Sardinia Travel Tips
Information and practical advices for your holiday to Sardinia
Planning a trip to Sardinia means choosing between spectacular beaches, scenic routes and fascinating villages. If you want to explore the island by car, it is essential to know the best roads and unmissable locations, passing by exclusive places like Porto Cervo and the elite areas of the Costa Smeralda, the spectacular Ogliastra or the wild Costa Verde. With our Sardinia travel tips you discover the best times to travel, advice for hiring a car and the most authentic activities. Here is everything you need to know for a perfect trip to this island!
1. How to get to Sardinia
There are two main ways to get to Sardinia: by plane or by ferry.
- Plane: Sardinia has three main airports (Cagliari, Olbia, Alghero) with flights from several Italian and European cities.
- Ferry: Perfect for those who want to take their car or motorbike with them. The main routes connect the continent from Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia and Naples to the ports of Cagliari, Olbia, Porto Torres and Arbatax.
Distances between Sardinian airports
- Cagliari → Olbia: 267 km (2h 40 min)
- Cagliari → Alghero: 235 km (2h 30 min)
- Alghero → Olbia: 127 km (1h 40 min)
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2. Where to stay in Sardinia
Sardinia offers several accommodation options, depending on the type of trip you want to take:
- Luxury hotels and resorts: Perfect for those seeking relaxation and comfort.
- B&Bs and farmhouses: Ideal for a more authentic experience in contact with the local culture.
- Campsites and vanlife: If you love nature and direct contact with the land.
- Flats and holiday homes: Ideal for those travelling with family or a group of friends.
Find your accommodation in Sardinia on the map – rates updated in real time
3. Rent a car and get around the island
To explore Sardinia independently, a car is the best choice. The main roads are well maintained, but in more remote areas you can find dirt tracks.
- Main roads: The SS 131 connects Cagliari to Sassari and Porto Torres, while other major roads run through the interior and the east coast.
- Beware of fuels: Service stations are less frequent in inland areas, so it is advisable to refuel in advance.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside built-up areas, 110 km/h on main roads.
- Buses: the regional bus company ARST connects most Sardinian towns and cities. Alternatively, there are several private companies that provide additional connections.
- Trains: there are connections between the north and south of the island and between east and west. See our page on train connections in Sardinia
4. Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches
Sardinia is famous for its turquoise sea and dreamy beaches. Here are some of the best:
North: La Pelosa (Stintino), Cala Coticcio (Caprera), Liscia Ruja (Costa Smeralda).
West: Is Arutas (quartz beach), Porto Ferro, Piscinas (with spectacular dunes).
East: Cala Goloritzé, Cala Luna, Porto Giunco.
South: Su Giudeu (Chia), Tuerredda, Poetto (Cagliari).
With our beach guides you can organise your trip to Sardinia in the best possible way so that you don’t miss a single one of its beautiful beaches.
🏖️ 10-Beaches in Sardinia that will make you think you are in the Caribbean
🏖️ 30-TOP beaches from north to south
🏖️ Guide to the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia
5. Recommended itineraries for a trip to Sardinia
A car is essential for getting around in Sardinia and discovering as many places as possible. After renting a car, set off to discover this wonderful island. Here are some itineraries to follow.
🗺️ Complete island tour (10-14 days)
If you have time, explore Sardinia from north to south
→ Olbia → Costa Smeralda → Gulf of Orosei → Alghero → Oristano → Cagliari → Chia.
🗺️ North West Coast (7-10 days)
Perfect for those who love history and the sea
→ Alghero → Stintino → Castelsardo → Sassari → Bosa.
🗺️ South-eastern Sardinia (7-10 days)
A mix of sea and mountains
→ Cagliari → Villasimius → Arbatax → Orosei → Cala Gonone → Olbia.
6. What to do in Sardinia besides the sea
Besides the beaches, Sardinia offers many unique activities
- Trekking and nature: Gorropu Gorge, Tiscali Nuragic Village, Biderosa Nature Oasis.
- Culture and archaeological sites: Nuraghe of Barumini, Tharros, Tomb of the Giants.
- Food and wine: Cannonau and Vermentino wine tastings, culurgiones, porceddu and seadas.
- Sport and adventure: Snorkelling and diving, windsurfing at Porto Pollo, kayaking excursions.
3 Activities in contact with nature to enjoy during your holiday in Sardinia
7. Important events not to be missed
Sardinia is rich in unique traditions and festivals that make the island even more fascinating. Among the most important events are:
- Sant’Efisio (1 May, Cagliari) – One of the most spectacular religious processions in Italy, with traditional costumes.
- Cavalcata Sarda (May, Sassari) – A display of horsemen in traditional dress, including parades and folklore shows.
- S’Ardia di Sedilo (6-7 July, Sedilo) – A breathtaking horse race in honour of Saint Constantine.
In our guide you will find all other events 👉 Top events of the year in Sardinia
8. Choices for you: spectacular experiences
Three experiences that we consider to be among the most spectacular in Sardinia are the boat excursion to the Maddalena islands, the discovery of the small paradise of Asinara and the incredible beaches of the Gulf of Orosei.
- Boat trip to the Maddalena Islands
- Trip to the island of Asinara
- Tour of the beaches of the Gulf of Orosei
8. Practical tips for travelling to Sardinia
✅ Best time to visit: June and September are ideal to avoid crowds and find lower prices. July and August are perfect for the sea, but crowded. Spring and autumn good for exploring the interior of the island.
✅ Parking: In high season, most car parks near the beaches are metered.
✅ Self-service at petrol stations: Many facilities operate with advance payment by card or cash.
✅ Food and restaurants: Better reservations at popular restaurants, especially in summer. If you choose a holiday home or flat with a kitchen, you can find departments with local products at affordable prices in supermarkets.
Sardinia is an extraordinary destination that offers much more than heavenly beaches. Organising your trip in advance, choosing the right accommodation and planning a well-structured itinerary will allow you to enjoy an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a lover of adventure, culture or relaxation, this island has something special for everyone.
Happy holidays in Sardinia! 🚗☀️
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