Sardinia delivers among the finest 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 points of interest, routes, and consists of native journey practices. Begin and finish factors might be both Olbia (north) or Cagliari (south), each with main airports and ferry connections.
When you’re already on the Italian mainland, a terrific choice is to take the ferry to the island. This typically makes extra sense than flying, as you’ll be able to deliver your automotive too, which is what we did. That approach, we might deliver every little thing we would have liked, go to a few actually lovely 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 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 amenities. You’ll go to among the most lovely seashores on the earth. The surroundings, the colour of the water and the rock formations are merely beautiful.
- Take the Palau ferry (automobiles allowed) to La Maddalena Archipelago Nationwide Park, famend for abandoned sandy coves and clear snorkeling. A number of licensed boat excursions function every 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 all around 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 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 street to Bosa—a riverside village with pastel homes and the Malaspina Citadel. 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 direction of Cagliari, the historic Sardinian capital.
- Cagliari’s high websites: the Bastion of Saint Remy, Poetto Seaside, 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 in every 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 every 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 extremely advisable (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 Citadel (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 every day journeys; advance reserving advisable 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 a very powerful journey ideas for anybody self-driving round Sardinia’s coast:
1. Automotive Rent & Reserving
- Advance reservation required: Particularly in July-August, guide 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 businesses require a sound 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 terrific journey and the youngsters cherished the ferry crossing.
2. Driving & Roads
- Highway situations: Highways (SS and SP roads) and important coastal routes are effectively maintained and paved. Inland routes might 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”).
- Gasoline: Most gasoline stations settle for playing cards and are open every day, although some shut for an extended lunch (12:30–15:30) exterior huge cities. Refill earlier than coming 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.
- Highway 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. At all times examine indicators for deadlines and cost strategies.
- ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato): Many aged city areas (particularly Cagliari, Alghero, Bosa, Castelsardo) prohibit 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; commonplace precautions apply.
- Car security: Theft from automobiles can happen, notably at distant seashores. As standard, by no means depart 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 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 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 shortly on winding roads; use pull-outs to let sooner automobiles cross.
- Roundabouts: At all times yield to site visitors already inside.
9. Emergency Info
- Emergency quantity: Dial 112 for police, fireplace, 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 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 tips, eliminate waste correctly, and help genuine Sardinian companies all through your journey.
