Car
Siniscola, the local streets are often very narrow
Having your own car is by far the best way to drive around Sardinia and get to know the island. An up-to-date and detailed map is essential.
As an alternative to your own car, you can also rent one.
Be careful with the narrow streets in the villages. It is best not to leave the main steet or you will quickly get stuck.
Especially in the evening hours, the road in the villages belongs not only to vehicles, but also to pedestrians.
A special feature in all towns and villages of Sardinia are the many one-way streets. They are not always immediately recognisable as such (see photo). There is not only the risk of accidents, but also of high fines.
Signposts at a roundabout
The signs and guideposts are often quite confusing and unclear, sometimes barely legible. Avoid abrupt braking or steering maneuvers at such places, otherwise you will quickly provoke collisions.
Traffic lights are very rare in Sardinia. Instead, attempts are made to steer the heavy flow of traffic through sometimes very confusing on- and off-ramps and especially through roundabout.
Often these roundabouts have several lanes and are difficult to understand for those being unfamiliar with the area. Be very careful here…
Be very generous with travel times when planning your route.
Apart from the few expressways, almost all roads are extremely winding. More than 40-50 km/h average speed is not possible on these routes.
Unfortunately, navigation systems often do not take this into account. The route calculation then assumes a possible speed of 90 km/h, which you will never reach on most roads in the mountains. The only thing that helps here is an additional look at the map to check whether the fastest route was really calculated.
You should also take a close look at the type of roads on the maps. In Sardinia there are still many unpaved side roads, which often lead through the most beautiful landscapes. Such strada bianca are best traveled very slowly and carefully. Anyway, you should carry a spare wheel.
Locals often tailgate on the serpentine roads. To avoid risky overtaking maneuvers, it is best to stop at the next opportunity. The Sardinians will be very grateful for this.
Sheep always have the right of way
Sheep, goats, cows and other animal road users always have priority! Sometimes you will have to be very patient then.
The use of the priority rulesis quite flexible in the villages. But you can get used to them quite easily.
Although it is forbidden, drivers prefer parking on the other side of the street, opposite to the driving direction.
Hitherto, the traffic wardens overlook this behaviour generously. But always be prepared that such a parking offender wants to exit the parking space.
In many town centres the parking places along the streets are chargeable and marked with blue kerbs. For parking you will get the necessary ticket at the shops nearby.
It is best to keep to the speed limit, even if the Italians behind you are getting restless. The police are very active, especially during the tourist season.
Although the four-lane interurban roads are built like motorways, the speed limit is 90 km/h, just like on all normal Italian country roads!
Petrol station with self-service petrol pump
The network of petrol stations is quite adequate. However, avoid emptying your tank to the last drop – you cannot rely on being served at the petrol station in the next village. Be aware of the opening hours, the self-service petrol pumps sometimes don’t work and there are also times when petrol stations go on strike.
Carrying a spare canister is forbidden – as it is in all of Italy.
Although most petrol pumps have symbols for major credit cards, Maestro and EC cards, card payments only work in very few cases. Therefore, always take enough small banknotes with you; the machines do not give change.
Most petrol stations have a petrol pump attendant. Self-service is becoming more and more common, but is usually limited to the self-service petrol pumps commonly used in Italy.
Many petrol stations charge a surcharge per litre of fuel if you let the attendant serve you.
Rental car
Olbia, rental car terminal
The key here is to compare carefully!
Rental vehicles are offered in almost all larger towns. In international comparison, they are relatively expensive.
When studying the individual prices, pay attention to kilometre limits, insurance, weekly discounts, etc.
The daily price starts at about 30 €, depending on the type of vehicle and rental period. In the high season, prices are considerably higher.
To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old and have held your driving licence for at least one year. A deposit (150-350 €) is required when signing the contract. Many companies insist on credit card billing.
If you want to be on the safe side, you can book your car from home through an international rental car company.
This may be much cheaper and you will really have a car at your disposal after your arrival.
If you have any problems, you can also contact the office in your home country.