Practical Information
How to Have a Great Holiday in Sardinia

 About Sardinia

Sardinia is the second largest Italian island and is situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. With over 1840 km of coastline, it is has Italy's longest coast. The Greeks called it Hyknusa or Ichnussa (Ιχνουσσα), from the Greek ichnos (footprint of the human foot) because of its resemblance to a large footprint. Sardinia, however, takes its name from the Latin Sardinia, as the Romans called it.

There are numerous historical and archaeological sites in the region including: Nuraghi (the most famous), menhirs, sacred wells, tombs of the giants and “Domus de Janas”. All of these make Sardinian scenery truly one of a kind.

Sardinia is also called “the other continent,” because it has been at the centre of Western civilization for millennia and is still remote, independent and timeless. Recently, a research team discovered that in the modern Sardinian population the DNA of ancient hunter and gatherer populations survives, which lived on the island 12 thousand years ago. This is an exceptional discovery that underlines the uniqueness of the genetic heritage of Sardinians, linked to the isolation that has lasted for millennia.

Many people consider Sardinia the “least Italian” among all the regions because of its geographical isolation. This has led to the development of very distinct native animal and vegetable species (such as the mouflon or the white donkey of the Asinara). It also has a very particular language and ancient traditions, which have remained intact over the centuries.

Interestingly, Sardinia is known as one of the 5 countries in the world with the highest number of centenarians, together with the village Loma Linda (in California), the peninsula of Nicoya (in Costa Rica), the island of Ikaria (in Greece) and Okinawa (in Japan). There's no definitive answer why this is, however, some scientists believe that the secret lies in the genetics, daily diet, and special way of life in these areas.

From which country can you fly directly to Cagliari - Sardinia?

In total there are 67 airports around the world that have direct flights to Cagliari, spread around 59 cities in 17 countries. Here is the entire list.

Which airlines fly to Cagliari from London?

-Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Cagliari-Elmas Airport (check the official website for the schedule). 

-British Airways flies from London Gatwick to Cagliari-Elmas Airport (check the official website for the schedule).  

-Easyjet flies from London Gatwick to Cagliari-Elmas Airport (check the official website for the schedule). 

How long is the flight to Cagliari?

Flights from London take around 2h 30m. The longest flight to Cagliari is from Gothenburg (GOT). This non-stop flight takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Is it possible to fly directly from Ireland to Sardinia?

Ryanair and Aer Lingus offer direct flights to Sardinia.

Rent a Car

NxtStop Sardinia can help you to rent a car, contact us.

Driving in a car is the best way to travel in Sardinia and will allow you to explore the island. You will be able to discover the spectacular beaches and coves, experience the diverse scenery and views and visit some of the towns, villages and historical sites. There are no motorways in Sardinia but there are 'A, roads connecting the major cities.

Where can I rent a car in Southwest Sardinia?

There are car hire companies on site at Cagliari-Elmas airport including Avis, Europcar, Hertz, These have counters conveniently located within the arrivals section of the airport. Cagliari Airport is located just over 10 km (6 miles) from the city centre. 

Please note: It is best to hire a car before arriving in Cagliari, especially in the summer months. NxtStop Sardinia can help you rent a car, contact us.

On average a car hire in Cagliari costs £45 per day, depending on the time of the year; summer is more expensive.

Filling up a tank of fuel costs between £55 and £75, depending on the car size.

Can I drive to Italy on a UK driving licence after Brexit?

From 1 January, most UK drivers will still be able to use their normal driving licence to drive in EU countries. There are some exceptions and you may need to purchase an International Driving Permit (IDP can be bought at Post Offices for £5.50). These exceptions are for people who only have a paper licence, not a photocard one, as well as those with licences issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.