ideas for anybody self-driving round Sardinia’s coast:
1. Automotive Rent & Reserving
- Advance reservation required: Particularly in July-August, e book your automobile weeks forward for the most effective availability and costs.
- Rental areas: Main airports at Olbia and Cagliari, plus Alghero and port cities.
- Driver necessities: Most rental businesses require a sound EU or worldwide driver’s license, and drivers to be no less than 21 (generally 25) years outdated.
We headed to Sardinia with our personal automobile and took the in a single day ferry. That saved us the rental automobile prices, flights and we had an ideal journey and the youngsters cherished the ferry crossing.
2. Driving & Roads
- Street circumstances: Highways (SS and SP roads) and foremost coastal routes are properly maintained and paved. Inland routes might be slim and winding—drive slowly and with warning.
- Velocity limits: 50km/h (cities), 90km/h (secondary roads), 110km/h (main roads), except in any other case posted. Many roads have velocity cameras (“autovelox”).
- Gasoline: Most fuel stations settle for playing cards and are open each day, although some shut for an extended lunch (12:30–15:30) exterior massive cities. Replenish earlier than coming into distant coastal stretches.
3. Navigation & Indicators
- Navigation: GPS or Google Maps works properly, however convey a paper map as cell reception could also be weak within the mountains and distant coasts.
- Street indicators: Indicators are clear and usually in Italian, with some areas listed in Sardinian dialect.
4. Parking & ZTL (Restricted Zones)
- Seaside/city parking: Many seashores and city facilities have paid parking zones. All the time test indicators for closing dates and cost strategies.
- ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato): Many aged city areas (particularly Cagliari, Alghero, Bosa, Castelsardo) limit non-resident automobile entry throughout elements 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 protected for self-driving vacationers. Violent crime is uncommon; customary precautions apply.
- Automobile security: Theft from autos can happen, notably at distant seashores. As typical, by no means go away seen valuables in your automobile.
6. Ferries and Island Connections
- Automotive ferries: The one automobile ferry to La Maddalena leaves from Palau (runs year-round).
- Advance reserving is very advisable 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 seashore 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 might drive rapidly on winding roads; use pull-outs to let quicker automobiles move.
- Roundabouts: All the time yield to site visitors already inside.
9. Emergency Data
- Emergency quantity: Dial 112 for police, hearth, or medical emergencies.
- Breakdown companies: Most rental businesses 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 individual automobile.
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 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.
