Olbia, Alghero or Cagliari: which airport makes sense for Gallura?

Let the destination narrow the choice

Write down the actual accommodation address before comparing airports. Arzachena, Porto Cervo and other Gallura destinations sit in north-eastern Sardinia, making Olbia the closest airport on the map. That is a useful logistical advantage, but it does not guarantee the best flight for every origin, date or travelling party.

Compare door-to-door journeys rather than airport names. Include the time needed to reach Olbia town or collect a car, the road leg to the accommodation, luggage and possible waiting. A flight that looks convenient can still consume the first or last day through ground travel.

Olbia: the first airport to check

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is the natural starting point when looking for an arrival in the north-east. Local visitor information can help identify onward transport and services, while routes and schedules change by season and carrier. Check the exact travel dates with the airline and the provider of each later connection.

For a rental car, include collection, return and the conditions attached to your reservation. For public transport, confirm that the airport-to-destination combination operates on your flight day and at the relevant time. A town connection does not prove that the full journey to your accommodation is covered.

Alghero: calculate the complete route

Alghero is in the north-west. Its airport may suit you if it offers a better flight combination or if your trip already includes stops in that part of the island. Reaching Gallura adds a wider ground journey than arriving in Olbia. Check the connections published by So.Ge.A.Al, then plan the onward leg separately.

Do not treat services that appear on separate timetables as a guaranteed connection. Check dates, seasonal operation, stops, transfer margins and a fallback if a leg is delayed. If driving, compare pickup and return at the locations actually available; terms and availability depend on the rental company.

Cagliari: account for crossing the island

Cagliari is in the south and serves a different part of Sardinia. It can make sense if its flights fit your dates much better, if your itinerary includes a southern stop, or if you can turn the transfer into a longer route. For a holiday based in Gallura, include the substantial ground journey north-east in your calculation.

SOGAER lists ways to leave Cagliari Airport, including a rail connection. That does not create a direct link to Gallura: plan transfers, the final leg and their fit with your arrival. Without a workable plan, an airfare saving may be offset by a rental, an overnight stay or holiday time spent travelling.

Compare three complete trips

For each airport, write down the same items: fares for everyone, luggage, transfers, any rental car, an intermediate night and holiday hours used. Use the terms of your actual booking rather than an assumed average. Then consider the group’s tolerance for changes: several connections may be difficult with children, reduced mobility or a late arrival.

The practical choice is often clear: choose Olbia when you need to reach north-eastern Sardinia and the flight works; consider Alghero or Cagliari when flight availability, price or planned stops justify the additional transfer. Before paying, check the carrier’s calendar and the complete route to your accommodation address.