Sardinia impresses with its dazzling white dunes, turquoise sea, wild canyons, and waterfalls. The landscape is lined with former bandit villages and mysterious lost places, while majestic mountain peaks over 1,500 meters high offer stunning panoramas. The island is considered a mecca for off-roaders and offers numerous off-road routes for every skill level. Whether it's a 4x4 adventure, a test drive on a touring enduro, or an off-road camper – Sardinia guarantees unforgettable experiences.

Sardinia's off-road routes present a host of exciting challenges for drivers and their vehicles. There's everything from well-maintained gravel roads to narrow, overgrown dirt roads to dry riverbeds with rocks and sandy passages. This means ambitious off-road drivers will find their money's worth here. But don't worry, there are also suitable routes for less experienced drivers to explore the beautiful island.

Sardinia has so many attractions to offer that you'll probably never be able to discover everything on a single road trip. While off-roading on the island, you'll repeatedly come across breathtaking places not mentioned in travel guides, such as turquoise-green bathing bays beneath waterfalls, abandoned settlements, impressive panoramic views, and secluded beaches. These Sardinia off-road adventures allow you to experience untouched nature up close, get up close to the Sardinian people, and enjoy delicious local specialties – often at reasonable prices. The off-road routes not only offer driving pleasure but also lead to amazing attractions such as the murals in Orgosolo, the red cliffs of Arbatax, and the white dunes of Porto Pino. You'll find the best routes in Sardinia in our new 2025 Off-Road Atlas.

Here are our favorites among our Sardinia off-road routes:

• Oliena – Monte Corrassi – Orgosolo

• Montevecchio through the red streambed to Piscinas Beach

• Cagliari – "Arenas Biancas" Dunes – Porto Pino

• Red cliffs near Arbatax through the riverbed to Cala Sisine Beach

• Tour through Gennargentou National Park and Golfo di Orosei

Sardinia offers a rare combination that delights off-road enthusiasts: challenging tracks through wild mountain landscapes and secluded forests – and just a few kilometers further, stunning beaches that look like something out of a picture book. Hardly any other region in Europe allows you to jump straight into the turquoise sea after a dusty stretch. Those traveling in Sardinia can easily combine off-road adventures with a beach holiday. A particularly popular area for this is Ogliastra on the east coast: The gravel roads in the hinterland around Baunei lead through rugged limestone landscapes and forests – and often lead to secluded coves. A real highlight: the road to Cala Sisine, a beautiful pebble bay with crystal-clear water, accessible via a steep off-road route.

The south of the island also offers exciting combinations. Those who drive the roads around Chia and Teulada, for example, will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the coast and several accessible sandy beaches. Particularly beautiful: the Spiaggia di Su Giudeu with fine sand, dunes, and shallow water – ideal for a relaxing break.

In the northwest, a detour to the Spiaggia di Piscinas is worthwhile – a vast, almost desert-like beach with golden dunes. The approach is via a gravel road through former mining areas – dusty but impressive. Those who take this route will experience Sardinia from its rugged, unspoiled side.

Another insider tip is the combination of off-roading and a swim at Cala Domestica on the west coast. The small beach is surrounded by rocks and accessible via an old mining track – perfect for a picnic stop and a quick dip in the sea.

Those who travel through Sardinia's wild mountain landscapes, sandy off-road tracks, and secluded coastal stretches on an enduro or off-road vehicle will not only experience a varied tour in terms of driving technique – the Italian Mediterranean island also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. Sardinian cuisine is down-to-earth, tradition-conscious, and closely connected to nature and rural life. Perfect for recharging your batteries after a dusty day of driving.

Typical of the island are hearty stews such as zuppa gallurese, a bread casserole with cheese and broth, or minestra di ceci, a nutritious chickpea soup – simple and filling, a popular lunch option, especially in the mountain regions.

For a light snack on the go, try pane carasau – Sardinia's wafer-thin, crispy shepherd's bread. It's light, long-lasting, and ideal as a travel snack. It goes well with pecorino sardo, a strong sheep's cheese, or air-dried sausage such as salsiccia sarda. Those who prefer something warm can opt for a panino con porchetta – a rustic roll topped with spicy roast pork.

Those with a sweet tooth won't be left out either: a strong coffee is a must in the afternoon, often accompanied by seadas – fried pastries with pecorino cheese and lemon zest, drizzled with honey. A traditional dessert that's sweet, savory, and simply typically Sardinian.

In the evening, a glass of cannonau, the island's robust red wine, or a sip of mirto – the Sardinian myrtle liqueur – rounds off the day in style. Whether at an agriturismo, at a picnic in the countryside, or in a small village tavern: Sardinia combines culinary authenticity with true off-road adventures.