Strictly Sardinia Podcast

Host: Claudia Tavani
Episode: How To Get Around Sardinia
Date: March 20, 2025

Overview & Main Theme

In this episode, Claudia Tavani, Sardinia native and travel blogger, provides an in-depth guide on the best ways to get around Sardinia. With her engaging, local perspective, Claudia breaks down the island’s transportation options—including car rental, trains, buses, ferries, and biking—offering practical advice, notable warnings, and personal recommendations for every kind of traveler.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Sardinia’s Size and Travel Basics

• Sardinia is the second-largest Mediterranean island, roughly the size of Vermont or Wales.
• Distances may seem small, but winding and sometimes unpaved roads mean travel takes longer than expected.
• “There are lots of winding roads... which means that getting from one place to the other may be a bit more time consuming than you'd expect.” — Claudia (01:02)

2. Car Rental: The Best Option

• Strongest Recommendation: Renting a car is the best way to explore Sardinia, especially outside major cities.

• “Driving is by far the best way of getting around Sardinia. If you're visiting for a short time, it means you'll have more independence.” — Claudia (02:00)

• When You Can Skip a Car: If your trip only includes Cagliari or Alghero and you’re not venturing out, a car isn’t necessary.

• Rental Companies: No significant local options; international (Alamo, Avis, Hertz, Europcar) and Italian (Maggiore, Locauto, Sicily by Car) brands available.

• Claudia personally recommends using Discover Cars for their comparison service and customer support. (03:38)

• Insurance Advice: Always get full coverage, including collision damage waiver and theft protection.

• Legal Requirements:

  • Minimum driving age: 18
  • Non-EU license holders (e.g., U.S., Canada, South Africa): You must have an International Driver’s License.
  • “I know that some of you have never been asked to show a valid international driver's license. That does not mean it is not a legal requirement. It is so.” — Claudia (05:09)

3. Driving in Sardinia: Rules, Roads & Parking

• Road Types & Speed Limits:

  • Strada Statale/Superstrada: Main, toll-free highways (e.g., SS131, Cagliari-Sassari/Porto Torres), speed limit 110 km/h (68 mph).
  • Strada Provinciale: Provincial roads, winding and narrower, speed varies from 90 km/h (outside urban areas) down to 50 km/h (towns).
  • Urban roads: 30–50 km/h (18–31 mph); historic centers and residential areas have lower limits.
  • Strict enforcement of speed cameras and fines.

• Driving Etiquette & Tips:

  • Roads often narrow, but traffic is rarely heavy except in cities.
  • Winding routes can affect those with car sickness; bring medication.
  • “If you're traveling with children and someone prone to car sickness, come with Dramamin or ginger tablets...” — Claudia (11:31)

• Parking System:

  • Blue stripes: Paid parking (pay at meters or via Moneygo app).
  • White stripes: Free parking, though some spots reserved for loading/unloading.
  • Yellow stripes: Reserved for residents, disabled, or official vehicles.
  • Always check signs and meters for rates and time.
  • Parking fines issued to rental companies, then passed on to the renter.

4. Trains in Sardinia: Limited but Accessible

• Overview: Trains only connect main towns and cities; rare near coasts, mountain villages, or hiking trailheads.

• Operators:

  • Trenitalia: National operator, covers main routes (Cagliari, Oristano, Olbia, Sassari, Porto Torres).
  • ARST: Also runs some regional trains, e.g., Macomer to Nuoro, Sassari to Alghero.
  • “Trenitalia trains are actually very accessible for passengers that have a disability.” — Claudia (18:07)

• Scenic Option:

  • Trenino Verde (‘Little Green Train’): Europe’s largest tourist train network; very slow, more for sightseeing than real transport, with five available routes.
  • “This isn't really a way of getting around Sardinia. The train travels really, really slowly. It’s more of a tourist attraction…” — Claudia (20:29)

5. Buses: Budget-Friendly but Slower

• Coverage: Buses (by ARST) connect most towns and small cities, filling in gaps where trains don’t reach.
• Buses serve some beach areas but are less flexible than cars, especially for secluded beaches.
• “If you want to explore the many beaches of the island, you're still better off renting a car.” — Claudia (23:43)
• Accessibility: Seats for passengers with disabilities; notify the company 36 hours in advance for assistance.

6. Ferries: Accessing Sardinia’s Smaller Islands

• Main Islands: La Maddalena, Asinara, San Pietro, Tavolara.
• Operators:
  • Delcomar: Multiple routes including La Maddalena and San Pietro; car ferries except for Asinara (where cars aren’t allowed).
  • Maddalena Lines: La Maddalena ferries; car ferries.
  • Tavolara Traghetti Egite: Tourist ferry, no cars, booking ahead is a must (Porto San Paolo – Tavolara route).
• “You don’t need to get ferry tickets in advance to go to La Maddalena, San Pietro, or Asinara... But in case you are going to Tavolara, you really should book your tickets in advance...” — Claudia (27:27)

7. Cycling: For the Adventurous

• Cycling is gaining popularity and some panoramic roads have very little traffic outside summer.
• Cautions:
  • Avoid summer months: too hot and heavy traffic.
  • You can bring bikes on buses/trains for a small fee.

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Time | Topic | |-----------|----------------------------------| | 00:00 | Introduction & Sardinia size | | 02:00 | Renting a car: pros, recommendations | | 05:09 | Driver’s license requirements | | 08:10 | Sardinian road types & speed limits | | 12:55 | Parking systems explained | | 17:15 | Train travel in Sardinia | | 20:29 | Tourist trains: Trenino Verde | | 23:43 | Buses and public transport options | | 26:26 | Ferries to nearby islands | | 29:08 | Cycling tips | | 30:01 | Summary recap |

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “As a local, I'm here to help you pick the best way of moving around Sardinia based on your budget, your travel style, whatever you wish to do on the island.” — Claudia (01:21)

• “When it comes to Sardinia, less is more, so you want to focus on slow travel.” — Claudia (02:38)

• “Respect the speed limit in the city because...they have speed cameras all over and you don't want to get a fine.” — Claudia (10:11)

• “If you enjoy driving, you'll have a wonderful time here...driving along the island means you'll get endless views. It's gorgeous.” — Claudia (11:58)

• “Sardinians are not really that bad drivers. Some tend to go above the speed limit, but if they are tailgating, you just don't bother.” — Claudia (13:09)

• “Now, this isn't really a way of getting around Sardinia. The train travels really, really slowly. It's more of a tourist attraction.” — Claudia on the Trenino Verde (20:29)

Summary: Claudia’s Recommendations

• Best all-around: Renting a car gives maximum flexibility, efficiency, and access to beaches and small towns.
• Trains and buses: Good for main cities and budget travel but limited scope—best combined with other methods.
• Ferries: Essential for day trips or stays on smaller Sardinian islands; generally flexible but book in advance for Tavolara.
• Cycling: Best in off-peak months for experienced and adventurous visitors.

Next episode preview: Claudia will cover her two favorite places on the island: Villasimius and Costa Rei.

Resource: More details and links, including car rental, can be found on the Strictly Sardinia blog and in the podcast description.