Best Scenic Drives in Sardinia

Sardinia's roads are wild, empty, and stunningly beautiful — granite mountains, hidden coves, and very few other cars. This is Italy's best island for a road trip.

SS125 Orientale Sarda: Dorgali to TortolĂŹ

Must-DoIconic
80 kmDistance
2.5–3 hoursDuration
Apr–Jun, Sep–OctBest season

The wildest coastal road in Italy — hairpins through the Gennargentu mountains above the Gulf of Orosei. Detour to Cala GoloritzĂ© or Cala Luna on foot. No barriers, few cars, pure driving joy.

Costa Smeralda Loop: Olbia to Palau

Must-Do
60 kmDistance
2 hoursDuration
May–SepBest season

The famous emerald coast — Porto Cervo's celebrity harbour, hidden beaches like Liscia Ruja and Capriccioli, and the archipelago of La Maddalena visible offshore. The water colour is absurd.

Alghero to Bosa: SP49/SP105

Must-DoHidden Gem
45 kmDistance
1.5 hoursDuration
Apr–OctBest season

One of Europe's most underrated coastal drives. Deserted cliffs, no development, griffon vultures overhead, and the colorful town of Bosa at the end. Often called Sardinia's secret Amalfi Coast.

Sulcis Southwest: Iglesias to Nebida

Hidden Gem
30 kmDistance
1 hourDuration
Mar–Jun, Sep–NovBest season

Abandoned mines, sea stacks (Pan di Zucchero), and wild Mediterranean scrub. The southwest is Sardinia's most overlooked corner. Almost zero tourists, dramatic scenery, great for photography.

SP4 to Capo Testa via Santa Teresa

Family
40 kmDistance
1 hourDuration
Year-roundBest season

Drive through the granite wonderland of Gallura to Sardinia's northern tip. Wind-sculpted rocks, blue sea, and views across to Corsica. Capo Testa at sunset is magical.

💡 Pro tip: Rent from Olbia or Cagliari airports — one-way drops between the two cost extra but save a full day of driving. Book early for summer; cars sell out.
⚠ Heads up: Sardinia's petrol stations close on Sunday afternoons in rural areas. Fill up before heading into the mountains.

Our pick

The Alghero-to-Bosa road is the single greatest drive in Sardinia — an hour of jaw-drop scenery with nobody else there. The SS125 is close behind.

Car rentalFerries to SardiniaHotels

More activity guides

All Italy drivesSardinia hikesSardinia boatsDiving spots

Plan your perfect Italy trip

Custom itineraries, insider tips, and local secrets — all free.

Start planning →