Sardinia delivers one of the best Mediterranean road trips in Europe. This two-week itinerary covers each coast of the island, hitting celebrated beaches, historic towns, and authentic inland gems.
The guide follows attractions, routes, and includes local travel practices. Start and end points can be either Olbia (north) or Cagliari (south), both with major airports and ferry connections.
If you’re already on the Italian mainland, a great option is to take the ferry to the island. This often makes more sense than flying, as you can bring your car too, which is what we did. That way, we could bring everything we needed, visit a couple of really beautiful places along the way, and enjoy a cool ferry crossing. Plus, we saved on airfares and car rental costs.
Read as well our travel tip on How to Get to Sardinia.
Ferry to Sardinia, Italy.
Quick Overview: Route & Regions
| Days | Region/Area |
|---|---|
| 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 – Beaches & Glamour
Base: Olbia / Costa Smeralda
- Drive from Olbia to Porto Cervo and the famed Costa Smeralda.
- Explore Spiaggia del Principe, Capriccioli Beach, and Liscia Ruja—all verified for turquoise, shallow waters and well-maintained facilities. You will visit some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The scenery, the color of the water and the rock formations are simply stunning.
- Take the Palau ferry (vehicles allowed) to La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, renowned for deserted sandy coves and clear snorkeling. Several licensed boat tours operate daily.
- Tip: Porto Cervo is noted for upscale nightlife, but northern Sardinia’s villages like San Pantaleo and Cannigione offer authentic food and lower prices.
Spiaggia del Principe at the Costa Smeralda in Sardinia, Italy.
The beaches all over the island are stunning. The north-eastern ones are the most famous, but we’ve seen many others that were equally inviting and beautiful.
That’s why we’ve included a few of them in this article: Best Beaches in Sardinia
Days 5–7: West Coast – Authentic Sardinia
Base: Alghero, Bosa
- Drive to Alghero, a town with Catalan roots, medieval walls, and bustling seafood markets. Its old town and Neptune’s Grotto cave (guided tours year-round, weather permitting) are visitor highlights.
- Follow the scenic SP49 coastal road to Bosa—a riverside village with pastel houses and the Malaspina Castle. Bosa is confirmed for its picturesque center and river views.
- South of Bosa, discover the quartz-sand beach at Is Arutas and wild waves of the Costa Verde.
Bastioni Marco Polo in Alghero in Sardinia, Italy.
Days 8–10: South Coast – History & Capital Culture
Base: Cagliari / Villasimius
- Head south via Oristano towards Cagliari, the historic Sardinian capital.
- Cagliari’s top sites: the Bastion of Saint Remy, Poetto Beach, the ancient Roman amphitheater, and the old districts of Castello and Marina.
- Eat: Cagliari’s restaurants serve signature dishes like culurgiones (Sardinian ravioli) and bottarga (cured mullet roe).
- Excursion: Day trips to Villasimius and Costa Rei for unspoiled south-eastern beaches are straightforward via SS125 highway.
Roman amphitheater in Cagliari, Italy.
Days 11–14: East Coast – Wild Landscapes & Adventure
Base: Orosei, Cala Gonone, Baunei
- Drive up the SS125 (the “Orientale Sarda,” one of Italy’s top scenic roads) to Orosei. The Gulf of Orosei is famous for limestone cliffs, sea caves, and pristine coves.
- Cala Gonone: Gateway for boat tours to Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and the sea cave Grotta del Bue Marino. Trips run daily in summer—confirm availability and weather before booking;
- A hike to Cala Goloritzé, a UNESCO-listed beach only accessible on foot, is highly recommended (trail well-signposted and maintained).
The sea cave Grotta del Bue Marino in Sardinia, Italy.
View from the sea cave Grotta del Bue Marino in Sardinia, Italy.
Highlights & Activities
- Best beaches: Spiaggia del Principe, La Pelosa (Stintino), Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu, Poetto, and Is Arutas.
- Historic sites: Su Nuraxi nuraghe (Barumini, UNESCO-verified), Castello di Cagliari, Malaspina Castle (Bosa).
- Wildlife: Pink flamingos visible at Cagliari’s salt flats and Molentargius Park in spring and summer.
- Eating: Try local specialties—porceddu (roast suckling pig), seadas (cheese pastry with honey), and Cannonau wine.
- Boat tours: Licensed operators on La Maddalena and the Gulf of Orosei offer daily trips; advance booking recommended for August.
Local specialties of Sardinia, Italy.
Read as well our travel tips about…
Essential travel tips for Sardinian road trips
Sardinia is ideal for road trip explorers, but a successful journey requires up-to-date planning and local know-how. Here are the most important travel tips for anyone self-driving around Sardinia’s coast:
Road in Sardinia, Italy.
1. Car Hire & Booking
- Advance reservation required: Especially in July-August, book your car weeks ahead for the best availability and prices.
- Rental locations: Major airports at Olbia and Cagliari, plus Alghero and port towns.
- Driver requirements: Most rental agencies require a valid EU or international driver’s license, and drivers to be at least 21 (sometimes 25) years old.
We headed to Sardinia with our own car and took the overnight ferry. That saved us the rental car costs, flights and we had a great trip and the kids loved the ferry crossing.
2. Driving & Roads
- Road conditions: Highways (SS and SP roads) and main coastal routes are well maintained and paved. Inland routes can be narrow and winding—drive slowly and with caution.
- Speed limits: 50km/h (towns), 90km/h (secondary roads), 110km/h (major roads), unless otherwise posted. Many roads have speed cameras (“autovelox”).
- Fuel: Most gas stations accept cards and are open daily, though some close for a long lunch (12:30–15:30) outside big towns. Fill up before entering remote coastal stretches.
3. Navigation & Signs
- Navigation: GPS or Google Maps works well, but bring a paper map as mobile reception may be weak in the mountains and remote coasts.
- Road signs: Signs are clear and typically in Italian, with some locations listed in Sardinian dialect.
4. Parking & ZTL (Restricted Zones)
- Beach/town parking: Many beaches and town centers have paid parking zones. Always check signs for time limits and payment methods.
- ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato): Many old town areas (especially Cagliari, Alghero, Bosa, Castelsardo) restrict non-resident car access during parts of the day. Fines are automatic for violations. Pretty nasty, right? So watch out and look for marked signs.
5. Safety & Security
- Personal safety: Sardinia is very safe for self-driving travelers. Violent crime is rare; standard precautions apply.
- Vehicle safety: Theft from vehicles can occur, particularly at remote beaches. As usual, never leave visible valuables in your car.
6. Ferries and Island Connections
- Car ferries: The only car ferry to La Maddalena leaves from Palau (runs year-round).
- Advance booking is highly recommended during summer and weekends.
7. Essentials to Pack
- Sun protection: Sardinian sun is intense; pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
- Cash: Although cards are widely accepted, many remote beach parking lots or rural restaurants accept only cash.
- Water and snacks: Services are sparse along some remote coastlines or mountain stretches.
8. Local Driving Culture
- Locals may drive quickly on winding roads; use pull-outs to let faster cars pass.
- Roundabouts: Always yield to traffic already inside.
9. Emergency Information
- Emergency number: Dial 112 for police, fire, or medical emergencies.
- Breakdown services: Most rental agencies provide a toll-free number for assistance. Make sure that you have the contact details of your insurance, if you drive with your own car.
10. Sustainability
- Respect beaches and nature reserves: Take all waste with you; never park on sand dunes.
- Support local: Use local guides, eat regional cuisine, and shop at markets for authentic experiences.
These travel tips for driving in Sardinia will help ensure both a smooth trip and a responsible travel experience.
Travel Dudes encourages responsible and sustainable exploration. Respect local guidelines, dispose of waste properly, and support authentic Sardinian businesses throughout your journey.
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I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
View all posts I’m sure you’ve had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.
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