Landing at Cagliari's Elmas airport, you'll find Sardinia's coast, city and countryside all within easy reach. Renting a car is the easiest way to connect them - city cafés, sandy bays, inland ruins - in any order you like. For British travelers, this means no buses, no heavy bags, just clean roads and your own schedule.
Goldcar makes it easy to rent a car in Cagliari. The cars are modern, well-maintained and selected to suit your trip. By booking in advance, you usually benefit from better rates. You can opt for zero deductible coverage, add a second driver, choose extras like GPS or Wi-Fi, and use express pick-up options like Key'n Go when available. Multilingual assistance and 24-hour roadside assistance take the stress out of driving.
Why rent a car in Cagliari?
Many of southern Sardinia's hidden gems lie off the beaten track, rarely served by bus and expensive by cab. With your own car, you can leave the airport and reach... :
Poetto beach in 15 minutes
the Roman ruins of Nora in around 40 minutes
the dunes and coves of Chia in around an hour
Villasimius on the picturesque east coast
You decide when to stop, how long to stay and where the route takes you. Pick-up and drop-off at the airport makes things simple: the car is ready when you arrive, and you return it before your flight home.
Options and extras for vehicles at Cagliari airport
For narrow streets and short journeys, a compact city car is ideal. For couples or small families with luggage, opt for a hatchback or station wagon. If you're planning longer journeys or rougher rural roads, an SUV will give you more space and confidence. Groups or water excursions may require a car with seven or more seats.
Automatic gearboxes are available if you prefer them. Eco-friendly options such as hybrid and electric cars are also available, depending on dates. You can add :
Child seats complying with Italian standards
Satellite vessels for rural or restricted areas
Mobile Wi-Fi
Second driver
Deductible-free or premium insurance
Young drivers are accepted in certain car groups at an additional cost.
Pick-up and drop-off at Cagliari airport
After arrival, follow the signs in the arrivals hall to the car rental desks. Present your driver's license, identity card, credit card, booking confirmation and any registration code you have generated in advance. Goldcar staff will direct you to your vehicle, which is a short walk or shuttle ride away, depending on location. If you have reserved Key'n Go, please go to the kiosk rather than the counter.
On your return, follow the "Car Rental Return" signs. Drive to the indicated location, allow time for inspection and return the keys. If your rental is full, fill up before you arrive. There are several service stations on the way to the airport. After-hours returns are usually via a drop-box - check your contract for details.
Before you leave, adjust your seat and mirrors, note the type of fuel and take photos of any existing brands. Ask the staff about prohibited areas near your accommodation to avoid fines.
Explore Cagliari and surroundings
Start in Cagliari's old quarter, Castello, where narrow streets, medieval walls and sea views await you. From here, stroll along Via Roma and visit the Marina. Just to the east is Poetto beach, with its bars, sand and local life.
For scenery and history, drive southwest to Pula and Nora - ruins set into the coastal landscape. Chia is further afield: wind along the cliffs and stop in the coves. Or take the SP17 east towards Villasimius, with its hidden beaches and breathtaking views.
Inland, you'll find Su Nuraxi in Barumini, Sardinia's Bronze Age stone towers. Combine this with lunch in a rural village or head deep into the Gennargentu mountains to enjoy the fresh air, trails and authenticity of everyday life.
With your own car, you can avoid the mid-day crowds, linger at quiet viewpoints or change your itinerary if the weather changes. Pack your beach towels, maps, snacks and follow your instincts.
Tips for driving and parking in Cagliari
You drive on the right. Standard limits: 50 in town, 90 on main roads, 110 to 130 on dual carriageways or freeways. Sardinia has no toll freeways, so you can drive freely all over the island.
Beware of no-access zones in old towns: cameras control access and fines are automatic. Park outside these zones and enter on foot. When visiting the city, look for multi-storey or coastal parking lots.
Street parking is color-coded: blue for paid lots, white often free, yellow for reserved lots. Check the signs for times and local conditions. Many pay-and-display machines now accept cards or payment applications, but not all.
Gas stations are easy to find near towns and main roads, but rural stations may close at midday or on Sundays. Be prepared if you return home with a full tank.
When to visit Sardinia
Late spring and early autumn offer the best balance: warm sea, fewer people and easier parking. Car rental and hotel prices are generally lower than in high summer.
July and August are hot and crowded. Book early, hit the beaches early in the day and plan excursions inland to escape the heat. Winter is calm, ideal for archaeology, gastronomy and open roads. Spring brings wild flowers and clear skies.
