Car-free holiday in Sardinia and Corsica:getting around without a car

Travelling without a car in Sardinia and Corsica

More and more travellers are choosing to experience their holidays at the pace of sustainability: going car-free is not just about cutting fuel costs and ferry transport expenses, but about embracing a more authentic and respectful way of discovering a destination. With a network of alternatives ranging from public transport to cycling routes, getting around northern Gallura and southern Corsica is an accessible and rewarding experience that lets you leave the stress of car parks and restricted traffic zones behind, and focus on soaking in the landscape.

 

Car-free in Sardinia: Santa Teresa di Gallura on foot and by bike

A car-free holiday in Sardinia is entirely possible, especially when you choose a well-positioned base such as Santa Teresa di Gallura. The town centre is perfectly walkable: within just a few minutes you can stroll from the lively Piazza Vittorio Emanuele to the stunning Rena Bianca beach.

Here are some of the activities you can easily reach on foot:

  • Beaches and connections: many of the most spectacular coves around Santa Teresa are reachable on short, pleasant walks from the centre. For more distant beaches such as La Marmorata, an efficient shuttle and Beach Bus service operates during the summer season, ideal for anyone looking to avoid the hassle of finding a parking space.
  • Trekking and trails: the Capo Testa area is a true paradise for hikers, with paths winding through granite cliffs and Mediterranean scrubland. A note of caution, however: some of the panoramic trails are very narrow with uneven surfaces, making them unsuitable for cycling and extremely busy during summer.
  • Sea excursions: to visit natural treasures such as the Lavezzi Islands or the La Maddalena Archipelago, no car is needed. Organised day trips depart daily from Santa Teresa harbour, taking you straight into the heart of the nature reserve.
  • Cultural visits across the strait: in Santa Teresa, you can visit the imposing Torre di Longonsardo, which stands guard over the strait and offers a breathtaking view stretching all the way to Corsica. Once you arrive in Bonifacio, make sure to see the Escalier du Roy d’Aragon, the famous 187 steps carved directly into the clifftop overlooking the sea.
  • Public transport in Sardinia: the ARST regional bus network connects Santa Teresa with the main towns of Gallura, including Palau and Olbia. During summer, Beach Bus shuttle services also link the town centre with more distant beaches such as La Marmorata. Services generally end between 8 and 9 pm, so for evening travel you will need to rely on local taxis.

📷 Photo: Stahlkocher / Wikimedia Commons – Santa Teresa di Gallura La Marmorata (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Car-free in Corsica: discovering Bonifacio on foot

Crossing the Strait of Bonifacio, you will find that Corsica without a car has a charm all of its own. Once you disembark from the Ichnusa Lines ferry, the town of Bonifacio reveals itself as a perfect destination for car-free travel in Corsica, thanks to its compact and captivating historic centre.

  • From the port to the citadel: the famous Upper Citadel is connected to the port by a scenic uphill path. For those travelling with luggage or children, a convenient tourist train shuttles between the marina and the old town. As this is a seasonal service, it is worth checking availability before your visit.
  • Panoramic trails: once you are up on the heights, the clifftop paths (such as the Campu Romanilu trail) are accessible on foot only and offer spectacular views over the strait.
  • Cycling in Corsica: although the terrain is hilly, cycling around Corsica is a classic choice for experienced riders. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, local bus services in Corsica connect Bonifacio with Porto-Vecchio and Figari, though departures are less frequent than on the mainland.

Practical transport and logistics information

Exploring Sardinia without a car requires just a little extra planning. Here are some essential tools for getting around:

  • Airport connections and key information: from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, ARST line 601 serves Santa Teresa. Please note: the airport is not the terminus and not all services stop there. This is not a direct route but a multi-stop journey that can take close to 2 hours. On Sundays and public holidays, services are drastically reduced.
  • E-bike rental: given the significant gradients of the Gallura landscape and the Corsican cliffs, we recommend renting an e-bike (electric pedal-assist bicycle). This is the ideal solution for tackling the scenic viewpoints of Santa Teresa without excessive effort.
  • Luggage storage: for those who want to explore the towns while waiting for their ferry or after disembarking, luggage storage services are available. In Bonifacio, options can be found at the Marina; in Santa Teresa, several shops and tourist agencies near the port and town centre offer this service (seasonal availability should be confirmed in advance).
  • Official apps: for buses in Sardinia, download the DropTicket or AroundSardinia app to buy tickets online. In Corsica, visit the ViaCorsica portal for intercity transport timetables.
  • Local taxis: if public transport does not cover your schedule, local taxis are a reliable alternative. In Santa Teresa, you will find a taxi rank on Piazza Bruno Modesto (near the village entrance); in Bonifacio, taxis are stationed mainly along the Marina, close to the ferry dock.

Travelling as a foot passenger (or with your bicycle on board) with Ichnusa Lines is an excellent choice: boarding is quicker and costs are lower. Disembarkation takes you straight into the heart of Bonifacio or Santa Teresa, ready to start exploring without having to search for a parking space.