IslandGuide — Sardinia
🇮🇹 Italy

Car rental in Sardinia

Sardinia's most spectacular beaches — the Spiaggia della Pelosa in the northwest, Cala Goloritze in the east, and the Costa Smeralda in the northeast — are scattered across Italy's second-largest island. Buses barely scratch the surface. A rental car is essential for reaching the nuraghi ruins, the Gennargentu mountains, and the island's most remote coves.

Pickup locations

CAG Cagliari Elmas Airport
OLB Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport
Rent a car — DiscoverCars

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a car in Sardinia?
Yes, a car is essential. Sardinia is a large island with some of the most spectacular coastal roads in the Mediterranean. The Emerald Coast, Ogliastra, and the Gulf of Orosei are only accessible by car or boat. Public transport in the interior barely exists.
What car should I rent in Sardinia?
A compact or mid-size car is ideal. The famous coastal roads are well-surfaced but narrow in places, and mountain roads in the Gennargentu require care. Avoid very long vehicles.
When should I book a rental car in Sardinia?
Book at least 3–4 weeks ahead for July and August. Sardinia is one of Italy's most popular summer destinations and the airports in Cagliari, Olbia and Alghero fill their rental fleets quickly.
What insurance do I need in Sardinia?
CDW plus SCDW is recommended. Rural tracks in the interior and some beach access roads are unpaved. Full excess cover gives you freedom to explore the more remote parts of the island.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a car in Sardinia?
Yes, a car is essential. Sardinia is a large island with some of the most spectacular coastal roads in the Mediterranean. The Emerald Coast, Ogliastra, and the Gulf of Orosei are only accessible by car or boat. Public transport in the interior barely exists.
What car should I rent in Sardinia?
A compact or mid-size car is ideal. The famous coastal roads are well-surfaced but narrow in places, and mountain roads in the Gennargentu require care. Avoid very long vehicles.
When should I book a rental car in Sardinia?
Book at least 3–4 weeks ahead for July and August. Sardinia is one of Italy's most popular summer destinations and the airports in Cagliari, Olbia and Alghero fill their rental fleets quickly.
What insurance do I need in Sardinia?
CDW plus SCDW is recommended. Rural tracks in the interior and some beach access roads are unpaved. Full excess cover gives you freedom to explore the more remote parts of the island.