The Italian region of Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean sea, located west of the Italian peninsula and south of the French island of Corsica. The beautiful and varied landscape here is a popular tourist attraction for its beaches and ancient architecture. While running culture in Sardinia flies under the radar, there are some great spots if you know where to look. Our guide to running in Sardinia features several routes in each of four popular areas: Cagliari, the capital; the beach town of Alghero; historic Porto Torres; and the transit port of Olbia.
Some of the best places to run in Sardinia include some choice spots in Cagliari: Poetto beach, the Molentargius-Saline Regional Park, and the Monte Urpinu and San Michele urban parks. In Alghero, there’s great running on the beach and waterfront promenade. Explore Porto Torres with a run along the spacious waterfront. In Olbia, there’s also good running along the water and around the harbor.
Sardinia is 24,100 square kilometers, so a car is the best way to get around the island. A train network connects most of the major towns, and there is also a bus network which is extensive (if somewhat confusing). Ferries are also a popular form of travel, though most are more convenient for traveling to the mainland or other islands than they are for traveling about Sardinia.
