Sardinia provides among the best Mediterranean trip in Europe. This two-week travel plan covers each coast of the island, striking well known 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 currently on the Italian mainland, an excellent alternative is to take the ferryboat to the island. This often makes more sense than flying, as you can bring your automobile too, which is what we did. That method, we could bring everything we needed, check out a number of really gorgeous locations along the method, and take pleasure in a cool ferry crossing. Plus, we minimized air travels and car rental costs.
Read too our travel suggestion on How to Get to Sardinia.
| Ferryboat to Sardinia, Italy. Quick Summary: 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 Travel Plan
Days 1– 4: North Coast– Beaches & Glamour
Base: Olbia/ Costa Smeralda
- Drive from Olbia to Porto Cervo and the famous Costa Smeralda.
- Explore Spiaggia del Principe, Capriccioli Beach, and Liscia Ruja– all verified for turquoise, shallow waters and properly maintained facilities. You will visit some of the most gorgeous beaches on the planet. The landscapes, the color of the water and the rock developments are simply stunning.
- Take the Palau ferry (cars enabled) to La Maddalena Island Chain National Park, renowned for deserted sandy coves and clear snorkeling. A number of licensed boat tours run daily.
- Idea: Porto Cervo is kept in mind for upscale nightlife, but northern Sardinia’s towns like San Pantaleo and Cannigione offer authentic food and lower rates.
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 well-known, but we have actually seen many
others that were similarly welcoming and beautiful.That’s why we’ve consisted of a few of them in this post: Best Beaches in Sardinia
Days 5– 7: West Coast– Genuine Sardinia
Base: Alghero, Bosa
- Drive to Alghero, a town with Catalan roots, middle ages walls, and dynamic seafood markets. Its old town and Neptune’s Grotto cavern (guided trips year-round, weather condition allowing) 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 through Oristano towards Cagliari, the historic Sardinian capital.
Roman amphitheater in Cagliari, Italy. Days 11– 14: East Coast– Wild Landscapes & Adventure Base: Orosei, Cala Gonone, Baunei
- Increase the SS125 (the “Orientale Sarda,” one of Italy’s leading beautiful roads) to Orosei. The Gulf of Orosei is well-known for limestone cliffs, sea caves, and beautiful coves.
- Cala Gonone: Entrance for boat trips to Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and the sea cave Grotta del Bue Marino. Journeys run daily in summer– verify schedule and weather condition before booking;
- A walking to Cala Goloritzé, a UNESCO-listed beach just available on foot, is extremely advised (trail well-signposted and kept).
The sea cave Grotta del Bue Marino in Sardinia, Italy.
View from the sea cave Grotta del Bue Marino in Sardinia, Italy. Emphasizes & Activities Best beaches: Spiaggia del Principe, La Pelosa( Stintino ), Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu, Poetto, and Is Arutas. Historical websites: Su Nuraxi nuraghe (Barumini, UNESCO-verified), Castello di Cagliari, Malaspina Castle (Bosa).
Local specialties of Sardinia, Italy. Check out also our travel tips about … Essential travel tips for Sardinian trip Sardinia is ideal for road trip explorers, but a successful journey needs current preparation and local knowledge. Here are the most important travel pointers for anybody self-driving around Sardinia’s coast: 
Roadway in Sardinia, Italy. 1. Cars And Truck Work With & Reservation Advance appointment needed: Particularly in July-August, book your automobile weeks ahead for the very best accessibility and prices.
We headed to Sardinia with our own automobile and took the overnight ferryboat. That conserved us the rental cars and truck expenses, flights and we had an excellent trip and the kids loved the ferryboat crossing.
2. Driving & Roadways
- Roadway conditions: Highways (SS and SP roads) and main seaside routes are well preserved and paved. Inland paths can be narrow and winding– drive slowly and with caution.
- Speed limitations: 50km/h (towns), 90km/h (secondary roadways), 110km/h (major roads), unless otherwise posted. Numerous roadways have speed cameras (“autovelox”).
- Fuel: The majority of gas stations accept cards and are open daily, though some close for a long lunch (12:30– 15:30) outside huge towns. Fill up before getting in remote seaside stretches.
3. Navigation & Signs
- Navigation: GPS or Google Maps works well, however bring a paper map as mobile reception might be weak in the mountains and remote coasts.
- Road signs: Signs are clear and typically in Italian, with some areas noted in Sardinian dialect.
4. Parking & ZTL (Restricted Zones)
- Beach/town parking: Many beaches and town centers have actually paid parking zones. Always check signs for time limits and payment methods.
- ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato): Lots of old town locations (particularly Cagliari, Alghero, Bosa, Castelsardo) limit non-resident car access during parts of the day. Fines are automated for offenses. Pretty nasty, ideal? So look out and try to find significant indications.
5. Security & Security
- Personal safety: Sardinia is very safe for self-driving tourists. Violent criminal activity is rare; standard preventative measures use.
- Vehicle safety: Theft from lorries can occur, particularly at remote beaches. As typical, never ever leave noticeable belongings in your vehicle.
6. Ferryboats and Island Links
- Vehicle ferries: The only car ferryboat to La Maddalena leaves from Palau (runs year-round).
- Advance booking is highly suggested during summer and weekends.
7. Essentials to Load
- Sun security: Sardinian sun is extreme; pack sun block, hats, and sunglasses.
- Cash: Although cards are widely accepted, lots of remote beach parking lots or rural restaurants accept only money.
- Water and treats: Services are sparse along some remote coastlines or mountain stretches.
8. Local Driving Culture
- Residents might drive quickly on winding roads; use pull-outs to let faster cars and trucks pass.
- Roundabouts: Always yield to traffic currently inside.
9. Emergency situation Information
- Emergency number: Dial 112 for police, fire, or medical emergency situations.
- Breakdown services: The majority of rental firms offer a toll-free number for help. Ensure that you have the contact information of your insurance, if you drive with your own vehicle.
10. Sustainability
- Regard beaches and nature reserves: Take all waste with you; never park on sand dunes.
- Assistance local: Usage local guides, eat local cuisine, and shop at markets for genuine experiences.
These travel tips for driving in Sardinia will help make sure both a smooth journey and an accountable travel experience.
Travel Dudes motivates responsible and sustainable exploration. Regard local guidelines, dispose of waste appropriately, and assistance authentic Sardinian companies throughout your journey.
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I make sure you have actually had comparable experiences I had whilst taking a trip. You’re in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, idea you off on a little-known beach, bar or lodging. Terrific travel suggestions from other tourists or residents constantly include something special to our travels
. That was the inspiration for Travel Guys. View all posts I’m sure you’ve had comparable experiences I had whilst traveling. You’re in a specific place and a travel companion, or a local, idea you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Terrific travel ideas from other travelers or locals always add something unique to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Men.