Practical Tips for Sardinia

Getting There

Flight: Cagliari (CAG), Olbia (OLB), and Alghero (AHO). Many direct flights from Germany, especially in summer (Ryanair, easyJet, Eurowings). From €40 one way.

Ferry: From Civitavecchia (Rome) to Olbia (5–8h, from €35), from Genoa to Olbia/Porto Torres (10–12h night ferry, from €40), from Livorno to Olbia (8h, from €35). Providers: Tirrenia, Moby, Grimaldi, GNV.

Getting Around

A rental car is absolutely essential. Sardinia has no rail network (except the Trenino Verde tourist train) and a sparse bus network (ARST). Distances are large: Cagliari–Olbia 270 km (3h), Cagliari–Alghero 230 km (2.5h). The roads are good, but in the interior winding and slow. Caution: Free-roaming sheep and goats on the roads are not uncommon!

Best Travel Time

May–June and September–October. July/August is hot, expensive, and crowded on the Costa Smeralda — but the beaches are, of course, at their best in summer weather. In October, the sea is still warm (22–24°C). April can still be cool, but is ideal for hiking.