Sardinia has three international airports — the choice depends on your travel region: Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB) The airport in the northeast, ideal for the Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena, Gallura, and the east coast. Direct flights from Germany with Eurowings (Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart), Ryanai

The ferry is the alternative to flying — especially if you're traveling with your own car or camper. Several shipping companies connect Sardinia with the Italian mainland and Corsica. Main Routes RouteDurationProviderPrice from (Person) Civitavecchia (Rome) → Olbia5–8hGrimaldi, Tirrenia, Moby€30

Rental Car — Indispensable A rental car is practically essential on Sardinia — the island is 270 km long and 145 km wide, the most beautiful beaches and villages are off the main roads, and public transport is patchy. Sardinia has excellent roads (the main routes SS131 and SS131d are highway-like an

Sardinia is a very safe travel destination — the crime rate is one of the lowest in Italy, and there are practically no dangerous animals (no snakes, no scorpions, no dangerous marine animals). The greatest risks are sunburn, dehydration, and the occasional wild boar herd on the road. Medical Care

Communication & Internet

Sardinia is well-connected — in cities and tourist areas, there is fast internet, but in remote mountain regions, it can be sparse: Mobile & Internet Thanks to EU roaming, you can use your German phone in Sardinia without additional costs. Network coverage is good on the coast and in cities (4G/LTE

Packing List & Practical Tips

What you absolutely must have with you in Sardinia — and what you need to pay attention to: Essentials Sunscreen SPF 50 — The Sardinian sun is intense, even with wind. Especially important to apply well on children. Water shoes / Bathing shoes — Many of the most beautiful coves have pebble beaches

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Travel Guide Sardinia

Your Complete Travel Guide to Sardinia

Capital:Cagliari

Language:Italian, Sardinian

Currency:Euro (€)

Best Travel Time:May–Jun / Sep–Oct

Flight Time:1.5–2.5 hours from DE

Visa:Not required (EU/Schengen)

Last updated: 20 March 2026 · 11 Chapters · 38 Sections

RECOMMENDED

Route Suggestions

Grand Tour of Sardinia

14–18 days

The entire island clockwise — from the Costa Smeralda through the Catalan west and the southern coast to the wild highlands of Barbagia. Best with a rental car, start and end in Olbia or Cagliari. For those who really want to get to know Sardinia.

OlbiaCosta SmeraldaLa MaddalenaSanta TeresaAlgheroBosaOristanoTharrosCagliariChiaSu NuraxiNuoroOrgosoloCala GononeGolfo di OroseiOlbia

Beaches & Coast

7–10 days

Sardinia's most beautiful beaches in a week: From the emerald bays of the Costa Smeralda through the dream archipelago of La Maddalena and the cliff beaches of the Gulf of Orosei to the white southern coast at Chia. Crystal clear water, snorkeling, and pure beach enjoyment.

OlbiaCosta SmeraldaLa MaddalenaCala GononeGolfo di OroseiCala GoloritzéCagliariChiaTuerredda

Culture & History

7–10 days

From the Nuraghi to Phoenician port cities and Catalan old towns to the murals of Orgosolo — Sardinia's 5,000-year history up close. Ideal in the off-season (March–May, September–November), when the sites are empty and the weather is pleasant.

CagliariNoraSu NuraxiOristanoTharrosCabras (Mont'e Prama)AlgheroSassariOrgosolo

Outdoor & Adventure

10–14 days

Sardinia for the active: Hiking in the Gennargentu and through Europe's deepest canyon, climbing on the limestone walls near Cala Gonone, snorkeling in the Gulf of Orosei, mountain biking on shepherds' paths, and kayaking in the La Maddalena archipelago. Can be combined with dream beaches as a reward.

Cala GononeGorropuTiscaliGennargentuGolfo di OroseiSupramonteCapo TestaLa Maddalena

All Chapters

Planning· 3 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Sardinia

4 Sections

Chapter 2

Best Travel Time & Climate

3 Sections

Chapter 3

Budget & Costs

3 Sections

Regions· 4 Chapters

Chapter 4

Costa Smeralda & Gallura

4 Sections

Chapter 5

Cagliari & the South

4 Sections

Chapter 6

Alghero, Bosa & the West

4 Sections

Chapter 7

Barbagia & Mountainous Region

4 Sections

Understanding· 2 Chapters

Chapter 8

History & Culture

3 Sections

Chapter 9

Food & Drink

3 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 10

Arrival & Transport

3 Sections

Chapter 11

Practical A–Z

3 Sections

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Regions at a Glance

Costa Smeralda & Gallura

Sardinia's glamorous northeast: The Costa Smeralda with its emerald green waters, the jet-set town of Porto Cervo, the stunning La Maddalena archipelago, and the wild Gallura landscape with cork oak forests and the best Vermentino on the island.

Porto Cervo & Costa SmeraldaLa Maddalena ArchipelagoSpiaggia del PrincipeCapo Testa+1

Olbia Costa Smeralda

Cagliari & the South

Sardinia's capital Cagliari with the historic Castello district, flamingo lagoons, and Poetto Beach. Inland, the UNESCO World Heritage site Su Nuraxi, and along the coast, the dream beaches of Chia, Tuerredda, and the Costa Rei.

Castello District CagliariSu Nuraxi Barumini (UNESCO)Chia & TuerreddaFlamingo Lagoon+1

Cagliari

Alghero, Bosa & the West

The underrated west coast: The Catalan Alghero with coral romance, the spectacular Neptune's Grotto at Capo Caccia, the colorful Bosa on the Temo River, and the Sinis Peninsula with ancient Tharros and the quartz beach Is Arutas.

Alghero Old TownNeptune's GrottoBosa (colorful houses)Tharros (Phoenician Ruins)+1

Alghero

Barbagia & Highlands

The wild heart of Sardinia: The Gennargentu Massif with hiking trails, the Gorropu Gorge (Europe's deepest canyon), the dream beaches of the Gulf of Orosei, the murals of Orgosolo, and the archaic mask traditions of Mamoiada.

Cala GoloritzéGulf of OroseiGola Su GorropuOrgosolo Murals+1

Nuoro

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