Sardinia is Italy's second largest island and one of the most beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean, known for its stunning beaches, rugged mountains, and unique culture. Hiring a car in Sardinia is almost essential for making the most of your visit, as public transport is limited outside the main cities and many of the island's best beaches and attractions are only accessible by road. Understanding where to hire, what to expect, and how to navigate Sardinian roads will help ensure your island adventure is both enjoyable and stress-free.
The island has three main airports where most visitors arrive and collect their rental cars. Cagliari Elmas Airport in the south is the busiest, serving the capital city and offering flights from across Europe. All major car rental companies operate here including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, and several local Sardinian firms. Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport in the northeast is the second busiest, particularly popular during summer months as it serves the glamorous Costa Smeralda resort area. Alghero Fertilia Airport in the northwest is smaller but convenient for exploring the western coast and has a good selection of rental companies.
Picking up your car at the airport is straightforward at all three locations. The rental desks are located in the arrivals halls, and after completing the paperwork you'll either walk to the car park or take a short shuttle bus depending on the company and airport. Having your documents ready, including your driving licence, International Driving Permit if you're from outside the EU, passport, credit card, and booking confirmation, speeds up the collection process considerably.
Car hire is also available in the main towns and cities including Cagliari, Olbia, Alghero, Sassari, and the port towns of Porto Torres and Golfo Aranci. These locations can be useful if you're arriving by ferry from mainland Italy or spending time in a city before exploring the island. However, airport collection is usually more convenient and often offers better rates due to higher competition and larger vehicle fleets.
Booking in advance is crucial for Sardinia, especially if you're visiting between June and September when the island is extremely popular with European holidaymakers. During peak summer weeks, rental cars can be completely sold out, and last-minute prices are significantly higher than advance rates. Booking several months ahead not only guarantees availability but can save you substantial amounts of money. Winter months offer much lower rates and better availability, though some smaller rental locations may have reduced hours or close completely.
The type of vehicle you choose depends on your itinerary and the areas you plan to visit. For exploring the coastal areas and main roads, a standard economy or compact car works perfectly well. However, if you're planning to venture into the mountainous interior, visit remote beaches down unpaved tracks, or explore areas like the Supramonte mountains, consider hiring a car with higher ground clearance or even a proper four-wheel drive vehicle. Many of Sardinia's most beautiful beaches require driving along dirt roads that can be rough and challenging for low-slung city cars.
Driving in Sardinia is generally pleasant, with roads that are less congested than mainland Italy outside the main towns. The coastal roads offer spectacular views, though they can be winding and narrow in places. The main highway, the SS131, runs north to south through the interior and is a fast dual carriageway connecting Cagliari to Sassari and Porto Torres. Secondary roads vary in quality, with some excellent modern routes and others that are older and narrower with less perfect surfaces.
Speed limits in Sardinia follow standard Italian rules, with 50 kilometres per hour in built-up areas, 90 on secondary roads, and up to 110 on the main highways. However, enforcement can be strict, with speed cameras in many locations and police checks common during summer months. Local drivers tend to know where cameras are located and may slow down suddenly, so stay alert and maintain safe speeds.
One unique aspect of driving in Sardinia is the presence of animals on the roads, particularly in rural areas. Sheep, goats, cows, and even wild boar can wander onto the road, especially around dawn and dusk. Hitting an animal can cause serious damage to your vehicle and potentially injure passengers, so extra caution is needed when driving through the countryside. Many locals drive more slowly than the speed limit in certain areas because they know the risks.
Parking varies greatly depending on where you are. In cities like Cagliari and Alghero, parking can be challenging and expensive, with the usual blue paid zones and limited free white spaces. Many historic town centres have restricted access or are completely pedestrianised. At beaches, parking situations range from organised paid car parks to informal roadside parking on dirt areas. During peak summer, popular beaches fill up early in the morning, sometimes by 9am, so arriving early is essential if you want to secure a parking spot.
Fuel stations are plentiful in towns and along main roads, but they become scarcer in remote areas, particularly in the mountainous interior. Many stations close during lunch hours, typically between 1pm and 4pm, and on Sundays. Self-service stations are common and accept cards, though it's wise to keep some cash handy. Fuel prices in Sardinia are generally slightly higher than mainland Italy due to transport costs. Always check whether your rental car uses petrol or diesel before filling up, as most rentals run on diesel.
Insurance is particularly important in Sardinia due to the varying road conditions and risk of animal collisions. Basic third-party insurance is included with all rentals, but collision damage waiver and comprehensive coverage are worth considering. The excess reduction or super cover options can protect you from large bills if the car is damaged on rough roads or in a collision with an animal. Check the insurance terms carefully, as some policies exclude damage caused on unpaved roads.
The weather in Sardinia can affect your driving experience. Summer brings intense heat, and having air conditioning in your rental car is essential rather than a luxury. The strong Mistral wind can blow across the island, particularly in spring and autumn, and can be powerful enough to affect driving, especially on coastal roads and bridges. Winter brings rain, and some mountain roads may be closed due to snow between December and March.
Exploring Sardinia by car allows you to discover incredible diversity. The Costa Smeralda in the northeast boasts glamorous resorts and stunning emerald waters. The Maddalena Archipelago, accessible by ferry from Palau, offers pristine beaches and crystal-clear seas. The western coast around Alghero features dramatic cliffs and the fascinating Catalan-influenced town. The south has the beautiful beaches near Villasimius and Chia, whilst the interior reveals ancient nuragic sites, traditional mountain villages, and wild landscapes that feel worlds away from the coastal resorts.
Distance on Sardinia can be deceptive. Whilst the island isn't enormous, journey times are often longer than expected due to winding roads, mountain passes, and the need to drive carefully on narrow sections. The drive from Cagliari to Olbia, for example, is about 270 kilometres but typically takes three and a half to four hours. Always allow more time than your sat nav suggests, particularly if you're catching a flight or ferry.
Local driving customs in Sardinia can differ slightly from the mainland. Sardinians are generally courteous drivers, and the frantic, aggressive driving style of Naples or Rome is much less common here. However, on narrow mountain roads, you'll need to understand the unwritten rules about who gives way, which usually depends on who has the easier reversing position. Flashing headlights typically means the other driver is giving way to you rather than warning you to stop.
One-way rentals are possible within Sardinia, allowing you to collect at one airport and drop off at another. This can be useful given the island's size, as it saves you driving back to your starting point. However, one-way fees vary considerably between companies, with some charging very little and others adding substantial costs. If you're island hopping and want to drop the car in Sardinia and collect another in Sicily or Corsica, expect to pay very high one-way fees, and it may be cheaper to return your Sardinian car and book separately for your next destination.
Ferry access means some visitors arrive in Sardinia with a car from the mainland. However, hiring on the island itself is often more practical and economical unless you need specific features like bike racks or have mobility equipment. Ferry crossings can be expensive and time-consuming, and modern rental cars in Sardinia are well maintained and suitable for island exploration.
Customer service from rental companies in Sardinia is generally good, though summer staff at busy airports may be rushed due to high volumes. Local Sardinian companies can offer excellent value and service, with the advantage that any issues are dealt with locally rather than through international call centres. International brands provide consistency and wider networks, which can be helpful if problems arise.
Returning your rental car is usually straightforward. At airports, follow signs to the rental car return areas, which are clearly marked. Check the return location carefully, as different companies have different drop-off points. Most offer both staffed and unstaffed returns, with the latter involving parking in a designated space and leaving keys in a drop box. Take photos of the car's condition and fuel level as evidence in case of later disputes.
Hiring a car on Sardinia transforms your visit from limited beach resort time to a full exploration of one of the Mediterranean's most diverse and beautiful islands. From secret beaches down dusty tracks to ancient hilltop villages, mountain scenery, and archaeological wonders, having your own wheels opens up experiences that would be impossible to reach otherwise. With proper planning, suitable vehicle choice, and respect for local driving conditions, your Sardinian car hire experience will be the key to an unforgettable Italian island adventure.