Question 1

Is it better to take the plane or the ferry to Sardinia?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you need on the island. The plane wins on time and often on price (with low-cost airlines booked in advance), but you'll need to rent a car afterward. The ferry is worthwhile if you're traveling with family with lots of luggage, if you're bringing your car (saving on rental, which is expensive in August), or if you're traveling with pets. The overnight ship with a cabin allows you to arrive in the morning rested without losing a day.

Question 2

Can I visit Sardinia without a car?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but by choosing the right base. Cagliari, Alghero, and Olbia are walkable cities, with beaches accessible by bus and many daily excursions by boat or minivan to the most beautiful areas. However, if you dream of exploring different coves every day or areas like Costa Smeralda, Sinis, or the southwest, renting a car is almost essential.

Question 3

Which airport should I choose for my area?

Accepted Answer

Olbia for the northeast (Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro, La Maddalena, Santa Teresa Gallura), Alghero for the northwest (Alghero, Stintino, Sassari, Bosa), Cagliari for all of the south (Villasimius, Chia, Pula) and for the west (Oristano, Carloforte). For the east coast of Cala Gonone, the most convenient airports are Olbia (90 minutes) or Cagliari (2 hours).

Question 4

From which cities do ferries to Sardinia depart?

Accepted Answer

The main routes depart from Genoa (to Olbia and Porto Torres), Livorno and Piombino (to Olbia and Golfo Aranci), Civitavecchia (to Olbia and Cagliari), and Naples and Palermo (to Cagliari). The companies are Moby, Tirrenia, Grimaldi, GNV, and Corsica-Sardinia Ferries; crossings last from 5 to 12 hours depending on the route and the service (fast daytime or overnight).

Question 5

How long does it take to cross Sardinia by car?

Accepted Answer

More than it seems: from Olbia to Cagliari on the SS131 takes about 3 hours, from Olbia to Chia 3.5 hours, from Alghero to Cala Gonone about 2. Coastal roads are scenic but slow. The advice is to choose one or two bases and explore the surrounding area, instead of changing hotels every night.

Question 6

How do you get to La Maddalena and the other minor islands?

Accepted Answer

To get to La Maddalena, take the ferry from Palau: departures every 15-30 minutes, 15-minute crossing, boarding is also available with your car (but you can get around the island easily with rented scooters). For Carloforte, departures are from Portovesme or Calasetta, for the Asinara park from Stintino or Porto Torres, for Tavolara from Porto San Paolo near San Teodoro.

How to Arrive and Move Around Sardinia: airports, ferries, cars and public transport