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HomeRoad TripsEuropeSouth EuropeItalySardinia
Sardinia Italy

Sardinia Road Trip

Alghero - Bosa - Barumini - Sant Antioco - Cagliari - Arbatax - Olbia - Palau - Sassari - Castellammare del Golfo - Trapani - Birgi

Expect on your itinerary

Beach Beach
Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Comfort Comfort
Security Security
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Road conditions Road conditions
Sardinia Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages13 km1,078 h/stage2.0

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Sardinia Road Trip in Italy?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 315EUR drive & more 150EUR sleep & more 462EUR eat & more 336EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 948EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,263EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 567EUR drive & more 200EUR sleep & more 737EUR eat & more 504EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,441EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,008EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 756EUR drive & more 263EUR sleep & more 1,199EUR eat & more 672EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,134EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,890EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,575EUR drive & more 288EUR sleep & more 385EUR eat & more 336EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,009EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,584EUR
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Sardinia Road Trip Itinerary

The Sardinia Road Trip is a great way to explore the beautiful Italian island of Sardinia. Starting in the city of Alghero and ending in the city of Birgi, the route takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes and beaches in the country. Along the way, you will pass through the towns of Bosa, Sant Antico, Arbatax, Olbia, and Lu Palau/Palau. The total distance of the trip is approximately 1078 km and can be completed in seven days. The best time of the year to take this trip is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the roads are in good condition. The Sardinia Road Trip offers an unforgettable experience that is suitable for all drivers. You will be able to enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, the picturesque villages, and the breathtaking beaches along the route. With a moderate budget, you can make this trip a reality and create memories that will last a lifetime.
number of days 7 number of days
route length 1,078 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level fair accident level

START Alghero

Distance 1,078 km Driving time 26.2 h Pace: slow 248.0 kWh Airports AHO
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Alghero is a stunning coastal town located on the northwest coast of Sardinia, Italy. It is the perfect starting point for the ‘Sardinia Road Trip’, an exciting journey that takes you to some of the most picturesque and unique places in the Mediterranean. Alghero itself is a charming seaside town, renowned for its cobblestone streets, Catalan-style architecture, and beautiful beaches, making it the perfect place to kick off your adventure. If you are visiting Alghero by air, the closest international airport is Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO). From here, you can easily hire a car and set off on your road trip. There are several car rental companies located at the airport, making it easy to choose the perfect vehicle for your journey. Once in Alghero, there are a number of sights to explore. Visit the old town and take in the Catalan architecture, stroll along the picturesque waterfront promenade, explore the historic churches, or take in the stunning views from the citadel. Nature lovers should not miss the Neptune Caves or the Neptune Grotto, with their incredible rock formations. There are also beaches around Alghero, such as the famous Bombarde Beach and the Lazzaretto Beach, which offer the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine. So start your ‘Sardinia Road Trip’ in Alghero and explore all that this charming Italian town has to offer.

1 Alghero - Bosa

Distance 56 km Driving time 1.4 h Pace: modest 14.7 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options camper parking available
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Embark on a stunning 56 km journey from Alghero to Bosa and discover the best of both cities! Start your journey in Alghero and visit the majestic Nuraghe Palmavera, an ancient structure dating back to the Bronze Age. Then, explore the Alghero Old Town and its cobbled streets, winding alleyways and colorful buildings. After that, take a stroll along the promenade of the Alghero Marina, where you can admire the views of the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Continue your journey to Bosa and visit its historical center, where you will find the Malaspina Castle and the Church of San Pietro Extramuros. Take a stroll through the beautiful streets of the old town and admire the colorful houses and the medieval architecture. Then, visit the Church of Santa Chiara, where you can admire the beautiful frescoes inside. Finally, take a boat ride on the Temo River and admire the views of the old town from the river. This is just one stage of a larger tour, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. With a driving time of fewer than 2 hours, this is the perfect road trip for a day trip!

2 Bosa - Barumini

Distance 147 km Driving time 2.9 h Pace: modest 38.3 kWh View map Itinerary
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Start your road trip in Bosa, a beautiful town in northwestern Sardinia, Italy! From here, you'll be taking a 147 km drive to Barumini. Along the way, you'll have a chance to explore some of the most interesting places in the area. Be sure to make a stop in Macomer to visit the Nuraghe Losa, a megalithic structure built by the Nuragic civilization. Next, check out the archaeological site of Santa Cristina, the ruins of a Nuragic village located in the Gennargentu mountain range. Continue your journey to the town of Barumini, where you'll find the Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is one of the most important archaeological sites in Sardinia, and it's definitely worth a visit. This is just one of the stages of your larger tour, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. With only a few hours of driving time, this is an ideal road trip for those looking to explore some of the most interesting places in Sardinia.

3 Barumini - Sant Antioco

Distance 159 km Driving time 3.3 h Pace: modest 41.4 kWh View map Itinerary
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Let's start in Barumini, Italy, home of the Su Nuraxi Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can explore the Nuraghe, a Bronze Age village. After that, you can drive to Sant'Antico, a small town located in the heart of Sardinia. Along the way, you'll find plenty of attractions to explore, such as the Nuraghe of Santa Vittoria and the Nuraghe of Monte Baranta. The drive is 159 km and should take less than 4 hours. When you arrive in Sant'Antico, make sure to check out the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, a Romanesque church built in the 13th century. You can also take a stroll around the historic center and admire the beautiful architecture. And don't forget to visit the nearby Nuraghe di Sant'Antonio, a Nuragic complex built in the 15th century BC. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable journey!

4 Sant Antioco - Cagliari

Distance 127 km Driving time 4.4 h Pace: slow 29.3 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options camper parking available
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Are you ready for a spectacular road trip from Sant'Antico to Cagliari? This 127 km journey will take you less than 5 hours to complete and you will be able to experience some of the most beautiful places in Italy. Start your trip in Sant'Antico, a small village located in the province of Sassari. Here, you can admire the beautiful architecture of the local churches, the historic buildings and the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. As you drive towards Cagliari, make sure to take in the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Along the way, you will also have the opportunity to visit the archaeological sites of Nora and the Nuraghe Losa, two of the most important archaeological sites in the region. Once you arrive in Cagliari, you will be able to explore the city's many attractions, such as the Roman amphitheatre, the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Bastione di Saint Remy. Don't forget to take a stroll along the promenade and visit the nearby beaches. This is just one of the many stages of your journey, so make sure to pay attention to all the attractions, accommodation options, restaurants and campsites along the route. For more information, make sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

5 Cagliari - Arbatax

Distance 144 km Driving time 2.2 h Pace: fast 43.2 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options camper parking available
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Are you ready for a road trip that starts in Cagliari and ends in Arbatax? This 144km journey will take you less than 3 hours and it is part of a larger tour. In Cagliari, you should visit the historic Castello district and the National Archaeological Museum. There are also many lovely beaches, such as Poetto, Calamosca, and Sella del Diavolo. The next stop is in Villasimius, where you can admire the beaches of Simius, Campulongu, and Porto Sa Ruxi. Finally, your destination is Arbatax. Here you can explore the red rocks of the Cala Moresca and the nearby Tortolì Lighthouse. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

6 Arbatax - Olbia

Distance 210 km Driving time 5.7 h Pace: slow 48.2 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Are you ready for a breathtaking road trip from Arbatax to Olbia? This 210 km journey will take you less than 6 hours and will be full of amazing sights. Start your adventure in Arbatax, an old fishing village with a beautiful harbor and a stunning beach. From there, you can visit the Nuraghe Arrubiu archaeological site, a Bronze Age fortified settlement. As you drive north, you'll come across some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Make sure to stop at Cala Gonone and Cala Luna, where you can take a dip in the crystal clear waters or explore the caves. Further on, you'll reach Olbia, a charming town with a rich history. Here, you can visit the archaeological museum, the Roman ruins, and the Cathedral of San Simplicio. Don't forget to take a stroll in the picturesque old town and enjoy the local food. This is just a glimpse of what you can find on your journey from Arbatax to Olbia. More information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start your engine and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

7 Olbia - Palau

Distance 64 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: modest 16.7 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Are you ready for a road trip from Olbia to Lu Palau/Palau? This is one of the most beautiful stages of a larger tour, with 64 km of breathtaking views and fewer than 2 hours of driving time. Start your journey in Olbia, a city located in the north-east of Sardinia, and take in the stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Visit the archaeological site of the Church of San Simplicio, built in the 11th century, and admire the nearby Nuraghe Albucciu, a Bronze Age structure. Continue your journey to Lu Palau/Palau, a coastal village located in the north of Sardinia. Make a stop at the beautiful La Pelosa beach, a white-sand beach fringed by turquoise waters. Visit the nearby Isola dei Gabbiani, a tiny island covered with lush vegetation. This stage of your journey is full of beautiful places to explore. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage.

8 Palau - Sassari

Distance 140 km Driving time 4.6 h Pace: slow 32.2 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Welcome to your road trip from Lu Palau/Palau, Italy to Sassari! This stage of your journey will take you along a beautiful route of 140 km and will take you less than 5 hours to complete. You’ll start your trip in Lu Palau/Palau, a small town located in the Province of Olbia-Tempio in the Italian region of Sardinia. Here you’ll find the archaeological ruins of the Nuragic civilization, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Church of San Pietro. As you continue your journey, you'll pass through the towns of Santa Teresa di Gallura, Tempio Pausania, and Olbia. Here you’ll find the ruins of the Nuragic civilization, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Church of San Pietro. You’ll then travel through the town of San Teodoro, where you can explore the archaeological ruins of the Nuragic civilization, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Church of San Pietro. Your final destination is the city of Sassari, where you’ll find the National Archaeological Museum, the Cathedral of San Nicola, and the Church of San Pietro. Along the way, be sure to take in the breathtaking views and explore the historical sites. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” section of this stage. We hope you enjoy your road trip from Lu Palau/Palau to Sassari!

9 Sassari - Alghero

Distance 30 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: modest 7.7 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options camper parking available
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Embark on an amazing road trip from Sassari to Alghero, a journey of only 30 km that will take you less than an hour. As you drive, take in the stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the lush countryside. Along the way, be sure to stop at some of the most beautiful historical sites. Visit the Castello di Sassari, an ancient castle that dates back to the 12th century, and the Nuraghe Palmavera, a megalithic archaeological site. In Alghero, explore the old town, with its cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria, a stunning Gothic-style church. Don't forget to take a stroll along the waterfront promenade, with its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

  Alghero

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If you are looking for an exciting road trip, look no further than the Alghero to Alghero stage! This 0 km journey will take you less than 0 hours to complete and you will be able to explore the best of what Alghero has to offer. Visit the old city walls, the historic churches, and the many monuments that make this city so special. Take a stroll along the marina and take in the stunning views of the harbor. Don’t forget to check out the many local markets and shops for some great souvenirs. Make sure to also explore the nearby beaches and take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea. Finally, make sure to visit the local wineries and sample some of the finest wines in the region. There is plenty to explore in Alghero, so make sure to make the most of your time here. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.

  Palermo - Castellammare del Golfo

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Experience a road trip like no other, starting in the vibrant city of Palermo, Italy and ending in the scenic town of Castellammare del Golfo. This stage of your journey is only 0km and can be completed in fewer than 0 hours. Explore the historic city of Palermo, the capital of Sicily, and visit the Palazzo dei Normanni, the home of the Sicilian Parliament, or take a stroll through the vibrant markets of Ballarò and Vucciria. Continue your journey to Castellammare del Golfo and admire the stunning view of the Gulf of Castellammare. Visit the ancient castle of Scopello, located at the foot of the mountain, and take a boat trip to the Zingaro Nature Reserve, a protected area of the Mediterranean Sea. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

  Castellammare del Golfo - Trapani

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Start your road trip in Castellammare del Golfo, a picturesque fishing village in Sicily, and make your way to Trapani, an ancient city with a rich cultural heritage. Along the way, make sure to stop and explore the archaeological sites of Segesta and Selinunte, two of the most important ancient Greek colonies in Sicily. Visit the hilltop town of Erice, with its stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and its medieval castle. Don't forget to visit the salt pans of Trapani, a unique natural landscape, and the nearby island of Favignana, a paradise for snorkeling and swimming. On your journey, you'll find plenty of charming villages to explore, and delicious local cuisine to savor. With a distance of 0km and a driving time of fewer than 0 hours, this is a great stage of your road trip to experience the best of Sicily. Make sure to check the Itinerary for this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

  Trapani - Birgi

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Welcome to the Trapani-Birgi road trip stage! Starting in Trapani, you'll get to explore some of the most unique and interesting places in Italy. From Trapani, you'll get to visit the charming town of Erice, perched atop a mountain with breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Then, you'll make your way to the ancient city of Segesta, home to a 2,500-year-old temple and theatre. Next, you'll make your way to Marsala, an old fishing town full of history and culture. Finally, you'll reach your destination, Birgi, where you can explore the old castle, the archaeological museum, and the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. This stage is only 0km and takes fewer than 0 hours to complete, so you'll be able to take your time and explore all the great sights along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

  Birgi

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The end of the Sardinia Road Trip is the charming town of Birgi, located in the southern Italian region of Sicily. This town is full of culture and history, making it the perfect place to finish off your trip. Birgi is home to the impressive Castle of the Counts of Modica, a 13th century castle built by the Normans. The castle is surrounded by a large park, with several gardens and a large pond. The views from the castle are stunning and the park is a great spot to relax and take in the local atmosphere. The town is also home to the Church of Santa Maria della Neve, a 12th century church that is considered to be one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Sicily. The Church is full of beautiful sculptures and frescoes, making it a must-see for any visitor. Birgi is also home to the historic Olive Mill of the Counts of Modica, a 17th century mill that is still in operation and produces some of the best olive oil in the region. The mill is open to visitors and you can even buy some of their locally produced olive oil. For those traveling by car, Birgi is easily accessible from several major cities in the region, including Palermo and Catania. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is the Palermo Airport (PMO), located just over an hour away. Birgi is the perfect place to finish off your Sardinia Road Trip. With its rich culture and history, it is sure to leave you with fond memories of your time in Sicily.

Sardinia Road Trip at a glance

We hope that the presented Sardinia Road Trip gave you numerous inspirations for your future travels.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a template that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse stopovers.
If car travel is a means of travel that you prefer, there are a number of important traffic regulations to follow and a bunch of elements to keep in mind to make your road trip safe. These tips will surely become useful for holidaymakers who are interested in car rental or renting a camper in Italy.
It is essential to follow the local road regulations when travelling around Italy. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any cost when travelling around Italy. Tourists ought to remember that the amount of alcohol that can be consumed is very low and is only 0.5‰. Never exceed the allowed speed limit when driving around the build-up areas, which is 50km/h. If you are aiming for rural areas, you should bear in mind that the maximum allowed speed is 90km/h. Avoid exceeding the speed limit of 130km/h when driving along motorways. It is best to equip your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and drive with your headlights on at daytime for your own safety.
The majority of drivers wonder about the costs of the whole tour. Depending on the budget option that you’re interested in, the amount of money that you have to pay for your trip expenses will differ. A wide range of budget possibilities is presented below.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 1,078km across Italy can cost around 150 EUR. Economy accommodation options will cost about 462 EUR. The travel expenses related to restaurants and food within this option can cost up to more or less 336 EUR. If you also choose the cheapest hire car offer, you will pay approximately 315 EUR. Thus, going for car rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from roughly 948 EUR to more or less 1,263 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, the gasoline for 14 stages around Italy can cost around 200 EUR. If you are into standard accommodation options, expect that the expenses can amount up to roughly 737 EUR. When opting for this option, take into consideration that the food and restaurants within this range will cost about 504 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire vehicle can expect a cost of around 567 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay approximately 2,008 EUR for the whole Sardinia Road Trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend roughly 1,441 EUR.
Holidaymakers who would like to benefit from the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium option. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay around 2,890 EUR for the whole road trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle hire will spend around 2,134 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the road trip in a premium rental vehicle should expect a cost of around 756 EUR. In the premium option of the road trip, you should expect the average cost of approximately 263 EUR when it comes to gasoline. Travellers who will go for top services in all aspects of their itinerary should expect to pay roughly 672 EUR for restaurants and food and roughly 1,199 EUR for accommodation options.
Our trip will also be superb for all camper lovers, as it can be easily adjusted to their expectations. If you choose this transport option, it costs roughly 1,575 EUR. Travel costs connected with camper travel will be more or less 288 EUR – especially if you would like to cover all the stages around Italy. Tourists who would like to go for camper hire should expect to pay approximately 385 EUR for accommodation and more or less 336 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section presents all the mentioned details in an easy to follow way.
The period between April and October is great to explore the part of Italy mentioned in our road trip idea. If you like Sardinia Road Trip, there are plenty of beautiful road adventures on our website. Even the most demanding of holidayers will surely be taken aback by the broad spectrum of road trips available on our website.

Facts for safer driving in Italy

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 90 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 130 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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