Taking a road trip in Sardinia is the best way to discover beautiful territories that are often difficult to reach by public transport. Spring is absolutely the best time to indulge in this adventure where you will encounter wild nature, colourful flowers and still uncrowded beaches perfect for a break in the sun after several kilometres.
When you think of a road trip, the first image that comes to mind is a car moving along long, isolated roads. In Sardinia, however, this is not really the case, the roads are not huge and you will often have to take detours onto dirt roads in order to discover unique natural beauty. But yes, the roads are isolated and quiet and you will often only be accompanied by the sounds of nature. Road trips are not only done by car, in Sardinia East Land you can also set off on adventurous routes by bicycle, motorbike and on the little green train, an ancient railway that connects the Sardinian hinterland to the coast.
On the green train from Arbatax to Gairo for a sustainable road trip
This route is dedicated to sustainable tourists who want to immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes in which the bluest sea passes through the rugged mountains of Ogliastra and arrives in the small village of Gairo. The route starts in Arbatax, a charming municipality on the east coast of the island where you can admire the famous red rocks of Arbatax, which have also been the setting for important Italian films. The first section of the railway is straight and starts from the sea and then enters the dense vegetation of Tortolì and Lanusei, from which, however, as you ascend in altitude, you will be able to have a splendid view of the coast. The route continues through the wooded territory of Arzana to the Flumendosa valley, considered the second longest river in Sardinia after the Tirso. The terminus of this on-the-road trip is the hamlet of Gairo, just 6 km from Gairo Vecchio, a ghost town abandoned in 1951, which you should visit to take a step back in time and learn about its history as you stroll through its deserted streets.
On the road on the Orientale Sarda, the most beautiful panoramic road on the island
Some call it the Route 66 of Sardinia because, at 354 kilometres long, it allows you to see beautiful but at the same time different landscapes. If you have decided to go on an on-the-road adventure in Sardinia, start from this road that connects the north to the south, passing entirely through the east coast of the island. The first part of the road starts in Cagliari, crosses the Sarrabus, and arrives in Ogliastra. Here you can make a stop (and a small diversions) to enjoy the sea in the coastal towns of Tertenia, Cardedu or Tortolì. The journey continues up towards Urzulei among green expanses and granite peaks. If you stop on this stretch of road you will feel the absolute silence, a regenerating moment when it is just you and nature around you. From here, the road continues to Supramonte di Baunei, one of the most popular places for trekkers thanks to its dominant position over the valley and some of the most beautiful coves in all of Sardinia. Next comes the Supramonte di Dorgali, which continues to offer natural scenery and breathtaking views all the way to Orosei, where you will drive several kilometres surrounded by large marble quarries. Along this road make a diversion to one of the many wonderful beaches in the gulf such as Berchida and Capo Comino, you deserve it. The final section of the Orientale Sarda continues north to Santa Teresa di Gallura where this wonderful on-the-road adventure in Sardinia ends.
Cycling holidays in the sea-view cycle path between Siniscola and Dorgali
For an on-the-road trip where you can feel the wind blowing in your face, this coastal route of about 60 kilometres is perfect. This cycling route starts in the municipality of Siniscola, in Baronia, an area rich in gorges and cliffs, limestone relief, pastures and vineyards, beaches such as La Caletta and Capo Comino and the fishing village of Santa Lucia. The route continues to Orosei, on a long asphalt road where it is possible to make detours to make small stops at the Biderosa Oasis and at famous beaches such as Cala Liberotto, Berchida and Marina di Orosei. After passing the municipality of Orosei, we proceed to the final stage of the route, Dorgali. Once you arrive at your destination in the village, take a stroll through the village streets and discover the art of filigree craftsmanship and the history of the village in the Archaeological Museum, which houses artefacts from the Nuragic, Punic and Roman periods. For an unforgettable day here, you can also take a boat trip from Cala Gonone to discover the most beautiful coves in the area.
