Top Picks for Luxury Travel in Sardinia.
If you’re looking for a luxury beach holiday, Sardinia may not initially spring to mind. Mainland Italy is packed with culture, mouth-watering cuisine and…
Car Hire in Sardinia.
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What our customers say
When I had to change my holiday dates due to a funeral, Carl couldn’t have been more helpful. What a pleasure to deal with just one person! Italy Car Rent are friendly and efficient too, I’d definitely choose Zest, and have already …
DAWN - Alghero Airport, 3 weeks ago
Compare the best Sardinia car hire deals
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Need help? Our UK-based team is here for you 24/7. If you have an issue at the rental desk, we will speak to the provider directly to sort it out.
Which car rental company should I book with in Sardinia?
We only work with the best providers in Sardina, from large global brands like Hertz, Europcar and Alamo, to smaller, more local brands like OptimoRent and Sicily by Car. Whoever you book with, get the best deals in car hire in Sardinia with Zest.
Book with Zest Car Rental in Sardinia
We take a fresh, honest approach to car hire. Our booking process is simple: clear pricing, no hidden costs, and no small print to sweat over.
We want you to relax and look forward to your holiday, not worry about the logistics.
Unlock the real Sardinia
Sardinia is famous for its emerald coastlines, mysterious Bronze Age ruins, and rugged interior mountains, but it is also the perfect gateway to spectacular seaside drives and hidden traditional valleys.
A scenic drive along the northern coast connects major hubs like Olbia and Alghero, tracing the spectacular Costa Smeralda.
Navigating these winding coastal routes reveals secluded white-sand beaches and dramatic cliffside views that traditional public transport routes cannot easily access.
Further inland or down toward the quiet southern coast, a rental vehicle gives you the complete freedom to explore the island at your own comfortable pace.
You can drive through the dramatic valleys of Nuoro or visit the historic mountain towns of the Barbagia region, celebrated for their deep cultural traditions and unique murals.
Having complete control over your itinerary allows you to stop at rural roadside fruit stalls, explore remote mountain tracks, and discover family-run trattorias completely free from rigid group tour schedules.
Our Fleet in Sardinia
At Zest Car Rental, we offer a wide range of vehicles in Sardinia to suit every type of traveller. Fuel-efficient economy cars and nimble compact models are highly practical for navigating narrow historic town roads and finding parking near popular beach resorts.
If you plan to tour the winding mountain routes of the interior, carry substantial holiday luggage, or cruise regional routes with family, choosing a spacious intermediate vehicle or a compact SUV can provide additional power, ground clearance, and reliable interior comfort for the terrain.
One Way Rentals in Sardinia
In Sardinia, you can pick up your car and drop it off at a different location, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
One-way rentals are perfect for linear road trips, cross-island travel, or flexible itineraries, such as collecting your vehicle at Olbia Airport and returning it at Alghero or Cagliari Airport.
Please note that each provider sets their own rules for one-way rentals, and some may apply a mandatory local fee. This is clearly shown during the booking process.
Driver Age Requirements in Sardinia
Can I rent a car in Sardinia if I am under 25?
Yes. However, many providers apply a Young Driver Surcharge and may restrict access to luxury vehicle categories. Young driver fees vary by provider and may still apply depending on age and vehicle category.
Can I rent a car in Sardinia if I am over 70?
Yes. While some providers may have additional requirements or conditions for older drivers depending on policy, others welcome senior drivers with zero restrictions or extra costs.
What is the best time of year to explore Sardinia by car?
The ideal time to explore Sardinia on a driving holiday is during the months of April to June or September to October. During these periods, you can enjoy beautifully mild, sunny temperatures and comfortable driving conditions across both coastal and inland routes while avoiding peak summer crowds.
The summer months of July and August bring continuous, intense heat—particularly across the arid central interior plains—along with major traffic congestion around popular coastal resorts and historical parking zones.
The winter months of November to March bring cooler temperatures and increased rainfall across low-lying coastal paths. High inland routes and mountainous regions around the Gennargentu range can experience sudden frost and wintry conditions.
Winter driving regulations and equipment requirements may vary depending on region, road type, and seasonal conditions, particularly in higher-altitude areas.
Essential Tips for Driving in Sardinia
Driving in Sardinia is conducted on the right-hand side of the road, with overtaking executed on the left. Sardinia currently operates without a regional motorway toll or vignette system across its road network, allowing drivers to navigate between towns and coastal areas without mandatory road charges. Drink-driving is prohibited under Italian law and penalties apply. Drivers should ensure they comply with local legal alcohol limits before driving.
Check current local requirements regarding the use of dipped headlights or daytime running lights, as rules may vary depending on conditions and road type. Many historic city centres such as Cagliari, Sassari, and Alghero have Restricted Traffic Zones (ZTL), which are controlled access areas. Entry rules vary by location and time, and unauthorised access may result in penalties enforced by local authorities.
Outside major urban boundaries, historic hill towns may feature steep gradients and narrow streets, and drivers should be prepared for reduced space and slower, more careful manoeuvring. Maintain a defensive driving style nationwide to account for variable road surface quality, occasional potholes on secondary rural routes, and sudden speed limit drops near smaller inland villages.
Book nowPlaces to hire in Sardinia
- Alghero
- Alghero Airport (AHO)
- Cagliari
- Cagliari Airport (CAG)
- Nuoro
- Olbia
- Olbia Airport (OLB)
- Sassari
Average customer rating for car hire in Sardinia
(4.54 out of 5.00) based on 287 responses to our customer survey.
Popular locations in Sardinia
See all locationsOur top 5 tourist attractions in Sardinia
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Nuraghi
These stone dwellings date from the Stone Age and are exclusive to Sardinia. There are around 8,000 of them though we don’t expect you to visit them all!
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Costa Smeralda
Probably the best resort area on the island. Exclusive hotels and wonderful beaches are everywhere and you really should spend a day or two here.
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Roman Ruins
Punic and Nora are the best places to visit for Roman ruins. A temple, mosaics, and theatre are amongst the highlights.
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Su Gorroppu Gorge
The deepest canyon in Sardinia. Wonderful scenery awaits should you visit this area.
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La Maddalena
Crystal clear water, pink sand, wonderful dive sites, what’s not to like? This stretch of the coast is holiday heaven!
