Sardinia by Car - anyone done it?

[omniflow]

Considering going on holiday to Sardinia by car. It looks viable to me - drive to Genoa or Marseilles, and then take an overnight ferry. Probably cheaper than flying and hiring a car (August prices), and also quite possibly less stress.

Has anyone done it?

Any advice on routes or Ferry companies? - I've done Portsmouth-St Malo overnight on Britanny Ferries many times, and something similar to that would be ideal. I've read that one of the ferry companies is better than the others, but I don't remember which one - not looking for 5 star luxury, but don't want a tramp steamer.

Thanks

[Furberger]

I did it on motorbike. Big holiday in August in Italy. Everything shuts down. I managed to get the last space on the boat for the next 2 weeks and they always have space for bikes. Think we went with Mobi line. See if you can get a ferry before you get too excited is my advice!

[omniflow]

Availability on the Ferries actually looks fine at the moment. I've decided that Genoa is the best option, there are multiple ferry companies and at least 2 sailings every day. Marseilles is a much longer crossing and there are only about 3 sailings a week.

Problem is, it looks like there are flights available for £330 each, so for 4 people that's ~£1,500. The ferry is £900 return, Petrol will be at least £1,000 (E61 M5) and I will need at least one overnight on the way there (not sure about the way back) - then there's Eurotunnel. I do save on Car Hire though.

I REALLY want to do this, and was hoping to be able to justify it on the basis of cost.... Back to the drawing board.

[Enricogto]

Omniflow,

I've done a few times and I strongly recommend the car vs the plane.
The main airport in summer season is olbia, in the north, quite close to Costa Smeralda (the poshest holiday location) hence it will be fairly busy, expect delays if you go there (lots of private jets and relative baggages to be handled).
The other airport is in Cagliari in the south, but I don't know if you'll be able to get tickets for that.
Cost of petrol at the moment is at 1,7 € per litre.
The ferries are almost the same in terms of quality of the service, Moby and Sardinia Ferries being on top, with Tirrenia http://www.tirrenia.it/en/Pagine/homepage.aspx# a tad below, but never had serious issues. I usually do the stint from Livorno to Arbatax, but given where you're coming from, Genoa is definitely the best option.
Out of Costa Smeralda do not expect to find crowds, and the sea is definitely better/cheaper. In august you'll find anything open in Sardinia, as it's the pinnacle of the season, not necessarly the same on the continent.
Hope it helps, do not hesitate to ask for more.
Happy holiday

[rupert the dog]

Ryanair fly into alghero, used them several times. I know their rep here,but they are cheap (looked last week and could fly in/out for less than £300 for 2. Sardinia is one of my favourite places, and agree with poster above, avoid Smeralda and rest of island is beautiful and reasonable.

[Issi]

Arbatax used to be a nice little place, but it's been 15 odd years since i've been there.

[ramz]

We're going to spend 7 nights close to Olbia in July, accomodation is sorted as we're staying at a friends place...

Now all I need is a few recommendations for things to do and places to see. Anyone?

[bomb]

Ferry to Rotterdam.

1 hrs drive to s'Hortenbosch (Netherlands). Check out 'Railsavers' on the Web.

Train, ( with car on the train,) to Livorno (Near Pisa).

Ferry from Livorno to Sardinia.

You have arrived.


Here is one I prepared earlier......