Sardinia delivers probably the greatest Mediterranean street 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 will be both Olbia (north) or Cagliari (south), each with main airports and ferry connections.
Should you’re already on the Italian mainland, an amazing 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 might deliver every part we would have liked, go to a few actually stunning locations alongside the best way, and revel in a cool ferry crossing. Plus, we saved on airfares and automotive rental prices.
Learn as effectively our journey tip on The right way 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 among the most stunning seashores on the 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 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 beautiful. The north-eastern ones are probably 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: 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 Its outdated city and Neptune’s Grotto cave (guided excursions year-round, climate allowing) are customer highlights.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 street 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 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 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 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 in every of 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 seashore solely accessible on foot, is extremely really useful (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 really useful for August.
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Important journey ideas for Sardinian street journeys
Sardinia is right for street 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 automotive weeks forward for the most effective 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 amazing journey and the youngsters liked the ferry crossing.
2. Driving & Roads
- Street situations: Highways (SS and SP roads) and major coastal routes are effectively maintained and paved. Inland routes will be slender and winding—drive slowly and with warning.
- Velocity limits: 50km/h (cities), 90km/h (secondary roads), 110km/h (main roads), until in any other case posted. Many roads have velocity cameras (“autovelox”).
- Gasoline: 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 getting into distant coastal stretches.
3. Navigation & Indicators
- Navigation: GPS or Google Maps works effectively, however deliver a paper map as cell reception could also be weak within the mountains and distant coasts.
- Street indicators: Indicators are clear and sometimes in Italian, with some places listed in Sardinian dialect.
4. Parking & ZTL (Restricted Zones)
- Seashore/city parking: Many seashores and city facilities have paid parking zones. At all times test 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 elements 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 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 really useful 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 extensively accepted, many distant seashore parking tons or rural eating places settle for solely money.
- Water and snacks: Companies 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 sooner vehicles cross.
- Roundabouts: At all times yield to site visitors already inside.
9. Emergency Data
- Emergency quantity: Dial 112 for police, fireplace, or medical emergencies.
- Breakdown providers: Most rental companies present a toll-free quantity for help. Just be sure you have the contact particulars of your insurance coverage, for those who 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 easy journey and a accountable journey expertise.
Journey Dudes encourages accountable and sustainable exploration. Respect native pointers, eliminate waste correctly, and assist genuine Sardinian companies all through your journey.
