South Sardinia road trip: 7 days in the south
Last updated on July 21st, 2026.
South Sardinia stretches from Cagliari, the island's capital and main entry point, along the southwestern and western coastline to the Sinis Peninsula and Oristano. It’s less visited than the north but equally beautiful, with crystalline beaches, wild dunes, flamingo lagoons, ancient ruins and some of the most unspoiled coastline in the Mediterranean. A 7-day road trip covers Cagliari, Villasimius, Costa Rei, Porto Pino, Sant'Antioco, Carloforte, Cabras and Oristano comfortably. A car is essential as public transport outside Cagliari is extremely limited. Flying into Cagliari Elmas Airport is the most practical entry point for this itinerary.
The Italian island of Sardinia is a destination that was made for road trips.
Scenic roads take you from the dazzling blue coast to the mountainous inland terrain, peppered with quaint towns in between.
It was for this reason that we decided to do a Sardinia road trip, specifically a south Sardinia road trip.
Starting at Cagliari, this post details our Sardinia 7-day road trip itinerary. It lists all the places we visited, main points of interest and where we stayed in Sardinia.
You can use this post to plan your own Sardinia itinerary or use it as a mini south Sardinia guide.
Perfect material for your Italy bucket list I hope you find it helpful for planning your own trip to Italy.
Map of the south Sardinia road trip
South Sardinia covers more ground than it looks on a standard map. The coastal and inland roads add driving time that a direct route estimate won't show.
Use the map below before planning your days.
All towns, beaches, restaurants and accommodation stops from our 7-day road trip are pinned and color-coded so you can see the full route at a glance before you set off.
Jump to:
Traveling around Sardinia — the basics
Sardinia (Sardegna) is an island located off the west coast of Italy. An autonomous region, its capital, or capoluogo, is the city of Cagliari. It's also one of the most popular islands where Italians like to vacation.
It’s an island filled with mountains, woods, rocky coasts and long sandy beaches. Unlike Sicily, Sardinia is filled with large uninhabited territories and wild, remote landscapes.
Most famous for its fine, white sandy beaches and crystalline waters, Sardinia is a no-brainer for any beach lover.
Sardinia is an easy island to reach.
Main international airports include Cagliari Elmas in the south and Olbia Costa Smeralda in the north. From the mainland in Lazio, there’s also the option to take a ferry from the port at Civitavecchia.
We arrived in Sardinia from Verona Villafranca airport, with a comfortable flight time of 1hr 10mins.
South Sardinia road trip
Day 1 — Cagliari
The thermostat presented a sweltering 95°F (35°C) when we arrived at our hotel in Cagliari on a Tuesday afternoon.
How to get to Cagliari from the airport
Cagliari has the shortest journey time from the airport to the center of any destination I’ve ever traveled to.
By train, it’s around a 10-minute ride from Elmas Airport to the center of Cagliari. Super easy to find, the train station’s connected to the airport and is just six minutes on foot. There’s also no chance of missing your stop as Cagliari is the final station on the line.
It’s also worth mentioning how cheap train tickets cost in Sardinia. Per adult, we paid €1.30 ($1.33/£1.09)* for a one-way ticket.
If you prefer to take a taxi, it’s a fixed price of €20 ($20.45/£16.79)* from Elmas Airport to Cagliari center.
Things to do in Cagliari
After freshening up at our hotel, we headed out into the center.
A big advantage to visiting Cagliari is that the main attractions are all within close walking distance. On top of this they’re also all free, something that's a big help if organizing budget travel to Sardinia.
During our two days in Cagliari, we were pleasantly surprised by the low prices in the city.
Budget travelers should definitely consider visiting Cagliari. It's one of the cheapest places we’ve visited in Italy and it has tons of travel potential.
Without a doubt, the most striking attraction in Cagliari is the Bastione di Sant Remy.
The historic early 20th century building was named after the first Viceroy of Piedmont, the Baron of Saint Remy. Overlooking Piazza Costituzione, it’s a magnificent sight at the intersection of Via Garibaldi and Via Manno.
Bastione di Sant Remy, Piazza Costituzione, Cagliari
Better at the top
Ascend the stairs to the top of the Bastione di Sant Remy to enjoy panoramic views across Cagliari and beyond. Here, you’ll find several panoramic points including Terrazza Umberto I and Regina Elena (Bastione).
From the Bastione di Sant Remy, other attractions in Cagliari are all close by. They include the Torre dell’Elefante and the Cattedrale di Santa Maria, Cagliari’s Duomo.
We spent the remainder of our first day in Cagliari walking through the center. On our second, and final night of our south Sardinia road trip, we explored the area surrounding the marina.
A city with plenty to see, for us, Cagliari is the best place to stay in Sardinia without a car.
Torre dell’Elefante (Elephant Tower), Via Santa Croce
Cattedrale di Santa Maria (St Mary’s Cathedral), Piazza Palazzo, 4/a
Where to stay in Cagliari
Over 7 nights, we spent two in Cagliari, the first and the last night of our road trip in Sardinia.
Our first hotel was at casa minù santa chiara. The location’s excellent and situated right in the heart of Cagliari’s city center.
While our room was clean and sufficient for one night, we wouldn’t likely stay here again.
The room we were given was quite small, outdated and the 'breakfast' in our room was a packet of tostada and marmalade.
Our second hotel was CRAMU Bed & Breakfast.
Just minutes’ walk from Cagliari train station, it’s a convenient choice for the city. Rooms are modern and the place is well decorated but we also wouldn’t likely stay here again.
Our room (Superior) was comfortable but the bathroom was small and the air conditioning didn’t ventilate the room well.
Cagliari part two
Should we return to Cagliari again, we’ve other choices that are more suitable to our tastes.
B&B Marina di Castello Cagliari is situated right by the marina, with rooms overlooking the water.
Towards the center, Hotel Carlo Felice is just minutes’ walk from the Bastion offering chic rooms and generous living space.
casa minù santa chiara, Salita di Santa Chiara, 17
CRAMU Bed & Breakfast, Viale Trieste, 6
Day 2 — Villasimius and the Costa Rei
We began day 2 of our south Sardinia road trip by collecting our rental car from the airport.
While the journey to return to the airport was straightforward, the same can’t be said about our car rental experience.
We’d booked long before our vacation and thought we’d gotten a great deal for our Sardinia road trip.
How wrong we were.
Car rental disappointment
On arrival, we were asked to pay an extra €250 ($256/£209) on top of the deposit we’d already paid online.
The explanation’s too long-winded to explain here, but in short, it was related to the method of payment we used. On top of that, we were also given another car to the one we’d originally requested.
📌 Lisa's tip: read the small print of any car rental company, but particularly those that brand themselves as 'low cost.' I’d also advise reading any online (recent) reviews, as many will save you from making the same mistake.
For reference, we rented our car from Viaggiare Rent. The experience put a damper on the start of our south Sardinia road trip but we also learned from it.
From now on, we vow to only hire from reputable companies in the future. We know we’ll likely pay more, but there will be less chance of shady hidden charges or bogus wording — we hope.
Spiaggia del Poetto
Putting our car rental drama behind us, we headed straight to our first stop, and our first beach in Sardinia.
Spiaggia del Poetto is around a 17-minute drive and is a long stretch of sandy beach just outside Cagliari’s center.
Stretching 5mi (8km) in length, it’s a welcome break from the humidity of the city.
Visiting Sardinia in mid-to-late July, we found the beaches to be busy but not overly packed. August in Italy would surely be a different story.
Spiaggia del Poetto (Poet’s beach), Cagliari
⏩️ See: When is the best time to visit Italy?
The most scenic drive
From Spiaggia del Poetto we continued our road trip further west to the town of Villasimius. Probably my favorite route of our entire Sardinia road trip, we were treated to the prettiest views of the coast.
Sardinia is most famous for its immaculate sea, powdery sandy beaches and its aquamarine waters. And driving from Cagliari along the SP17 highway and the Costa Rei, the views didn’t disappoint.
One feature that Sardinia does so well is placing scenic viewing points along the roads. They do spring up when you least expect it, so look out for them in advance when on the road.
Unknown beaches
I’d be lying if I said I knew all of the beaches' names we’d stopped at before arriving at Villasimius. From a distance and at a good height, any of the beaches you spot here are a glorious sight.
If you’re thinking of doing a beach tour of the area, the following beaches will make your social media beam.
- Spiaggia di Mari Pintau
- Spiaggia di Genn’e Mari
- Spiaggia di Porto Sa Ruxi
- Spiaggia di Marongiu
- Solanas
- Spiaggia di Campus
Lunch and a beach in Villasimius
We arrived in a very quiet Villasimius at a time when restaurants were beginning to close. Many restaurants in Italy close around 2 or 3pm; something that many visitors aren't aware of.
Viewing beach after beach on the road had worked up quite an appetite. Fortunately for us, there was one place still happily accepting diners.
Baccasardus Wine Bar is a down-to-earth bar offering sharing plates and local wines.
My photo doesn’t do it justice, but believe me, the portions here are huge. For reference, we ordered a sharing platter of local hams and cheeses (bread included), and it cost €15 ($15/£12).
If you’re hungry (and thirsty) and visiting Villasimius, do your hunger pangs a favor by bookmarking Baccasardus Wine Bar.
Baccasardus Wine Bar, Via del Mare, 57
Back to the beach
After lunch, we made the very short journey to the town’s main beach, Spiaggia di Simius. Parking lots are available for visitors and are within a close walking distance to the beach.
Comfortable, convenient (bar on the beach) and family friendly, it’s extremely relaxing and a good choice in the area.
Spiaggia di Simius (Simius beach), Viale del Sud – Est
Addio Villasimius
Around early afternoon, we left Villasimius to drive to the location of our second night in Sardinia. During the 1hr 27min drive, we enjoyed some spectacular scenery, courtesy of the delightful pink flamingos.
During late spring and summer, it’s possible to spot these incredible birds bathing in wet and marshy areas outside Cagliari.
We spotted hordes of free roaming flamingos at the Parco Naturale Molentargius Saline as we drove through Cagliari. If you’ve time to spare, consider staying for a longer visit.
Parco Naturale Molentargius Saline (Molentargius Nature Park), Via la Palma, 9
San Giorgio, Sarroch
A long, remote and dusty road led us to the gate of our second hotel, Su Cappeddu Agriturismo. Located in the small town of San Giorgio in the commune of Sarroch, it’s an ideal peaceful getaway.
We wanted to experience different accommodation types on our south Sardinia road trip and so decided upon an agriturismo inland.
Agriturismi are typically places in the Italian countryside that offer lodging as well as home-cooked food and produce. They can sometimes be cheaper than staying at a hotel or B&B and have a relaxed, down-to-earth vibe.
Inside Su Cappeddu
Our room was modern, bright and spacious as was the bathroom. Unfortunately, the WiFi didn’t work during our stay and the breakfast, though consisting of traditional Sardinian sweets was disappointing.
There’s a restaurant on site, but don’t presume — as a guest — that there will be a table waiting for you. On our visit, we were told that the restaurant only took reservations on Sunday. But, double check this as things can, and usually do, always change.
Su Cappeddu Agriturismo, Strada Vicinale Bia Monti, 09010 Villa San Pietro
An evening in Nora
There are a few coastal towns to see near Sarroch but we chose to visit Nora.
The picturesque town is home to some pretty beaches, including its namesake Spiaggia di Nora plus an archaeological area.
If you love to watch dramatic sunsets, double underline Nora. Its lagoon may not sound particularly exciting but visit on a summer’s evening and feel your heart begin to melt.
- Spiaggia di Nora (Nora Beach)
- Laguna di Nora (Nora Lagoon)
- Area archeologica di Nora (Nora archaeological area)
Sunset dinner at Fradis Minoris Ristorante
The main reason for our evening visit to Nora was our dinner plans. We’d booked a table at Fradis Minoris Ristorante and couldn’t have chosen better.
The Michelin-star restaurant is situated at the end of the lagoon pairing superb dishes and golden sunsets.
It only offers a set menu (fish and seafood) so consider this before booking. Also bear in mind that the walk from the closest car park to the restaurant is around 15 minutes.
Cars aren’t permitted to enter the stretch of road and will receive a fine if they do so. Though a pretty route, walking in 90°F (32°C) heat, even at 8pm, wasn’t enjoyable.
Still, we’d a great dining experience and I’d recommend it if visiting Nora.
Fradis Minoris Ristorante, Laguna di Nora Località, Viale Nora
Day 3 — Porto Pino and Sant’Antioco
We started day 3 of our south Sardinia road trip continuing west along the island’s southern coast.
Our plan was to visit the town of Porto Pino and to visit some of the beaches in the area. The drive along this stretch felt more remote than previous routes but was nonetheless still beautiful. Around 1 hour later (starting from Pula), we’d arrived at Porto Pino.
Famous for being a tourist resort, it wasn’t as busy as we’d expected, especially for late July. Like the Costa Rei towards Villasimius, you’re spoiled for choice for beaches in this region.
We soaked up the sun at the town’s namesake beach, Spiaggia di Porto Pino. Warm waters, fine sand and plenty of space to find your own spot, we’d a really relaxing time.
Other nearby beaches worth noting include:
- Spiaggia della Dune (Dune beach), S.S.195 Località Portedda
- Spiaggia di Porto Pineddu (Porto Pineddu beach), Sant'Anna arresi
- Spiaggia dei Francesi (French beach), Porto Pinetto
The islands of Sardinia
Something you may not know about traveling to Sardinia is that the island’s connected to other smaller islands.
And, as someone who’s always up for some island hopping, I was excited to discover more.
Sant’Antioco is the second largest island in Sardinia and the fourth in Italy. Characterized by its quiet beaches, pretty coves and wild nature, Sant’Antioco offers a different perspective to visiting Sardinia.
Charming Calasetta
For our third night of our south Sardinia road trip, we checked into the colorful town of Calasetta. A town with a rich history of fishing, Calasetta is home to colorful houses and a pretty port.
Home to approximately 3,000 people, it’s small enough that you can see everything in a day. If you’re keen to relax on its beaches, Calasetta has 3 close by. They are:
- Spiaggia di Sottotore
- Spiaggia di La Salina
- Spiaggia Grande
Night time in Calasetta
The highlight of our visit, and the best thing to do in Calasetta, was watching the sunset.
As you explore the small town center, you eventually come across Torre Sabauda. The Savoy built it between 1756 and 1757 to defend the passage between Sant’Antioco and San Pietro island.
Today, it’s open to the public and is a good viewing point to enjoy panoramic views from the island.
Unfortunately, the tower closes each night at 6pm meaning it’s a no-go for viewing sunsets. Instead, the viewing points surrounding the tower are your best option and still offer spectacular views.
Torre Sabauda (Sabauda Tower), Via R. Elena, 1
At the peak of summertime in Sardinia, the sun sets around 8:40pm. After savoring the colorful scenes, we stopped by Piazza Pietro Belly, ending our evening with crunchy pizzas and local wine.
Belly Ristorante tipico calasettano Pizzeria, Via Roma 2
Where to stay in Calasetta, Sant’Antioco
Calasetta has several options for accommodation but we found them quite limited.
We settled on Hotel Cala di Seta Calasetta. A 3-star hotel in town, it’s a good location for exploring the town and port area. Our room was a good size with a ‘harbor’ view, though this was blocked by other buildings.
Slightly dated, the very friendly staff and decent breakfast compensated for it. The hotel’s good for 1 night, but we probably wouldn’t have stayed any longer.
Hotel Cala di Seta Calasetta, Viale R. Margherita, 61
Day 4 — Cala Grotta and Carloforte
In order to beat the crowds — and the heat — in summer in Italy, arriving early at any attraction is essential.
Which is why, we set out early to visit our first stop that day in Sant’Antioco, Cala Grotta. Sardinia is blessed with many coves, or calas, around the island. Not always the easiest locations to reach, the reward is satisfying once you lay eyes on the views.
How to get to Cala Grotta
An easy 20-minute drive from Calasetta, the road leading there is rural, gruff and feels very off the grid.
Our GPS did us well to reach Cala Grotta after exiting the SS126 highway. Road signs were non-existent and having connectivity was a huge help.
There’s no allocated parking area upon arriving at Cala Grotta, so take the first spot you find.
The rocky inlet is characterized by a big sea cave. Surrounded by flat rocks, many come here to sunbathe or swim. While some choose to jump into the deep seabed, there’s also the option to use the ‘natural stepladders’.
Wearing closed shoes or bringing a pair of water shoes when visiting Cala Grotta is essential. The rocks aren’t the easiest to walk on, and the last thing you want to do is lose your grip.
Arriving at Arco dei baci
Less than a 10-minute drive from Cala Grotta is another bathing spot of natural beauty. Arco dei baci is another sight to be relished, but the walk to get there is much more challenging.
It takes around 10 minutes to walk from the parking area to the cliff edge. But, beneath the glare of the morning sun, it can feel longer.
I felt a rush of trepidation as I saw the challenge that lay ahead of us. Sticking to a path already used, we descended the cliff slowly, the grip on our sport shoes aiding our every step.
Like Cala Grotta, there were already people bathing and swimming in the aquamarine waters. Please note, that both places have no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk.
Cala Grotta
Arco dei baci
From Sant’Antioco to San Pietro
We returned to the mainland to catch the ferry from Portoscuso to San Pietro island. You can take a ferry directly from Calasetta to Carloforte, but this route doesn’t carry vehicles.
A return ticket for two adults with a car cost €28.40*. It was cheaper than what we’d expected.
After a relaxing 40-minute boat ride, we arrived at the colorful port of Carloforte. Incredibly pretty upon first sight, the promenade along the seafront instantly erased any tiredness.
The borgo of Carloforte
Carloforte is among the borghi considered one of the most beautiful in Italy. Having already written about several, including Asolo and Orta San Giulio, I was happy to add another to my list.
Like the other borghi I’ve covered, Carloforte is small enough that you can see everything within a day.
Via Cavour is the main street that runs along the seafront promenade (lungomare). It’s lined with restaurants, cafes and independent shops.
Veer off into the side streets, and here you’ll find a mix of colorful homes and inviting restaurants. Reminiscent of our trip to Burano, visiting Carloforte leaves you with nothing but good memories and extremely colorful photos.
Where to stay in Carloforte
My favorite accommodation of our south Sardinia road trip, we’d a very comfortable stay at Le Saline Suites.
As its name suggests, the accommodation’s situated in front of the Saline di Carloforte. During peak season, it’s possible to spot pink flamingos gracing the waters here.
Our room at Le Saline Suites was spacious, modern and very clean. The only downside was that the WiFi didn’t work once. Still, I’d recommend staying here if looking for an affordable — and centrally located — place to stay in Carloforte.
It’s a 6-minute walk to the center and there’s ample free parking available by the accommodation.
Beach and a sunset at La Caletta
Like Calasetta, we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to catch another glorious sunset. Taking a local’s advice, we made the 20-minute drive to La Caletta located on the west of San Pietro island.
Even at 8pm, the beach was still busy with bathers and people enjoying the warm sea water. We sat on the sand, and sipped on our drinks as the sun slowly begin to set.
A vision of deep orange and burnt yellows played out before us, before the sun finally bid us goodnight. Definitely one of my favorite ever sunsets, La Caletta is one not to miss.
Day 5 — Cabras
The next part of our route was the longest, and most tiring, part of our south Sardinia road trip. After taking the ferry back from Carloforte to the mainland, our next destination was Cabras.
Situated towards the center of Sardinia, on the west coast, Cabras is characterized by small towns and idyllic beaches.
Better on the highway
Had we decided to take the highway, the journey time would’ve taken around 1hr 46mins. However, with no other plans that day, we decided to take the scenic route. Looking back, I wish we hadn’t.
What started out as a pretty drive that passed through small coastal towns, soon turned into a curve nightmare.
We lost track of the number of curves we encountered when driving inland. Couple this with several sharp turns and impatient drivers driving closely behind on tight bends, it became quite stressful.
Lunch in Buggerru
Our one stop on this route was at the coastal town of Buggerru. Home to a beach of the same name, it has all the characteristics of a ‘sleepy little town’.
The restaurant of choice was Gastronomia Cottu e Pappau. Here, we enjoyed a traditional Sardinian dish of fregola pasta served with a mix of seafood.
Unfortunately, my experience was tainted by a couple in the restaurant that constantly glared at me while we ate.
Being a woman of color in Italy, turning heads in certain venues is something I’m used to. However, this usually lasts for a few seconds, not for an entire meal.
Needless to say, I began to feel very uncomfortable. The fixated way they were looking at me didn’t come from a place of curiosity. But, without wanting to give the couple any satisfaction, we finished our meal, thanked the friendly staff and left.
Unsurprisingly, Buggerru isn’t somewhere that we’d likely revisit. But, the food at Gastronomia Cottu e Pappau was good as was the service.
Gastronomia Cottu e Pappau, Via dei Lidi
Beach day and agriturismo dining
We arrived at hotel number 5, Hotel Sa Pedrera, feeling beat, but happy to have made it.
Rustic and rural are the best words to describe this 3-star hotel. The garden area is groomed and inviting, with hammocks ready to host weary guests.
'Rice' sand at Spiaggia Is Arutas
On the advice of the owner, we wasted no time in preparing for the beach. Cabras is brimming with plenty of gorgeous beaches, but we decided upon Spiaggia Is Arutas.
Famous for its quartz, 'rice-like' sand, the beach was packed by the time we’d arrived. This wasn’t a huge surprise given that it was 4.30pm on a Saturday afternoon. The sand was exactly as described but its beauty was overshadowed by the orchestra of umbrellas and lounge chairs.
One important thing to remember is that it’s prohibited to take any of the sand from the beaches in Sardinia. Signs are in place advising guests, so if you do, and get caught, expect to pay a fine.
Dinner at Agriturismo Su Barroccu
We ended our evening in Cabras on a delicious note at the delightful Agriturismo Su Barroccu. A night of good home cooking and outdoor dining, it’s a down-to-earth spot to eat well in Cabras.
Agriturismo Su Barroccu also offers accommodation but we were here to eat.
Steaming plates of gnocchetti Sardi in a ragu sauce was followed by a generous serving of wood-roasted pork (maialino). Accompanied by a glass of Sardinian Cannonau wine, we left feeling full and wholly satisfied.
Agriturismo Su Barroccu, Strada Statale 292, km 117
Day 6 — Oristano and Dune di Piscinas
Our final day of our south Sardinia road trip began in the nearby city of Oristano. The historic center had the quiet and calming vibes typical of any Sunday morning in small town Italy.
At its core is the city’s Duomo, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta. The original structure dates to the 12th century, but much of it was rebuilt after being destroyed in a siege.
Not far from the Duomo is another striking church, the Chiesa di San Francesco. Reflecting a neoclassical architectural style, the church was the work of Cagliari architect, Gaetano Cima.
The historic center of Oristano is small and one you can see in a few hours. Come here for the architecture, the local scene and for the laid-back vibes.
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta (St Mary of the Assumption Cathedral), Piazza Duomo
Chiesa di San Francesco (St Francis Church), Via Duomo
Arrival at Dune di Piscinas
After 5 whole days of visiting the beaches around south Sardinia, I finally found my perfect match.
Located in the commune of Arbus on the island’s southwest coast is the wonderful Dune di Piscinas.
Not the easiest place to arrive at, the drive to get there is a fascinating one. A gravel-laden road leading to the beach passes by an abandoned coal mine. A scene taken straight out of an Indiana Jones movie, it’s easier to enjoy when having to drive at 20kmh.
Eventually, the path opens up, providing a first glimpse of the mesmerizing dunes above. Dune di Piscinas has plenty of parking, open space, bars and umbrellas and loungers for hire.
Unlike the beach in Cabras, Dune di Piscinas wasn’t at all overcrowded. A perfect place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon, we bathed, swam and relaxed. Highly recommended, we wouldn't hestiate to revisit again one day.
Last night in Fluminimaggiore
Our final stop on our road trip around south Sardinia was within the small commune of Fluminimaggiore.
A ‘blink and you might miss it’ kind of place, Anima Hotel Sardinia offers a peaceful oasis in the area.
A Spanish-style hotel, we were pleasantly surprised to find that they’d upgraded our room to the largest one available.
Five-star dining at Anima Hotel Sardinia
Without a doubt, the hotel’s strongest point is its food. Serving classic Sardinian and some Spanish-influenced dishes, we ate so well.
Two meaty mains, a fresh and light salad and a deep-fried Sardinian seada for dessert, we’d no complaints.
The next morning at breakfast was equally impressive and came with a countryside view. I ordered homemade muesli, plum cake and a cappuccino. The owners’ passion for good food and simple, yet delicious cooking was evident.
Definitely a place we’d stay at again, Anima Hotel Sardinia was a good place to end our 7-day Sardinia vacation.
Anima Hotel Sardinia, LOC. Gutturu Mandara S.P. 83 33,840 km
Best beaches in south Sardinia
South Sardinia's beaches are the main reason to make the journey, and they live up to every expectation. Here are the standout beaches from our road trip, in order of the route.
Spiaggia del Poetto, Cagliari
Eight kilometers of sandy beach just outside Cagliari center. The most accessible beach on the itinerary and a good introduction to Sardinian coastal beauty before leaving the city.
Family-friendly, with beach bars and facilities along the full length.
Spiaggia di Simius, Villasimius
Comfortable, convenient and genuinely relaxing. The town beach at Villasimius has a bar and parking within easy walking distance.
The drive from Cagliari along the SP17 to reach it is one of the most scenic coastal roads on the island.
Spiaggia di Porto Pino
Warm waters, fine sand and generous space even in late July.
The wider Porto Pino area is rich with beach options. Spiaggia della Dune, Spiaggia di Porto Pineddu and Spiaggia dei Francesi are all within a short drive and reward those who take the time to explore beyond the main beach.
La Caletta, Carloforte (San Pietro island)
Our favorite sunset beach of the entire trip.
Still busy with local bathers at 8pm in the height of summer. The beach faces west and the sunsets here are extraordinary.
Spiaggia Is Arutas, Cabras
Famous for its quartz 'rice-like' sand, a texture unlike any other beach in Sardinia. One important note: it’s strictly prohibited to remove sand from the beaches in Sardinia, including Is Arutas.
Signs are in place and fines are enforced. Arrive early: by late afternoon in summer the beach is packed with umbrellas and loungers.
Dune di Piscinas
The highlight of our entire south Sardinia road trip, and my personal favorite beach in Sardinia.
Located in the commune of Arbus on the southwest coast, the dunes here are the tallest in Europe.
The approach is part of the experience. A gravel road takes you past an abandoned coal mine that exemplifies its off-grid feel.
But the reward when the path opens up and you see the dunes above is unlike anything else on the island.
Not overcrowded, with parking, bars and loungers available. We bathed, swam and stayed far longer than planned. Highly recommended.
Dune di Piscinas, Arbus, southwest Sardinia
Where to stay in south Sardinia
Accommodation across south Sardinia ranges from city center B&Bs in Cagliari to agriturismi in the countryside and boutique hotels on the islands.
Full details on each property, including honest assessments of what worked and what didn’t, are included within the relevant day entries.
Here's a summary of where we stayed across the 7-day itinerary.
Cagliari (days 1 and 7)
We stayed at two properties, Casa Minù Santa Chiara and CRAMU Bed & Breakfast.
Both are centrally located and functional for one night, but neither is a standout recommendation.
For a return visit, B&B Marina di Castello Cagliari (overlooking the marina) or Hotel Carlo Felice (near the Bastione) would be our choice.
San Giorgio, Sarroch (day 2)
Su Cappeddu Agriturismo is a peaceful inland option ideal for experiencing traditional Sardinian agriturismo accommodation.
It’s good for one night, but makes sure to confirm restaurant reservation policy in advance.
Calasetta, Sant'Antioco (day 3)
Hotel Cala di Seta Calasetta is a 3-star hotel with harbor views in a good location for exploring the town.
Friendly staff and decent breakfast. Good for one night.
Carloforte, San Pietro Island (day 4)
Le Saline Suites was our favorite accommodation of the trip.
Spacious, modern and clean, it's situated in front of the Saline di Carloforte where flamingos appear in peak season.
It’s around a 6-minute walk to the center and free parking is available. Highly recommended.
Cabras (day 5)
Hotel Sa Pedrera is a rustic and rural 3-star hotel with a groomed garden and hammocks. Good value and practical for exploring the Cabras area.
Fluminimaggiore (day 6)
Anima Hotel Sardinia is the standout accommodation of the trip.
Spanish-style hotel with exceptional food, a mix of classic Sardinian and Spanish-influenced dishes.
We were upgraded on arrival and ate remarkably well. A place we would return to without hesitation.
For a broader guide to the best places to stay in Sardinia, see Sardinia vs Sicily for a comparison of both islands.
North or south Sardinia: which should you choose?
The most common question for first-time visitors to Sardinia is which part of the island to visit. The honest answer is, that it depends on your budget and what you want from the trip.
South Sardinia is wilder, more authentic and much cheaper.
Accommodation, restaurants and beach facilities all cost noticeably less than in the north. The landscape is more rugged, with large uninhabited territories, remote beaches and a coastline that feels untouched. Towns are smaller and less touristy.
Cagliari, Villasimius, Carloforte and the Dune di Piscinas offer a completely different Sardinia from the glossy postcard version most people picture.
North Sardinia, particularly Costa Smeralda in the northeast, is where the luxury market concentrates.
The famous beaches of San Teodoro and La Pelosa, the Maddalena archipelago and the town of Alghero draw a wealthier and international crowd. Prices reflect this.
Our friends who've visited the north specifically recommend Santa Teresa Gallura and Alghero. The latter has a beautiful historic center and sandy beach.
The price difference is evident.
On our south Sardinia road trip, we were genuinely surprised by how affordable things were, particularly in Cagliari. We found to be one of the cheapest cities we've visited in Italy.
The north carries a premium that can make the same trip noticeably more expensive.
📌 Lisa’s tip: if it's your first time in Sardinia and budget matters, start with the south. If you've already seen the south, or if a luxury beach resort is specifically what you're after, the north won’t disappoint.
Tips on driving around Sardinia
For the majority of our south Sardinia road trip, our experience was a positive one.
It isn’t hard to drive in Sardinia, and the roads are well maintained and so too are the highways. Unlike our road trip in Morocco, we weren’t once stopped or questioned by the local police.
How long does it take to drive around south Sardinia?
Over a 7-day trip, we drove for an average of 1.5 to 2 hours each day. This naturally will differ depending on your itinerary and where you’re staying. Sardinia roads are simple to follow and usually, we stayed on one main road/highway for most of our journeys.
One thing we did find tiring was the number of curves on the roads in Sardinia. Unlike Sicily, we didn’t come across one tunnel on our road trip. While this makes for a more scenic trip, it also adds longer driving times and can quickly tire you out.
Curves, curves and more curves
Once you leave the highways and drive inland or around the coast, pay attention to the curves in the road. Not only do they become more frequent (more so inland), but some can also be quite sharp.
We experienced a few occasions where oncoming cars hadn’t slowed down and came too close for our liking.
Full gas tank in Sardinia
It may sound obvious, but make sure that your tank is full when undertaking a road trip around Sardinia.
The island’s home to large, uninhabited areas, and there may be no gas station for miles. We found this out the hard way when we discovered that the nearest gas station was 25mi (40km) away. To make matters worse, it was in the other direction from our desired destination.
South Sardinia without a car
South Sardinia is extremely difficult to explore without a car, and I say that having experienced the island first-hand rather than reading it somewhere.
Outside Cagliari, public transport is limited.
Bus services connect some of the main towns but schedules are infrequent and the best beaches, dunes and rural sites are inaccessible without your own transport.
Cagliari is the exception. The city center is compact and walkable, and the train from the airport to the center costs €1.30 and takes around 10 minutes. It’s one of the most affordable and efficient airport connections in Italy.
Within the city, the main attractions are all within walking distance. For a city break focused purely on Cagliari, a car is unnecessary.
Beyond Cagliari, a car is non-negotiable.
Villasimius, Costa Rei, Porto Pino, Sant'Antioco, Carloforte (reached by ferry from Portoscuso), Cabras, Dune di Piscinas and Oristano all require a car.
The ferry connections to the islands add another layer of complexity that’s easier to manage with your own vehicle.
Hiring a car from Cagliari airport is straightforward but not necessarily stress free.
Read our honest account of our own car rental experience in the day 2 section before booking, and always read the small print carefully.
FAQs on visiting south Sardinia
Absolutely. It's more rewarding than many visitors expect, particularly those who arrive having only heard about the north. Wild coastlines, spectacular beaches, less-touristy towns, and prices that are lower than northern Sardinia make it one of the best value destinations in Italy.
Dune di Piscinas. The tallest sand dunes in Europe, clear water and an approach road that feels off-grid make it unlike any other beach on the island. We visited on a late Sunday afternoon and it was the highlight of our entire road trip. Spiaggia Is Arutas near Cabras is the runner-up for its extraordinary quartz sand. But arrive early, as it fills up quickly in summer.
Yes, a car is essential for everything beyond Cagliari. Public transport outside the capital is limited. Almost all the best beaches, dunes and rural sites require a car. Hire from a reputable company at Cagliari airport and always read the full terms before signing. See my day 2 section for an honest account of what can go wrong with budget car rental in Sardinia.
Yes. Accommodation, restaurants and beach facilities all cost less in the south than in the north, particularly compared to Costa Smeralda. Cagliari was one of the cheapest cities we've visited in Italy. The south suits visitors who want authentic Sardinia without the premium price tag of the northern resort areas.
May to June and September to October offer the best conditions. It’s warm enough for swimming, with manageable crowds and better prices than peak season. July is busy while August is the busiest and most expensive month. If you must visit in August, book everything well in advance and arrive at beaches early. Avoid major Italian public holidays, particularly Ferragosto on 15 August, when many services are reduced.
The drive from Olbia in the north to Cagliari in the south takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours by the most direct highway route. Sardinia is larger than it looks on a map. Factor in driving time if planning to cover both coasts in one trip.
Final words
What do you think of our south Sardinia road trip itinerary? Are there some places that you’d add to your own itinerary when visiting Sardinia? Let me know in the comments below.
*prices correct at time of publishing
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
Written by Lisa Rivera: Italy traveler and resident for 10+ years. First-hand researched for 2026.
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Lisa what can you tell me about the north end of the island? Can you recommend and places that are beach front
Hi John, thank you for your comment. I'm more knowledgeable about the south but friends of ours have been to places in the north like Santa Teresa Gallura, a beach town towards the north east. They also complemented the city of Alghero on the north west. It has a good mix of history and a beautiful sandy beach too. Generally speaking, the north (especially north east) is more expensive and is known for being more glamorous. The south is more down to earth and rugged. We're hoping to recreate this road trip in the north one day so watch this space!
Wow, you did so much! Sardinia looks beautiful - those beaches and the water are just amazing. I love that you give us the good and bad - practical advice is so appreciated! Even with the ups and downs, it looks like you saw lots of sights (Flamingos!!!) and had delicious food.
Thank you Peggy! We had a wonderful time and I really wanted to give the honest truth x
It certainly sounds like you had your share of the unexpected and occasionally unpleasant, but isn't that typical of any road trip? Great food and the great experiences always more than make up for it
We really did and you're so right about that! All in all we had a really wonderful road trip 🙂
It all looks so beautiful and the food - oh my, the food! That meat and cheese platter at Baccasardus had me salivating, but it all looks amazing. I don't know much about Sardinia, but I definitely want to eat my way through it now.
I promise my photo didn't do justice to the platter, it was huge! We really ate well and Sardinia is really worth visiting one day
We love road trips and this one through south Sardinia looks wonderful! It's such a beautiful region to travel through. We didn't know that it was possible to visit the smaller islands as well. The food looks amazing and those sunsets are simply sublime. Thank you for this post, especially all the practical information.
Thank you Mitch, we really had a great time and can't wait to return again soon. I hope you visit one day!
Sardinia is really high on my bucket list! It looks like such an amazing and interesting place, I'm heading to Italy in October but sadly won't have time to visit the autonomous Sardinia but still book marking this post for future travels. Thanks for sharing
I'm happy to read that! I really hope you enjoy your time here and will consider Sardinia in the future.
This place looks so beautiful to visit. I would like to visit here sometime. All the clicks are so beautiful.
It's truly an incredible island
Wow so many stunning locations and small towns to explore and all that good food as well - sounds like such a dreamy Italian road trip! Thanks for sharing
You're welcome
What a wonderful post on South Sardinia road trip with some jaw dropping views on the coastal route, quaint harbors and pristine beaches dotting aquamarine waters. And the colorful cafes and shops in Carloforte are so picture perfect. And the sunsets at La Caletta and Calasetta are so beautiful.
Thank you so much! We had a great time and highly recommend visiting the region
You are right. The water colors along the coast is very beautiful! I like the 8km stretch of Spiaggia del Poetto beach. Beach goers can choose where they want stop. That's very cool.
It is really beautiful
I first learned of Sardinia on an episode of Anthony Bourdain's show when he introduced his new wife, from Sardinia. I became enchanted with this beautiful island off the coast of Italy, rich with culture and cuisine. But your photos gave me a whole knew depth of appreciation for Sardinia's beauty! Honestly, I've been a bit disappointed by Italy's pebble and black sand beaches in the past. Looks like when I finally visit Sardinia. I will enjoy the soft sand beaches that I prefer. And the sunsets in Nora are just gorgeous! Thank you for sharing this inspirational trip - can't wait to go!
Thanks Jackie, I'm glad to hear that Sardinia is on your list. I promise it's as beautiful as the photos are 🙂
I'm so happy to learn about Sardinia, esp. that's is much less crowded, less touristy and wilder than Sicily. You sold it to me at fine, white sandy beaches and crystalline waters... Good to know that Cagliari attractions are free & easy to walk from the city centre. Good to know about that B&B on the marina, overlooking the waters. The scenic drive with views of the coast sounds awesome.
It's really a beautiful place and an island you really must visit one day 🙂
Since we were based rather in the north, I haven't seen much of Sardinia's south, practically only Cagliari. But I must say that I loved the city - pleasant and beautiful. We went there by train from Sassari which was a long ride yet great fun. Sardinia is a place I'd go back to anytime.
I'm glad to read that! We had a wonderful time exploring the south, it really is beautiful
Haven't done too many road trip in Italy although we have done quite a few in Austria, Czechoslovakia and Croatia. But this road trip looks out of the world. Everything is so appealing, The streets, the hotel, the sea side, sunset and sunrise views & the food. I would love to walk down the streets of Oristano. Such an amazing find for which I did not know much about.
I'm happy to introduce you to Sardinia and the small town of Oristano. It really is so pretty
All those Sardinias beaches look so attractive. The blue water is so turquoise and dream like. Nora looks like a very special place to me and Fradis Minore is the kind of restaurant I would like to visit when I go there. I have never visited the Italian islands yet, but reading your post makes me want to go there very soon.
Thank you Pilar. We had a wonderful time and I promise you will enjoy your trip to south Sardinia
In some countries, taking a road trip between cities lack sceneries because they are mostly desert. My country is one of them. However, Sardinia takes the experience to a new level. And off course not suprising for an island.
I understand. Sardinia has incredible scenery and was made for road trips 🙂
South Sardinia looks absolutely stunning! I can't wait to visit all the location you have mentioned especially Cagliari. The food looks super delicious as well
It really is! Wilder than the north but really beautiful, Cagliari is so pretty
Your photos are stunning and giving me serious holiday vibes. Such a helpful and in depth guide with lots of information x
Thanks Melanie, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
The scenery is just gorgeous! The food is also to die for...what a beautiful escape. I wish I could snap my fingers and just teleport myself there.
I really hope you consider visiting one day 😀
We absolutely have Sardinia on the travel wish list! Would love to visit. Your post just makes me wish I could get this on the travel plans sooner. I certainly had the great beaches of Sardinia on my plans. Some lovely small towns to visit. And some great food too! I did not know there were islands off of Sardinia. So we won’t miss some island hopping. Keeping this post for our travel planning.
Happy to read that Linda! I can assure you will enjoy Sardinia, it is really beautiful
I have never been to Sardinia but I have always wanted to. Your pictures are stunning and it looks like a very beautiful island.
Thank you Sarah. Sardinia is truly incredible and I hope you visit one day
So much incredibly useful information here! If I ever visit, I will certainly come back to this post to plan my trip. Thank you so much for this!
I'm glad you found it useful 🙂 I think I really included everything!
I would love to explore that area of Sardinia one day. It's absolutely gorgeous and the food looks amazing.
The south is so beautiful and really worth seeing 🙂
I've never been to Sardinia but I heard a ton about it! Such a gorgeous island. The food omg, amazing...Can't wait to spend a couple of weeks exploring this beautiful Island.
I promise you will love your travels to Sardinia 😀
This looks like such an amazing trip! My family loves to do road trips like this and the scenery is like nothing I've seen here in the US. Other than maybe Hawaii but that's its own unique place.
We really had a great time on our road trip. The views are unique and some you need to see in person 😀
Wow, Sardinia is an island I know just a little about on my map of places to visit just from seeing all the amazing food, but the rugged coastlines, gorgeous beaches and historic places to explore are all icing on the cake. I'll definitely want to explore more and do your road trip itinerary
Thanks Noel. It's a beautiful island in general but the south is really worth exploring and it's cheaper too 😀