Settled upon by waves of Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic civilisations, the tumbling hills and rock-strewn crags which characterise Sardinia are home to over 7,000 prehistoric structures, the oldest of which dates back 150,000 years. Due to the sandal-shaped island’s position between Italy, France, Tunisia and Corsica, it is steeped in stories of conquest and has been used as a strategic trading route for centuries.

Many launch their travels from Sardinia’s capital Cagliari, a golden-hued hive heavily punctuated with Palazzo-style architecture, pavement-sprawled cafes and vistas of the Golfo degli Angeli (Bay of Angels). Plenty of precious relics lie within its centre, including the charming hilltop castle district with its Citadel of Museums and the ornate Cattedrale di Santa Maria. With a hire car, revered archaeological site Su Nuraxi – a Nuragic bastion dating back to the 13th century BC – and the mosaic-encrusted pre-Roman-era remains in Nora are easily accessed.

Which side of the road?
In Italy, please drive on the right side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device
• Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways
• There are historical areas in which you cannot drive. Look out for “Zona traffico limitato”

• Dipped headlights must be used in poor daylight visibility when driving on motorways, dual carriageways, and rural roads
• Do not use the horn in a built up area unless in danger

Speed limits

All speed signs will be in km/h.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban roads: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Secondary extra-urban roads: 90 km/h (56 mph)
• Motorways: 130 km/h (80 mph)

• Urban highways: 70 km/h (44 mph)
• Main extra-urban roads (Expressways): 110 km/h (68 mph)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Be aware of changes to speed limits displayed on road signs due to adverse weather conditions.

Child safety/Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children weighing up to 9 kg must be seated in a rear-facing child restraint, in the back of the car only

• Children aged under 12 and less than 150 cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size

Please note - It is the child’s parent/guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This information regarding road is provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.

If you want to learn more about driving in Sardinia, see the full Italy Road Rules guide.

Cagliari is a good starting point for a tour around Sardinia’s abundant bodegas. Traverse rural plains, lofty peaks and boundless bays to sample the region’s potent Cannonau wine, a lively pairing with the freshly baked breads, hearty stews, cheeses and sausages common to the local cuisine.

Although summer is the busiest season, Sardinia’s balmy Mediterranean warmth and glimmering shores entice beach lovers during spring and autumn too. The snow-capped peaks rising from the central Gennargentu massif are a paradise for skiers throughout the winter months.

Olbia is the main gateway to the coveted Costa Smeralda and its seaside resort Porto Cervo, which houses a glamorous selection of boutique hotels, seafood restaurants and designer shops. Many flock to this picturesque coastline and hiring a car with Avis means you can discover a secluded cove for yourself.

To truly escape the crowds, mountainous Ogliastra is the most sparsely populated district in Italy and offers fantastic hiking routes across the Gorropu Gorge in addition to peaceful swimming lagoons. From Alghero, the Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune’s Cave) clings onto the edge of Sardinia’s west coast. This stalactite-hung sea cave can only be accessed when the waves surrounding it are calm. With so many remarkable sights and attractions to travel to in every corner of this captivating island, including one of the world’s most enchanting stalagmites rising up into the fairytale Grotta di Ispinigoli, rent a car with Avis to really make the most of Sardinia.

What is the weather like in Sardinia

Sardinia enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, with mild winters that can sometimes be rainy, and hot sunny summers.

Is it worth hiring a car in Sardinia

Hiring a car in Sardinia means you can be sure to enjoy everything from the glorious powdery soft beaches to the vibrant yet laid back towns and villages.

What is Sardinia famous for?

Sardinia is renowned for its mesmerising turquoise sea, incredible beaches and ancient history that dates back thousands of years.

How many airports are in Sardinia?

There are 3 airports in Sardinia with Avis car hire: Sardinia Alghero Airport and Olbia Airport in the north, and Cagliari Airport in the south.

Don’t forget to sign up for Avis Preferred loyalty benefits. If you’re a frequent renter, you’ll get upgraded and additional days for free.