Exploring the island by car is one of the most beautiful and unforgettable experiences you can have in Sardinia. Besides the practical benefits linked to easier travel, driving allows you to reach the most remote places and follow truly spectacular scenic routes.
But how do you plan a Sardinia road trip by car? Follow our tips!
Driving around Sardinia by car
If you’ve decided to organise a DIY road trip to visit the island by car, the first thing to do is choose the right vehicle. You can come to Sardinia by ferry and bring your own car, or fly into one of the island’s airports and rent the car of your dreams to share every moment of your on-the-road journey. If you choose Olbia Airport as your arrival point, you can select one of the rental cars available on our website and have it ready for you as soon as you land, so you can start your trip straight away.
Choosing the right vehicle is only the starting point for planning your itinerary. Let’s now look at the stops you simply can’t miss.
From one coast of the island to the other
We begin in Olbia, a small town with a charming historic centre, traces of its important past and many wonderful sights in the surrounding area. There is plenty to discover just a short drive away.
A short distance from Olbia you’ll find Gallura, — the ideal place for elegant evenings, dreamlike beaches and strolls among boutiques and craft markets. We also suggest a visit to La Maddalena and Caprera Island, an essential stop if you want to combine a passion for history with the desire to explore remote beaches surrounded by nature.
Continue your tour towards Ogliastra and its enchanting beaches, following a scenic route that crosses the Supramonte between sea and mountains. This is one of the wildest areas of the island, which for a long time remained isolated and untouched by the different dominations that shaped Sardinia. Traditions, nature, archaeological sites and breathtaking trekking routes… you will be spoilt for choice. If you want to fully experience the essence of this region, we recommend the trekking trail to Cala Goloritzè and a boat excursion to Cala Luna and other paradise coves that can only be reached by sea.
Then continue south towards Costa Rei and Villasimius, the jewel of southern Sardinia. The Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, created to safeguard the natural environment, and the white beaches are the hallmarks of this area. After a few swims in the crystal-clear sea and some well-deserved relaxation rocked by the waves, you’ll be ready to set off again.
Your next stop is Cagliari. To reach it, you’ll drive along one of the most beautiful scenic roads in Sardinia, with sea views and several lay-bys where you can stop to take photos. The city of Cagliari rises over seven hills and stretches all the way to the sea. To experience its true soul, we suggest wandering through the historic districts, dining in traditional restaurants and visiting the Poetto Beach, one of the most beautiful city beaches, with the Sella del Diavolo headland making the view truly unique.
From here, continue on towards Pula and Chia. As well as the beaches, you can visit one of the most important archaeological sites in Sardinia: the ancient city of Nora. After a short stop to explore this historic site, you can dive into the fantastic beaches of Chia, Su Giudeu, Cala Cipolla, spiaggia del Morto and Campana.
You can’t say you’ve truly experienced Sardinia without visiting the Costa Verde and the Sulcis area. Far from the more crowded tourist resorts, this region reveals another face of the island. Mines, sand dunes, windswept beaches where you can feel the power of the Sardinian wind, and a truly wild landscape will define this stage of your road trip.
Before heading to Alghero, we recommend a short stop in Bosa. Just a few hours are enough to enjoy its romantic historic centre and discover the local cuisine. Leaving Bosa behind, and following another incredibly scenic road — especially at sunset — you’ll reach Alghero and the Riviera del Corallo in just under an hour. Between colourful beaches and sea caves, you’ll discover a wonderful blend of Sardinian and Catalan culture.
Finally, it’s time to say goodbye to the island: drive back across the granite inland areas towards Olbia and complete your 7-day tour discovering Sardinia.
Have a great trip!
