Hertz car rental in Sardinia

Sardinia - one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea – is famed for its beautiful beaches and rugged landscapes. From coastal walks to watersports, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing vacation filled with swimming, sunbathing and sightseeing.

Whether you’re planning to relax on the beaches of Alghero or spend time exploring the capital Cagliari, a rental car allows you to set your own itinerary and take in the best bits of this island paradise at your own pace.

Our collection desks are conveniently situated across Sardinia, making it easy to reserve your rental car online and collect it as soon as your flight lands. You’ll find us at Cagliari Airport and in other major cities such as Olbia. Browse our selection online and make your reservation. With no extra charges or fees, you’ll soon be on the road ready to begin your Sardinian adventure.

Driving in and around Sardinia

Sardinia’s roads are often quiet and hassle-free, making it an easy destination to explore in your rental car. There are no motorways or toll roads on the island, but the main cities are connected by dual carriageways, known as superstrada.

These include the SS131, a freeway running from Porto Torre on the north coast to Cagliari in the south, taking in Oristano along the way.

Another of the island’s main cities, Alghero, lies on the north west coast and is connected to the surrounding area by routes including the SS127, which leads north towards Sassari, and the SS291 towards Porto Torres.

Like most countries in Europe, drivers in Sardinia use the right side of the road and overtake vehicles on their left. The speed limit on the island’s main highways is 100km/h (62mph), falling to 50km/h (31mph) in cities and towns.

The roads of Sardinia are generally quiet, although traffic builds up in the main cites during the peak summer season. The central parts of the island’s cities are designated Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL) which means traffic is prohibited during certain hours.

These areas are clearly signposted, and fines are automatically issued if you stray into one in your rental car. Luckily, there are plenty of parking lots and on-street spaces where you can leave your car to explore on foot.

Pay-and-display parking spots are indicated by blue lines and free parking is shown by white lines, while spaces marked with yellow lines are reserved for residents with parking passes.

A quick guide to Sardinia

Thanks to its beautiful white sand beaches, Sardinia attracts visitors from across the world. With a rental car you’ll be able to go beyond these big coastal attractions and explore another side of the island, including its old towns and ancient monuments, as well as all the highlights of its cities.

Capital culture

Cagliari is a busy port city, providing an important link between Italy and Africa. But it’s also a popular destination for visitors thanks to its historic old town and scenic marina. Highlights include the Castello district, home to the city’s Romanesque cathedral and 14^th century royal palace.

After soaking up the historic sights, head to one of the restaurants that line Piazza Carlo Alberto for delicious Sardinian seafood, before taking a stroll along Via Santa Croce to enjoy beautiful sunset views.

Sun-kissed city

Over on the north-west coast of the island, Alghero is home to some of Sardinia’s most beautiful beach destinations including Lido San Giovanni – a swimming and sunbathing spot popular with locals and tourists alike. Just a short drive away is the palm tree-lined Maria Pia Beach, as well as Bombarde Beach which boasts lively seafront bars and restaurants.

For something different try Neptune’s Grotto, a network of caves with an underwater salt lake and spectacular stalagmites and stalactites formed over million years. Afterwards, head back into the center of Alghero to explore the old town – known as Barceloneta, or Little Barcelona – where you can see the city’s cathedral and historic alleyways, lined with ice cream parlors and trattorias.

Beautiful Bosa

Hop in your rental car and take the scenic coastal road south of Alghero to discover the colorful town of Bosa. Famous for its pastel houses situated along the water’s edge, this historic settlement offers an array of attractions around its old town, known as Sa Costa.

Don’t miss the Castle of Serravalle, a medieval fortress dating back to the 12^th century, or the Ponte Vecchio, which spans the Temo River offering excellent views of the town’s famous rainbow houses. Afterwards, pay a visit to Bosa Marina Beach - one of the most beautiful stretches of sand to be found anywhere on the island.

Back to nature

Away from Sardinia’s busy beach resorts, there are spectacular wild areas just waiting to be explored in your rental car. Gennargentu National Park, on the east coast, boasts the highest peak in Sardinia, the 6000 foot Punta La Marmora, as well as the spectacular natural caves of Mount Tiscali.

Head north for Asinara, a small island that was once a prison camp but today is a protected area preserved for local wildlife. Access is only available through guided tours, where you can spot everything from rare seabirds to the albino donkeys that inhabit the island. Catch the boat from Porto Torres or Stintino harbor to access this hidden gem. With a rental car, it’s all within easy reach.