
Traveling through the scenic Strada Statale 125 Orientale Sarda
Italy, europe
354 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
# Strada Statale 125 Orientale Sarda
Hugging the eastern coast of Sardinia, this 354 km (220 miles) coastal route is absolutely stunning—and honestly, it demands your full attention.
Stretching from Quartucciu near Cagliari all the way up to Palau in the north, this fully paved road is a feast for the eyes. But fair warning: it's not just pretty, it's also seriously challenging. You'll navigate hairpin turns, squeeze through tunnels, and navigate some genuinely sketchy sections. Summer brings crowds of tourists, which means bumper-to-bumper traffic in popular spots. And if you're driving between September and April, brace yourself for wild winds—we're talking gusts over 100 km/h (60 mph) that'll have your heart racing.
The real showstopper? The section cutting through the Parco nazionale del Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu. This 63 km (39 miles) stretch connects Santa Maria Navarrese, a charming coastal town, to Dorgali, and it's where Sardinia shows off its most dramatic scenery. Towering cliffs, turquoise waters, and sweeping vistas that make every white-knuckle turn worth it.
This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive—it's an adventure that rewards careful drivers with some of Europe's most breathtaking coastal views.
Where is it?
Traveling through the scenic Strada Statale 125 Orientale Sarda is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 43.0381, 12.7360
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 354 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 43.0381, 12.7360
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