Travel to and around Sardinia
Flights, car hire and travel information
Sardinia, Italy's second largest island, is accessible by air and sea, with good connections from across Europe and mainland Italy. With three main international airports and a network of ferry ports, it's easy to reach resorts, towns and villas throughout the island, from Cagliari and Alghero to the Costa Smeralda and the Gulf of Orosei.
Flying into Sardinia
Nearest Airports
Sardinia is accessible by two main airports:
- Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) – Best for the south of the island, including Cagliari, the Costa del Sud, Villasimius, and Pula.
- Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) – Ideal for the north-east, including Porto Cervo, the Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro, and the Maddalena Archipelago.
- Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO) – Convenient for the north-west, including Alghero, Stintino, and the Gulf of Asinara.
All three airports offer seasonal direct flights from major European cities, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, and Zurich. From outside Europe, travellers typically connect via Rome (FCO) or Milan (MXP or LIN).
Airport Transfers
After a long journey, you may prefer to skip the hassle of driving to your villa. Our private transfer service is a smooth and stress-free alternative. One of our experienced chauffeurs will take you directly to your villa, knowing exactly where to go.
Get in touch to learn more or to arrange your transfer. For us to assist with your request, please provide the following information:
- Flight details (flight number and times)
- Group composition (including ages of children)
- Luggage specifications
Flexible Arrivals
For villas with more complex travel logistics, we recommend taking extra care when booking your flights to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. In some cases, arriving a day early or leaving a day later can help avoid delays or missed connections.
Mid-week arrivals may be possible at selected villas outside the peak season. To make the most of more convenient flight options or tailor your travel plans, simply speak with your Villa Specialist before confirming your stay. We're here to offer expert advice and support every step of the way.
Travel to Sardinia by sea
Ferries
Sardinia is well served by ferry routes from mainland Italy, making it a popular choice for travellers who want to bring a car or enjoy a scenic crossing:
- Civitavecchia (near Rome) – The most popular mainland departure point, with overnight and daytime crossings to Cagliari, Olbia, and Arbatax.
- Genoa – Overnight ferries to Porto Torres, Olbia, and Cagliari, ideal for travellers coming from northern Italy or beyond.
- Livorno – Connections to Olbia and Golfo Aranci, useful when combining Sardinia with Tuscany.
- Naples and Palermo – Seasonal services to Cagliari for those travelling from the south.
Major operators include Tirrenia, Grimaldi Lines, and Moby Lines.
Explore Sardinia by Land
Trains
Unlike mainland Italy, Sardinia is not reachable by train, as it is an island. However, a regional rail network does operate on the island itself:
- Trains connect Cagliari, Sassari, Olbia, and Oristano, though services can be slow and infrequent compared to the mainland.
- For most visitors, car hire is strongly recommended as the best way to explore Sardinia's coastline, interior villages, and more remote areas.
Chauffeur
Whether you're heading out for a day trip, dinner reservation, or simply exploring the local area, our chauffeur service offers a relaxed and reliable way to get around. Sit back, enjoy the journey, and let us take care of the driving. Ask your Specialist to find out more.
Car Hire
Hiring a car is often the best way to explore your destination, and we’re here to make the process effortless. Through our trusted local partners, we can arrange your rental in advance, saving you time and ensuring peace of mind.
We’ll help you choose the right vehicle for the terrain around your villa and can coordinate any additional services to suit your plans.
Visit the link below to explore our car-hire options and contact us to arrange your booking.
To help us assist you, please provide:
- Inbound and outbound flight details (flight number and times)
- Preferred pick-up and drop-off points
- Group composition (including ages of any children), and luggage specifications
- Preferred vehicle category and transmission (manual/automatic)
Villa Matchmaking service
Because our local experts have personally visited each of our destinations, we know exactly what makes them special. Tell us what your ultimate villa holiday looks like, and allow us take care of the rest
