Sardinia by 4x4: the East, the West or the full route?
In Sardinia, the sea is never far from the adventure. Yet head inland and the island reveals another side: granite peaks, villages, forests and limestone landscapes add a whole new dimension to the journey. Further west, the remains of old mines stand near vast dunes, before you reach Bosa’s colourful façades and the cliffs of the north.
This is the variety we invite you to discover with the GreenTracers roadbooks. The East, the West or both? Your choice will depend mainly on how much time you have and the stops you would like to make. Here is some inspiration to help you picture your trip and choose the route that suits you.
Which Sardinia roadbook should you choose?
The East: combine mountains, inland villages and time beside the Mediterranean. Allow at least 6 days for the route.
The West: discover mining landscapes, the Costa Verde, the dunes of Piscinas and coastal towns. Allow at least 6 days for the route.
The full route: bring both sides of the island together in one trip. Allow at least 12 days for the route.
Add your ferry crossings and the journeys to and from the ports to these times. Allow a few extra days for sightseeing, swimming or a walk: the minimum durations are not a schedule to rush through.
Eastern Sardinia: from the sea to the mountains
Starting in Golfo Aranci, the East roadbook takes you towards Cagliari, with plenty of time in the island’s interior. Monte Limbara brings a fresh perspective from higher ground; further on, the area around Bitti introduces you to Sardinia’s villages and traditions. The pleasure lies in the changing scenery as you venture beyond the coast.
At Cala Gonone, take a break overlooking the Gulf of Orosei. A boat trip or a hike makes a rewarding addition to the route: these coves invite you to explore beyond the driving seat. Next come the limestone landscapes of the Supramonte, Gairo Vecchio and a return to the south-eastern coast. In Cagliari, leave the 4x4 behind for a stroll through the Castello district.
Choose the East if you enjoy combining driving, mountain scenery and days by the water. It is a lovely way to focus on one half of the island while leaving time for excursions on foot or by boat.
Sardinia East roadbook: 150 pages, in digital PDF + GPX format. See the product page for the current price.
Western Sardinia: mines, dunes and colourful villages
The West route starts in Pula, near Cagliari, then heads north. Nora brings ancient history into the journey from the outset. Further on, around Ingurtosu and Naracauli, the old mining buildings tell a very different chapter of the island’s story. Here, the landscapes make you want to stop just as much as they encourage you to keep exploring.
The Costa Verde and the dunes of Piscinas offer a welcome pause by the sea. Leave your vehicle behind to explore these sandy landscapes, then continue to the coastal stops: the Sinis Peninsula and Tharros, Bosa on the River Temo, the area around Alghero and, finally, the north of the island towards Castelsardo.
Choose the West if you are drawn to historic sites, mining landscapes and walks through coastal towns. Plan your days around visits and leave the late afternoons free to wander.
Sardinia West roadbook: 153 pages, in digital PDF + GPX format. See the product page for the current price.
The full Sardinia route: make time for both journeys
If both routes appeal to you, the full roadbook brings East and West together. Head south from Golfo Aranci towards Cagliari, then continue along the western route from Pula, travelling north towards Castelsardo. Plan the connecting drive between Cagliari and Pula, as well as your return to the port, around your ferry tickets.
With at least twelve days on the route, the journey takes on a different scale. Compare the landscapes, follow a cultural visit with a day by the sea and spend more time on whatever appeals to you most. For a gentler pace, add free days so that you can pause between stages.
Choose the full route if you have at least two weeks on the island and would like to discover both sides of Sardinia. It also lets you prepare the entire route using a single guide.
Full Sardinia roadbook: PDF + GPX. See the product page for available formats and current prices.
Taking your 4x4 to Sardinia by ferry
Choose your port as you plan your route. Olbia and Golfo Aranci are in the north-east, Porto Torres in the north-west and Cagliari in the south. Arriving close to the start of your itinerary helps you avoid beginning your holiday with a long connecting drive. Depending on available crossings, it can also be practical to arrive at one port and depart from another.
From France. Corsica Ferries operates crossings from Toulon and Nice to Porto Torres.
From Italy. Corsica Ferries connects Livorno with Golfo Aranci. Moby and Tirrenia offer routes including Genoa–Porto Torres, Livorno–Olbia and Civitavecchia–Olbia. Grimaldi Lines serves routes including Livorno–Olbia, as well as Civitavecchia–Porto Torres and Civitavecchia–Cagliari.
Check available sailings for your travel dates directly with the ferry operators. Some services are seasonal; consult timetables and booking conditions before setting your itinerary.
Before booking: measure your vehicle as it will travel, including the roof rack, folded roof tent and accessories. If you are towing a trailer, declare it and its dimensions too. The Corsica Ferries vehicle guide explains how accessories and the trailer drawbar must be included in the measurements. Follow the instructions on your ticket for your arrival time at the port.
A roadbook to plan your stages and enjoy the stops
The guides combine step-by-step navigation with visitor information and useful details for planning your trip: water points, fuel stations and accommodation suggestions. GPX files accompany each format. Prepare your journey, then decide how much time you would like to spend on visits and breaks.
Our roadbooks follow permitted tracks and roads, with no private tracks. Always observe the signs and restrictions in force when you travel. These routes are designed for 4x4s; weather conditions and your vehicle’s equipment are part of the preparation.
So, will it be the mountains and coves of the East, the mines and villages of the West, or the pleasure of combining both? Explore the route details and choose your roadbook:
Danielle & David — GreenTracers
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