Strictly Sardinia Podcast
Episode: Local Tips For Driving In Sardinia
Host: Claudia Tavani
Date: January 8, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode of Strictly Sardinia, host and Sardinian local Claudia Tavani shares comprehensive and practical tips for driving on the island. Drawing from her personal experience as both a resident and avid traveler, Claudia guides listeners through everything from road safety and car rental paperwork to navigating parking laws and unpredictable rural roads. The episode aims to equip visitors with the insider knowledge necessary for a stress-free and memorable Sardinian road trip.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Is Driving in Sardinia Safe?
- Sardinia has low population density, so roads are much less congested than mainland Italy.
- Off-season (October-May): Minimal traffic, especially outside Cagliari or other large cities.
- Summer: Expect heavier traffic near coastal areas as locals and tourists flock to the beaches.
- Notable Quote:
“Sardinia has a very low population density, which means that the roads are not nearly as congested as you would experience in other parts of the country.” (03:46)
2. Key Tips for First-Time Drivers
- Drive on the right
- Same as the rest of Italy and continental Europe.
- Minimum legal age: 18 years old.
- Required documents:
- EU citizens: Bring your regular driver's license.
- Non-EU visitors: Must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your home license.
“If you don’t have [the IDP], your car rental agent can refuse to give you a car.” (07:00)
- Insurance:
- By law, all cars need basic insurance.
- Claudia recommends full coverage for peace of mind.
3. Speed Limits and Enforcement
- City limits: usually 50 km/h; sometimes as low as 30 km/h (e.g., all of Olbia).
- Outside urban areas: varies between 50–90 km/h; provincial and state roads (SP/SS) can reach 110 km/h.
- There are no autostrade (toll highways) in Sardinia.
- Speed enforcement: Expect speed cameras and police checkpoints, especially where limits change.
- Notable Quote:
“Locals can often be seen driving well above the speed limit. That wouldn’t be me, though!” (10:36)
4. Road Conditions & Layout
- Maintenance varies; expect potholes and poorly marked depressions, especially in rural areas.
- Sardinia is mountainous—prepare for lots of steep and windy roads.
“My friend, when he visited years ago, swore we’d never find a straight road here… and that’s actually quite the case.” (14:04)
- No need for an SUV—regular cars suffice, but cars with low engines might struggle on rough rural tracks.
5. Roundabouts & Headlight Usage
- Roundabouts are everywhere.
- Rule: Yield to traffic coming from the left; do not stop completely unless a sign requires it. (16:27)
- Headlights: Legally required outside city limits, even during the day.
6. Navigation and Signage
- Road signs can be unreliable, outdated, or missing—especially in rural areas.
- Some intersections have poorly placed signage; slow down and rely on GPS.
- Claudia recommends renting a car with built-in GPS or using your own smartphone navigation.
7. Driving Culture & Etiquette
- Sardinian drivers generally relaxed, but tailgating happens, especially in narrow or urban streets.
- Let faster drivers overtake when possible; stay calm and drive defensively.
8. Unique Rural Obstacles
- Livestock, especially sheep, often cross or block rural roads—even near cities.
“I have been known to call the polizia municipale, the local police, when there have been flocks of sheep in the city. I’m not kidding.” (20:04)
9. Parking Rules & Restrictions
- Blue lines: Paid parking (need coins or sometimes card).
- White lines: Free parking.
- Yellow lines: Reserved for special categories (disabled, police, etc.).
- Check signage for “carico/scarico” (loading/unloading) restrictions.
- In cities, find a dedicated car park near the center—street parking is limited and can be risky for your car’s mirrors on narrow streets.
10. ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) in City Centers
- ZTLs restrict access to historic city centers; enforced by cameras.
- Always check the municipality’s website or Claudia’s blog for up-to-date ZTL info.
- Strongly discouraged: Do not drive or park in ZTL zones unless you have a permit.
“These are areas that are best explored on foot.” (26:01)
11. Other Essential Reminders
- Alcohol limit: 0.05% Blood alcohol, easy to exceed after even one drink—best to avoid drinking altogether when driving.
- No handheld phone use: Only hands-free devices allowed; fines for violators.
- Emergency number: Dial 112 for any emergency (police, firefighters, health) anywhere on the island. (28:14)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On parking mirrors:
“If you park your car on a narrow street, I recommend to fold the rear view mirrors so to avoid any damage…” (24:31)
-
On roundabouts for non-Europeans:
“If you’re coming from North America or Australia, and you’re not used to roundabouts, remember: in Italy, you always have to give way to anyone coming from your left.” (16:10)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Safety of Driving in Sardinia: 03:46
- Required Documents & Driving Side: 05:14 – 07:11
- Insurance Advice: 08:13
- Speed Limits Discussion: 10:00 – 12:22
- Road Conditions & Curves: 13:42 – 15:22
- Roundabout Etiquette: 16:00 – 17:15
- Navigation/Road Signs: 18:00
- Tailgating & Driving Etiquette: 19:20
- Herds of Sheep Warning: 20:04
- Parking Rules: 21:21 – 25:55
- ZTL & City Centers: 25:55 – 27:02
- Alcohol, Phones & Emergencies: 27:35 – 28:24
Final Thoughts
This episode is a must-listen (or read) for anyone planning to drive in Sardinia, offering a blend of practical, legal, and cultural advice. For more detailed guides and downloadable resources—including specific ZTL maps—Claudia directs listeners to her website StrictlySardinia.com. The next episode will focus on getting around Sardinia by public transport.
Share the podcast with anyone heading to Sardinia and leave a five-star rating if you found these tips helpful!