How long is Strada Statale 125 Orientale Sarda?

How long is Strada Statale 125 Orientale Sarda?

Italy, europe

Length

354 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: Sardinia's eastern coast, sun shining, and you're cruising along the Strada Statale 125 Orientale Sarda. Trust me, this is a road trip you won't forget!

Stretching for 354 kilometers (that's 220 miles) from Quartucciu, near Cagliari, all the way up to Palau, this fully paved road is a pure Sardinian adventure. "Beautiful" doesn't even begin to cover it. But fair warning, it's also known as one of the island's more challenging drives.

Think hairpin turns galore, tunnels popping up out of nowhere, and maybe even some potholes thrown in for good measure. The views? Absolutely stunning. Just keep your eyes on the road! Summer brings the crowds, so be prepared for a little traffic around the tourist hotspots. Oh, and those winds? They can be brutal from September to April, with gusts reaching over 100 km/h (60 mph). Hold on tight!

For the ultimate experience, make sure you tackle the 63-kilometer (39-mile) section within the Parco nazionale del Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu. This stretch connects Santa Maria Navarrese, a charming coastal town, to Dorgali. This is where the scenery goes into overdrive. Trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment!

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Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
354 km
Difficulty
moderate

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