- This might sound odd for such a sunny place, but Sardinian law requires you to drive with dipped headlights at all times when on major roads. Yes, day or night. We recommend keeping them on wherever you are, just to be safe.
- You might not be able to rely on English at some smaller petrol stations, so here's a quick language lesson: unleaded petrol is called benzina senza piombo, while diesel is gasolio.
- Deposit payments for rental cars can be substantial. Make sure you have a large credit limit available on your card before booking.
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Search for the best car hire deals in Sardina
Promising lush mountains, idyllic beaches and quaint villages, the island of Sardinia is one of Italy's top holiday hotspots. To get the most out of its gorgeous coastline and forested, mountainous interior, book a rental car from the airport and explore at your own pace.
| Travel Information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Language | Currency | Local time | Flight time |
| Italian | Euros (EUR) | GMT+1 hr |
2.5 hrs |
*Average flight time from London to Sardinia
Fast facts about hiring a car in Sardinia
Sardinia has three international airports. The largest is Cagliari International (CAG) in the south; Alghero (AHO) and Olbia (OLB) serve the north-west coast and Costa Smeralda respectively. All three have car rental services, including big brands like Hertz, Avis and Europcar.
If you're spending a few days in the main cities such as Calgiari, Alghero or Olbia before heading out to explore the island, it's worth noting you can also pick up hire cars from most city centres. Remember, it's usually cheaper to book car hire prior to arrival on the island.
Cagliari is the island’s capital and home to the main airport on Sardinia. From the airport, it's around a 10-minute drive to the city centre. On leaving the terminal, head along the SS130 road and then onto the SS131, also known as the Carlo Felice. This is the main road through the centre of the island. It takes around 30 minutes to reach Pula and three hours to reach the beaches of Costa Smeralda.
You'll find the car hire desks on the ground floor of the arrivals hall at Cagliari International Airport Elmas.
Car rental companies that have offices in Calgiari Airport include:
- Avis: (+39 070240081)
- Europcar: (+39 070240126)
- Sixt: (+39 0294757979)
- Hertz: (+39 070240037)
- Budget: (+39 070240081)
- Maggiore: (+39 070240818)
Driving in Sardinia
Driving in Sardinia in 2018 can be a real pleasure. Outside of the main cities, the roads are scenic and easy to navigate. The main road on the island is the SS131, known as the Carlo Felice, which runs between Cagliari and Porto Torres. In more rural areas, and close to some of the smaller beaches, don't be surprised to come across more dirt and unpaved roads.
Local drivers are generally safe and courteous and traffic rarely builds up outside of the main cities. To get the most out of driving on the island, take the strada provinciale, the smaller provincial roads marked out as P or SP on maps, and explore the island's quieter towns, and out-of-the-way beaches. Speed limits in Sardinia are 110kmph (68mph) on main highways, 90kmph (56mph) and 50 kmph (31mph) in cities.
When traffic does build up it is usually during the busy summer months around beach resorts, particularly along the Costa Smeralda. It's worth avoiding the main stretches if you can. Bring a satnav or use a GPS-enabled smartphone to find alternative routes.
Parking in the main cities and beach areas can sometimes prove tricky in the summer months. As a general rule, white lines mean free parking, while blue lines are pay-and-display. Be careful parking in the historic areas of Cagliari and Alghero, as cars are banned during certain hours.
Recommended day trips in Sardinia
The ancient city of Nora
Driving time from Cagliari: 45 minutes
Perched on the edge of the Pula peninsula, the ancient city of Nora is a must-see for all history buffs visiting the island. This was the first Phoenician city in Sardinia, and has both pre-Roman and Roman remains. The Roman sites are particularly well preserved, and include intricate mosaics, an amphitheatre and a temple.
Cave of Neptune
Driving time from Alghero: 35 minutes
Sardinia is famed for its coastal grottoes, many of which can be explored either by foot or boat. One of the most famous is Grotta di Nettuno, the Cave of Neptune, located near Alghero. Discovered by local fisherman in the 18th century, this vast stalactite sea cave on the western shores of the island can only be visited when the sea is calm.
The beaches of Costa Smeralda
Driving time from Olbia: 40 minutes
Renowned for its turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, the Costa Smeralda stretches along the north-eastern coast of the island and is one of the biggest draws to Sardinia. The main town of Porto Cervo is famed for its swish hotels, upmarket restaurants and designer boutiques. Relax on the heavenly beaches or enjoy a seafood lunch in one of chic beachfront trattorias.
