sardinia travel blog

The Perfect One Week in Sardinia Itinerary

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 25th July 2023

Categories Italy , Itineraries

Last Updated on 25th July 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

In this one-week Sardinia itinerary , we will be focusing on the southern coast of the island, checking out the best shores, the capital of Cagliari, and some of the traditional villages where time seems to have stopped forever.

One of the biggest islands in the Mediterranean, and indeed one of the largest islands in Europe , there is a lot to see and do in Sardinia.

One of the most popular Italian destinations in summer, there are dozens of towns, amazing beaches, and incredible traditions to discover… and sometimes, one week in Sardinia might not seem enough to see it all.

Basic Things to Know About Sardinia

Where is sardinia, how to get to sardinia, moving around, tips to spend a week in sardinia, days 1-2 in sardinia: cagliari, day 3-4 in sardinia: villasimius, day 4-7 in sardinia: costa rei and back to cagliari.

Italy’s most popular summer destination, Sardinia, is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily (which is also Italian).

Sardinia is an important autonomous region best known for its bilingual identity, with a unique autochthonous language, Algherese Catalan, one of the twelve different linguistic minorities scattered around the country, some of them also found in Sardinia 

The island is also known for its national parks and reserves and a varied ecosystem that includes not just impressive sandy shores, but also mountains, plains, woods, and extensive uninhabited territories.

The island is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, close to the coast of the Toscana region and the French island of Corsica which is separated from Sardinia by the Strait of Bonifacio.

The best and most practical way to get to Sardinia is from Italy. Most people get to Sardinia by ferry from the ports of Genoa , Naples, and Rome and so a visit here can be combined with a trip to one of Italy’s most famous cities.

There are also regular commercial flights to the island landing in any of the three airports on the island: Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero. There are also dozens of seasonal charter flights during the high season from many different Italian towns.

Although flying is faster and cheaper than boarding a ferry (oftentimes overnight), a boat will give you the possibility to board with your own vehicle, which you will soon learn, offers incredible autonomy and flexibility to move around such a big island. 

Keep in mind, for instance, that one of the most popular ferry routes (departing from Civitavecchia in Rome) takes about 14 hours while the flight Rome-Sardinia takes about an hour. 

If you’re traveling from France and want to embark your vehicle, you can take the ferry from Marseille. The journey Marseille-Sardinia can take from 11 to 17 hours. Make sure to book in advance as the popularity of the island means that prices are very elevated in the high season and so it’s best to book well in advance.

Given the impressive distances you need to travel to see the most important landmarks, but also cities, natural reserves, and beaches, the best way to discover Sardinia is to rent a car.  Check car rental prices here.

For you to get a better idea regarding distances, keep in mind that it takes about 3 hours to get from Cagliari (in the south) to Olbia (in the north), or about 2.5 hours from Cagliari to Alghero, on the western coast of Sardinia. By bus, the travel time can even double, especially in the high season.

This gives you enough flexibility to plan a smart itinerary according to the available time you have to spend on the island.

There are also buses and (very few) connecting the main towns on the island, however, schedules aren’t always practical nor are the services punctual. Generally speaking, the service is not really efficient and it will make you waste lots of precious time changing from one bus to the other in some remote bus station. 

On the other hand, if driving is not in your plans, you can still see quite a lot of Sardinia by joining different organized tours with pick-up or transfer services. This is another way to get efficient transport to see the best of Sardinia without getting behind the wheel.

As we have already mentioned above, the island is huge, so if you fantasize about seeing most of Sardinia in one week, then forget it. In general, driving times are incredibly long, which means you will be spending most of your time on the road instead of enjoying the best of the island.

This time, we have decided to explore the amazing south of the island, which will also give you the chance to check out the most important city and capital of the island. 

We did not just choose this itinerary because of the amazing beaches you can enjoy, but also because most international flights land in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital. So if you’re not traveling from Italy, chances are that Cagliari will be your starting point for a Sardinia vacation.

Besides, staying in or near Cagliari offers more access to transport, organized excursions, boat trips, and a good highway network to reach other areas of Sardinia as well.

Finally, the best thing you can do is to keep your itinerary flexible and enjoy every stop along the way. Take enough time to see one or two sites at a time and do not pack a lot in a day. 

You won’t enjoy all the magic natural places that the island has to offer, you’ll be stressed out, and miss a lot of the fun that has made Sardinia the number one holiday spot among Italians. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our top Italy travel tips .

One Week in Sardinia – The South Coast: Cagliari, Costa Rei and Villasimius

A perfect itinerary if you land at the airport of Cagliari, moving around this trip includes stops in interesting places along the southeastern coast of the island. 

This part of Sardinia is perfect for those who cannot spend long hours far from crystal clear beaches, but who also have a passion for water sports and close contact with nature.

This itinerary is ideal for those looking to spend long hours relaxing by the sea, but that will also enjoy some nightlife activities, interesting villages, and plenty of cultural experiences.

The itinerary includes three main stops, the capital of the island, Cagliari, as well as the gorgeous seaside resorts of Villasimius and Costa Rei.

For those looking to see more, there are day trips included, such as a visit to Pula or the spectacular Chia Beach on the southern tip of Sardinia.

There is a lot to see in the capital of the island. Devote the first day in Cagliari to adapt to the unique rhythm of the city, somewhat calmer and more laid-back than in mainland Italy. It is a great idea to start by exploring San Benedetto Market, which is open in the mornings (until 2 pm).

This is the city’s biggest food market as well as the most amazing display of Sardinia’s traditional cuisine. Don’t be mistaken, if you thought you knew everything about Italian food , think it over. 

Due to the hundreds of years of isolation and the long distance that separates Sardinia from mainland Italy, the local gastronomy is completely different and it almost does not resemble what you could eat in the rest of the country.

No place is better than the market to taste Sardinia’s remarkable cheeses and cold cuts, original bread specialties, unusual pasta, and unexpected sweets.

If you like fish and seafood, the market won’t disappoint either. In fact, there is a whole floor devoted to seafood!

Next up, head to the Castello District, the oldest of the historic districts in the city, hosting some of the most important landmarks in the capital, such as the Cathedral of Cagliari, and the Bastion of Saint Remy.

This beautiful quarter is on top of a hill where, in the past, the nobles and wealthy inhabitants of Sardinia would build impressive mansions and other buildings.

Among the inhabitants of the district, there were also Spanish and Pisans. The latter fortified the area and used it as the headquarters for their naval forces. 

The district features narrow alleys, mostly pedestrian, dozens of quaint cafés and traditional restaurants, but also amazing observing points over the sea and the pristine coast, scattered along the ramparts of the district. 

When exploring the Castello district, you can also check out The Elephant Tower and San Pancrazio Tower, built by the Pisans in the fourteenth century and open to the public. Also in the same area, you can visit the Cagliari Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Royal Palace.

Finally, in the northern part of the district, there is an interesting Roman Amphitheatre and a unique Botanical Garden that, with its over 2000 plant species is a perfect example of Sardinia’s natural diversity and incredible ecosystem.

End the day heading to the Saint Remy Bastion which connects the upper and lower parts of the city and is one of the most characteristic symbols of the town.

To learn more and see the best of Cagliari, it is a good idea to join a walking tour of the old town hosted by a local like this one .

On your second day in Cagliari, why not venture beyond the boundaries of the city to learn more about the history of the island? Sardinia is home to some of the most incredible archaeological sites in the country, featuring an intriguing characteristic monument, the nuraghe. 

These fortress-type constructions were built by the ancient inhabitants of the island back in 1800 BC, approximately. 

There are more than 7000 nuraghes in Sardinia, often with surrounding fortifications and villages. These are the only tangible testimony of the ancient Sardinian civilization, also known as Nuragic, as there are no written records of this civilization.

About an hour from Cagliari, the nuraghe Su Nuraxi is the largest and most famous nuraghe of Sardinia and is the only nuraghe listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It features clear walls and fortifications and it is also the only nuraghe that has been fully excavated, around the area, there is also an interesting Nuragic village with rests of about 50 small houses. 

For better organisation and to learn even more about this mysterious place, check out this organised activity that explores this Bronze Age defence system.

Devote the afternoon to visiting one of the nicest beaches in the area, the impressive Poetto Beach. Over here, you can spend a fantastic time swimming and admiring the incredible color of the sea. This is one of the closest beaches to the city as well as a popular getaway for locals and visitors alike.

Known as one of the longest beaches on the island, the coastal resort extends for over 7 kilometers. The place is well organized, featuring exclusive beach clubs, restaurants, bars, and a variety of water sports facilities.

You can get there by car (about 20 minutes from the centre) or you can also take the bus from the main Matteotti Square.

One of the most incredible villages and beaches on the southern coast of Sardinia, Villasimius offers both relaxation and tranquillity but also some of the most incredible landscapes on the island.

Even if we decided to devote two days to the region, chances are that you won’t want to leave! Known as the pearl of the south, this incredible coastal portion of Sardinia features beautiful glimmering crystal-clear water with pleasantly warm temperatures. 

All around the area, unique clear granite cliffs, and coves, but also unexpected lagoons and lush hills.

Among the gems you can enjoy in the Villasimius region, start by heading to the promontory of Capo Carbonara promontory which is home to a protected marine area with incredible panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

Other beaches to explore during your two days in this village include Porto Sa Ruxi, Campus , Campulongu, and Riso Beach. Riso in Italian means rice and the name perfectly described the unusual rice-shaped sand that has made the place truly famous.

In the late evenings, you can enjoy a walk along the tourist harbor and have fun going shopping for souvenirs in the commercial area of the village. You can also dine delicious dishes of seafood served on the waterfront until late in the evening.

On your second day in Villasimius, it is a good idea to spend some time checking out the western side of Capo Carbonara, here you will discover the incredible beach of Cala Caterina and the marshes of Stagno di Notteri, known for the incredible number of pink flamingos that live in the area.

Over here, you can also admire (or even visit), the famous islands of Serpentara and Cavoli, both known for several shipwrecks as well as impressive underwater life that you can explore scuba diving.

If you’re still fascinated about the past of the island, there are several archaeological ruins from the Nuragic age that you can visit, such as the Accu Is Traias necropolis as well as the Roman Baths of Santa Maria. 

In Villasimius, there is also an interesting archaeological museum, with interesting displays related to the shipwrecks that took place in the area over the centuries.

If you prefer to devote more time to Cagliari and only want to see the highlights of Villasimius, you can check out this Villasimius beaches day trip that also includes transportation and a short visit to Costa Rei.

Spend your last days in Sardinia enjoying Costa Rei, one of the most enchanting areas of the island. Over here, you can explore the Sarrabus a natural park and reserve with the impressive backdrop of the Sette Fratelli mountain range.

A favorite destination among hikers and fans of walks in nature, the region includes lush hills, an impressive deep blue coast, and amazing dunes.

Different beaches or, as locals call them, calas , are some of the most impressive spots you can discover in Costa Rei. One of the most impressive ones, Cala Pira, is a beautiful, although fairly small bay with crystal seas surrounded by dunes and juniper trees. 

Not far, Cala Sinzias is a protected shore surrounded by a thick pine forest, standing sandwiched between two small cliffs that give the area a private atmosphere, despite being quite close to the town of Costa Rei.

The little town is a very lively coastal resort bordered by a magnificent stretch of fine white sand in clear contrast with the deep emerald green of the sea in the area. 

The sandy beach, which is about 10 kilometers long features shallow, safe waters, and all the organized services you need, including good restaurants, and bars, but also hotels, entertainment, and shopping opportunities

On your second day in Costa Reis, you can drive to Muravera, another interesting coastal resort that hosts interesting activities and events devoted to the promotion of Sardinia’s most unique traditions and culture, the area is also known for a variety of gastronomic festivals that take place not only in summer.

For more information about the traditions of Costa Rei, it is a good idea to visit the Castiadas Penal Colony. Today a cultural center and museum this former prison dates back to 1877. 

The fields surrounding the detention center, which now produce an incredible variety of organic products, were once tilled by semi-free prisoners.

When it is time to go back to Cagliari, it is a great idea to drive from the south to the airport along one of the most impressive scenic routes in Italy. This panoramic road travels north along the coast, passing through gorgeous hills overlooking the magnificent shores of the south of the island.

Day Trips in the Area

If you have extra time during your trip or plan to do alternative things to the ones suggested in this itinerary, check out these interesting day trips that will surely add more color to your Sardinia escape:

Day Trip to Pula

Easy to reach from Cagliari, the small town of Pula is a great destination for water sports, fun entertainment, and, again, great beaches. 

Pula is located about 38 kilometers from the center of Cagliari, there are incredible shores to spend the day swimming or practicing water sports, but also an interesting archaeological site, the Ancient City of Nora which dates from the Punic times but saw its most important development during the Roman era. 

Among the things to discover are the ruins of ancient houses and public buildings, an imposing theater, and diverse thermal complexes.

If you’re visiting Pula for its beaches, they won’t disappoint, the most famous of all is Santa Maria di Pula, a 10-kilometer-long collection of coves surrounded by thick pine forests that offer natural shade and fresher temperatures.

Day Trip to Chia Beach

Turquoise calm waters and clear sand are the most distinctive traits of Chia Beach and they are worth a day trip from Villasimius, Cagliari, or Costa Rei. Also famous for its wildlife, the dozens of dolphins that come to breed on its coast, and a picturesque lagoon with pink flamingos.

Near the main seaside area, you can check out the impressive Campana Dune, another popular beach that features sand dunes over 20 meters high. 

The whole area is popular among water sports fanatics who come to Chia Beach to have fun doing kitesurfing, kayaking, surfing, paddle boating, and snorkelling.

Enjoyed reading about how to spend a week in Sardinia itinerary? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Gabi Ancarola is a journalist and travel writer who has lived over 20 years in Italy, and has been living in Crete for the last five years. She hosts culinary tours, translates and writes for her Crete travel blog The Tiny Book . She’s written for Greek Reporter and published several travel guides about Greece.

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The Perfect One Week Sardinia Itinerary And Travel Guide

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: February 17, 2024

Categories Italy

Sardinia is a beautiful Italian island in the Mediterranean sea. It's a great holiday destination, with incredible beaches, interesting history, and of course delicious food (think pizza, pasta, gelato, and more).

Sardinia is a perfect place for a road trip, check out this detailed one week Sardinia itinerary below for inspiration!

One week Sardinia itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

A week in Sardinia: map

You can find our Sardinia one-week itinerary on the map below, including the highlights and accommodations we stayed at.

Click here for the interactive map.

One week in Sardinia itinerary

• Day 1: Explore Alghero and take a cooking class .
• Day 2: Go for a short drive north and swim in the turquoise waters around Spiaggia della Pelosa.
• Day 3: Take a boat trip around the La Maddalena Archipelago and admire the yachts at Porto Cervo.
• Day 4: hike Tiscali mountain .
• Day 5: visit the ancient nurarghe Losa and relax at Spiaggia di Is Arutas.
• Day 6: explore Oristano and wander the ruins of Tharros.
• Day 7: stroll around the cobblestoned streets in colorful Bosa and return to Alghero.

What is the best time of year to go to Sardinia

The best time to visit Sardinia is April – June, and September – October. During these months the temperatures are between a comfortable 18°C and 26 ° C.

And while April is too cold to swim, the abundance of beautiful wildflowers more than makes up for it!

July and August are very hot and also the busiest months on the island, with high accommodation prices and crowded beaches.

September is when we visited the island of Sardinia, we had beautiful weather and no rain. October usually sees a bit more rainy days, however, the beaches are (almost) empty and there are several festivals during this month.

Winter in Sardinia is moderate with temperatures usually between 11-14 °C. If you don't mind colder weather, this can be a good time to visit. There will be very few tourists and there are good bargains to be found for (fancy) accommodation.

That being said, there are parts of Sardinia that get the occasional snowfall (such as the mountains of Gennargentu) so do your research if you plan to visit Sardinia in winter.

Plan your trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Get the best car rental deal for your road trip on Rentalcars.com . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

How to get to Sardinia

The easiest way to get to Sardinia is by plane as there are daily direct flights from lots of cities in Europe . Sardinia's three main airports are:

• Alghero Airport
• Cagliari Airport
• Olbia Airport

It takes around 3 hours to travel from Alghero or Olbia to Cagliari. Therefore, it's worthwhile choosing your flights carefully to maximize your time in Sardinia. For example, you could fly into Alghero Airport and depart from Cagliari.

Flight prices are dependent on your travel dates. But you can generally expect tickets to be more expensive during summer and cheaper in the off-peak season.

Check the best ticket deals on Kiwi.com

How to get around Sardinia

Sardinia is a large island and public transportation is very limited. Getting around by bus is a time-consuming and tedious process, which is why I highly recommend renting a car to explore the island (but before check my guide to driving in Sardinia ).

We also rented a car for our trip to Sardinia and it's the best way to explore the island!

Having your own wheels gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and to visit all the places in Sardinia you want to see.

Keep in mind that the roads on Sardinia aren't always in the best condition, with lots of twists and turns. That's why we only averaged around 50 kilometers a day.

Not to say you can't cover more ground, but there are lots of interesting sights in Sardinia and you'll also need plenty of time to admire the splendid views along the way!

I especially loved the coastal road from Bosa to Alghero, which offered stunning views of the Capo Caccia. Be sure to include this road in your Sardinia trip itinerary.

Driving on Sardinia

Let's get one thing straight: traffic regulations don’t exist in Sardinia . Well, at least they seem to be more of a suggestion than actual rules.

The local residents raced over the winding roads, while we were keeping the recommended speed, meaning we created more than one traffic jam behind our car.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Sardinia?

Renting a car in Sardinia is surprisingly affordable! We rented ours via Rentalcars and paid €215 for a week: €175 for the rental fee and €40 for insurance against damages. Plus, we spent €95 on fuel.

Things you need to know about renting a car in Sardinia

Where to stay in Sardinia

We stayed at six different accommodations, you can find all of them in the table below. I booked all our accommodations online via Agoda and Booking before our trip.

Further down in the post you can read more about our personal experience with these accommodations.

Note: Prices for these Sardinia accommodation options are dependent on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices mentioned above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Press ‘click here' under book to see the latest prices on Booking and book ahead to get the best deal.

The hotels and apartments listed in the table above are all nice accommodations that I would gladly stay in again myself.

That being said, these accommodations were pretty basic. Clean and comfortable? Absolutely! But simple, no-frills hotels.

Best resorts in Sardinia

If you're looking for more luxury, these 3 excellent resorts in Sardinia might suit you better:

• Bajaloglia Resort : this 5-star resort offers the best views over Castelsardo. It's perfect for couples looking for a quiet and luxurious stay in one of the most beautiful bays or Sardinia. Click here to book .
• Hotel Cala di Volpe : this luxury hotel prides itself on its beautiful interior design and impeccable service. Surrounded by a lush, green Mediterranean landscape, you'll slip into holiday mode in no time… Click here to book .
• Baglioni Resort Sardinia : this secluded resort offers a private beach inside the Tavolara Marine Reserve. Views are absolutely breathtaking and the staff will go out of their way to make sure you have an unforgettable stay. Click here to book .

Is Sardinia expensive to visit?

No, traveling to Sardinia doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, my husband and I traveled to Sardinia on a fairly low budget.

In total, we spend €1000 for a week , which comes down to an average of €143 per day (for the two of us together). This includes all expenses for accommodation, transportation, food, and activities.

To give you an idea of the prices, an espresso generally costs around €1, a pizza is €5-8 and you can get a scoop of the most delicious gelato for only €2.

Also, to cut costs, we bought breakfast and lunch in a supermarket (bread, tomato, cheese, pepper, and salt, delicious!) or at little bakeries.

For dinner, we mixed up eating out and cooking ourselves. To celebrate our anniversary, we ‘splurged' (restaurants in Sardinia are still cheap compared to the Netherlands) on an excellent dinner at this restaurant , which was totally worth it.

1 week in Sardinia: 10 things to do

Sardinia should be on any Italy bucket list or Italy itinerary . It's a beautiful island with a lot of history and beautiful villages.

Sardinia is the 2nd largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and a week won't be enough to explore everything it has to offer.

Most Sardinia attractions in this post are located in the north of Sardinia. However, I've added several must-visit places in South Sardinia under the ‘more things to do in Sardinia' section' further down this article.

If you also want to explore the South, I recommend spending at least 2 weeks in Sardinia because there is so much to see!

1. Explore Alghero

Start your 7 days in Sardinia in Alghero, one of the larger cities on the island though still very walkable.

With its charming historic center, narrow cobblestoned streets, boutique stores, and excellent restaurants and bars it's easy to spend a day in Alghero and a great place to visit on your first day.

Alghero highlights, besides strolling around the centro storico , are the impressive Sea Walls built in the 16th century, La Piazza Civica, and of course the Cattedrale di Santa Maria, one of Alghero's landmarks.

A trip to the nearby Grotta di Nettuno, located in Capo Caccia, is one of the best things to do in Alghero, though I don't particularly recommend this tour during summer as it gets very busy.

Outside of peak season, this impressive cave with spectacular stalactites and stalactites and other rock formations is definitely worth a visit!

An excellent evening activity in Alghero is taking a cooking class . A local host will teach you how to prepare a four-course meal with typical Sardinian dishes using local produce.

After your hard work, you get to enjoy these dishes accompanied by a glass of local wine, a perfect way to end your Alghero itinerary.

Click here to book your Sardinia home cooking class !

2. Take a swim at Spiaggia della Pelosa near Stintino

On your second day in Sardinia, head to La Pelosa, one of the best beaches in Sardinia .

This Spiaggia (Italian for beach) can be found on the Stintino peninsula, in the north of the island. It's approximately a one-hour drive from Alghero.

The crystal clear water has an absolutely stunning blue color and you don't even need a snorkel to see the fish dart around in the water!

We crossed the water to a tiny island about 10 meters from the coast, which had a little beach and just a few people on it.

To get to this beach, we picked our way over the slippery rocks with a bag full of valuables, probably not the smartest thing to do without a dry bag.

Luckily we got across without falling into the water and drowning all our electronics. In any case, La Pelosa is a lovely place to spend some time.

3. Hop on a boat trip around La Maddalena Archipelago

On the next day, it's time for one of the most popular Sardinia tourist attractions: a boat trip around the Maddalena Islands .

The Maddalena Archipelago consists of seven larger islands:

• La Maddalena
• Caprera island
• Santo Stefano
• Santa Maria

Only La Maddalena, Caprera, and Santo Stefano are inhabited. The largest town is Cala Gavetta on Maddalena Island.

There are also many small uninhabited islands in the archipelago, clear water in all shades of blue and fantastic beaches such as Cala Coticcio (Caprera) and Cala Lunga (Razzoli).

One of the highlights of any boat tour around La Maddalena is Spiaggia Rosa which means pink beach . It can be found on Budelli Island and is probably one of the world's most beautiful beaches.

However, you can only admire it from afar as disembarking here is strictly forbidden. And with good reason, before these regulations were established people often took shells and sand as a souvenir, wreaking havoc on the natural environment.

Booking a Maddalena boat tour

A boat tour in the Maddalena archipelago is one of the most popular day trips in Sardinia and rightly so. It's a fantastic experience around some of the most beautiful scenery the island has to offer.

You can book a boat tour online , which I strongly recommend when traveling in the high season (July and August).

If you are traveling outside peak season there is availability on most days. There are several tour operators in the harbor, so it’s usually not a problem to book on the day itself.

Most tours start around 10 am and finish around 6 pm. There are several itineraries but most tours have 3 or 4 stops on the different islands of La Maddalena.

Click here to book a Maddalena Archipelago boat tour online

Parking at Palau (departure point of the boat tour)

A little word of advice, reserve enough time to park your car! There is a real problem shortage of decent parking lots and it can be quite expensive the closer you get to the harbor.

We parked a little outside the city center, which was free and just a short walk to the harbor.

4. Wander around Porto Cervo

Porto Cervo is located in northern Sardinia in the area that's called the Costa Smeralda (the Emerald Coast). This small town is one of the most expensive resorts in the world.

We felt a bit out of place amidst the billionaires relaxing on their luxury yachts in their expensive clothing. Still, it's a good place for a morning stroll and an (expensive) cup of coffee or gelato.

5. Hike Tiscali Mountain

One of the most unique places to visit in Sardinia is the Nuragic village of Tiscali, hidden in the mountains.

It's estimated that these ruins date back to the first millennium BC. You can either visit Tiscali village independently or j o in this excellent full-day tour (includes transport, lunch, and a knowledgeable guide).

Getting to the village requires a two-hour hike in the beautiful Valle di Lanaittu , be sure to carry plenty of water as you'll be climbing a lot and a large part of the track is exposed.

Click here to book a hiking tour of Tiscali mountain and village .

6. Visit the ancient Nuraghe Losa

Nuraghi are a strange phenomenon and are only found in Sardinia. Basically, they are ancient fortified towers built from large rocks.

There are around 1100 spread around Sardinia in various conditions; some are in very good condition while others are almost completely destroyed.

We visited Losa (admission €5 per person), one of the largest and the most complete nuraghe in Sardinia , complete with watchtowers and a spiral staircase inside the main building.

Losa is an impressive structure and one of the best-preserved archeological sites. In my opinion, it's one of the best places to visit in Sardinia if you're interested in history.

I personally find it incredible these massive constructions were built so many years ago without any modern equipment.

7. Relax on Spiaggia di Is Arutas

Spiaggia di Is Arutas is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia (and there are more than 15 of them !) The beach is made up of tiny quartz fragments, similar to grains of rice, in colors ranging from green to white and delicate pink. 

This makes Spiaggia di Is Arutas a unique beach to visit and definitely one I recommend putting on your itinerary for Sardinia.

Note that during the summer months the beach can be packed so it's best to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Bring a snorkeling mask and explore the underwater world, or go for a swim in the crystal waters.

8. Explore Oristano

While you'll be spending most time exploring the sights around Oristano, the village itself is also worth a visit.

Wander around the Centro Storico , grab a cup of espresso at one of the cafes, visit the beautiful Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta and snap a picture of the Statua di Eleonora D'Arborea.

When visiting during lunchtime or in the evening, there are plenty of places to eat in Oristano. Trattoria Portixedda and Blao Ristorante are some of the best restaurants and serve fresh seafood as well as typical Italian dishes.

9. Visit the ruins of Tharros

Tharros is a historic site where you can explore the ruins of a former Roman town founded in the eighth century BC.

The signage around the site is pretty good and you can read about the history of this former capital of the Judicate of Arborea.

At the site, you will find the remains of several temples, Roman baths, an amphitheater, and some other constructions.

Allow yourself an hour or two to wander the ruins of Tharros and imagine what life must have been like millennia ago…

10. Stroll around beautiful Bosa

I loved Bosa, a beautiful village situated on the west coast of Sardinia by the Temo River (the only river in Sardinia).

The houses are painted in various bright colors and the narrow streets feel almost like a labyrinth. There are little coffee and gelato bars everywhere and the overall atmosphere is really friendly.

The castle up on the hill is worth a visit, mainly for the spectacular views over the main town and the sea. We were lucky to visit on the last day of the Nostra Signora di Regnos festival.

During the festival the village looks even prettier because of all the colorful flags, palm tree leaves and little altars build for the Virgin Mary.

More things to do in Sardinia

If you've got more time available, consider adding these activities to your Sardinia travel itinerary as well.

Dolphin-watching and snorkeling tour

The waters around Sardinia are rich in marine life, such as dolphins and whales. Join a boat tour from Olbia and watch dolphins swim free near the boat in their natural habitat.

Enjoy snorkeling among colorful fish and explore limestone caves and cliffs.

Click here to book a dolphin-watching tour

Go scuba diving

If you love the underwater world as much as I do and got your PADI, this full-day diving trip in the Gulf of Orosei is a great option.

You'll be doing three dives, under the supervision of an experienced dive master, in the clear waters just off the coast of Cala Gonone.

Click here to book your scuba diving trip

Spend more time on the east coast of Sardinia

If you've got a few extra days in Sardinia and love white beaches, the east coast of Sardinia is perfect for you. This part of Sardinia is simply stunning, each bay more breathtaking than the previous one.

Base yourself in fancy Baglioni Resort (see picture below), explore San Teodoro village, take a boat trip to Tavolara island and relax on pretty Cala Brandinchi.

Explore Cagliari

Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia and is known for its historic center. You can easily spend a whole day exploring its cobblestoned streets and narrow alleys.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Cagliari:

• Castello: this medieval town is part of Cagliari and dates back to the 13th century. It's situated on a 100-meter-tall hilltop and overlooks the rest of the city. Don't miss the Archeological Museum, Cagliari’s Cathedral and the iconic Torre di San Pancrazio and Torre dell’Elefante.
• Stampace: the oldest district in Cagliari where you can find the Roman Amphitheater, the lovely Botanical Gardens, and plenty of excellent restaurants and bars.
• Villanova: go shopping in this colorful Cagliari neighborhood. Pick up a souvenir such as local olive oil or ceramics and visit the imposing San Saturnino Cathedral.

Join this walking tour with a local guide to learn more about the history of this beautiful historic city on Sardinia.

Admire the famous pink flamingos

These beautiful creatures are called Sa Genti Arrubia in Italian and have lived on Sardinia for generations. The Molentargius pond near Cagliari is one of the best places to see them.

You can visit the Natural Park independently or join this fun 2-hour bike tour . Read more about the pink flamingos of Sardinia here .

Budget accommodation in Sardinia

Accommodation in Sardinia is plentiful and there is something to be found for every budget. Below you can read more about the places we stayed during our trip.

Alternatively, you can check Booking.com for more hotel options in Sardinia.

Accommodation in Alghero

We stayed at Alghero 4u Guesthouse . Max, the host, was very friendly and showed us around the apartment.

He also gave us a map of the city and recommended a pizzeria which turned out to be excellent! Budget accommodation with everything you need and in a good location, 10 min walk to the center of Alghero.

It's a bit noisy, we didn't mind, but if you are looking for a quiet stay this isn't for you (you share the kitchen and bathroom with other guests).

Price indication: €60

Click here to book Alghero 4U Guesthouse

Accommodation in Isola Rossa

We spent one night in Isola Rossa Appartamenti . The view from the veranda was beautiful, looking out over the sea and a beautiful sunset. The apartment was quite big and very clean.

The bed was comfortable, however, linens are not included. Bring your own bed linen and towels or pay an additional fee for a linen pack.

Also, there was a kitchen but no soap or sponge to wash the dirty dishes.

Click here to book Isola Rossa Appartamenti

Accommodation in Palau

The location of Costa Serena Village is absolutely stunning, with a beautiful view of the bay. The apartment itself is basic but clean and has good cooking facilities.

Please note that the swimming pool and shop are closed during the low season.

Price indication: €140

Click here to book Costa Serena Village

Accommodation in Sos Alinos

The absolute best thing about Cala Liberotto Residence is the outside kitchen, how cool is that! The rest of the apartment is nice as well, with a comfortable bed and a big clean bathroom.

Price indication: €120 per night

Click here to book Cala Liberotto Hotel Residence

Accommodation in Nuoro

In Nuoro, we stayed at Terry's House . Very friendly staff who gave us excellent advice about Mastro Pizza. The room has a very comfy bed, a modern and clean bathroom, and excellent Wi-Fi and.

Please note that there is no private parking available (but lots of public parking).

Price indication: €65 per night

Click here to book Terry's House

Accommodation in Oristano

Everything about Sa Domu e Crakeras was fantastic, from the warm welcome with local wine and homemade cookies to the location (in the city center of Oristano) to the room itself, excellent!

The room is very clean, the bed really comfy, the bathroom is new with a large shower and the air conditioning is a nice extra.

The ‘courtyard' looks really cute but is also convenient for parking the car. Highly recommended!

Price indication: €60 per night

Click here to book Sa Domu e Crakeras

Sardinia road trip itinerary: in conclusion

I hope you have enjoyed this Sardinia travel guide and it has inspired you to road trip to Sardinia.

If you have any questions about putting together the best itinerary for your Sardinia vacation, leave a comment below, send me a message or take a look at my custom itinerary planning service .

This post was updated in February 2024.

Wednesday 26th of May 2021

How would you advise splitting the days between different areas of the island? Did you move to a new accomodation every day? Thanks!

Monday 31st of May 2021

We moved to a different accommodation pretty much every day (we only stayed in Oristano for 2 nights). Driving was quite slow as many roads had so many twists and turns so I was happy not to cover too large of a distance each day. That being said, if you prefer driving a bit further during some days in exchange for not having to pack up your stuff every day, that is definitely possible as well.

For example, you could easily visit Bosa from Alghero. You could even base yourself in Alghero for a couple of days and explore Oristano, Spiaggia di Is Arutas, Tharros and Spiaggia della Pelosa as day trips. Hope this helps!

Enjoy your trip:-) Lotte

Friday 15th of December 2017

Thank you for your willingness to share. We intend to be in Sardinia in April. We'll stay in Olbia for seven days. Do you have any suggestions for this kind of trip? Thanks again, Rita.

Monday 18th of December 2017

You are most welcome, I love writing about my travels:-). About your question, if you have a rental car you could easily visit Porto Cervo. You could also make a cruise around the Maddalena Islands. Depending on how far you want to drive you could also visit Nuoro (should be around 1,5 hour from you). And of course there are lots of small beaches around the East Coast which are yours to discover;-). Enjoy your trip!

Sunday 15th of October 2017

Hi brilliant story of your trip and helpful I wondered what time of year did you go and also is it quite cheap to eat in restaurants ? Thanks Sarah

Thank you, happy to hear that:-). I was on Sardinia at the start of September (2014), just after peak season. I was surprised how affordable eating out is. Obviously it depends where you go but a pizza is about 10 euro and we paid around 50 euro (including wine) for our fancy dinner at Ristorante Fronte Mari. Hope this helps! Enjoy your trip,

Katie McCraith

Thursday 13th of April 2017

Your trip sounds fantastic :)! Where did you hire your car from?

Friday 14th of April 2017

Hi Katie, it was a really nice road trip! I rented a car via Rentalcars.com. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any questions and enjoy your trip:-).

Wednesday 6th of January 2016

Fijn, zo'n helder overzicht! Het is toch altijd lastig inschatten hoeveel een reis gaat kosten.

Thanks Aniek:-) Ik vind het ook altijd prettig om te weten wat de gemiddelde dagelijkse kosten ongeveer zijn. Alhoewel je het natuurlijk zo duur kan maken als je zelf wilt;-)

Sardinia Road Trip Guide – 1 Week Itinerary

Sardinia has been on my travel wish list for a while now, as it is said to have the best beaches in Italy. A friend’s wedding offered the perfect excuse to visit, so we planned a week-long Sardinia road trip, driving a loop around the island, featuring a lot of food, some pretty stunning scenery and of course those Sardinian beaches.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and purchase something I’ve recommended I may earn a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay but helps me to run this site. You can read my full affiliate disclosure here.

Sardinia Road Trip – 1 Week Itinerary

Sardinia has two main international airports, Cagliari and Olbia. We recommend flying into Cagliari for this itinerary, but either would be fine. We then hired a car with rentalcars.com and collected it at the airport.

Isola di Sant’Antioco – 1-2 Nights

After flying into Cagliari, we headed straight to Sant’Antioco. This is a small island off the South West of Sardinia. We were visiting this part of the island for a friend’s wedding, but it’s definitely a worthwhile addition to a road trip. The main town, also called Sant’Antioco, is located immediately upon crossing the mile-long causeway which connects the island to the mainland. Before we reached the town, we had already stopped the car after spotting hundreds of pink flamingos in the pond of Santa Caterina!

Sant’Antioco is one of the oldest parts of Sardinia and also one of the most underdeveloped when it comes to tourism. There are some great little guesthouses in the town and it’s a lovely place to spend an evening. Have an aperitivo in Piazza Italia before dinner at one of the family-run Osterias. There are beautiful beaches on this island, in particular, Spiaggia di Coacuaddus and Cala Sapone, so take some time to swim and relax in this quiet part of Sardinia.

Where to Stay in Sant’Antioco

We stayed at Hotel I Colori , which is right in the centre of town. Each room is unique and painted a different colour.

Find accommodation in Sant’Antioco

Sant’Antioco to Bosa (2 hours 50 / 225km)

The drive up the coast from Sant’Antioco is incredibly scenic, with lots of places to stop and take pictures or have a swim. If you’re a fan of surfing, make sure you stop at Capo Mannu. This is one of the best places to surf in the Mediterranean. There is a surf school and board hire available on the beach.

Bosa – 1-2 Nights

Bosa was my favourite town in Sardinia. It is absolutely stunning; filled with quaint colourful houses lining the hillside and an impressive castle at the top. We spent one night in the area, but I would have loved to stay longer. There are lots of lovely shops, restaurants and cafes along the cobbled streets and lanes, and a walk along the River Temo is a must, as well as a visit to the castle for the superb views.

Where to Stay in Bosa

There are plenty of hotels in Bosa, but we spent the night in nearby Tresnuraghes. This was another area that felt undiscovered by tourists. We stayed at a great hotel called Maison Tresnuraghes , a restoration of two old houses with a huge garden. The hotel has a lovely restaurant, but we also tried out Pizzeria Ristorante Su Palatteddu, a short walk away from Maison Tresnuraghes, which was one of the best of the Sardinia road trip!

Find accommodation in Bosa

Read our guide on the best places to stay in Sardinia.

Bosa to Alghero (1 hour / 46km)

A short drive, but plenty of gorgeous scenery and lots of photo opportunities.

Alghero – 2 Nights

This is a popular town with tourists, as many use it as a base to explore the incredible beaches north of Alghero. Sadly we didn’t have the best weather while we were here, so didn’t venture too far, but it did mean that we had more time to explore the town.

Alghero has a strong Spanish influence and was once ruled by Catalans, so you’re as likely to find paella on the menu as pasta. You can easily lose a few hours wandering the narrow streets and the coastal walls. If weather permits, relax on the beaches of San Giovanni shore and Maria Pia.

Where to Stay in Algero

We spent two nights at the stunning Villa Las Tronas , which was once a residence of the Italian royal family. As you would expect it’s a pretty luxurious place, with grand dining rooms and lounges and gorgeous views of the sea.

Find accommodation in Alghero

Alghero to Cala Gonone – The Scenic Route (3 hours 46 / 260km)

From Alghero, we considered heading north to the islands of Maddalena, but as we only had a few days left and needed to get back to Cagliari, we decided to cross the island to Cala Gonone on the east coast. You can drive this in just over 2.5 hours, but we wanted to visit some of the east coast beaches along the way, so took a longer route. If you do have longer than a week for your Sardinia holiday then I absolutely recommend adding the Maddalena to your itinerary at this point.

Upon arriving on the east coast of Sardinia, the first beach we stopped at was Cala Suaraccia, a small bay with white sand and turquoise water. It was a little cloudy, but even without the sun, the water was a stunning colour.

After a quick swim, we moved on to Cala Bradinchi, which is nicknamed ‘Little Tahiti’. It’s a really lovely spot and easy to see why it earned the name.

Further south is La Cinta, a huge beach set in front of a lagoon. This is another great place to spot flamingos!

Shortly before arriving in Cala Gonone, we drove through Dorgali and past Lago Del Cedrino. Definitely worth stopping for a photo!

Explore the best beaches in Sardinia.

Cala Gonone – 2 Nights

Cala Gonone is a lovely little town, but most people stay here to access the Golfo di Orosei, an incredible coastline of striking cliffs, caves and beautiful beaches, accessed by boat. There are some great restaurants in town and the beach is gorgeous, so it’s well worth having a few nights here.

When researching Sardinia, a beach I’d come across over and over again was Cala Goloritze; which is only accessible by boat or a 90-minute hike through the mountains. We decided the boat sounded like the more enjoyable option and hopped aboard a trip with Prima Sardegna . As well as visiting Cala Goloritze, we stopped at numerous beaches along the Golfo di Orosei, some of which I found to be even more beautiful than Goloritze. My two favourites were Cala Mariolu and Cala Biriola. The trip ends with a visit to Bue Marino Grotto, part of a huge cave network. A guide will lead you through different sections of the cave around 1km deep, which contains striking stalactites and stalagmites.

Where to Stay in Cala Gonone

We stayed at Hotel Nuraghes Arvu , which has a huge swimming pool and lovely sea views.

Find accommodation in Cala Gonone

Cala Gonone to Cagliari, The Scenic Route (2 hours 40 / 225km)

At this point in the trip, I found my favourite Sardinian beach (so far): Cala Sinzias. This beach really is stunning; it has the clearest turquoise water and white sand, easily as beautiful as beaches I’ve been to in the Maldives and Australia.

All along this stretch of coastline (Costa Rei) is a number of fantastic beaches. We only had time to enjoy Cala Sinzias before heading to the airport for our flight, but I would definitely like more time to check out the others.

What Would We Do Differently?

I’m pretty happy with our road trip itinerary and there isn’t anything I would change for a one week trip. If we had ten days I would definitely head up to the northeast to Maddalena and check out the islands up there. But overall it was great!

What to Eat in Sardinia

As with all over Italy, there are lots of delicious things to eat in Sardinia. A couple of typical things to try whilst on the island are:

Culurgiones

A filled pasta, similar to ravioli, but in the shape of a small Cornish pasty. It’s usually filled with potato, pecorino cheese, garlic, olive oil, nutmeg and mint leaves and is served with a tomato sauce.

There are a lot of sheep in Sardinia, so it’s hardly surprising that they make delicious cheese from the milk. Sardinians have been making this cheese for over 2000 years!

Pane Carasau

There are lots of different Sardinian breads, but the one you’re most likely to see is pane carasau. It looks more like a cracker or a poppadum than bread, and has been a Sardinian staple for many years; shepherds would eat them while they tended their flocks. They were often on the move for large periods of time and pane carasau lasts for over a year without going stale, so it was the perfect food to take on the road. Its name means music paper bread.

As with most islands, fish is a key part of the Sardinian diet. You’ll find lobster in Alghero, bottarga (dried fish eggs) in Oristano and dogfish in Cagliari.

Where to Stay in Sardinia

Read our article on where to stay in Sardinia and our favourite hotels.

Sant’Antioco

Hotel I Colori has great value rooms including breakfast. It has an excellent central location and parking is €5 per day.

Tresnuraghes/Bosa

Stay in one of the lovely rooms at Maison Tresnuraghes , which has free street parking. Alternatively, you could stay at one of the many hotels in Bosa , such as B&B Sandalia or Palazzo Pischedda .

Villa Las Tronas is a luxury option in Alghero with free parking. For something more budget-friendly, you could stay at Hotel Angedras .

Cala Gonone

We stayed in a classic room at the mid-range Hotel Nuraghes Arvu where parking is free. Alternatively, you could stay at one of the other hotels in Cala Gonone , such as Casa Marzane .

How to Get to Sardinia

Fly direct from London to Cagliari with British Airways, Easyjet or Ryanair.

When to Visit Sardinia

We travelled to Sardinia in May, which is part of the shoulder season. May/June and September/October are good periods to visit the island, as it’s not as busy as the months of July/August, but the weather is still warm. We did have some days of rain, but in general, it’s not a rainy time to visit.

It takes about 2 hours to drive from Olbia in the north to Cagliari in the south and less than 2 hours from the west coast to the east coast. To drive a loop or Sardinia takes around 12 hours – best experienced over a week or more.

There are no motorways in Sardinia, but the roads, in general, are in good condition. There are no toll roads so all roads are free. Be aware of speed limits – usually 90km/h on main roads and 50km/h in villages, towns and cities.

A car is recommended in Sardinia as there isn’t a great deal of public transport outside of the cities, and a car gives you the freedom to explore different parts of the island.

This is our suggested Sardinia Road Trip – If you have any suggestions for the next time feel free to share!

Travelling to Italy? Check out our other Italy guides here .

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Places to stay…..£260 a night….. a thought for those of us who can only afford 30 euros a night?

Thanks for your feedback Margaret. I’ve now added some alternative budget hotels too. 🙂

I enjoyed the blog, do people need to comment on expensive hotels, check out your own. we are going this September but flying to Olbia so hopefully doing yours in reverse, more or less. COVID permitting, just returned from montecatine after a good 5 day break. Really looking forward to Sardinia

Hope you have a great time! September should be a good time of year – still warm but past the peak tourist season. It’s such a beautiful place.

Have you ever taken the trenino verde. Wondering if it is worth my time. Macomer to Bosa looked interesting. Driving limits what the driver can see, thought it would be nice to do some train or bus trips.

I haven’t but I’m a big fan of train travel and I’m sure it would be lovely. It looks very nostalgic!

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The Ultimate Guide to Sardinia

When it came to our Italy honeymoon, Kenny and I knew we’d want to live la dolce vita on The Amalfi Coast, but we also craved a little adventure – somewhere we hadn’t been before and had only seen dreamy photos of (photos that always  looked too good to be true). The island of Sardinia. This relatively unknown jewel of the Mediterranean intrigued us big time, especially since no one we knew had even been there before. What WAS this hidden gem of an island tucked between Spain and Italy?! We had to find out. 

Although Sardinia has long been a favorite summer destination for the European jet-set and yachty crowd, few people outside of Europe know it exists (which is probably how the Italians want to keep it, LOL). Famous for its gorgeous beaches and sparkling, crystal-clear azure waters, and ravishing natural beauty, Sardinia has it all. It’s a little like if Spain, Italy, and the British Virgin Islands had an island baby. 

The culture here on Sardinia is Italian at its core, but more rustic and stripped back. Though it’s highly sought-after by the world’s elite, it’s actually not glitzy and glam in the least (at least not when comparing it to somewhere like Capri ). No, Sardinia is more rustic, more naturally beautiful, and highly understated. The people here don’t come to be seen, or be a part of the scene, they come to get away, to have a nice vacation with their loved ones. It seemed like to us, sometimes people go to a place like Capri or a Positano to show off a little, whereas you go to a place like Sardinia for yourself.

The people who come to Sardinia are hardly ever first-timers. They summer here, every year , and honestly, I’m pretty jealous of them. Sardinia is a paradise island that grabs your heart and blows your mind, and makes you want to return year after year.

So let’s get to the Ultimate Guide to Sardinia so you guys can plan your trip!

Where is the best area to stay in Sardinia?

Firstly, what many people don’t realize when planning a trip to Sardinia is that Sardinia is the second largest island in Italy and in the Mediterranean (!!!). It’s HUGE.

On the north-east coast, Costa Smeralda is known for its crowd of billionaire jet-setters and all the best beach clubs and hotels. But the mountainous mainland disguises pretty villages, too. If we had more time we might have considered a road trip from North to South (which can take up to 5 hours), but, for a honeymoon and the trip we were looking for, it was nice to base in the Costa Smeralda. 

copyright @JetsetChristina

The Best Hotels in Sardinia

Where to stay in Costa Smeralda

Villa Del Golfo

Villa Del Golfo is a great low-key, super cute home base in a great area of Sardinia. We toyed with the Uber-bougie Cala di Volpe (where we did get lunch one of the days to see what it was all about) but are definitely glad we went with the (slightly) less expensive hotel (but bigger, nicer room – definitely upgrade your room at this hotel to one of the pool rooms !) since Sardinia is more about exploring and less of a destination where you’re spending all the time at the hotel! 

Villa del Golfo was super cute and felt like home! The service was great. They are not located directly on the beach but you don’t really need to be in Sardinia since all the best beaches aren’t hotel beaches! They also helped us get an amazing vespa rental for our whole trip, delivered right to the front of the hotel, which was a FAB way to see the island ( you can also opt for an electric car ). You will definitely need some way to get around the island whether it’s a car or a vespa!

This hotel is located in the cute Canggione neighborhood and there were lots of restaurants within walking distance!

Check rates for your dates here

Baglioni Puntaldia Sardinia

This hotel just opened (after we went!) and it’s a Leading Hotel of the World, and I have no doubt INCREDIBLE! I would definitely look into it now that it’s open for a luxury hotel in Sardinia . The 78 spacious suites and rooms are all bright and modern, furnished in a minimal style. All rooms have a balcony or a terrace, which either overlook the garden or the sea. Read more about the hotel & check rates for your dates here.

Photo via Excellence Magazine

Cala Di Volpe

If you’re looking for the most ritzy, glam hotel in all of Costa Smeralda, you’re looking for Cala di Volpe . Located right by some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia (with transport from the hotel available), plus there’s a delicious Matsuhisa on site (my fav sushi in the world!). Hotel Cala di Volpe is surrounded by a lush, green Mediterranean landscape. The resort has excellent sports and spa facilities and a stunning private beach. And parking is free for your rental car.

Hotel Pitrizza, Porto Cervo

The Pitrizza is a welcoming hotel offering beautiful views over the crystal-clear sea of Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda. Enjoy an impeccable service in a refined, inviting establishment. The best part of this hotel is that it’s right on the beach, a 10-minute drive to Porto Cervo town. The rooms are elegant and Sardinian, with furnished terraces and marble bathrooms, and some rooms have private pools and hot tubs and 24-hour butler service (these are the rooms I’d recommend at this hotel!!!) 

Do you need a car to get around Sardinia?

In short, yes, you need SOME sort of transportation to get around. It is a HUGE island and everything is far apart from each other. We opted to uber from the airport (not cheap, around 80-100 euros), but then rented a vespa for the rest of the time, which was much more fun, and less expensive, than relying on taxis for everything. You can also rent a car! If you decide to stick to taxis, you’ll realize how expensive it is very quickly – just one taxi to one beach was going to cost us 70 euros one way. 

What should we do in Sardinia?

The best things to do in sardinia.

Take a boat ride round the Maddalena Islands

The Maddalena Islands are a MUST on any trip to Sardinia. This stunning archipelago was easily the highlight of our trip, and maybe even the whole honeymoon! Take a boat tour with this company that we used! They set us up with an amazing lunch AND aperitifs, and endless prosecco and Sardinian wine and beer! They took us around to a bunch of the best spots and it was just the most relaxing, best day. Could not recommend it more. 

Go Beach-Hopping Around the Island

There are so many beaches to see on the Costa Smeralda, and even more if you’re willing to drive further down to the middle of the island. We stuck to what was nearby and had the best time! I’d recommend stopping at a market and stocking up on some sodas, snacks, rosé and supplies (this is very common in Sardinia as some of the more remote beaches don’t have restaurants) and heading to Cappricioli Beach first. There are five different beaches at Cappricioli so check them all out and then plop down at one. Warning, it can definitely get crowded here so go early and on a weekday!

After, head to more beaches. Some other favorites are Spaggia Rena Bianca, Spaggia di Cala Coticcio, Porto Istana

The Best Beach Club to base at for a day in Sardinia

We loved White Beach Club at Liscia Ruja and found it to be the perfect place to base for the day. The lunch is pricey here but really good (Kenny’s fav of the trip!) It’s a scene of yachties and billionaires, for sure. And White Beach Club was a little snobby (make a reservation before you go!) but it was a fun day!

Nikki Beach Sardinia

There’s also Nikki Beach Sardinia, which we didn’t get to during our trip but is supposed to be a fun scene too! (It’s one of my favorites in St. Tropez !)

Where to Eat & Drink in Sardinia

Agriturismo La Colti – an AMAZING dinner spot and super authentic, full of locals. We loved this place. Very meat-heavy so not a good place for vegetarians. Probably our most memorable meal in Sardinia.

Brezza Di Mare – just a walk down the street from Villa Del Golfo – this place was INCREDIBLE. Order the mustard-encrusted tuna & a bottle of Sardinian wine. We loved this place so much we went twice.

Cala Di Volpe – possibly the best bellini of my life at lunch here. There’s a very fancy, very pricey price fixe lunch or you can sit at the bar area and have drinks/less expensive lunch items!

La Randa – for authentic Italian cooking in a cute little neighborhood restaurant, look no further.

Is Sardinia family-friendly?

DEFINITELY! While it’s romantic for couples, it is VERY family friendly and we saw a ton of adorable families having the time of their lives throughout our trip.

Is Sardinia good for a honeymoon?

Yes yes and yes! Sardinia is an ideal honeymoon location because it’s adventurous, but relaxing! 

What to wear in Sardinia

Wearing the Tortola beach dress in size Small

Obsessed with these sunnies . They do free easy returns so I love this site for trying and buying new sunglasses !

Kenny rocking the Nauti Lobster swim trunks and the Sol Searcher white beach linen shirt!

I also wore The Seychelles bikini a TON on this trip – it matches the water so well!

What other questions do you guys have about Sardinia? Leave them in the comments!

And check out these related blog posts here:

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WRITTEN BY: Christina

Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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Love this post! We’re headed here in two weeks for our honeymoon and this was both super helpful and got me even more excited! I reached out to the boat company right away – looks stunning. Thank you!

Danielle Keller

Hi Christina! Planning a trip to italy. How many days were u there? How many days do u feel u need? Was driving around on a Vespa the whole time annoying after a while or no?

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SARDINIA HOLIDAYS In One Week – 9 Unforgettable Itineraries For You!

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SARDINIA HOLIDAYS IN ONE WEEK

Latest update: June  2022

Do you have one week in Sardinia? I’ll give you one Itinerary for each area with places to visit, things to do & where to stay in Sardinia. Everything you need to know to plan your Sardinian Holidays, already tested by me for your convenience!

Are you planning a fabulous  holiday in Sardinia but only have one week?  You have no idea how many emails I receive asking me  where to stay, what to do, and which areas of Sardinia are the best for a one-week vacation . I can relate, trust me! I know how difficult it is to plan a one-week itinerary when the timing is tight, and I’m here to help you craft a great Sardinia holiday for you!

Before jumping to the juicy part ( my free – ready to use 9 Sardinia Itineraries ), let me tell you that It took me a hell of a lot of time to put together this article for you! After receiving countless emails and messages filled with all types of requests, I decided to create the itineraries based on your frequently asked questions:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR SARDINIA HOLIDAYS AND ITINERARY FOR ONE WEEK

Click on the link to go to the related question

What are the Best Places for a Holiday in Sardinia?

Where to stay in Sardinia? What are the Best Accommodations, Hotels, and Resorts in Sardinia?

Which Sardinia airport is best to fly in and out of the Island?

What are the best things to do/places to see in one week’s holidays in Sardinia?

Is this particular Sardinian itinerary good for me?

What are the distances between places in Sardinia, and how long does it take to get there?

My Sardinia Holidays!Beautiful deserted Cala Domestica Beach at the beginning of October!

WHERE ARE THE BEST PLACES FOR A HOLIDAY IN  SARDINIA?

There are so many to choose from.  This is the question you always ask me when planning a trip to Sardinia . Which are the best places to visit in Sardinia? In this article, I’ve divided my Itineraries based on the best locations, so you have to pick the one that best fits your criteria!

Knowing Sardinia and its provinces, I’ve chosen the ones that will give you a great experience even if you only have seven days on the Island. I put them together based on the distances between the locations and the things you will be able to see.

WHERE TO STAY IN SARDINIA? BEST HOTELS & RESORTS

Another very hot topic! After choosing the location for your Sardinia Holidays, the next step is finding the right place to stay. I took the time (You have no idea how much time!!) to check out the  best hotels/resorts deals   for you . I will give you some info about each and the possibility of booking immediately. My advice is always the same: Don’t wait too long before booking, as the best hotel deals in Sardinia are gone as soon as Jan/February. I had a hard time finding availability for the best hotels most of the time!

HOT TIP: How to get the best Hotel Deals in Sardinia!

All the Accommodations recommended by me here are taken from Booking.com, which is the website that I am using the most lately for my bookings.  Are you still not sure about where to stay? Easy! Just book more than one property.

Make sure you choose the option “free cancellation,”  and in the end, you won’t lose your chance, and you can cancel the others! I’ve done it several times; it works like a charm! 🙂

WHICH SARDINIA AIRPORT IS BEST TO FLY IN AND OUT OF THE ISLAND?

Crucial decision, as depending on where you decide to fly in/out of Sardinia, your Itinerary might change considerably. Some of you will land and depart from the same airport. Some others choose two different airports.  In my Itineraries, there is always a map  that specifies the start and ending point,  including the Sardinia airport  you will have to use. This part can be flexible if you don’t mind driving for 2-3 hours.

 If you want to know more check out my page on getting around Sardinia

UNMISSABLE THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO SEE IN SARDINIA IN ONE WEEK

For each day in every Itinerary, I added a clickable button saying “Itinerary detail,” In there, you will find a  detailed recap of suggestions about things to do in that specific location . Sometimes, I already have an article that talks in-depth about one particular place. If so, I’ll link to it, and you’ll find everything you need, from the  must-see locations and best beaches in Sardinia, where to eat , and more!

More things to do in Sardinia 

Things to do in Sardinia during Summer

Things to do in Sardinia In Winter-Off season

IS THIS SPECIFIC ITINERARY GOOD FOR ME?

To try and make things easy for you, after showing you the map with the route for each Itinerary, I’ll state three main highlights about that specific route (for example, “good for relaxing, for beaches, trekking, Sardinian cultural experience, etc.). This way,  you will know straight away if that specific Itinerary might work for you or not!

DISTANCES BETWEEN PLACES IN SARDINIA AND HOW TO GET THERE

So, how do you get to Sardinia and move around? This is where most of you get a bit confused and lost! 

I added a chapter below to clarify things, with a  Sardinia map  stating the distance between the airports and the  common misconceptions about the connections in Sardinia . A Map is always helpful if you plan on renting a car, so don’t skip that part 🙂

WHY THIS SARDINIA HOLIDAYS GUIDE?

From many of the emails and comments I’ve received over the past few years, I realized that people might be confused, and looking for help, because they have a wrong idea of how big Sardinia is. I’m here to help you in realizing the best way to create your Sardinia Itinerary, considering the following points:

1 | SARDINIA IS BIGGER THAN YOU THINK!

Especially when planning a one-week holiday to Sardinia, you need to consider the distances between the North/ South and the East/West coasts and vice-versa.

Many of you commented with an itinerary idea, asking me if it’s doable and adding too many places. I know it isn’t easy to let something out of the list!) but  in many cases, covering everything in Sardinia in one week is impossible.

When planning your trip, you need to remember that Sardinia is a rather big island, and unless you rush from one place to another, staying there for just a few hours and driving to the next place, you can’t see it all.

And most importantly, is this something you want to do? If you only have one week in Sardinia,  I think it is much better to choose two or three destinations in the same area/province and enjoy more days of discovering these areas.

For your convenience, below is the  Sardinia map of the   Provinces .

I’d say for one week, two provinces, three max, if you include driving from the airport to your final destination, are ideal.

As you can see from the map above, to cover the main distances in Sardinia by car takes almost 2 hrs to more than 3 hours (not taking into consideration the traffic and only choosing the fastest route, which is not the best for landscapes)

2 | GETTING AROUND BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN SARDINIA IS NOT EASY

Unfortunately, in Sardinia, the roads connecting the big cities/airports and the tourist destinations are few, and it might be pretty challenging to move from one coast to another (especially driving from the east to the west coast and vice-versa).

IMPORTANCE OF RENTING A CAR IN SARDINIA!

I advise you to  rent a car  if you can as this is the best way to have a smashing holiday in Sardinia  and discover the most remote locations and beaches on the coast. Many people rent online way before their holiday because it is more convenient and less stressful, and you will find many more options than renting on the spot when you arrive.

YOU CAN RENT YOUR CAR DIRECTLY HERE!

This website is my favorite as it compares all the biggest car hire companies, and the prices are low! 

A note for you: In this box, you don’t have the option to pick up the car at one airport and drop it off at another. But after you click the search button, you can change it. Don’t worry, I had this “issue” but I sorted it out quickly.

If you can’t rent a car, you will be stuck with buses that take twice as long or trains (not so many choices here), and you’ll always have to consider at least 1/2 changes for the longest routes.

I’m writing another blog post addressed to all the people who can’t afford to rent a car and wish to visit  Sardinia by using public transport .  If you are one of them, stay tuned and subscribe to get an email when the new post is published!

Subscribe here!

So here we are, to the core of the article! Below you will find several (reasonable!) Itineraries are ready to choose from if you have only  one week for your fabulous Sardinia Holidays!

I’ve divided the itinerary into days you should spend in each location with a brief recap of the main attractions in these places. 

I also link to my other articles where I talk more in-depth about everything, and  even my recommendations regarding accommodation, Hotels, B&B, villas, and resorts for each location in Sardinia.

One last piece of advice, if you have already decided to come to Sardinia, don’t wait too long before booking your stay.

  The best, cheapest (but also the luxury) hotels and resorts in Sardinia might not be available anymore  or might have limited availability and higher prices.

SARDINIA HOLIDAYS BEST ITINERARIES

NORTH EAST SARDINIA Olbia/Palau/San Teodoro

NORTH WEST SARDINIA Bosa/Alghero/Stintino

NORTH SARDINIA                  Gallura/Costa Paradiso

SOUTH EAST SARDINIA Cagliari/Villasimius/Costa Rei

SOUTH WEST SARDINIA Cagliari/Piscinas/Oristano

SOUTH SARDINIA Cagliari/Chia/Villasimius

WEST SARDINIA     Oristano/Alghero

EAST SARDINIA                           Golfo di Orosei/Cala Gonone

CARLOFORTE SARDINIA           Isola di San Pietro/Portoscuso

Itinerary #1 | SARDINIA HOLIDAYS: NORTH-EAST COAST

Olbia – Golfo Di Orosei area –  San Teodoro – Budoni

THIS ITINERARY IS GOOD FOR YOU IF:

If you want to relax and take it easy, enjoying fabulous beaches and wild nature

If you fly in and out from Olbia airport, meaning minimum stress at your arrival/departure .

If you want to see fewer places but have a more “in-depth” Sardinian experience

Day 1: Olbia Airport

This Itinerary starts at Olbia airport . Depending on what time your flight lands in Olbia, you can either rent a car and drive to your first destination: Cala Gonone (Golfo di Orosei).

If the flight arrives late in the afternoon (let’s say after 7-8 pm), I’d suggest you to find a Hotel in Olbia and spend the night in there (click to find the best accommodation in Olbia)

Day 1/4: Cala Gonone

This is my personal favorite spot in Sardinia, Iff you read my comments you already know it 🙂 Discover the wild beauty of the Golfo di Orosei   having as a base one of the most enchanting and vibrants villages in the area!

Cala Gonone is the perfect location for Boat trips, driving to the main attractions (more on the Itinerary detail tab) or just relaxing and strolling around the pier, eating a gelato or trying a nice restaurant!

Day 4-7: San Teodoro

San Teodoro is another favorite of mine (for different reasons). Beautiful white sand beaches , combined with a bit of nightlife if you fancy sipping a cocktail or dance in one of the famous night clubs, or if you prefer a more relaxed vacation, drive to one of the nearby Agriturismo for a typical Sardinian dinner!

Note: San Teodoro is not just for young people looking for some fun . If you have a car, the beaches nearby are spectacular and there are other activities suited for families and people that are not into the “party scene”

WHERE TO STAY IN NORTH EAST SARDINIA

Best hotels, resorts, b&b near cala gonone, san teodoro, and budoni, hotel bue marino.

Enjoy beautiful views of the entire Gulf of Orosei from the panoramic terrace and relax in the hot tub . The beach is right across the street.The hotel features comfortable rooms with A/C, many of which have a sea view! Guests rating: 8.5

Price p/p:   From 40 Euros

HOTEL SANDALYON

If you want to wake up and simply walk to the beach? This Hotel is perfect for you! At just 100 m from la Cinta beach , it features a restaurant and spacious rooms. It is also great if you are a group of 3 people! Guests Rating: 7,9

Price p/p:  From 70 Euros 

 HOTEL BUDONI 

Just 200m from Porto Ainu beach and  4 km south of Budoni. It offers elegant rooms with light colour schemes, free Wi-Fi and patios overlooking the large garden. A lovely Hotel, good location and affordable! Guests rating: 7.9

Price p/p:  From 50 Euros 

MORE OPTIONS FOR HOTELS,RESORTS, VILLAS AND APARTMENTS IN

Cala gonone    san teodoro     budoni.

Back To Main Menu

Itinerary #2 | NORTH WEST SARDINIA HOLIDAYS

Alghero – Bosa – Stintino & La Pelosa Beach

If you are into nice beaches but also want to see more of Sardinian Heritage and cultural sites and enchanting traditional  villages like Bosa Marina, recognized as one of the best “borgos” (small villages) in Italy.

If you love shopping for typical Sardinian products and handcrafts, as Bosa and Alghero in particular have plenty of shops to choose from and you will find the perfect souvenir to take home with you! 

If you are flying in and out from Alghero Airport and want to see one of the most incredible beaches in Sardinia (Yes, I’m talking about La Pelosa beach). You can’t visit Alghero and miss Stintino’s best beach!

Day 1-2: Alghero Area

This Itinerary starts at Alghero Airport . You will have 2 days to explore this famous city and if you like the vibe and the activities I propose on the “Itinerary Detail” tab, you can stay longer and reduce you time in Stintino.

Alghero is one of the most iconic cities in Sardinia where tourists and locals mingle together. I like the views of the sunset on the sea from the city and the fact that there are so many things to do, restaurants to try and sites to visit!

Day 3-4: Bosa/Bosa Marina

Bosa is an enchanted small village , It was love at first sight for me!  Constructed around the banks of Temo river, you will recognize the place very easily for its colorful houses , a mix of modern and traditional architecture and for the famous Malaspina Castle.

A true Sardinian gem you can’t miss, with tons of activities and lovely places to eat or drink your italian “aperitivo” sitting in a bar overlooking the river!

Day 4-7: Stintino

As I said, you can’t go to Alghero and skip Stintino . The small village itself it’s lovely and the things you can do in the surroundings,  including at least one maybe two visits to “La Pelosa” ,  space from beach bumming to finding some local bottegas where you can buy typical Sardinian products or have a great boat trip.

Perfect to chill down and enjoy the atmosphere of a very relaxed village overlooking the sea (to reach La Pelosa, from the village it might take from 3 to 8 minutes by car, depending on where you are located)

WHERE TO STAY IN NORTHWEST SARDINIA

Best hotels, resorts, b&b near alghero, bosa marina, and stintino,  hotel calabona .

Panoramic sea views with amazing sunsets! The Hotel is just a 15-minute walk from Alghero’s historic centre. Outdoor pool with hydromassage jets, a paddling pool, free WiFi and a private beach. Guests Ratings: 7.8

Price p/p:   From 80 Euros

 HOTEL STELLA MARIS 

Located at 200 meters from a partner beach with parasols and sun loungers in Bosa Marina . Free parking, free bike hire and free Wi-Fi. The bus stop for Bosa city centre is less than 10 minutes’ walk. Guests Ratings: 8.2

 HOTEL 103 STINTINO 

This lovely Boutique Hotel is A 15-minute ferry ride from Asinara National Park. It offers some facilities, such as a bar and certain units at the property include a fantastic terrace with views of the port. Guest ratings: 9.7

Price p/p: From 33 Euros 

ALGHERO    BOSA     STINTINO

Itinerary #3 | north sardinia holidays.

From Olbia to Santa Teresa Di Gallura and Costa Paradiso (Paradise Coast)

If you are flying in and out of Olbia Airport and you want to avoid the super turistic Costa Smeralda. If you are in need of a more chilled down holiday where you don’t have to worry about your dress code too much 🙂

You want to discover a less crowded area in North Sardinia, as Costa Paradiso is on average less touristic than the rest of  the North, even during peak season, and enjoying some of the finest beaches in Sardinia anyway.

You are a very active person and you enjoy water sports such as Windsurf, Kitesurf, snorkeling & Scuba Diving. Both Santa Teresa and Costa Paradiso are perfect locations if you want to spend your days in the water !

Day 1-4: Santa Teresa

This Itinerary also starts (and ends) at Olbia airport (with the possibility of flying out from Alghero airport ). Santa Teresa di Gallura is probably the best base to explore North Sardinia, both east and west, depending on what you want to do.

In this itinerary, I am using Santa Teresa as a point to discover the north west part but it’s very convenient to check out the east coast as well. Not to mention that Santa Teresa itself is lovely enough to just spend a whole week in there!

Day 4-7: Costa Paradiso

I’ve spent a whole week in a small family villa in Costa Paradiso  (I went to Badesi beach and loved the sunsets over there!). It’s really perfect for a super chilled out holiday (in my case!) but also for kite surf and windsurf fanatics, as Isola Rossa it’s super famous for these sports and attracts many aficionados 🙂

I’ve never tried myself but I know where all these places are in Sardinia, you can’t really miss them when the sky above the sea is dotted with colorful “parachutes” (pardon me for my ignorance, but they are so beautiful to watch anyway!)

WHERE TO STAY IN NORTH SARDINIA

Best hotels, resorts, b&b near santa teresa di gallura, costa paradiso, and isola rossa.

         Hotel Marinaro         

Santa Teresa Di Gallura

The Hotel is situated in the historic centre of Santa Teresa Di Gallura, close to the tourist harbours.The Marinaro is close to the famous the beach Rena Bianca , where you can spend pleasant hours sunbathing and swimming. Guests Ratings: 8.5

Price p/p:   From 35 Euros

        Resort Gravina        

Costa Paradiso

Dreamy!!Located a few minutes by car from the coast and its beautiful beaches, Resort Gravina – Costa Paradiso has a free-form outdoor pool set in relaxing garden. It offers self-catering apartments with a private entrance. Guests Rating: 7.1

        Hotel Corallo      

Isola Rossa

Set in the fishing village of Isola Rossa, the Hotel has an outdoor pool and a restaurant with Sardinian food . Some offer a private terrace or balcony with beautiful views. Meals are served out on the panoramic terrace Guests Rating: 8

Price p/p:  From 46 Euros 

SANTA TERESA    COSTA PARADISO   ISOLA ROSSA

Itinerary #4 | south sardinia holidays east coast.

Cagliari/Villasimius/Costa Rei

You land and depart from Cagliari Airport this itinerary is perfect for you, as the distances are easy to cover from all these destinations, which means, less stress for you and more time to visit these marvelous places!

If you are a beach lover and  you want to relax and swim in crystal clear waters, practicing watersports (another great location if you are into Kitesurf &  Windsurf) and if you like to have bars and restaurants on the beach or very near to it 

If you like lively villages with plenty of options for eating out and have a drink, which means that this itinerary is very versatile, and can be the perfect choice for solo travelers as well as couples and families.

Day 1-3: Villasimius

Just the panoramic route from Cagliari Airport to Villasimius is worth it! Now they created a relatively new road which is supposedly faster and easier, but I STRONGLY recommend you to take the scenic route as you will drive with the coastline on your right, up to the hills so that you will see the sea  below.

Villasimius itself is super lovely and lively with tons of activities and nice places to try (more on tis on the “Itinerary Details tab), coming soon, as I’m working on it as you are reading this!

Day 4-7: Costa Rei

Very convenient from Villasimius, a zero-stress ride, pretty quick and easy. Costa Rei is less than 20 minutes ride away from your first stop , with its 12 km long sandy beach waiting for you. I used to spend my summers in Costa Rei in a typical “villetta” with the whole family from age 8 to age 15 every year, and loved it each time!

Now it is more modern and with more facilicities than in the past, but the beauty of “Lo scoglio di Peppino” on the beach still remains untouched! You might be wondering: “What on earth is “Lo scoglio di Peppino”?! 🙂 More on the Itinerary Details!

WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTH EAST SARDINIA

Best hotels, resorts, b&b near villasimius, punta molentis, and costa rei.

         Hotel Mariposas         

Villasimius

The Hotel offers free WiFi, a garden and an outdoor pool .All rooms at Hotel Mariposas are air-conditioned and include a TV, minibar and desk. Each room has a private bathroom with a shower, hairdryer and a bidet. Guests Rating: 9.5

Price p/p:   From 65 Euros

       Hotel Torre Salinas        

Free WiFi, an outdoor pool and a children’s playground. Right on the beachfront, the hotel has a sun terrace and fitness centre and a private beach and bike hire is available. Activities offered: horse riding, cycling and canoeing. Guests Rating: 8.3

Price p/p:  From 94 Euros 

       I Panorami Di Castello       

Located 5 km from Poetto Beach , and 200 mt from Bastione di San Remy, It offers pet-friendly accommodation in Cagliari. It boasts fantastic views of the sea  and is a great choice if you are  interested in old town explorings . Guests Rating: 9.8

Price p/p:  From 37 Euros 

VILLASIMIUS   COSTA REI   CAGLIARI

Itinerary #5 | south west sardinia holidays.

Nebida/Piscinas/Scivu/Oristano/Is Arutas/San Giovanni Di Sinis

Want to visit a relatively undiscovered (by the tourists at least) part of Sardinia, more wild and  almost exclusively frequented by local people, the “weird Sardinians” 🙂

If you are looking for a quiet vacation, away from the crowds, love to discover more than just beaches but also some nice spots on the Hinterland and some areas surrounding the beaches

If you land and depart from Cagliari or Land in Cagliari and depart from Alghero, as from Oristano it’s about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach both Airports. Quite convenient!

Day 1-4: Nebida

The Nebida area is so worth it! For the landcsapes, the beautiful panoramic views from the street and obviously for the magical sunsets over the sea. The first time in the Iglesias area is an incredible experience even for the locals. With its abandoned minerary sites, traditional villages and makestic rocks in the middle of the sea, Nebida (and surroundings) is a must if you want to visit the south west coast of Sardinia.

MORE INFO There are so many different things you can see in this area that I wasn’t even sure whether to include the second stop in Oristano (still worth it and doable in 1 week,  but slightly rushed) .

So you might consider this Itinerary as 2 separate ones or combine the two if you really want to see both areas!  And it’s actually perfect if you have 10 days, 5 days in each destination!

Day 4-7: Oristano

Strategically located right in the middle of the west coast, Oristano is another area which is well worth visiting if you want to combine culture and beautiful beaches all in one ! From stoppingby one of lovely traditional villages to visiting some ancient ruins, Oristano really has it all.  The touristy areas are not many and usually they are popular amongst people who travel by caravan  as there are several dedicated areas for it.

You don’t want to rent a caravan or you don’t have one? no problem, with a simple car you will be still able to see most of the beautiful attractions I’m going to list on the “Itinerary Details” tab here!

WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTH WEST SARDINIA

Best hotels, resorts, b&b near nebida, piscinas, and oristano.

  L’incanto Tanca Piras  

Nebida – Gonnesa

Fantastic Swimming pool,  big garden with BBQ facilities, this  self-catering 2 bedroom house for 4 people has stunning views over the sea, private access to the beach at 200 m and 10 min drive to Nebida/Masua.   Guests Rating: 9.1

Price p/p:   From 60 Euros

Sa Corti De Sa Perda  

Sa Corti De Sa Perda offers panoramic views across Piscinas , a famous Sardinian village. It features rustic-style rooms with a furnished patio. The rooms are set in the annex of a farmhouse dating back to the 1700s. Guests Rating: 8.8 

Price p/p:  From 29 Euros 

Casa Vacanze San Giovanni 

San Giovanni Di Sinis – Cabras

Located in front of a sandy beach , Casa Vacanze offers air-con, garden, balcony, and free private parking. Set on 2 floors, it features a seating area with kitchenette, a TV and a washing machine. Good for 4 people.  Guests Rating: 8.6

Price p/p:  From 41 Euros 

NEBIDA/ GONNESA    PISCINAS   SAN GIOVANNI DI SINIS  / ORISTANO

Itinerary #6 | all south sardinia holidays.

You are planning on landing and departing from Cagliari Airport, as it’s easily reachable in a bit more than one hour drive from both sides of the coastline

You want to visit some of the most stunning beaches in South Sardinia, as well as archeological sites and  local villages, without using the car for too long to reach your place of interest

If  you have already been to Sardinia and only had the time to visit the northern part of the island and you now want to complete your exploration and see how diverse Sardinia can be!

Day 1-4: Cagliari/Pula

Start your  Sardinia holiday in the beautiful capital : Cagliari (my hometown!) . Beautiful beach town and tons of things to do in the surroundings, before heading to either Santa Margherita di Pula or the great beach houses on the south west coast. You will find so many great beaches one after the other and you’ll be able to also visit interesting archeological sites in Nora .

If you visit the south of Sardinia you can’t skip Su Giudeu beach and Tuerredda.  Even before reaching the beach your jaw will drop at the panoramic views along the road, 100% guardanteed!

Day 4-7: Villasimius

A holiday in south Sardinia wouldn’t be completed without checking out the gorgeous Villasimius , both town and beaches are incredible, lots to do, restaurants to try and activities for everyone!

This is a super popular spot in Sardinia and not by coincidence, the best accommodations and hotels around are almost always sold out way before the peak season. As already mentioned for my previous South east itineray, even the road to get there is unmissable !

WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTH  SARDINIA

Best hotels, resorts, b&b near villasimius, chia, tuerredda and santa margherita di pula.

 Janas Hotel

Janas Hotel is just 2 km from the coast and its beautiful beaches . It offers air-conditioned rooms, a shared terrace, and a continental-style breakfast. The rooms are elegantly decorated with a flat-screen TV. Guests Rating: 9.5

Price p/p:   From 48 Euros

Hotel Acqua Dulci

THIS IS MY ABSOLUTELY FAVORITE! Hotel Aquadulci is set in a peaceful location on Sardinia’s southern coast, directly connected to the sandy beach of Su Giudeu. The garden with palm trees includes a swimming pool.  Guests rating: 8.8

Price p/p:  From 158 Euros 

Hotel Costa Dei Fiori

Santa Margherita di Pula

The Hotel  offers 2 seawater swimming pools (one is an infinity pool boasting a stunning view of the sea) a restaurant, a café and elegant and refined rooms. Parking is free, private or shared balcony or patio. Wi-Fi is available. Guests rating: 8.3

Price p/p:  From 130 Euros 

VILLASIMIUS    CHIA  SANTA MARGHERITA DI PULA   

Itinerary #7 | sardinia holidays: west coast.

From Cagliari, passing through Oristano, Stintino and leaving from Alghero

If you want to check out all the most iconic places of the west coast, the “less popular one” and dive into the real Sardinian culture, seeing some incredible beaches along the way too!

You land at Cagliari airport and depart from Alghero airport. Going back to Cagliari in this case is not recommended unless stricly necessary as you will lose one precious day to get back to the south.

You are into archaeology, natural and historical sights besides the splendid beaches (such as ancient ruins, fascinating grottos, Nuraghes and  also a bit of hiking/trekking if you are an active person.

Day 1-3: Oristano Area

Three days in the Oristano area are mandatory , from the big town to the small little villages in the surroundings, there is plenty to discover here (more on the “Itinerary Details” tab). I love the vibe in Oristano, it is more genuinely “Sardinia” than some other touristic places and being a local I appreciate when tourists take the time to vist it.

Not to mention that I’ve seen all the beautiful beaches in the area , some of them are truly unique in Sardinia and the sea is also great. Only one note: be careful when swimming and don’t venture too far from the shore as there are strong currents underwater.

Day 3-5: Alghero Area

With this Itinerary you will have some more time to discover the beauty of Alghero , the hystorical city center and plan some more activities in the surrounding areas.

There is so mch to do that I’ve already written anothe super comprehensive blog post with a list of activities to try while in Alghero (as usual you will find more details in the tab “Itinerary Details”)

Day 5-7: Stintino La Pelosa

I  have to repeat myself here, as you might have not read the intro to the North west Sardinia Itinerary, but not staying in Stintino while in Alghero is considered a “sacriledge” by the locals, as La Pelosa beach (literally meaning “hairy woman” in Italian by) is one of the most beautiful beaches not only in Sardinia but in Europe. 

Needless to say, a stop of 1-2 days here is mandatory and great to chill out and relax, away from the chaos of the big cities, and nothing is better than a marvelous beach to end your trip in Sardinia with the fireworks! 🙂

WHERE TO STAY IN WEST SARDINIA

Best hotels, resorts, b&b near cagliari, oristano, alghero and stintino.

Hotel Flora

Featuring a traditional restaurant, the 4-star Hotel Flora is located in central Cagliari, just 800 m from the harbour (which is a perfect location!). It offers free WiFi, and air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TV. Guests rating: 9.1

Price p/p:   From 52 Euros

Hotel Villa delle Rose

The Hotel is located in Oristano’s centre and offers free parking and a restaurant serving traditional Sardinian specialities and wines. It can  organise many activities, such as horse riding, snorkeling and windsurfing courses. Guests Rating: 8.2

Price p/p:  From 32 Euros 

B&B Stella Marina

B&B Stella Marina features rooms with sea views and a sweet breakfast served daily. The nearest beach is 3 km from the B&B, and the harbour is just a 5-minute walk away. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Good Location to drive around. Guests Rating: 8.6

Price p/p:  From 33 Euros 

CAGLIARI    ORISTANO , ALGHERO   STINTINO

Itinerary #8 | sardinia holidays: east coast.

All About the magnificent Golfo di Orosei, Cala Gonone, and Baunei

You want to see what is in my opinion as a local, the best of the best in Sardinia! I know tastes are personal but when it comes to rate the Golfo di Orosei, Sardinian people all agree: that place is truly a natural paradise. 

You are flying in  and out from  Olbia Airport, but you are flexible with the driving and could consider also Cagliari Airport (and if you are able to stay more than 1 week, let’s say at least 10 days, this is even more doable)

If you love both beaches, water activities and wild nature, including trekking, hiking, biking, but you would also love to see the traditional Sardinian culture, village and food. The Golfo di Orosei area really has it all! 

Day 1-4: Cala Gonone

Already mentioned on my “ Sardinia Holidays: North East Itinerary”, Cala Gonone is really the perfect location to choose as a base if you want to discover the Golfo Di Orosei Area . It’s not the only village around but definitely the most convient one as it’s on the beach and has plenty of restaurants and bar.

If staying on the beach is not mandatory for you and you want to base yourself in a more traditional Sardinian Village, you can also consider staying in  Orosei and Dorgali . Still lovely but you’ll have to drive a bit more.

Day 4-7: Baunei Village

Located on the southern end of Golfo di Orosei, I consider Baunei , a small village on the mountains with a beautiful view of both the coast and the Gennargentu mountains as the true Sardinia experience .

I recommend you to stay in there for a few days to discover a totally different side of Sardinia and also to have easy access to the path that leads to Cala Goloritze’, one of the most incredible beaches in Sardinia, declared Unesco Heritage site. You can’t visit the Golfo di Orosei and skip this! 

WHERE TO STAY IN EAST SARDINIA

Best hotels, resorts, b&b near orosei, cala gonone and baunei.

Albergo Diffuso Mannois

The Hotel is located at 1.8 km from the sea and offers free WiFi, bikes, parasols and sun loungers at the private beach . Staff can advise on the wide variety of activities nearby like hiking, diving, and mini cruises around the Orosei Gulf.  Guests Rating: 9

Price p/p:   From 68 Euros

Hotel Bue Marino          

Cala Gonone

(Already suggested on the first itinerary!) Features a  panoramic terrace and relax in the hot tub . The beach is right across the street.The hotel features comfortable rooms with A/C, many of which have a sea view! Guests rating: 8.5

B&B Dommu Agostina

Set in Baunei, B&B Dommu Agostina offers a garden, terrace and classic-style rooms with a balcony. Free WiFi is available in public areas, and the beaches of Santa Maria Navarrese are a 15-minute drive away. Guests Rating: 9.7

Price p/p:  From 35 Euros 

OROSEI   CALA GONONE   BAUNEI  

Itinerary #9 | sardinia holidays in carloforte.

San Pietro Island, Carloforte, Portoscuso – The Unknown Sardinia!

“If you would like to discover the wild beauty of Sardinia in a tranquil non touristy setting and you don’t mind staying in one place for the whole time .”

“You are interested in beautiiful beaches and coves as well as rocky shores and rugged coastline sceneries. Carloforte has it all and you will be amazed by its beauty.”

If you love nice typical villages and a holiday centered on slow peace, discovering the small streets and having lots of interactions with the locals”

Day 1-2: Cagliari

This Itinerary starts at Cagliari airport . Depending on what time your flight lands in Cagliari, you can either rent a car and drive to your first destination: Carloforte Island (and the village of Carloforte

If the flight arrives late in the afternoon (let’s say after 7-8 pm), I’d suggest you to find a Hotel in Cagliari and spend the night  there (click to find the best accommodation in Cagliari)

Day 2-7: Carloforte Island

Carloforte is such an underrated beautiful place to book your Sardinia holidays! It’s mostly frequented by locals during summer and populated by the Carlofortini (people of Carloforte) all year round. The biggest curiosity about Carloforte is that they don’t consider themself to be Sardinian because they ancestors came from Liguria (Genova), so their dialect is a lot more similar to the Genovese one.

Set aside for this very peculiar particular about this lovely little island on the southwest coast of Sardinia , I think that if you’re looking for something truly unique, Carloforte with its village and marvelous beaches is what you need!

WHERE TO STAY IN CARLOFORTE – SARDINIA

Best hotels, resorts, b&b in cagliari, carloforte, isola di san pietro.

Carloforte Hotels 1

Carloforte Hotels 2

Carloforte Hotels 3

CARLOFORTE  AND   CAGLIARI  

Want to know something more.

Check out the Infographic I put together for you with some fun facts about Sardinia! 

THIS IS MY SARDINIA MODEST VIDEO!

As I said, just shots with a super old mobile phone. But I have chosen the song as it’s in Sardinian language from a Sardinian band called “Tazenda” . Every time I listen to it I get the chills.

The first video is all beauty, this one is all heart from a local who loves her island more than anything!

READ MORE ABOUT SARDINIA!

Where To stay in Sardinia for Couples: A Local’s guide!

Best Sardinia Beaches You can’t miss on Your Trip

Fabulous reason to Visit Sardinia in Low Season

Amazing Things To Do In Sardinia in Summer

Unique Things To Discover in Sardinia During Winter

Best Costa Smeralda Beaches With Map

Sardinia By Car: The Ultimate Guide on How To Get Around the Island!

Sardinia Photos: My 15 favorite Instagram Pictures!

Sardinia Travel Guide: Unmissable Places To See and Things To Do!

Sardinia Holidays for Families: Where To Stay with your kids!

Sardinia Solo Travel: A Backpackers guide by a Local!

Sardinia Camping: Your Guide (By a Local)

Sardinia Travel Guides

Sardinia in 2 weeks: Best Itinerary

Sardinia in 3 weeks: Best Itinerary

Hi Clelia…love your blog and will be picking it apart big time…thank you!

My wife and I are planning an 8 day self drive of the island. I have drafted the following:

Arrive Olbia (2 nights) Olbia to Alghero (2 nights) Alghero to Oristano (2 nights) Oristano to Cagliari (2 nights) Fly CAG to Sicily

Is this doable/reasonable?

Thanks Clelia

Hi Geoff, the itinerary seeems to be a bit rushed and stressful, I would do either one cost or the other and skip one location to stay more in one place, unless you are fine with just seeing and not truly enjoying the beauty of Sardinia 🙂 The roads are not super good so it will take quite a while driving from one place to the other, settle in, have one full day and depart again… Cheers! Clelia

Very good tips and in fact a little bit of what we had hoped we would be able to do. We can’t wait for this exciting trip. Thank you so much for sharing such an excellent post.

Wow, I would like to be here, Sardinia seems an amazing place!

Indeed it is 🙂

I will be going on my honeymoon Aug 4th – 12th (I made the mistake to go during Australia’s winter and have just realized how it’s peak and double the prices than).

I am after the most beautiful beaches and food we fly into and out of Olbia. We will be hiring a car to get around.

I was thinking of doing the North and also do the west.

Including place such as Cala Gonone, Cala Goloritze, Pink Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, la Maddalena, Santa Teresa Gallura and Spiaggia Rosa.

I am not sure how to wokr it so we are starting and ending in Olbia.

Can you please help.

I really like your blog, useful info.

your content is very useful for me. thanks

Not far from Isola Rossa is the great Spiaggia Li Cossi beach – I recommend going there if anyone is in the area. Personally, I recommend the northwest of Sardinia. Alghero, Capo Caccia, La Pelosa and Bosa are the best combination. Regards!

Thanks for the addons, Lukas! I have so many more articles to write about my beautiful Sardinia and its beaches. This year, due to my marriage (on a Sardinian beach!) and all I was only able to visit Cala Brandinchi near San Teodoro, Budoni, and my magical Cala Domestica in the south West, the place where I got married, it is truly special and I recommend it <3

Hi I love Sardinia and always stayed in Cala liberotto…the last time being 2018. Now my child is school age flights are sooo expensive in the May June half term (we’d usually visit in May) is it stupidly crowded in Sardinia at end of July or end of august do you know?

Hi Lynette, unfortunately like every famous and popular vacation place, also in Sardinia is crowded during peak season. Everyone wants a piece of paradise I guess. I live here and the other day I went to the beach (deserted of course) but you can’t have it all 🙁 Cala Liberotto is a lovely place to stay, slightly less touristy but you should expect crowds there too in July/August. I always recommend visiting at the end of the season when the weather is still great usually. Did you try to book way in advance for May? I sometimes find great deals like that. Cheers Clelia

Hi Clelia, amazing tips you wrote, I really enjoy reading it. I wonder if you have good tip for October tour itenaries 16-24 total of 9 days in Sardinia landed at Olbia aiport, we rent a car with 2 adult and 1 kid what is best to do and stay for the season? I am thinking 1N at Aghero, 3N at Calgliari, 2Noruo and 1N at Oblia but may be too many stops for too little to do.

Thanks and look forward to hear back.

Super sorry about not replying in time. This year has been hectic as I was getting married (In Sardinia!). I truly hope you were able to plan an amazing trip to my Island! Cheers Clelia

Thank you so much for your super informative website! I am planning to visit Sardinia for a week in June. I’m interested in your itinerary 1,3 and 8 – are there additional details on activities , must see sites, restaurants etc for each of them? Also I note none of your itineraries include a day trip or visit to La Maddalena, is there a reason for this? Just deciding if we should go north to visit it specially!

Thanks so much Lauren

Hi, My Girlfriend and I are going to Sardinia the 1st of September. We will be staying on the island for 10 days. We allready booked a 2 night stay at Alghero for when we arrive. Then we don’t have anything planned yet. We have a few spot that we really would like to visit like; Maddalena and Cagliari. We would als like to stay at a Agriturismo somewhere. We don’t like really crowed places and we like to taste local food and wine. Could you please give us some tips about where to go, what to definitely do etc. Thank you in advance

So sorry about the delay in my reply, I got married (In Sardinia) at the end of August and it’s been crazy. I do hope you had a fantastic time on my lovely island! From what you were planning I can tell you were spot on in your choice of destinations. Finding great accommodations takes a bit of research but in Sardinia we have plenty of good options available!

Costa Paradiso and Santa Teresa are some of my top bucket list items for Sardegna… I’m planning for the summer to spend a week there, as I’m based in Milan, it would be really easy to go. I wish I was able to do it last year, but this way I had the chance to dig into your posts to find inspiration for my trip. June, please come finally!

Thank You For this amazing guide, I have never been to Sardinia before but your guide inspires me to experience this beautiful place.

I want to ask you please what’s the best place in Sardinia for solo traveler? and it will be safe after the coronavirus lockdown? because you know it’s hard to find a safe destination in the coming period.

Hi Flora, thanks for your message and for wanting to visit my beautiful Sardinia! As for places to travel solo, it really depends on what you want to do, if you will rent a car (which I recommend). Usually, I’d say places like Santa Teresa di Gallura, San Teodoro, or Villasimius for the east coast or Oristano, Cagliari for the southern and western coast. You should be fine to travel either by public transport and by car to discover some true gems! As for safety, Sardinia has not being affected that much by the covid (more on the north near Sassari) , that said, if you take the precautions as they request you should be fine. Every destination can be safe or not, depending on who is visiting it. So simply take the precautions and enjoy the Holidays in Sardinia normally! Cheers Clelia

Hi, we are planning on visiting Sardinia for the first time. Your website and advice have been a very helpful resource! We are flying to/from Olbia and would ideally like to stay somewhere North/North East/North West

1. Can you please advise on which car rental companies to choose/avoid as I have read a lot of horror stories online of some companies. 2. Can you advise on cheaper accommodation (hotels or self-catered apartments/villas) for 2 adults, 2 children in August somewhere in the North/NW/NE, preferably coastal? Best websites other than airbnb?

Hello, Your article, website and images are superb, knowledgeable and very helpful. Your itinerary is made nicely which help us while travelling. Thanks for sharing.

Glad I could help, thanks for your message!

Hi Clelia, Your website is awesome and has been super helpful! My wife and I have flights in and and out Cagliari October 15-22. Based on your information we are most interested in exploring the east coast of the island. Would weather that time of year hinder us at all? We have a rental car booked but since a lot of the coastline can’t be reached by car, I was wondering if you know if it’s feasible to rent a small boat and where I may do so?! Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi Jesse, thanks for your lovely comment! As for your questions, the weather this year has been totally unpredictable, with a terrible start of the season, while at the moment I’m literally melting in my room with the fan on. I was reading earlier that it won’t sty this hot for much longer, so I’d expect some variable weather in October and I wouldn’t recommend the boat if the weather is not OK. Actually most of the coastline is reachable by car (except the Golfo di Orosei area) but even in there you can reach Cala Goloritze by foot.

So I’d say you better keep the rental car and hope the weather during that week will allow you to explore a bit by boat, if not… there is so much more to see other than just the beaches in the Golfo di Orosei and you can do so by car anyway. Best of luck, I will be here in Sardinia too so I’m also hoping the weather will hold for a bit more! Cheers Clelia

Hi Clelia, firstly thank you so much for providing such a wonderful website with so much useful information 🙂 I wish I could go for months to enjoy all of it! Unfortunately we only have 8 days and they aren’t flexible.. Could you please help me narrow down where to stay? We arrive 26 June and leave 3 July. I appreciate this is Italian & French school holidays. I am travelling with my sister, my husband and 2 children (10 and 12). We love the beach, but coming from New Zealand are used to amazing beaches that aren’t crowded. My kids are very active and adventurous. We will probably hire a car. I’m guessing we would like two bases so we are not on the road all the time. We would love to feel the real Sardinia and do not want to be stuck in tourist traps. However a bit of nightlife/restaurants etc would also be good. We love exploring, walking, swimming, boat trips, history and beautiful scenery. I know this pretty much covers the whole of Sardinia (which is why I can’t figure this out on my own!) lol, but would you be able to suggest a suitable itinerary for us? I guess the main thing is we don’t want to be based in a town/beach resort where there are loads of families on their holidays, but we also don’t want to feel isolated. We haven’t booked our flights yet, so locations are flexible.

Hi Teresa, sorry for not being able to help you with your trip to Sardinia. IT issues prevented me to reply on time. I hope you had a great time in my beautiful Island! Cheers Clelia

Man I agree with Brady Anderson, we need so much more time than the 5 days we can have. But this is a taster for us, in a couple of years we are taking our yacht there en route to New Zealand, but your website has been absolutely awesome, congratulations. We are coming into Cagliari by ferry from Sicily, so I was going to hire a car and return it there, but perhaps we should hire it there, drop it off in Olbia and then fly from there to Rome. I am so excited you have given so many wonderful ideas

Thanks Annabel, wow your Yacht adventure sounds absolutely amazing and with it, you’ll be able to love Sardinia to pieces!! Your plan to drop the car to Olbia is the best, to be honest, a lot less hassle and wasted time! I hope you’ll have a great “appetizer” of my Sardinia! I’m about to go for another road trip of my Island in a week and can’t wait 🙂 Cheers Clelia

Thank you so much for your help

You’re welcome Annabel!

thank you so much for all of the info. this has truly made the trip easy to plan. I had one question. My wife and I fly into CAG and drive right up to Cala ganone for 4 days. With 2 days after this to spare, would you just recommend staying in Cagliari for the remaining 2 days and just having an easy time getting back to CAG or would we be missing out no going to Vallisimius.?

Hello Clelia. This is such an amazing article. Thank you so much for doing it. Im visiting Sardinia in August from 12th-19th. We arrive and leave from Cagliari and already have the hotels (one in Alghero for the first 4 days) and the other in Cagliari (for the rest of the days). Would you reccomend a specific itinerary? We like to combine a bit of everything, beaches, beautiful landscapes and one hiking route, and some awesome snorkeling places. Our initial idea was to visit the north part on the first 4 days and then leave to the south and visit some places there for the next 3 days.

Wow, what an amazing website you have created! I will be visiting your beautiful island next year, either in May or September. My friend is riding on his motorcycle and taking a ferry to Sardinia, so I am thinking of renting a moto to join him as we tour Are there any places I could rent a motorcycle?

Hi Mace, thanks for stopping by! Honestly, I’m not sure what to suggest for renting a motorbike, I’m sure in Cagliari if you google it you will find something but I’ve never done it and I can’t really recommend anything specific. Sorry that I couldn’t be of much help but I usually only recommend places I know or things I’ve tried for myself.

I hope you’ll find what you’re looking for and have an amazing holiday in Sardinia!

Hi Clelia! Wow, impressive information here! I’m writing to find out if you recommend Isola Tavolara? I saw pictures of it and it’s beautiful! I can see that one might be able to dive or snorkel there. We have one week to spend and are thinking to station in Olbia and explore part of the west side and visit some archeologic sites and some ruins in Nora. Is it even reasonable given the small amount of time we have? We are flexible with moving around and maybe station in 2 hotels so we don’t have to drive everyday and yes a car seems like a must!

Your response will be greatly appreciated!

Hi Susan, Thanks for your kind words! As for your questions: YES I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND TAVOLARA ISLAND! You can go there on a daily trip and hike to the top for breathtaking views or yes you can also dive and snorkel for sure, I loved Tavolara and it’s very convenient if you plan on staying nearby the San Teodoro area (or Olbia, but you’ll have to drive just a bit more, not a big deal anyway!). Given that you have one week, it’s tricky to see all the things you want to if you stay around Olbia. To be honest, given that you’re there, if you REALLY want to see Nora ruins (I know them super well as I live very close to the area), you should do a one day trip but it’s gonna be demanding and you won’t have the right amount of time to truly appreciate it.

The other solution is, like you said, split your vacation in 2. First Olbia and then Cagliari area (Nora and the west coast can be visited on a day trip very easily from Cagliari), or if you don’t want to stay in the city you can base yourself in Santa Margherita di Pula. But this option, in my opinion, is only viable if you have the return flight from Cagliari Airport, otherwise, it would be super rushed and you will have to factor in one less day of vacation.

I hope it helps and that you’ll have a great time in Sardinia! (I’m here at the moment and I can finally say that the weather is starting to resemble spring /early summer (we had a few terrible and weird months in April and May, very unusual rain and chilly), now the sun it’s shining again! Cheers Clelia

Hi, thanks for all the great info. While I would like to have 5 weeks given all your tips – we will only have 5 nights flying into Alghero and flying out of Cagliari. Despite your advice we prefer to rush around and see more as opposed to missing things. So – what do you suggest? Should we just follow your itinerary 7 in reverse and miss the entire east coast or should we head from Alghero to the east coast and spend the last night in Cagliari. We had heard that Porto Cervo was special. Please advise as we dont want to miss anything. We most want beautiful beaches, amazing sights and some shopping nightlife (with amazing food! 🙂 ). Thanks in advance

Hey Brady, so…. if you REALLY don’t mind rushing and driving quite a bit, early morning wake up and all that, then I would highly recommend moving from Alghero where you’ll visit probably the Nettuno Grotto and Capo Caccia with a mandatory visit to the “La Pelosa beach” and go straight to the east coast (Santa Teresa where you can’t miss the breathtaking view from the lighthouse in Capo Testa and then go further south following the east coast itinerary)

My advice, even if you don’t mind rushing is to carefully plan EVERYTHING so that you won’t waste any time and go straight to the places you wanna see, otherwise seeing all in one week is a mission almost impossible (we all would love Sardinia were more “compact” and easy to navigate in one week but it’s a very big Island and you can’t see it all not even rushing).

Hope that helps! Cheers Clelia

Hello! I realize now that La Maddalena is NOT on Sardinia, but I have heard beautiful things about the beaches there and wondered your thoughts on the worthiness of our 1 week stay in Sardinia. Thank you for all of your research!

Hi Phil, Thanks for stopping by! who told you that La Maddalena is not Sardinia? Of course it is part of Sardinia and the beaches around the Archipelago della Maddalena are stunning indeed!

I looked on the map, and it looked like Maddalena was on a separate island. No? In any event, I have heard that it was stunning and was surprised to see it NOT on your list (which I LOVED, by the way). I was looking for a central place to stay and explore the island via a car, and was planning on Maddalena… until I read your info…and that stopped me in my tracks. We want to not only stay in a beautiful beach area but also be able to explore the beautiful beaches around the island as well, and a few classic smaller towns Please advise as to Maddalena being a good central location or should we consider some other beach location. Thank you so much!

Hey Phil, I think there is a bit of geography confusion here 🙂 Not to worry! I guess you are referring to LA MADDALENA ISLAND in northern Sardinia, which is part of the Arcipelago della Maddalena. I’m asking this as we also have a beach (not even a good one for my very high standards) in South Sardinia, which is named “La Maddalena beach”. But you mention an Island so definitely talking about the one in the north. My advice (which is obviously biased by my own preferences) is to not stay put in La Maddalena Island for a couple of reasons:

The beaches ON THE ISLAND are ok but not jaw-dropping (again, for my high standards. The village is lovely but being an Island you can’t take the car and roam around the coast, see the great beaches and the villages, you’ll have to take the ferry to the mainland and even if it’s not that far away, it’s a nuisance in my opinion. If you want to see Sardinia, it’s beaches and some traditional villages I recommend more San Pantaleo village , Arzachena , Palau , or Cannigione as a base to also explore the Arcipelago della Maddalena by boat trip tours ( see this for example ) and then use your car and feel free to stop whenever and wherever you want!

Hope this helps! Cheers Clelia

This is absolutely fantastic information Clelia. Thank you so much and I will follow your recommendations to it’s fullest!

Thanks so much for your feedback Phil! I’m glad I could help and I wish you a smashing holiday in Sardinia 🙂

Hi Clelia, Wow, what wonderful information! Unfortunately none of the itineraries would pop up when I clicked on them! My husband, our 13 year old son and I will be going to magical Sardinia for eight nights arriving Olbia 3pm May 4, 2019. and departing from Cagliari at 3:15 on May 12. We will rent a car in Olbia and drop it off in Cagliari. We want to see some stunning beaches and some amazing archeological treasures. I know there are plenty of both on your island, so I’m wondering what itinerary you recommend that will not feel rushed and where we will not be driving 2 hours a day every day! We want to see the Giant’s Tomb! The Menhir in Goni and the Nuraghi and wild horses in Barumini sound wonderful. I’ve also looked at the Santa Cristina spring, the pyramid near Sassari. So many things to see – I’m sure we will need to come back for a longer visit! The Neptune caves near Alghero also look stunning. Many of my friends have stayed at the luxury hotels in Porto Cervo – we are not going to Sardinia to go on yachts and night clubs, but we would like to visit a few of the most beautiful beaches on Costa Smerelda or wherever you recommend! We also love thermal hot springs and cold springs! Please can you let me know what you would suggest for our itinerary and what part of the island for lodging plus how many nights each place. Ideally we would like to stay at two or 3 places so that we have 2-3 nights at each place – usually when we travel we stay a minimum of 4 nights in each location, but it doesn’t seem like that will work for us in Sardinia for 8 nights without a ton of driving back and forth! Thank you so much!

Sorry for the massive delay, in between my trips and IT issues it was impossible to catch up with all the requests of help I receive for a personalized itinerary in Sardinia 🙂 Your case is a bit tricky to be honest as you want to see so many things 🙂 I totally get it, Sardinia is amazing and it would be nice to see it all in one week but it’s basically impossible!

PS, for the itinerary tabs showing nothing, that’s something I warn people at the beginning of the post, as I’m working all by myself and I still didn’t have the time to fill that out but the article itself is already pretty complete so I am prioritizing other things first.

Anyway, back to you! In my opinion, in one week (unless you want to truly rush it and in Sardinia, you shouldn’t do it!) I would say 2 locations are more than enough. Sometimes is better to see less but absorb more of the culture, the experiences and all that instead of just quickly check out places from your list. That’s the way I also travel and in my opinion is the best approach to visit Sardinia.

Since you arrive at Olbia airport and leave from Cagliari airport the itinerary can be something like this:

1) Book a place in Arzachena for a couple of nights and from there you can do the following:

– Visit the wonderful Nuraghe La Prisgiona (and other 7 smaller Nuragic complexes in the area for just 20 euros if you include everything) – Visit the Tomba dei Giganti in Santa Teresa di Gallura (half day trip if you combine it with the other half for the Nuraghes) – Visit the Costa Smeralda (Porto Cervo and/or Porto Rotondo), the nearby beaches AND take a full day for the Arcipelago della Maddalena Boat trip which is a must!! Please check the availability for that as they start operating depending on the weather and May can be a spectacular month or it might still be unstable, it changes from year to year.

TOTAL NIGHTS RECOMMENDED IN HERE:3 (1 for the Nuraghi/Tomba Dei Giganti, 1 for the Costa Smeralda beaches and stroll, 1 for the boat trip)

From Olbia Airport to Arzachena is just 35 min by car and from Arzachena to the Nuraghe complex is just 15 minutes max and to the Tomba Dei Giganti is 45 minutes. To go from Arzachena to Porto Cervo by car is around 20 min, to Porto Rotondo is 30 minutes and then, always from Arzachena, you can check out Cala di Volpe, Romazzino, Liscia Ruja Beaches (just about 20 min by car).

Arzachena is also (to me) a better option if you want to have a more Sardinian experience as the Costa Smeralda, for how beautiful it might be, it’s not exactly “Sardinian” 😉 The only other option I recommend is to stay in Cannigione , which is by the sea and very near to Arzachena and the other places I already mentioned.

After your 3 days stop you head south, you have 2 choices really:

1) Take Sardinian’s main road from Olbia (Carlo Felice SS 131) directed towards Nuoro—>Oristano—>Cagliari (this is how the road goes, you don’t have to stop in Nuoro or Oristano, but I recommend to stay in Oristano for 2 days) or you can take a few detours to check out a few interesting spots)= Nuraghe di Barumini/Giara Di Gesturi day trip, Tharros Ruins + one day at Is Aruttas beach or an Giovanni di Sinis Beach, they are both amazing and in May they will be almost deserted!

You have to leave Olbia really early and just have a “pit stop” in one or max 2 places but it would be rushed or as I said, you can book 3 nights in Oristano city or for a more relaxing and authentic experience, in Cabras Village

From there you can do like this: – Visit the Barumini Nuraghe Complex (at sunset is a must!) -Visit the lovely beaches of is Arutas and/or San Giovanni di Sinis or as you mentioned, you can easily get to see Santa Cristina site in 20 minutes by car! -Visit the Tharros ruins or alternatively, you can drive up north for a one day trip to the lovely village of Bosa Marina!

2) From Olbia/Arzachena you drive west and find accommodation in Alghero for 3 days and from there you can discover: -The Nettuno Grotto + Capo caccia view -Nuraghe Palmavera complex -The amazing beach of La Pelosa in Stintino (day trip and a must!)

Then whether you decide option one or 2, you finally head to Cagliari for the 2 remaining nights and take one full day to discover the city (so much to see or even relax in one of the piazzas fora Gelato, or in front of Poetto beach, hike to La sella del diavolo (amazing must do activity), the Bastione di San Remì… The list is infinite! 🙂 You could even take one day to visit either Chia beach (45 min) or Villasimius (45min- 1 hour) that in May are also semi deserted!

I hope I’ve helped you and not confused you more as there is so much to do and see in Sardinia! Cheers Clelia

Hi Clelia, thank you so much for your incredibly helpful and informative article and site about Sardinia! I’m planning for a 12-14 days family vacation in July 2019: two families with 5 kids in the age 9-13. Our aim is to have a relaxing vacation with not to crowded beaches nearby, but also leave room for activities to explore the island, as we are active families. I’m just struggling a bit with what itinerary to choose, and how many days to spend at each place. I’m considering a base in Palau with Maddelena, or Santa Teresa Di Gallura or San Teodoro, and Golfo di Orosei with Cala Gonone & Baunei. Would rather stay 1-2 places and do daytrips. Would also love to go to Bosa/Alghero/Stintino but it would be too much of a hassle or too much time in the car? Or are there other, better places for families with bigger kids? What would you do? Have also considered the south. Do you have some nice family villas to recommend, as we prefer that to a hotel? Thank you so much for your time, looking forward to your reply

Hi Clelia, I wrote to you a couple of days ago but can’t see the comment… Did you receive it? I just needed a couple more info on a potential itinerary… Thanks for your help – and for this great website!

Hi Amelia, I replied below, sorry for the delay!

Hi Clelia, Thank you so much for these great itineraries and tips! I’m planning on visiting Sardinia for 10 days at the end of August with my bf, we’ll arrive and depart from Olbia and have rented a car. I have a few questions I was hoping you could help me with: – We arrive early in the morning in Olbia, is it “worth” spending the day + night in Olbia or should we leave directly from the airport? – We were planning on exploring the north side of the island and end our trip in Alghero (and then drive straight from Alghero to Olbia on our last day). Do you think we could go further down on the Western coast? We don’t mind driving a lot but would like to sometimes spend more than one night in the same place and explore beaches / villages nearby. – We were initially planning on spending one or two nights on La Maddalena but I read somewhere you don’t recommend it particularly. Do you think we should stay on the mainland and not bother with La Maddalena?

We are both in our early 30’s and looking for nice beaches + towns/villages with a bit of culture and the occasional nightlife (nice restaurants, bars etc). I speak fluent Italian and would love to stay off the beaten, touristy path. Thanks a lot for your help!

Hi Amelia, sorry! I was having some IT issues with the comment section and I was unable to reply to any of them… as I can see now it’s too late to give you any advice, too bad 🙁 I hope you enjoyed your holiday in Sardinia!

PS: Thanks for the vote down when I kill myself trying to help everyone FOR FREE and when it’s not even my fault I can’t reply. 🙂

Hi! Thankyou so much for the in depth information! It’s fantastic!

We made the mistake of not realising how big Sardinia is and only have 4 days! 🙁 My husband and I land in the Caligheri airport in south and leave from Olbia in the north so regardless of where we stay we need to make our way up the East coasts

We are thinking of staying 2 nights in 2 towns. We have narrowed it down to 3 and ares deciding between Caligheri, Cala Gonone and San Tedorodoro, which 2 would you choose?

We want to experience some beautiful beaches most importantly which is why we are coming to Sardinia but also like waking through charming towns/villages, beautiful views, markets/shopping, good food and wouldn’t mind somewhere with a bit of a nightlife.. although we do not intend to party hard we do not intent to go to bed early either! We are in our 30s and hope to hire a car.

Look forward to any suggestions thanks in advance x

Hi Lisa Sorry, I think now it’s too late to reply! Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to reply as I was having technical issues with the comment section. I hope you had a fabulous time in Sardinia!

Hi there, what a fabulous travel website, thanks so much. I am coming to Sardinia with my husband and 8 and 10 year old daughters in June 2019, and we love great picturesque beaches, as well as pretty towns with cool shops with an authentic feel and not too touristy. What side of Sardinia do you think will meet our needs please as all of your itineries look absolutely amazing. Thanks so much as i have no idea!!

Thanks for your nice words! In my opinion, if you want to experience the real Sardinia (and in the coastal area, especially in summer it is not easy at all), the place that will better meet your needs is the Golfo di Orosei area. Don’t expect it to be “non-touristy”, I don’t think there is a non-touristy place in Sardinia on its coasts. For that, you’ll have to drive towards the inland villages, where there are no tourist but not spectacular beaches either 🙂 That’s the price every paradise place, including Sardinia, has to pay.

I say the Golfo di Orosei because if you have a car you can drive to some of the best beaches around (but it’s better to take the boat for the most spectacular ones) and then visit some local villages like Baunei, Dorgali, Galtellì and Orosei to name a few. I like the vibe in there, even if it’s touristy in summer, it’s still preserving a bit of authenticity. Locals will mix with tourist so to speak. In other areas, the tourists just take control of the island for a few months 🙂 (see the Costa Smeralda for example, I doubt you’ll find any local in there, unless they are working for the tourists in the shops).

I hope that helps and that you’ll have a great time in Sardinia! Cheers Clelia

When I click the itinerary details nothing happens is the site borken?

Hi Chad, no the site is not broken, I still didn’t have the time to add the details, I work on my site by myself, trying to provide as much free info as possible but lately i’m receiving so many comments and emails about Sardinia that I barely have the time to sleep! 🙂 Sorry for the inconvenience. I do my best but I’m only human!

First off all, thanks for putting some great tips and information’s on your blog, it’s very helpful.

I’m trying to plan a 3 weeks itinerary to visit Sardinia at the end of August/Early Sept

I would like to know what you think of my planning.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=15PCIP5sX70ueTIXzyyG2KKkEbGnHZopE&usp=sharing

Thanks in advance!

Thanks for stopping by! Unfortunately, the link you gave me redirects me to a 404 page so I can’t have a look at the itinerary, you might try again by posting it in here in a separate comment and I see how I can help you!

Oh sorry about that, this is what my itinerary look’s like:

3 Days in Santa Teresa Gallura 1 Day in Porto Cervo 1 Day in San Teodoro 3 Days in Cala Gonone 2 Days in Santa Maria Navarrese 1 Day in Villasimius 3 Days in Cagliari 1 Day in Nebida 1 Day in Guspini 1 Day in Oristano 4 Days in Alghero

Cheers Patrick

Sorry about that, here’s my itinerary :

3 Days in Santa Teresa Gallura 1 Day in Porto Cervo 1 Day in San Teodoro 3 Days in Cala Gonone 2 Days in Santa Maria Navarrese 1 Day in Villasimius 3 Days in Cagliari 1 Day in Nebida 1 Day in Guspini 1 Day in Oristano 4 Days in Alghero

Hi Clelia Thank you for such helpful insight! Still trying to work out a 10 day itinerary but had planned to finish with three days on Maddalena and incorporate a boat trip from there. Not sure if we should do this or we could just do a sail around the archipelago from Palau and have more time on the main island. I noticed you made no recommendations to stay on Maddalena in your itineraries and would appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance

Sorry for the delay, I didn’t recommend to stay in La Maddalena Island because it’s a very small Island and staying more than one night will limit you a bit. You can visit it during one of the boat trips departing from Palau anyway, they will let you stay a few hours do walk around and do some shopping, but I’d rather tell you to stay on the mainland and use that time to discover other places near Palau!

Hope it helps Cheers Clelia

Hello Your website has been very helpful. I have a few questions for you if you don’t mind helping with our itinerary. You are amazing to be so helpful to all of us.

My family (my husband and I and 12 year old son) are flying in and out of Olbia from July 15-26th. Our friends are staying at Sos Alinos Campground from July 15-22. We have held a rental house near Sos Alinos from 15-22nd of July. Our dates are very flexible and we can cancel a day before or after and make it 6 nights. We were wondering what you thought of this itinerary?

Arrive 10am Olbia-drive toward Sos Alinos stopping at San Teodoro (not sure what to see on the way but don’t have to check in until 8-9pm) but we will have our luggage with us in our rental car (not sure if safe to leave belongings in the car??)

Stay 7 nights Sos Alinos house- What side trip should we do for all those days?? Can you please suggest what we should do for those 8 days? We like to hike, snorkel, swim, sightsee and have no problem driving to get somewhere as we will have a rental car.

We thought we would Leave Sos Alinos on July 22 for 2 nights to Alghero via Bosa. We would like to see the Grotta di Nettuno and we would also like to see Stintino and some of the Costa Paradiso. We thought that then we would stop in Palau for 2 nights and take a sailing trip to islands of La Maddalena on Ju;ly 25th then head to Olbia on the last day.

I am thinking we should leave Sos Alinos one day earlier so we can add one night in Stintino unless you think 2 nights in Palau and 2 nights in Alghero will allow for some time in Stintino?

Just not enough time. The Island deserves weeks to see it!!!

Thank you so much for any advice. Denise

Hi Denise, First of all, like for many many comments I reply to, sorry for the late answer but you have no idea on how hard it is to manage 2 websites (one all about Sardinia and still work in progress). I receive so many comments that it’s becoming very difficult to manage everything 🙂

back to your itinerary idea wow it’s quite hard to give you a clear itinerary, but I would recommend as follows: Stop in San Teodoro and visit Cala Brandinchi , also called “little Thaiti” not without reason (it will be crowded, SUPER crowded as every beach in Sardinia in that period) but it’s a true gem! The parking fees are also quite high but at least your luggage is secure while you relax on the beach before driving to Sos Alinos. From there, well you got me! Being the place near the Golgo di Orosei area, my favorite in Sardinia, I would actually stay there for my entire vacation 😉 What to do when in Sos Alinos area? oh my, soooo much!

1)Take the boat trip from Orosei to visit the marvelous beaches only reachable by boat, like Cala Mariolu, Cala Biriola, Cala Sisine and Cala Luna (my favorite boat trip together with the one at the Arcipelago della Maddalena)

2) Visit the famous “Su Gorropu” Canyon (since you like hiking you will love it!) You said you don0t mind driving so this is around one hour or so from Sos Alinos

3) Visit Baunei village and the altipiano del Golgo (it’s further south), or if it’s too stressful to go back and forth you can book a night in Baunei and end your exploration of the area with a boom (a nice one!) by waking up super early and hike to the stunning Cala Goloritze before heading back to your main base. Please don’t skip this part, it’s truly what Sardinia is all about: Beautiful sea, wild mountains, hiking trails and real cultural experiences!

4) Take a day to visit the nearby villages of Orosei, Dorgali and Cala Gonone to see the real Sardinia (even if Cala Gonone beach is not – for my standards- the best and the town is touristy but a nice stroll is always a good idea! To end the day, I recommend a restaurant in the nearby village of Galtelli’ ( I have relatives living in there) They brought us to one of the best places to eat EVER! I still remember that place, it’s called “La Taverna”, and it’s a simple restaurant on the main road (via Nazionale), you will eat so much and for a relatively cheap price that you will have to take leftovers with you, the portions are MASSIVE!

By doing all this you will have already spent at least 5 days: 1 day for the boat trip, 1 day for Su Gorropu, 2 for Baunei/Cala Goloritze. 1 day for the villages. If you want you can spend one day to relax at Sos Alinos or if you are active you can drive to Bosa, but I have to warn you here: the roads to go from the east coast to the west coast are not exactly smooth and quick and it will take you at least 4 hours to reach it. Spend the day walking around the lovely Bosa and then drive to Alghero to visit the Nettuno Grotto and the lovely sunsets and then one day in Stintino.

Since you won’t have much time left would skip the Costa Paradiso and drive directly to the Palau area ( From Stintino is around 2 hours and 20 minutes) and in there you can take the boat trip to the Archipelago della Maddalena and maybe, if you have one day left, discover either one of the great beaches of Costa Smeralda like capriccioli or Spiaggia del Principe or alternatively visit Santa Teresa di Gallura with its beautiful capo Testa viewpoint. It’s just 30/40 min by car from Palau so not even stressful).

I hope I calculated the day correctly! if not, I’d personally ditch the rest day a Sos Alinos to include stintino La Pelosa, given that you will be around Alghero at some point.

The itinerary is a bit rushed of course, not much time for relaxing, but if you like active holidays and check the most beautiful places in Sardinia, I think it’s doable. If not, skip the villages tour near Sos Alinos and leave a few days earlier after doing the activities I recommended.

Hope it helps! Cheers clelia

Hi Clelia, Your blog is absolutely fantastic! My friends and I are in Sardinia for 6 nights, flying in and out of Alghero. We have decided to spend the last 3 nights in Alghero, planning to first hire a car upon arrival and wish to spend the first 3 nights on the northeast side of the island. Where do you recommend is a good area to stay with some nightlife? We would like to stay somewhere convenient to reach other nice nearby places / beautiful beaches but don’t want to be too far from Alghero as we will need to drive back. Would also love some authentic dining experiences! But mostly a convenient location, with places to go out, near the beach. Initially I had a look at San Teodoro, but it’s a bit expensive. What do you suggest for us? Kara

Sorry for the delay but I’m receiving a massive amount of requests for Sardinia lately! regarding your request, not sure what your budget is, as when I went to San todoro with a group of friends we stayed at the Camping in front of the beach and the prices were quite reasonable. But maybe you guys are not looking for camping! Too bad as the experience for us was fabulous. Being just in front of the beach and the nightlife is awesome in San Teodoro!

Another option that I have personally tried with a group of friends was in the Palau/Arzachena area. We stayed at a camping in there too but there are other options you could explore. The place is called “Isuledda” and when I went there it was just a camping but now they added also more comfortable options. Nightlife was also good in there and as a bonus, the boat trips to the Arcipelago della Maddalena departs from there too so it’s very convenient!

If the prices are still too high for your budget, try and have a look for places to stay in Arzachena or San Pantaleo, they are reasonably close to the beaches if you have a car and cheaper than staying right on the beach of course.

For Alghero, my suggestion is to take max 2 days, one to explore the city center and try one of the many restaurants (can’t suggest one in particular as every year some of them change the owner! You can ask locally once there and they will surely give you as many tips as you want on the current best places to eat and have a nice night out with your friends!), then take a day to go to Stintino La Pelosa Beach of course! You can’t go to Alghero and skip that 🙂

So my suggestion is to try with Isuledda first, then Arzachena/San Pantaleo or check out the options for camping in San Teodoro if you don’t repel the idea! (I know some people hate camping but I love it). Without knowing your budget is very difficult to give you a very specific advice…

Cheers Clelia

Hi Clelia! What is a good base town to stay on the Eastern coast in Costa Smerelda?? Or is there a nice town in Golfo di Orosei?? I would like to stay in a cute town that has restaurants that we good go to at night and also a square or waterfront promenade where we can walk and hang out in the evening?

Hey Jessica, I think I’ve just replied to a similar message to you just now 🙂 Sorry for the delay!

Clelia, Your blog has been so helpful! I am coming to Sardinia for a much overdue “Mommy vacation” with my 2 young children (9 & 6) and a friend with her two children (same ages). We are renting a house near Olbia–we want to visit some of the beaches and also take the kids hiking/caves and see some historic culture? We will be there for 7 days and don’t want to travel overnight, but have no problem driving for a few hours to experience more. Any advice or insight you have would be most appreciated. What beaches are a must for us and where else do you suggest?

Hi Cynthia, Mommy vacations are always overdue and well deserved! 🙂 As for your question, Olbia and surroundings is a good place to have the base (I hope you didn’t choose Olbia town as it’s nothing special), but if you want to move around there is plenty to do, to start with the Capo Testa and Valle della luna hike, they are super nice. The Tavolara hike in front of San Teodoro is also another great option (just always check the difficulty with the organizers, also given that you will be with your kids). If you want to get a bit further (but oh boy it is truly worth it!) wake up super early to get to Cala Gonone and do the boat trip to the Golfo di Orosei. I did it in one day but going and coming back from Cagliari and I would do it again over and over. It took me 3 hours and a half to get there, took the boat, enjoy my day and drove back home (super tired but happy!)

For the beaches, I’d say you don’t even have to worry about it, just doing the boat trip to La Maddalena and Caprera will be one of the highlights of your trip! Other than that, you can discover the lovely beaches near the Costa Smeralda area. Touristy? Sure! But hey… it’s Sardinia and everyone wants a piece of paradise 🙂 You will have so much choice that I don’t want to add anything to the list. As soon as you arrive head to Capriccioli and Spiaggia del Principe to see for yourself!

Have a great Mommy Vacation in Sardinia! 🙂 Cheers Clelia

I am going to be in Sardinia for my honeymoon August 21st to September 1st. Me and my fiance’ love the beach and want to see the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. I already reserved an airbNb room in Alghero for the entire time we are there. We are also renting a car. Do you think it is a good idea to have Alghero as a base? .Or do you think we should split up our time and stay at another base too.? We don’t like packing up all our things and moving around too much, so if we could stay in one hotel the whole time and do day trips that would be great. But if you think it would be better to stay in 2 different places during the 10 days then we will definitely do that. Please give me your advice, thanks!!!

Hey Jessica! First of all, congratulations on your wedding 🙂 I’m glad you have chosen Sardinia for your honeymoon, as it is one of the best places in Europe for that! Regarding your question… Since you have 10 days it might be possible to split up the trip in 2. Alghero is definitely a lovely place to stay an there are plenty to things to do around but if you want to get stunned by my favorite part of Sardinia you can move for 5 days at the Golfo di Orosei (I can’t even start to tell you how beautiful it is in terms of nature, landscape and culture). The boat trip to the main beaches is so worth it and if you feel adventurous there are plenty of activities to do in the areas surrounding Cala Gonone and Baunei . Yes, it is not exactly a super relaxing honeymoon, but to me, it’s worth the hassle. If you don’t want to drive too far, then another option would be to stay in the Olbia/Palau Area. No need to book super expensive accommodations, you can see the availability in Arzachena , Cannigione or San Pantaleo and from there, the,re are stunning beaches to see and the mandatory boat trip to the archipelago Della Maddalena .

These are the best options in my opinion if you don’t want to spend all your honeymoon in Alghero. Sardinia has so much to offer and the beaches near Alghero (except for Stintino La Pelosa) are not jaw-dropping for my standards. I’m super spoiled, I know, but for seriously stunning beaches you have to go to either Costa Smeralda or the Golfo di Orosei. Obviously I’m only listing the ones in the north because we have plenty of incredibly beautiful beaches in the south too 🙂

I hope this helps Have a great holiday in Sardinia! Cheers Clelia

Hi Clelia, Thank you for your advice. I definitely want to split up my stay now and spend time on the eastern side of the island near the coast. Which towns would you recommend as a base? I would like a town that has good restaurants and a square or waterfront area to stroll around in at night.. Nice bars and lounges would be good too. Are there any towns like that?? Thank you so much for your help!

Hi Jessica, I thought I had already replied, sorry! I receive so many comments that it’s getting challenging to keep up! To me the best place you can use as a base for what you have said is definitely Cala Gonone. It has restaurant, beach to stroll around at night and it’s perfect for the boat trips and exploring the whole Golfo di Orosei. It’s quite touristy but with a car, you can move around and discover the real essence of Sardinia in the nearby villages like Galtelli’,Orosei, Baunei and Dorgali!

Hi! I am planning on going for a week. First week of July. We are two 25 year old girl friends and we want good nightlife and beaches during the duy. What iteneary do you recommend? Thank you!

Hi Tamara, thanks for your comment! If you love to stay in a place with good nightlife and great beaches (I don’t know whether you will have the car or not) but San Teodoro and surrounding areas might be a great option for you! It’s fantastic at night and the beaches are lovely. Expect it to be a bit crowded but usually, there are a lot of young people like you to meet and hang out with. I did a similar trip with my best friend when I was in my 20’s and had the time of my life!

Your page has been so helpful in planning our trip to Sardinia! We are flying into Olbia and will be in Sardinia for 6 days. I am thinking we’ll base our trip off of your East Sardinia itinerary! I noticed the details for this particular trip had not been filled in yet, do you have any recommendations for what to do during the day between Cala Gonone and Baunei? Thank you!

Hey Emily Yes, I am still so behind the details of each place! If you are in Cala Gonone and Baunei, the choice is almost limitless. If you have the full day, I’d head directly to Baunei early in the morning for the Cala Goloritze hike, that way you can be there super early, spend the day at the beach and check in in Baunei in the late afternoon and rest after the hike back from the beach. I would do that, it makes perfect sense! Hope it helps! Cheers Clelia

Thank you offering great resources on your site. My husband and I are planning a 6 night trip based around your east Sardinia itinerary to Cala gonone and baunei for a babymoon this July.

1) do you think that the hiking in the baunei beach areas is an activity suited for a pregnant woman at 20 weeks in healthy physical shape? these are activities I would normally enjoy and would hate to miss out the most beautiful excursions but want to make sure it’s not too strenuous or dangerous.

2) our goal is to relax and enjoy a bit of luxury and pampering while still enjoying the quaint towns, and great local cuisine. Do you think we can achieve that strictly in the east? Or do you think we should spend a few days up northeast before leaving from Olbia. Our fear is that the areas we will find the resorts more luxurious we will also find that they lose the charm, intimacy and cuisine.

Look forward to your advice.

Best, Jessie

Sorry, I completely missed your comments (way too many this year!!) I hope you had (or are having) a great time in Sardinia!

Thank you for all the effort you have put into this website and the Sardinia itineraries in particular, this is great!

My boyfriend and I are very close to booking our holiday to Sardinia at the end of July. It was difficult to choose between the 9 itineraries, but we decided to go for the East coast. We are trying however to fit in as much as possible and we would love your input on our prepared itinerary. Based on our initial research, we would fly in on Cagliari airport and return to London from Olbia.

• Cagliari 1 night • Stop: Villasimius (1h drive) 1 night (or alternatively, Costa Rei) • Stop: Baunei (1h41 min drive) 2 nights • Stop: Cala gonone (1h drive) 2 nights • Olbia / Porto Cervo (1h24 min/2h drive) 1 night

c. 10 days (9 nights)

Please let us know if you have any remarks / recommendations on the above and things that you would do differently.

We don’t want to rush too much, but love being active and exploring as many cities/villages as possible. Any special hiking trail recommendations would be appreciated!

We are very much looking forward to your response!

Regards, Julie

Hi Julie, as per the previous comment, sorry for the delay but I couldn’t physically reply to all the comments and emails and I have missed a few! I guess now it’s too late for my advice so I can only hope you’re having a great time in Sardinia!

Dear Clelia

Many thanks for your reply, would it be possble to create a 10 day itinerary covering all south, south east and perhaps some parts of the east, – or is it too much

Thank you Audrey

Hi Audrey, 10 days are not much time to squeeze all the south and part of the east. In 2 weeks maybe, but 10 days, without rushing too much from a place to another… I’d say you do 5 days in the south, either choosing to stay in Cagliari and take day trips or stay in one place (Santa Margherita is good for the south-west or Villasimius for the south-east) and then move to the east in Cala Gonone/Orosei for other 5 days.

What I’m saying is that if you want to relax a bit, covering ALL the south in 5 days is quite the marathon and you’d have to move basically every single day (and even doing that you won’t be able to see it all).

What would I do? Since you are interested in the east coast, and I don’t blame you at all :), I would base myself in Villasimus so I don’t have to drive all from the SouthWest coast to the East coast, saving a little time.

Let me know if you need any more help! Cheers Clelia

Forget to mention that we are 2 me and my partner in our early thirties.

I will be travelling to Sardinia for the first time in July for 10 days, landing at Cagliari. Can you please guide us with an itinerary, since we are lost there are so much things to see.

Hey Audrey, thanks for your message! Creating a personalized itinerary like this is not easy… that is why I put together the 9 options in the articles, depending on what you are interested the most, you can choose (and tweak a bit) one of them to suits your needs. I can tell you what my favorites are: The Sardinia east coast /Golfo di Orosei and the South Sardinia Itinerary. The first has a lot of everything (beaches, culture, trekking opportunities, boat trips), the second one is marvelous for the beaches, some nice day trips and for its nightlife especially in Cagliari/Villasimius.

I will soon have a service where I will create specific Sardinian Itineraries tailored to the individual needs, but in the comments sometimes is very challenging to give you a day-to-day itinerary. What I was aiming to do in here is give a detailed guide to help you out in deciding which part of Sardinia you would prefer to visit.

My advice is to first read carefully the itineraries, decide where to go and maybe you can write again with an idea and I can tell you if it’s doable. That’s what most of my readers do.

Thank you for your reply.

I guess we need to leave the East Coast out of the plan , I guess. And do all the south . Can you suggest an Itinerary, suggest places to see and things to do.

Apart from beaches, we also want to go to the mountains if there are any in the vicinity.

We will be hiring a car.

Can I also know from where I can book excursions.

Best Regards Audrey

Hi, Clelia!

Your site is so helpful — thank you for sharing your beautiful home with everyone.

My friend and I will have 7 full days in Sardinia in early September, and we will be flying in and out of Alghero. We are renting a car in Alghero, and we want to do a little bit of everything — beach, historical sites, being active — but we don’t want to cram too much into our week. We both live in New York City, so we want to avoid crowds/cities. Also our last full day is a Sunday, which I think might be a good day to spend on a beach (I’m guessing many stores/sites are closed on Sunday). What kind of itinerary would you recommend?

Many thanks! Alyssa

Hi Alyssa! Thanks for the kind words 🙂 Sorry you didn’t get any reply but as already said to other readers who left a comment hoping to get some tips for Sardinia… I had IT issues with the site and I couldn’t reply. I truly hope you had a great vacation in Sardinia!

My girl friend and I (27 y/o) are ferrying to Sardinia from Sicily in late July, and as we will be in between jobs we have enough time to do a lot of Sardinia by car (thinking about 2 weeks). Could you please suggest your ideal itinerary if you had 2 weeks? We are then ferrying to Corsica afterwards.

Much appreciated! Max.

Hi Max, thanks for stopping by! So, giving you a detailed itinerary in here is not super easy (I still have to update the proper article, I know!), but I’ll try my best to give you a general idea: Since you are coming from Sicily by ferry, I’m guessing that your port will be Cagliari and the departure will be from Olbia or at any rate from the northern part of Sardinia. Given these premises, in two weeks I would split my holiday exactly in 2 🙂 In The first week I would explore South Sardinia

FIRST WEEK:

Day 1: Cagliari (explore the city by foot, especially the historical center and the local beach Poetto) Day 2: I would move to Villasimius or Costa Rei (on the east coast) if you want to relax and discover the lovely beaches near the area, OR if you don’t mind having day trips, I would stay in Cagliari and from there, like most of the locals do during their holidays, I would go each day to a different location. Example: Day 3: From Cagliari to Tuerredda beach or Chia beach (south-west side)- 1 hour by car Day 4: Villasimius or Costa Rei (just pick one of the many beaches in the area and enjoy) – 1 hour and 30 minutes max by car Day 5: Visit the Sulcis / Iglesias area (Nebida or Piscinas), it’s less touristic and lovely to see a different side of Sardinia Day 6: Oristano: make a quick stop for beverages and Sandwiches in Cabras to see a typical Sardinian village and head to either San Giovanni di Sinis beach /Is Aruttas/ Tharros (depending on what you like the most, just google the names and decide for yourself) 🙂 You can obviously skip one of the activities or decide to stay in just one place, it all depends if you want a super active holiday or a relaxing one.

SECOND WEEK

Day 7/8/9: Moving from the South to the North: I would recommend the East Coast, which is, in my opinion the best, and I would make a stop of 3-4 hours to visit the Nuraghe di Barumini. It’s a little detour but it’s worth it to see one of the most popular world heritage sites. From there you can go back to the SS 131 (Carlo Felice Road) and head to the Golfo di Orosei for at least 3 days , 1 day for the boat trip and the other 2 days to trek to Cala Goloritze (A MUST!) and either visit the local villages (Baunei, Orosei, Dorgali, Cala Gonone, depending on where you will be based) or enjoy the beaches and a bit of nightlife especially if you stay in Cala Gonone.

Day 10/12: If you are based in Cala Gonone and don’t mind driving for a day tour, you can go to Bosa which is a lovely village on the west side, otherwise head up north to San Teodoro or Budoni for 1 day or 2 and enjoy the beaches in there.

Day 12/14: Final leg of the trip, I’d go to the Palau or Santa Teresa di Gallura and obviously won’t miss the boat trip to the Arcipelago della Maddalena (the must) and discover the amazing beaches of the Costa Smeralda and surroundings.

I left out the Alghero Area as if you are taking the ferry from Olbia it would be inconvenient, but if you are going to Corsica from Porto Torres, then you can only make the one day boat trip to the Arcipelago della Maddalena and then head towards Alghero/Stintino for one day before your departure.

I hope this gave you a rough idea on what I would do in 2 weeks 🙂 Cheers Clelia

you really helped us plan our trip to Sardinia :). At the end of June we arrive to Cagliari & leave from Alghero 10 days later. But I have a question about Rentalcars.com, did you actually manage to book a car with different pick-up/drop-off location? Because when I choose Cagliari/Alghero, the message says “We’re sorry, but the companies we work with in Cagliari don’t have any cars available”, but when I choose Cagliari/Cagliari, they have bunch of cars. Any suggestions?

Hi Yo! Wow, that’s so weird. I even double checked using the form on my article and when I get redirected to the website for the booking, I first change the pick up/drop off to different locations (Cagliari pick up and Alghero Drop off) and in the beginning it told me that they had no cars available, then I realized it was because I put the time of pick up drop off at midnight and the companies offices were all closed.

Might this be that the same issue you are having? If not, there is a box below the field where you can change the dates and the other details and you can contact them directly. It never happened to me, and to my knowledge, it didn’t happen to other people who booked via my website so it should be either the time of Pick up/drop off or possibly the dates? Try to change those to see if you have the same issue. Good luck and have a fantastic vacation in Sardinia 🙂 Cheers Clelia

Hi! This is an incredible blog! I have a question about th following itinerary: is it do-able?

Day 1: arrive in Olbia, stay the night 2: visit la maddalena, stay the night near porto cervo 3 and 4: go to orosei for beach hopping, national park 5: Bosa 6: Stintino 7-8: alghero to visit grotto and punta

We would definitely rent a car. What do you think?

Hi Sara, I’m so glad you found this article useful for you! Thanks 🙂 So regarding your Itinerary, I think that it’s a bit too rushed and difficult to navigate in my opinion. Let’s see…

What I would do is this: I’d leave the first part as it is, and I would visit Bosa on my way to go to Stintino, this way you won’t waste too much time moving from one place to the other, you can visit Bosa in 3-5 hours enjoying a nice slow walk and then drive to Stintino arriving late in the afternoon or in time for dinner.

The morning after you will go to “La Pelosa Beach” and enjoy it until sunset, and then you can decide to either spend the night in there and relax or drive to Alghero so you’ll have the whole next day to visit the grottoes and the city streets in the center and dine in front of a beautiful sunset over the sea.

The majority of the time you’ll have to spend driving is from Porto Cervo to Orosei (around 2 hours), from Orosei to Bosa (another 2 hours by car) and from Bosa to Stintino (A little less than 2 hours depending on traffic).

I hope my suggestions will help you in having a great holiday! Cheers Clelia

Hi, Clelia.

When I look at the post, I think the island is much bigger than I thought. I am going to Sardinia this July. I will travel to Sardinia for one week and will come to Cagliari airport and depart from Olbia airport. There are two questions. If I rent a car, please let me know which route is recommended. If I can not rent a car, I would like to decide where to stay.

Thanks a lot!

Hi Lucy, Yes… as I pointed out on the first few chapters of this very article, Sardinia is a lot bigger than most people think 🙂 So regarding your questions: 1) If you rent a car, it all depends on what are the stops on the way from Cagliari to Olbia airport during your stay! If you had to go straight to Olbia I would obviously recommend you to take the SS131 (Called “Carlo Felice”) passing via Oristano and Nuoro that goes straight to Olbia, but if you want to visit the east coast (which is what I recommend usually for those who just have one week, then you have to take another road, usually the SS125 (SS means: Strada statale = state road), that passes near Villasimius, Costa Rei, Tortoli’ , Baunei (all the Golfo di Orosei area basically), San Teodoro and finally Olbia. So… it really depends on where you want to stop.

2) With No car, good luck 🙂 I mean, it’s certainly not impossible of course but more stressful for sure. If you want to visit the east coast then the train is not recommended as it passes via Oristano on the west coast. There are buses that depart from Cagliari (you would need to take the train/taxi/bus to Piazza Matteotti where the train and bus station is). From there, there are direct buses to all the major touristic destinations on the east coast.

I took the private buses to get from Cagliari to Villasimius and San Teodoro/Olbia more than once and they are quite comfortable, but obviously slower and you are tied up with the bus schedule, plus they usually stop in the city center or along the road and depending on where your accommodation is if you have some heavy luggage you might need a taxi and they are quite expensive in Sardinia because almost everyone uses a car and taxis are not as easy to find in the streets.

I hope that helps Cheers

My wife and I have 5 nights in Sardinia. We fly into Olbia and were thinking 2 nights in Cala Gonone and then 3 nights in San Teodoro. We want to see the awesome beaches and hike on the east coast but also get some culture and night life. Do you have any recommendations or alternative suggestions?

Hi Sam!Thanks for your comment! So…regarding your question: I think you have chosen two great locations for what your needs are. Both Cala Gonone and San Teodoro will offer you some nightlife (pubs, restaurants, disco clubs). For the culture and hiking, Cala Gonone is better as you will have tons of options to see typical villages around of you are willing to drive for 1 hour or so (you can get to the Gennargentu mountains, to Baunei Village, Dorgali, trekking to Cala Goloritze, and more. I’d say, stick to that Itinerary and possibly start with Cala Gonone so you will reach it from the airport first and leave from San Teodoro that’s just 20-30 min away from the airport so no stress at the end of your holiday!

I hope you will have a great time in Sardinia 🙂 Cheers Clelia

Dear Clelia,

First of all thank you for the best and most informative info on Sardinia I have found so far. Your big love for the island really shines through and makes me look even more forward to my first visit there. I have spent a lot of time reading and researching, but would absolutely love your advice and “sanity check” as to my ideas for an itinerary.

I’m visiting with my teenage son beginning of July and will be staying for 14 days. Our plan is a combo of beach bumming, enjoying nature (hiking and maybe mountainbiking) and good food. I understand that it will be impossible to avoid the crowds completely due to the time of year, but am trying to avoid the super touristy places (maybe just for a short visit, but not staying there). I plan to have a car through the whole period. Also we do want to cover as much as possible, but it’s also very important that don’t feel we need to rush and have time to just do nothing.

1 night in Olbia (because we’re flying in 22.30 and I can see that you’re advising not to take the drive to far south when arriving late, please advise if you’re still of that opinion) Cala Gonone (3-5 nights) – beaches, Su Gorrupu – staying a Bue Marino Baunei (1-2 nights) – Cala Goritze, staying in the mountains and the true Sardinian experience – staying at Dommu Agostino Palau/Porto Rafael (3 nights) – La Maddalena Archipelago – staying at Airbnb Arzachena (3 nights) – Porto Cervo and beaches and just chilling – staying at a cozy B&B

I would really like to do Bosa, Alghero with the Grotto Neptuna and also the beaches at Stintino as well. Thinking of skipping Baunei and then do Cala Goritze while in Cala Gonone, and then have 2 days either around Bosa or Alghero. My concern is whether it would be too cramped a program and just focus on the Orosei and then the north? Alternatively do Bosa (which I think look better than Alghero) on the way from Baunei to Palau, or is that unrealistic due to too much transporttime, don’t want to spend all our time in the car?

Hope you’ll be able to give me an advice on what to do. And thanks in advance.

Hi Lise, first of all, sorry for the delayed reply! Second thing: Your comment (and itinerary ideas) might possibly be one of the most reasonable I’ve read in thousands 🙂 So going straight to your questions:

1) Absolutely! Arriving that late at night is just stressful to drive anywhere, kist chill and get ready for the real holiday to start. Activities and places wise is perfect, obviously still recommending the boat trip that’s mandatory if you stay in Cala Gonone, so use one day for that and the other 2 days to discover the other beaches around by car, especially Cala Fuili

2)Baunei: I love that you decided to stay in there for a genuine Sardinian experience, you can also visit the Golgo and Su Gorroppu (included in your “mountains exploration). Cala Goloritze is obviously a must, remember to get there super early, even if I’m not a morning person I am usually super happy to wake up at 5 or even before to be one of the first to enjoy that paradise beach.

3)Palau/Porto Rafael: Great choice for beach bumming, relaxing and visit the Arcipelago Della Maddalena. You won’t be disappointed! (I have an advice for this, see below)

4) Arzachena: I’m a bit torn in here, as for the boat trip to the Arcipelago you can stay in just one place for let’s say 4 days, use one day for the boat trip and then explore everything around by car. So my advice here is to not split these days but choose either Porto Rafael or Arzachena.

Since you want a relaxing holiday, why not spending 6 days in one place and use 3 days to drive around visiting the Costa Smeralda area, and even Santa Teresa di Gallura? They are both less than 1 hour away by car from Porto Rafael. If I were you, I’d do like this.

Bosa/Alghero or not? First things first 🙂 If I had to choose between the two, for a first timer in Sardinia, I’d go with Bosa as it’s probably less crowded than Alghero but seeing Stintino … I understand it’s tempting. However, being in July, the beach is going to be quite crowded already so given that you’ve already seen the beautiful beaches on the east coast, you might skip it.

So am I saying you should make time to go to the west side? Well, If you feel like waking up early in the morning when you are in Cala Gonone, it’s feasible (2 hours drive). If you decide for a day trip to Bosa then I suggest to spend a day more in Cala Gonone and a day less in Porto Rafael and you shouldn’t be too stressed out!

I hope this helps and that I didn’t confuse you more 🙂 Your chosen locations are great, you only need to maybe stretch your stay in a place or two that’s all!

Have a great holiday in Sardinia! Cheers Clelia

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer and for your sweet comment. And no you definitely didn’t confuse me more, quite the opposite. As I wrote I needed a “sanity check”, since as a first timer it all looks so amazing, that I wish I could do it all, so you calming me down a little was just what I needed ;-).

I am taking the advice to concentrate on La Gonone/Baunei for 1st week and the Palau area for the 2nd week. I was really aiming for Porto Rafael, but since I wrote you a friend and her son will also be joining, and we’re too late in order to getting something to stay in. Time will tell whether we feel like going to Bosa just for the day while in Cala Gonone.

I know you advice on renting car through the website you’re linking to further up. But it’s such a jungle, and some of the cheapest ones have horrible reviews. Do you have a preferred car rental company?

Again thank you sooooo much for the advice. Can’t wait for July now. 🙂

Best regards Lise

Hey Lise, I’m so glad you found my suggestions useful! As for renting a car, I totally get your concern, it’s quite a jungle out there. I recommend the search engine that I have used a couple of times because they compare all the best car hire around so you will have more choice. As for what I specifically recommend, not easy to say, I usually go for the major names, even if it means that they might be slightly more expensive sometimes, but we all know how it goes with car rentals, I haven’t found one with just good reviews! Usually, with the car rentals, only the people who had bad experiences take the time to write reviews, and even if I was lucky in my experience, I can’t give you a 100% guarantee that everything is going to be ok…I wish I could (also for my next car rental) but as I said, before recommending this particular service I took the time to see ALL the reviews for all the major companies and there is always someone complaining in all of them. Sorry I can’t be of much help this time but I’m always honest with my readers and my advice is 100% genuine. Not even if they paid me I would recommend a specific car rental company 🙂

This is by far THE best Sardinia travel blog I’ve found so far. So good job and thanks for the info 🙂

I’m thinking of going for 5-6 days and the East coast has definitely piqued my interest! 1) I’m wondering if you think that’s way too short to enjoy a holiday (if I should spend it on Mainland Italy instead if it isn’t enough). 2) I would have loved to see the famous grotto but it seems pretty far. Is my time better spent on the east side or should I spend a night or two in Alghero

I’m pretty sure the answer is to spend more time in Sardinia 😛

Hey Sara! Thanks for the lovely comment! 6 days would be ideal to enjoy a holiday in Sardinia, especially when you decide to stick to only one location and explore the surrounding areas and the east coast is, for me, the best part of Sardinia so you can’t go wrong! I guess that when you mention the “famous Grotto” you mean the Grotta di Nettuno in Alghero?

If so, I’d suggest visiting the other famous Grotto in the Golfo di Orosei: La Grotta del Bue Marino. It’s very beautiful and suggestive, at the same level of the one in Alghero.

So, of course spending more time in Sardinia is always the best but 5-6 days is still very reasonable to enjoy a great holiday in paradise!

My husband and I are traveling to Sardinia. My plan was to fly into Cagliari, stay the afternoon and night, and then start out for ALghero the 2nd day, spending 2 days in this location as home base. Then, we would make our way to Cala Gonone for two days, heading out the 5th day from Cagliari. Does this make sense? I wanted to do the boat tour from Maddelena, but perhaps this is not enough time, or the right direction? ANy tips or thoughts that could help us in our planning?

It depends on how much you want to rush, you don’t have much time and going from Cagliari to Alghero then to Cala Gonone and back to Cagliari is quite stressful… I would suggest you skip Alghero, spend 4 days in Cala Gonone discover the nearby area which is the best Sardinia can offer in my opinion (beaches, culture, nature) and then head back to Cagliari.

For the boat trip at Arcipelago Della Maddalena… if you are based in Cala Gonone, rather than going to Alghero, even if it’s a bit of a trip, it can be done. Either you drive there late in the afternoon from Cala Gonone to Palau (2 hours by car), book a night in there and take the boat in the morning, or you can check online for companies to book an 8 or even better 9 am trip departing from Palau but you would have to wake up super early in the morning to drive there.

I did something similar for the Golfo di Orosei boat trip. I drove all the way from Cagliari to Cala Gonone by myself, waking up at 4 am, arrived at around 7 am, went for the boat trip and immediately drove back to Cagliari. I was exhausted when I was back home, but it was an incredible day, so worth it! So yes it can be done but only if you skip the Alghero part, which I definitely recommend you do.

If you have less than 1 week, going from one coast to the other is stressful…

Hope this helps! Cheers

My girlfriend and I are going to visit Sardinia for 5 days in the middle of September. We’ve already booked the first three nights at Cala Gonone. We have two more full days to plan. We thought of two options and maybe you can help us decide 🙂 The first one is to spend the first day in Stintino and drive to Castelsardo in the evening and spend their the night and in the next morning to drive to Palau and take a boat trip to La Maddalena. The second option is to skip Stintino and spend the two days in the Palau area, do the boat trip and relax in a resort in the second day. What would you recommend us? Is Stinitino worth the visit (after 3 days in Cala gonone)?

Thanks a lot, Omer

Hi Omer, so sorry but I just saw your comment now as there were a few issues I had to fix in my comment section. I hope you managed to plan your trip to Sardinia and that you had a great stay! Cheers Clelia

Hola Clelia me and my wife are traveling from Mexico to Sardinia for a week in Sept 4th. My wife love the beaches and we are planning to rent a car and go beach hunting. We are arriving to Olbia and like to have a good time and relax. In what part are the best beaches? we have seen some great picture from la madalena. We are celebrating our 3 year anniversary just want to enjoy our selves. Do you have any website for car rentals reservation, hotels to stay? nices places to eat.

Muchas Gracias Amiga for the information

Hey Gerardo! Awww I actually LOVE MEXICO AND ITS PEOPLE!! I found a house and I have spent a lot of months in there and going back soon! Also, the day you are leaving we will probably cross our ways in the air as I will crossing the Atlantic in the other direction 🙂

Ok so back to your questions! 1) The beaches in Sardinia are super nice everywhere! It really depends on your personal taste, for me, the best ones are on the east coast (from Santa Teresa di Gallura down that coast, with the most spectacular being at the Golfo di Orosei, but also the beaches nearby Costa Smeralda (Romazzino, Cala Di Volpe etc) are breathtaking).

2) Website I always use to book everything for my trips is Booking.com , I tried different websites but I only end up using this 🙂 It’s cool because almost always you have a free cancellation policy and if you are not 100% sure you can book more properties at the same time (the ones that allow you to cancel last minute with no fees) and keep the one you finally choose!

3)Car Rental: I use Rentalcars as it compares the prices for the main car rentals to find the best deal for you. I recommend you check it out.

4) For places to eat and more attractions, check out my guide “Sardinia for couples” where I put some nice restaurants and sights you can’t miss in some of the most popular locations in Sardinia. Usually, people found that guide super useful and I had great feedback on that.

5) For tours, check out this website and search for “Sardinia” and you can find some super cool ones, from one-day boat trips to cooking classes and more!

I hope this helps Have a great holiday in Sardinia and happy anniversary! 🙂

First i would like to thank you for this useful informative guide. Couldn’t find any better description to really understand Sardinia. I coming with my sister (age: twenties) end of august for only 4 nights, i know its not fair for sardinina!! We are staying at cervo, costa smeralda to be close from everything. What are the must to do during our stay?

Thanks alot!

Sorry I completely missed your comment as I’m working non stop on another Sardinia project and had zero time to check the many messages in here (doing all bu myself can be quite overwhelming) If you still need help I suggest you read my other guide “ Sardinia for couples ” (don’t let the title mislead you as the article has become a guide for everyone). I have a section about Porto Cervo with all the things you can’t miss! Hope this helps! Cheers Clelia

Hello Clelia!

Thank you for the brilliant information on your site! It’s so helpful to hear of all the different itineraries. My partner and I are travelling to Sardinia from 7th-11th of september – we will have four full days there. We are flying into alghero airport, however I wish to see the Golfo de Orosei. A friend of ours has a house in Arbatax which he has kindly offered us to stay in. Do you think the travel time from Arbatax to Golfo de Orosei is too long? And would we be better off changing our flight to Olbia?

I would be very grateful to hear from you. Thank you, Trina

Sorry for the super late reply! However I have good news for you 🙂 Actually, since you are saving money on accommodation you can easily see the Golfo di Orosei by boat! Arbatax has a pier from where there are daily tours departing to the best beaches in the Golfo di Orosei Area, you can choose to see Cala Biriola and Cala Luna, or stay the whole day in Cala Mariolu, visit the Grotte del Bue Marino and more. So you don’t even have to drive to the area to see the beauty of it, unless you want to explore the nearby villages but honestly, since you only have 4 days it’s so much more convenient to stay in Arbatax and take the boat trips!

Your website is great, it gave us a lot of useful information! Thank you for all the effort and wonderful work you’ve done!

We are a couple from Romania looking forward to organise our honeymoon in Sardinia in the beginning of august! We are ariving in Olbia by plane and spending the first night there. We then thought to spend 4 nights in Cana Gonone, 4 nights in Baunei (Itinerary #8). We would have 3 more nights until our departure. What would you recommend? My husband is willing to take a boat trip during our stay. Do you think we could spend more days on a sailing boat, on our way back to Olbia (maybe meanwhile visit the Archipelago Maddalena too)?

Are there buses to get around easy? Should we better rent a car at the airport on our arrival and not do the 3 day boat trip?

Thank you, Clelia!

Hey Corina, first of all, congratulations on your honeymoon! :)My suggestion is to stay in Palau (or Arzachena/Cannigione) and take the beautiful boat trip to the Arcipelago della Maddalena since you are heading that way, you won’t regret it!

As for the buses, yes there are buses to take you around but in my opinion is much better to rent a car for your Sardinia Holidays as you will be able to organize your trip smoothly without being tied to the timetable (we are not super organized when it comes to that and you might end up missing out or have to rush to get from one place to the other, and the buses are obviously much slower than using the car, eating up time from your vacation!

Also, if you do the 3 days boat trip, you still have to get to your hotel with the luggage, get to the pier etc, all these things will become a bit of an issue without a car. It’s possible, but it takes some more planning and stress so I won’t recommend it.

we will spend a week in Sardinia in August, flying in and out from Alghero but considering to combine the region with the east coast as well. According to your guides, San Teodoro, Cala Gonone are on our list there, in this case how would you split the week, 3 days around Alghero and 4 on the east side lets say? what would be the must to see in each location? I assume without renting a car its impossible to manage, do you have any recommendation for the car rental? local agencies or simply those that are presented at the airport?

many thanks in advance,

Hey Norbert, sorry for the late reply but I’m only catching up with all the Sardinia comments, too many!! As for your question, what I always suggest is to rent a car directly online . I’ve had many people who did it and had no issues, what I recommend is to have a lot at Rentalcars as it is one of the most comprehensive rental cars portal online, including basically all the major names and you won’t be left with a last minute choice at the airport.

Regarding the Itinerary, if you ony have one week I strongly recommend to skip one destination since you have to drive from the west to the east coast losing almost one day of vacation, I’d rather go to Cala Gonone if you like the contrast between wild nature and incredible boat trips or San Teodoro if you prefer easy access to sandy beaches (but ne aware that August is very high season and not everyone can handle well the chaos and crowds especially in San Teodoro).

Thank you so much for this site with lots of very helpful information. I am planning to go with my 6 and half year old to Sardinia in mid July. As time is short, my preference is to stay in one location with easy access to beach and childrens activities such as snorkling and other suitable activities for boys at that age. I would most prbably fly to Olbia . Could you please advise of a location or a hotel . Thank you Alia

Hey Alia, sorry for the late reply but I’ve been overwhelmed by consultancies requests for Sardinia! I hope you can still read my reply. if you fly into Olbia (depending on your budget)I’d recommend checking out Santa Teresa Di Gallura. I have had very positive feedback from my consultancies for people traveling with kids in that area as the min beach is very nice, nearby beaches are also spectacular and you will have plenty of activities for your kid (snorkeling being the first of course).

As for specific Hotels, again, from the feedback I have received these are the most popular one for people traveling with kids: 1) Hotel Corallaro 2) Hotel La Funtana 3) Hotel Majore

They are all near the center and the beach. making it easy for you to move around with a kid, some offer a swimming pool and a shuttle to and from the airport if you need it. Usually in Sardinia is not super easy to find places where they have specific activities for kids, I think the most important thing is to have everything in the proximity of your hotel /accommodation so that you can change get everywhere without stress. Santa teresa is one of the best places for snorkeling that’s for sure and the other families who wrote me after their vacation in there confirmed that they had a great time with their kids!

I hope it helps, have a great Holiday in Sardinia!

Hello Clelia! Thank you for the very informative website , it was extremely helpful. My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon to sardinia late august 2017 . We don’t want to rent a car to get around, what are the other options? are taxis easy to get in sardinia ? are they expensive?( especially the south where i think we will spend our one week honeymoon) And if we decided to visit porto cervo what is the best way to get there if we’re not going to drive by ourselves . One more thing, most of the hotels are sold out on booking.com. do you recommend any other website? Thank you in advance!:)

Forst of all congratulations! Sardinia is one of the best places to go on a honeymoon! Too bad that many people don’t realize that they need to book way in advance to find great deals in the destinations they like, sorry to hear that you have found everything sold out! You might try to give it a second try, maybe someone has canceled their booking and you will be able to sneak in! I honestly can’t recommend other websites as I truly use only booking.com for my trips. Sometimes I have tried Airbnb (only 3 times in more than 5 years of travels around the world) and I had mixed experiences.

If you Google you will find other websites that helps you in booking a place but I was checking them out the other day for some research and I find them rather confusing, not to mention that they will probably charge you more than if you book on your own, otherwise they would not earn any money 🙂 If you still can’t find anything on Booking, try that way and compare the prices first to see which website is more convenient and what additional services will offer you!

Regarding the taxis to move around Sardinia…AUCH… sorry to give you bad news but unless you use them within the city, I’ve never met anyone who used it for moving from a destination to another. Their service is mostly local and even if you convince them to drive for 3 hours (which I doubt) the cost would be INSANE to say the least. You have to rely on public transport (buses and trains) and then maybe take a taxi once you reach your destination, or if you want to go to a specific beach that is not on the public transport map (but in that case make sure that either the hotel or the taxi driver understands that they have to come back and pick you up at the end of the day!

You can, for example, stay in Arzachena or Cannigione, where there is a bus line from the airport and also to Porto Cervo, I used it ages ago when I was 19 and It took me straight to Porto Cervo where we strolled around the pier and the main Plaza, so yes, it is possible!

Sorry for the bad news guys! I Hope you will have a fantastic Honeymoon in Sardinia 🙂

Fantastic site! I really appreciate it.

We are coming to Sardinia by Ferry from Cittavechia to Olbia in August. We have rented a car and are thinking we should stay in the northeast area.

I’m liking your itinerary #1 or #8. My wife and I are travelling with our 5 month old daughter. Do you have any specific suggestions?

For boat rentals in Cala Gonone, can you rent your own and travel around on your own for the day?

Also, if we do stay in Baunei, are there other villages you recommend to visit?

Warm wishes,

Hi Bryan, thanks for the nice comment! If you are traveling with a baby, my suggestion is, of course, to stay as close as possible to the airport and to chose a place that is not very remote, so Olbia/Palau/San Teodoro is a good choice. Cala Gonone is further away from the airport but if the baby is Ok with longest rides then cala Gonone is ok as well. For the boat rentals you can definitely rent your own, I had a friend who recently did it, and it’s in my opinion the best choice as you will set the pace and decide where to go.

For Baunei, the village itself is lovely, very traditional and Sardinian in the real sense. Other villages you can visit… mmmhh, not much around really in terms of villages, but plenty of activities, that’s for sure. What I’m not 100% sure is if with a 5 months old baby you could do some of them like hiking to Cala Goloritze or exploring the Gologone area in the mountains.

If you want to stick to itinerary 8, then you maybe can stay in Cala Gonone and enjoy the beach, visit Dorgali and Orosei perhaps and enjoy the boat trips (definitely the highlight!).

Hope it helps! have a great time in Sardinia

First of all let me thank you for this great website which provides a great deal of info about visiting this beautiful island. You really did a great job in putting up this website.

I have a question for you. We are planning to spend 7/8 nights in last week of August and we would like to visit the South of Sardegna. I am not sure if it is better to book two hotels for 4 nights each, one in Villasimius and one in Pula/Chia or maybe pick one hotel in Quartu Sant Elena for the whole period and travel from there to East and West. I know in this case I might drive a couple of hours a day but I can bear it. I would like to know if you recommend Quartu St Elena as a good place where to stay

Hey Giuseppe! I thought I had already replied to your question as I remember it very clearly… maybe you already commented on another post about holidays in Sardinia? If not, my reply is to just book 1 hotel either in Cagliari or Quartu Sant Elena (I prefer Cagliari of course, as you will be able to also stroll around the nice old town, easily find restaurants and places to chill and so on), and from there you can take day trips by car to both Villasimius and Chia. Booking 2 hotels will just be a struggle. Another option is to either book 1 hotel in Villasimius or 1 hotel in Pula/Chia and just enjoy that part of the island.

Hope it helps! Cheers Clelia

Your website is wonderful! I love your itineraries! I am traveling with my family at the beginning of July to Olbia for one week- I was thinking of going to Cala Gonone (after your recommendation) then driving to the North West Coast- either near Costa Paridiso/ Isola Rossa or Castelsardo. I noticed you haven’t written much on Castelsardo- do you think it would be better to go somewhere a bit further north as Castelsardo may be very touristy?

Again thanks for all your wonderfull tips!

Hi Lucy, Castelsardo is not super touristy, at least compared to other places in Sardinia. The village itself is very nice but I am super picky when it comes to the beaches (to give you an idea, they must have the Caribbean/Polynesian feeling)and Castelsardo is just OK for my standards, that’s probably why i didn’t talk about it but the village as I said is nice and not super crowded! The other village around, like Aggius and Trinita’ D’Agultu, are super small, definitely not touristy but not on the sea, you can check them out if you want a truly local Sardinian experience!

Hello, Clelia!

Thank you for writing this — it has helped me plan my honeymoon, and we’re very excited. I was wondering if you could recommend a boat tour/excursion company for Cala Gonone. We plan to spend a day or two exploring the Orosei coast, including Cala Luna and the Grotta Bue Marino. Which company do you think is the best for a day trip?

Hey Jason, congratulations on your honeymoon!! As for your question, If you are based in Cala Gonone, all the companies offer very similar options. Being on honeymoon I suggest you to rent a private boat (with a member of the crew of course) do that you can skip the crowded boats and most importantly decide if you want to stop more in one beach, plan your personalized stops, helped by the company that knows the best places of course and you will not be tied to the big boats schedules.

That is the most important thing to ask when inquiring for a boat trip in the area. Recommending one, honestly I tried basically all the companies in the area and as I said, so far they are all at the same level to me. Especially the ones that own smallest boats and offer the possibility to rent them for private groups. But you will find plenty of options, don’t worry!

Terrific, thank you!

Your website is great, thanks for all the informative information! I am coming to Sardinia with two friends for a week in August (we’re all 21). I was wondering what you thought was the best itinerary for us? We’ll be flying into Olbia airport and have hear Cala Gonone and the La Maddalena Islands are amazing, but was wondering what your opinion was? We don’t have a ton of money to spend so hoping to find some affordable accommodation 🙂 Thanks so much in advance for your help.

Hey Emily! Wow, you asked me a very difficult question as I LOVE them both! I think that money-wise it’s probably better to opt for Cala Gonone unless you decide to just visit the Arcipelago della Maddalena from the mainland Sardinia during a day trip (I did the same when I was camping in Cannigione, a small village near Arzachena). If you are into camping then Cannigione is the best choice to explore La Maddalena, for cheap accommodation in Cala Gonone or near La Maddalena, you can still find something (I don’t know what your budget is). try to check out this (and filter the price range) Accommodation/ Hotels in Arzachena Accommodation/Hotels in Cannigione Accommodation/Hotels in Cala Gonone

You might still find something worth booking but you’ll have to hurry up! I hope that helps!

Hello Clelia,

I’ve been looking around on the internet for information about Sardinia and I am so happy I found your website ! Information is clear and seems very useful ! Thank you !

Actually we are planning a road trip to Sardinia for two weeks in August (high season… I know haha). We would like to make a round tour of the island, is it too optimistic in two weeks ? We like beaches but we love to discover places by walking around all day.. I like your West and East Coast guides (#7 and #8), do you think we can do them both ? Starting at Cagliari then to Alghero (West Coast itinerary) and then to Olbia and back to Cagliari (East Coast itinerary)?

I would really appreciate having your opinion on this, Again, thank you, Great job !

Thanks for your nice comment! As for your question…is it possible to combine the 2 itineraries that you mention in 2 weeks but honestly, the trip will be super rushed, unless you decide to choose 2 places to set a base for the first week on the west coast (Oristano and Alghero for example) and then other 2 places on the east coast (Palau or Santa Teresa and Cala Gonone, with possibly a quick one day stop in Villasimius to get back to Cagliari).

If you add more stops it becomes nearly impossible to enjoy your vacation and even with 2 stops in each coast is, in my opinion, a bit too much. I think 3 weeks is the minimum to truly enjoy both coasts to the fullest. Sometimes is better to choose only one coast and the south or north part of it and stick with that.

Ultimately, the decision is yours, of course, maybe there are people who don’t mind rushing a bit, I’m the one who likes to travel slowly and maybe see less but more in-depth.

Hope this helps Have a great time in Sardinia 🙂

Hello Clelia, thank you for your wonderful website. I use it to plan our vacation in Sardinia. It’s well organized and easy to read, therefore, useful and informative! Great job!

We fly to Cagliari and drive to Cala Gonone, then descend back to Gagliari traveling the west coast. Google map shows two routes getting from Cagliari airport to Cala Gonone. One is a longer travel time route (3h15m) through Santa Maria. Another is through Santa Giusta (2h26min) – East coast. Is one route more picturesque than another? Since we will be descending back traveling the West coast, should we take the shorter route so we get to Cala Gonone sooner?

Thank you for your time!

Hi Inna! Thanks for your Kind words! So, regarding the two routes, I know them both quite well. Honestly? It really depends on what “picturesque” means to you! The fasted road is definitely not. It basically is a long long road (superstrada) called Carlo Felice until Oristano. All flat, nothing major to see and you have to be super careful as there are intersections that are somehow difficult to see and many speed limit detectors along the way. After Nuoro it might get a bit more interesting as it passes near some villages but nothing major. The bright side is that it’s the fastest route and the preferred one by the locals.

The route via Muravera and Santa Maria Navarrese is somehow more “scenic” but don0t expect heartbreaking views. It’s full of turns, sometimes U turns in the first part near Muravera and when I last drove in there (now it might be better), in some parts, where you are in the middle of the mountains, there is no reception whatsoever. I remember that because I was driving alone to go to Cala Gonone for a boat trip and it was dark so I freaked out a bit as if the car had a problem or something I couldn’t even call anyone for help and there is no much traffic in there. It’s just a small part of the road, but I wanted to mention it.

I liked this road more even if it’s more demanding for the driver but some points are definitely nice, with the mountains and the nature surrounding you and the sights are more varied, not to mention that you have to get inside the villages, so you can have a look at the real Sardinia.

If you have time, and a good navigator, I would say go for the longest route but don’t expect fantastic sceneries, just a different (maybe more authentical) driving experience in Sardinia.

If you don’t have time, or prefer the easier way, go to the Carlo Felice and make a pit stop at the Abbasanta bar (after Oristano, near Macomer), which is the pit stop for everyone going up north for a quick stop at the bathroom, a coffee or just to stretch your legs. Abbasanta is for Sardinian people the sign that we are more or less half way across Sardinia 🙂

Hope it helps! Clelia

Hello Clelia. We are travelling for the first time to Sardinia beginning of July with a family of 4 (our sons are 5 and 7 yo). We both land in and leave from Cagliari and are staying two weeks. The boys love swimming and we definitely want to go snorkeling and maybe even rent a boat. I also would like to do some horseriding. What itinerary would you recommend? A combination of 2 itineraries in the south? Maybe 1 week of changing places and 1 week of chilling close to a beach? Thanks for your tips! Jane

Hei Jane! If you have 2 weeks you are in luck as you have more time to move around without stressing too much (and with the kids might be more stressful for the whole family to be constantly on the move)

That said, I would highly recommend having 2 bases: First week: South Sardinia, Villasimius area is lovely because there is the Village, while in Chia /Tuerredda the nearest village is Pula at around 20/30 min by car, which means you will either have to drive to go out for dinner or stay in the resort/house and cook your own meals (but you will have to still drive to town to buy the groceries, not a big deal, just informing you!) For Horseriding, I tried a while ago near Pula, but I’m sure there will be plenty of options if you ask the tourism information office in Villasimius too.They usually have all sort of activities and for snorkeling everywhere is nice in Sardinia and Villasimius (but also the Chia area) is perfect for chilling on the beach as well!

The second week: Straight to Golfo di Orosei. Ok, I sound like a broken record here but I truly think that the area is the absolute best in Sardinia, as it combines the beauty of an incredible sea with the mountains just behind it. It’s breathtaking! You can certainly rent a boat there and see for yourself what amazing places you can discover.I actually recommend you renting a boat if you are there, it will be the highlight of your trip, instead of going with the organized boat trips, which are nice, less expensive but you are tied to a schedule and can’t stop wherever you want (not to mention that they are big boats with many people)

Hope it helps and have a fantastic time in Sardinia 🙂

Hello, I would like to read your itinerary 6 – South Sardinia but when I click on ITINERARY DETAILS there is nothing to read. Please advise how that works.

Thank you. Hana

Hey Hanka, as I said in the beginning of the post, I’m still working on it, this is why there are no further details on the itinerary yet. Sorry for the inconvenience but managing a whole website by myself is a lot of work! 🙂

I know, I am sorry, I noticed your warning only when I emailed you. Shame the itinerary is not ready, I am going to Cagliari on 01st of June. Can you please recommend some good restaurants and wine places in Cagliari? Nothing touristic, but local cuisine. Thanks and good luck with finishing your web site. It will be awesome once ready :-).

This website is a great resource. Thanks! I’m thinking about trying to combine Itineraries 2 and 8 somehow into 1 week. I like beaches but don’t like to spend much time just sitting on the beach. I prefer to walk around and hopefully experience the culture, food, wine, etc. Would 4 days in the Cala Gonone area and 3 days in Alghero area be OK?

Hey Donald! Sorry I have completely missed your comment until now!

I think that if you don’t mind “losing” half a day to move from Cala Gonone to Alghero, that would be a great choice! I assume you are flying into Olbia and out from Alghero, right? As this is an itinerary that most people choose when they are flying in and out in different airports. If not… maybe I would stick around the coast where the airport is. Less stressful 🙂

Hey Clelia your website is fab! It’s been so helpful in planning my trip to sardinia! We are coming over in june after visiting Rome and venice and we have chosen itinerary 8 to be the one we are going to follow and jiggle a little! We’re spending 8 days! Do you recommend anything specific in the cala gonone and baunei area to do? Apart from take in the amazing scenery and beaches! Thank you Holly

Hey Holly! Glad you find it useful 🙂 All the Golfo di Orosei is fantastic, I definitely recommend a visit to Baunei to check out the Altiplano and the Golgo (su Gorroppu), but trust me, in 8 days you will already have plenty of activities, from visiting the beaches and the trek to Cala Goloritze, seeing Dorgali village, Su Gologone, the boat trip (I would do it twice, once asking to stay the whole day at Cala Mariolu and get picked up by the boat when they finish and the second time to check out all the beaches).

I’m sure you will have an amazing time! Cheers

Dear Clelia!

This is excellent piece of work! Thank You for sharing all this information’s with us.

I would have couple questions for You, If You don’t mind.

Right now, I am wondering about trip to Sardinia. We have booked flights to Rome and we thought that relax in Sardinia after exhausting sightseeing would be great.

We plan to spend in Sardinia one week, mostly on relax at beaches so our first choice was Itinerary #2 | NORTH WEST SARDINIA.

I read a lot about Sardinia and I have some questions for You about Your proposal. So, 2 days in Alghero is it enough? What about Maria Pia beach? Is it worth our time? Or maybe is it better to spend this time in Stintino? At beginning our plans included one week in Alghero and small trips to Stintino and Bosa for 1 day each. Is it wrong idea?

I would like to ask You about boat trips/cruises to see for example Neptuno Cave. Would You recommend smth like this? I know that this is possible from Alghero, I dont know if theres any possible trips like that from Stintino.

And finally Sardinia By Bus & Train: Moving Around The Island Without A Car! Honestly I don’t know if we need rented car. In our plans, we prefered to relax on beaches and taste a bit of Sardinia’s night life. So whats about public transport? Airport transport shouldn’t be a problem i suppose, but what with normal transport from Alghero to Stintino/Bosa? Are we going to find any connections? Or not? 😛

Sorry for my english 🙂 I tried my best tho 😛

With greeting, Tom

Hey Tom! Ok, let’s see if I can reply to all your questions 🙂

1) If you want to relax on a beach, then stay put in one place is a good idea. 2) Alghero is a good base as being a large city has the easiest connections to the airport, Bosa, Stintino etc 3) Daily trips to Stintino and Bosa from Alghero by public transport are not a bad idea. 4) To get to la Pelosa Beach (marvelous!) you can get a private bus which will take around one hour, here is the link to their timetable, you can also see the other routes to and from the airport 5) If I had to choose one beach I’d go for Stintino la Pelosa and if you are willing to travel FROM there to the other places, I would actually set the base in Stintino rather than Alghero, but that’s my personal preference as I would stay the whole day at the beach and go back and forth would bother me a bit if I didn’t have a car. 6) There are tours to the Nettuno grotto, you can get there by boat or with the stairs, so it’s definitely doable even without the car

I hope it helped! Cheers 🙂

Hi Clelia, LOVE your site. I am actually a travel blogger, so I totally understand the work that goes into a site like this. Well done!

My friend and I are coming into Sardinia (Cagliari) on June 30th and have to depart the morning of June 5th. So 6 days. I’ve read all of your itineraries and it sounds like you love the north and east. We are ambitious travelers- we like to see a lot in a little time.

Given our time constraints (I also gathered the island is much bigger than I realize), which itinerary should first time Sardinian explorers do if we are flying in and out of Cagliari? Should we just stay in the south- or is the north so great and worth going up to explore?

Thanks a million! Dre

Hey Adrienne! Oh I0m so glad you realize how much work there is behind all this 🙂 Anyway, back to your questions! If you have 6 days it’s rather tricky. As you pointed out, Sardinia is big and you can either see as many things as you can possibly fit in but not really enjoy them to the fullest or choose less and soak in the experience.

I would definitely go with the second option. Not sure where you are from but you could always come back for more another time as many people do 😉 If you arrive and depart from Cagliari, the best advice I can give is to explore the beauty of the south. I know I push the east coast a lot, but I’m from the south so for me all that beauty is maybe taken for granted a bit and you could split up your days visiting both sides: The Chia/Tuerredda part (on the south-west) and the Villasimius/Costa rei part on the (south-east).

They are both trips that the locals regularly do in one day during the weekends when they are waiting for the proper holidays. I made them several times and it’s not that bad. Since you seem to be pretty active and don’t mind moving around, you can also visit Nora ruins on the way to Chia and take your time to also explore Cagliari, which is a truly enchanting city with beautiful viewpoints.

All in all, I’d say, leave the east coast for a second visit to Sardinia and enjoy the beauty of the south! There is also a nice day boat trip departing from Villasimius that is worth checking out and all that part of the coast is amazing, coming from Cagliari by car, take the panoramic route and you won’t be disappointed, filled with small coves and breathtaking landscapes of cliffs over the sea. I LOVE that route, it is an experience for itself. Just be careful as there are quite a few U-turns to make, so go slow and enjoy the ride!

Hope this helps! By the way, I’m also going back to Villasimius this year and can’t wait!

Hello! Can you please tell me if 4-5 nights in Sardinia will be ok to visit the most beautiful beaches?? Which ones you recommend if I have only max 5 nights in the island? Please let me know Thanks! Natalia

Hi Natalia!

Thanks for stopping by 🙂 In 4-5 days, rushing a bit… you could see a few nice beaches for sure but not the entire perimeter of Sardinia 🙂 Whatever part you decide to explore, it certainly offers some of the top beaches in the world, I can guarantee you that!

I’m from the south and my favorites in there are Tuerredda, Chia beach, Villasimius/costa rei and surroundings. If you decide for the northeast, the best are : cala Mariolu, Cala Sisine, Cala Biriola (you can see them all in one day if you want via boat trip), or go further north near Cannigione/Arzachena and discover the marvels of Cala di Volpe and Romazzino, with a boat trip to the Archipelago Della Maddalena and a day trip to Santa Teresa di Gallura. On the west coast, you could visit San Giovanni di Sinis, Is Aruttas and the lovely panoramic Nebida.

As you can see, you have plenty of choices but I recommend to choose ONE area and stick with that otherwise it becomes super stressful and you won’t truly enjoy any of these amazing beaches!

Hi, Love the site and hope to utilise as many of your suggestions as possible.

I have not quite found what we need though and I throw down our gauntlet!

I’m planning to fly into Olbia and ferry out of Cagliari to travel to Naples. We will hire a car and travel south over 5 or 6 days. We would like to include a horseride, a nature hike and a beautiful spa!!!! Maybe one night at a beach destination and also an agritourism.

Hey Denise, sorry late reply as I was on vacation (weird huh?!) 😀

Let’s see!

1)Horseride: There are a few places I tried a while ago, one was near Chia beach where I rode a horse on the beach at sunset (fabulous experience!),

2)Nature hike: this is a no brainer, the Golfo di Orosei is the place to be, from hiking to Cala Goloritze or Su Gorroppu, Cala Biriola or the Gennargentu mountains, you will have plenty of options, all beautiful.

3) Spa: There are plenty of resorts that offer Spa treatment in their facilities when I want to find one I usually go for a filter on Booking.com to narrow down my choice. I don’t know a specific one in Sardinia, but I’m currently working on it, as before recommend anything I need to try it first!

4) Night at the beach: I’d say it’s almost impossible if you mean camping. It was legal back in the day, now you could be heavily fined if you are found on a beach sleeping even with a sleeping bag and no tent.

5) Agritourism: Golfo di Orosei area is again the best place in my opinion. If you want a taste of real Sardinia, check out Baunei (also convenient for the hiking trails) or Dorgali, you will find some super lovely ones in there and I’m sure the owners will be able to direct you to the other activities you want to try (like horse riding and hiking in particular, but also places to eat or buy local food etc)

Thanks for all the information, it’s trully awesome and really useful!

Sorry to post it here, but I’ve noticed the “Itinerary details” of the North East Sardinhia trip are empty and I would really like to see them.

Thanks, David

Hey David, all the details for the itineraries are still work in progress, trying my best but doing all by myself it take a lot of work and time! I’ll do my best to add the details asap!

Ciao Clelia

many thanks for such a resourceful site!

I am considering Itinerary 8, but the links to the details do not work – can you help? Also I am planning to come in 2 weeks on the week before Pasqua – could you recommend any interesting related celebrations to attend while in the area?

Many many thanks for your help, Celine

Hi Celine! Sorry, I’m still working to add the details, that’s wy you can’t see them yet. Regarding the celebrations, if you come to the week before Pasqua, on Sunday there is the catholic ritual in basically every church where people gather to get the benediction of the palm leaves/decorations. If you decide for Itinerary 8, this is definitely something I would recommend to see in one of the traditional villages like Dorgali , Orosei, or if you can make it, Baunei is even better. There are some other specific celebrations in that period but this one is definitely something to consider to see the real Italy and the real traditions in Sardinia (whether you are a catholic or not, as its part of the culture). Also, if you are still around during ” La Settimana Santa” you will also able to witness to “la via Crucis”, a traditional catholic procession held 3 days before Pasqua. In some villages is truly beautiful to watch!

I love Itinerary 8, and I’ll try to work on it but unfortunately, being the sole owner of the website I barely have the time to reply to the many comments. Not sure whether you already had a look at it but there is another guide I wrote, this time is finished with all the details, and even if it was referred to couples it’s become a comprehensive guide on Sardinia and it might help you out as I also talk about some of the areas you want to explore.

Thanks for this informative webpage – so useful!

I am planning Itinerary #1 and was wondering if you can suggest a good wine/vine yard tour? It will be my boyfriends first Italian trip and I think the Italian wine is the best so would love him to experience this.

Hey Megan, thanks for stopping by! Sardinia is well known for its famous wines such as “Cannonau” and “Vermentino di Sardegna” just to name a few! I’m not a super-expert in wines but being Sardinian, my father and relatives introduced me to them and all I know is that they are super strong for me. One glass and I’m out 🙂 Also, I have good news for your boyfriend as if you choose the itinerary n.1, about 10km away from Cala Gonone (20 min by car more or less), you can’t miss the small village of Dorgali which happens to have a winery that offers tours in the vineyard, the wine cellar and wine degustation. The name is Cantina Sociale di Dorgali – Via Piemonte 11 – Dorgali (NU) here you can find the link to their website (finally they are starting to create them in English too, yayyy!)

I hope this helps and have a fantastic time in Sardinia 🙂

Hi, i just want to say thankyou so much for this, i had such unrealistic goals that would have ruined the time i had most likely. im going to cagliari in the second week of july this year, i just wanted to know if the sardinia south itinerary will have the details added?

just because im terrible with navigation! Thanks again! <3

Hey Melody, I’m trying to fill in the details for the itineraries but it’s taking me longer than I expected, I hope I they will be ready soon! The south of Sardinia is marvelous!

Thank you so much! This is extremely detailed and helpful. We are looking to travel to Sardinia for our honeymoon in early July and want to stay away from the massive crowds, but also love crystal clear waters/white sand beaches and can splurge a bit on hotels. We will be in Sardinia for 7 days. Would you recommend any other hotels that are luxury?

Thank you for all of your help! Natalie

Hey Natalie, Congratulations on your Honeymoon! Early July might still be a good time to visit as the massive crowds come more towards mid July and the peak is certainly August so you might be able to escape them. Especially if you can splurge on a fancy hotel (hey it’s your honeymoon after all!), they usually have a private beach, swimming pools and all.

For the north I would recommend two of my absolute favorite hotels: Hotel Pitrizza and Hotel Cala di Volpe , They are nearby some of the most enchanting beaches in Sardinia, so if you rent a car you can explore them very easily, as well as rent a boat for the incredible trip to La Maddalena Archipelago (not to be missed!!)

If I had to choose, I would go for one of these two (and I’m VERY picky!!!) 😀 Cheers and I hope you have a great time in Sardinia!

Can I just say this is so amazing , the way you have done it by region and the details ! It definitely help ALOT especially considering how big Sardinia is and people don’t realise. Thanks so much for all your effort!

Thanks Viv! Glad I could be of help!

I agree with Viv, the article is great, as well as the guide Sardinia for couples. They will both be of great use in our soon to be honeymoon :). Can you please tell me if the details for each itinerary are also available? It shows nothing when I click the button, but I understood from Viv’s comment that the details are amazing. Thank you for all your help!

Hey! Thanks for the lovely comment, I’m super late with the details for each itinerary…trying to fill in the info but it’s taking longer than I thought! You can scroll the comment section as I give some more detailed info on certain areas in there (just need to copy them in the article really!!) Have a great time in my paradise Island! Cheers

Great, thank you so much! Can’t wait to get there! 🙂

Hey, I’m arriving to Olbia and leaving from Alghero, last week of june. I will be there for 7 days, what itinerary would you recommend? Thank you! great blog!

Hey Belen, sorry for the late reply! As for the itinerary, I’d suggest the n.3 “North Sardinia”, as you will be starting from Olbia and then you will easily reach Alghero from Costa Paradiso! This is one of the ideal itineraries for people who arrive in Olbia and fly out from Alghero 🙂

Wow this blog is amazing! Thank you, this is going to make my planning for Sardinia that much easier. I have forwarded this link onto my friends who will soon also be planning trips here.

I will be travelling with my good friend late June 2017. I am tossing up on either your North East or East Coast itineraries, which one would you recommend over the other?

Hey Hannah, I’m super late in replying to all the comments! Ok If I had to choose one (but that’s just my preference) I would go for the East coast itinerary. I love nature and there is so much to see in there, as it’s a combination of mountains, canyons and obviously beautiful beaches and sea.

I’m traveling to Sardinia in mid September and since you look like the expert of this beautiful island, I have a question 🙂

We are staying at La Sorgente (agriturismo) in Castiadas, for a week. We will rent a car in Cagliari, so getting around is not a problem. The only problem is that we have to come back to the ”hotel” every night for diner. We are used to travel long distance, so we had planned to go to many places (30 min. to 3h of travel). But as I travel through your blog, it seems like am a bit optimistic about my vacation haha. I think I should scale down the destinations. So here was my plan (1 day each) :

– Villasimus (Punta Molentis, Porto Giunco or Mari Pintau) – Oristano (Punta Is Arutas, Tharros and Capo S. Marco) – Chia (Tuerreda, the scenic road Costa del Sud and Nora) – Supramonte (SS125 (for the view), Cala Gonone) – Barumini (Su Nuraxi) – Isola di Sant’Antioco (Nido dei Passeri, Calasetta, Cala Lunga)

Is that possible or I’m trying the impossible ? 🙂 Which area should I let go?

Sorry Dominik! I’ve been completely overwhelmed by messages about Sardinia, so sometimes I miss a few of them. I hope you had a great time in my paradise Island 🙂

Hi !! Thank you so much for your work in this article! I’m going with my family in October and we only have 5 days in Sardinia. Actually, we didn’t get a ferry from Corsica, I don’t know if they still work in that date or we have to get there and see what we get. We love beaches but the quiet ones, and we LOVE nature :); hikking, trekking, everything. So my question is.. what do you recommend for a 5/6 day trip from the north and ending the 16th in Cagliari to go to Sicily? Thank you very much!! 🙂

Once again… sorry if I missed some messages. I am trying to create a specific page where I will offer a more in-depth consultancy for a small fee as otherwise, I feel bad that I miss your comments and replying to everyone in more than 10 articles is becoming nearly impossible 🙂 Thanks for your patience everyone!

Hi there, wanted your advice on the best areas to go for 1 week in early June. Going to go with my good friend, and we are after idyllic beach spots, could possibly dabble in a some beach activities, surrounded by great food and drinks and perhaps a little shopping. In summary we just want a chilled relaxing beach getaway. I haven’t booked flights yet, so flexible as to which airport we are to fly into, and plan on renting a car. Appreciate your help.

Sorry Hannah, late again! I hope you had a fantastic time!

Hi Clelia, first off, thanks for the great information,

my wife and I are coming to Sardinia as part of our honeymoon for six nights on September 18th and reading through this blog, we diced to go with the cala galone route.

We are 30 year olds, looking to explore the beautiful beaches and eat great food and a few nights of going out for drinks.

Would you recommend splitting the trip 3 nights in Galone and 3 nights in San Teodoro or should we stay longer in Galone.

I’m thinking that we will be exploring the beaches around Galone, maybe a stop in oresei

I see that Teodoro has a more lively nightlife and also beautiful beaches.

Thanks in advance, Sasha

Hey Sasha, I’m super late I know! Had some issues with the comment section that’s why I couldn’t reply to yours! I hope you had a great time in Sardinia 🙂 Cheers Clelia

what a great website in the jungle of information regarding Sardinia! It has helped already a lot to plan our trip to Sardinia.

My boyfriend and me are flying into Olbia on the 24th September and leaving from there as well on the 2nd October. We have decided that we would like quite relaxing holidays without rush. So will definitely head to Cala Gonone to experience all these wonderful beaches. But 8 days there might be too much and as your #1 itinerary suggests, we were thinking of splitting the time and spending 3-4 nights in San Teodoro as well. But to our understanding, this is mostly for beaches as well. Given that we arrive late September and that the weather might be less predictable and not so warm, would you be able to suggest an alternative, where we could find some nature/things to see if the weather is not suitable for the beach? We will be renting a car for the whole stay, so would not mind to drive. Thanks in advance!

Hi Egle! Actually, I think that going to the Cala Gonone/Orosei area for 8 days is perfect for what you need. Not only you can enjoy the beaches but if the weather is not good on some days, the area is perfect for other activities, like visiting the Gorge in the Gennargentu area, the beautiful Baunei village and su Gologone. All incredible places immersed in nature. This is actually why that area is my favorite, as it really has it all, from beaches to culture and wild nature. Not to mention genuine Sardinian food and people! My brother just came back from 8 days in a small villa (in the north part of Sardinia) and they didn’t change location. They simply used the car to explore other areas. Is a lot less stressful and you will never get bored!

Since you are renting the car, I think that 8 days in the Orosei area would be very relaxing and interesting! Hope this help

I’m planning a trip to Italy next year for summer 2017 around July. Me and 2 or 3 friends in ours 20’s 23-24 years old. We would love to visit Sardinia, where would it be best to fly from Rome? I think either itinerary number 3 or 4 would be suitable for really nice beaches? I’m wanting to just relax and swim in really nice turquoise waters at the beach, tan, and eat good food and drink a couple cocktails. would you recommend itinerary 3 would be best? We are looking at some Air BnBs close walking distance to beach but we will hire a car to get around the island.

https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/2622143

would this air BnB a good location?

Thank you so much for putting this comprehensive guide together. We’ve been wanting to visit Sardinia for a while – and finally going this year. We’ve been trying to figure out what the weather is like in late September – early October (our travel dates are Sep 24 – Oct 5). Do you think we would still be able to swim if we go to the southern part of the island?..

Many thanks in advance for your advice!

Hi Daria! Thanks for stopping by! As for the weather… ah! I wish I could tell you for sure 🙂 What I know is based on my experience, being a local in here. So, this summer so far has been very unpredictable and slightly less hot than what we are used to experience here in Sardinia. Last night I was on my balcony (my family lives in South Sardinia) and there was a cool breeze, which is quite unusual for July. That said, the weather is obviously still good, warm and sunny most of the days now, it starts to change at the beginning of September becoming less hot and a bit more unpredictable.

At the end of September the temperatures are around 20/22 degrees as average (some years more some other years less). There could be days when it’s cold and days when you can go to the beach and swim. As I said, quite unpredictable, so coming at the end of September is a bet, but it’s a lot less expensive, that’s for sure. And if you are in luck and have sunny days, the beaches will be almost completely deserted.

Hope it helps! Cheers

Dear Clelia, my goodness, you have done a phenomenal job compiling the guides! The texts and photos are incredible! I wanted to ask for your advise, as I am trying to compile two of your itineraries in one for a trip that is about a month away. My bf and I are planning to get to Olbia on the 26th of August and drive directly to Santa Teresa Gallura, where to set our exploration base for the next 5 days. Within those 5 days, I was thinking of taking a couple of day trips to Maddalena Archipelago and Bonifacio. But spend most of the time in the neighbourhood beaches. I heard that the local beach called Tahiti is good, is there any other place that I could look into? After that Im not sure, if we should change the base to Alghero or Bosa? I found good Airbnb options in both those locations and quite hesitant of which one to pick. Would you be so kind and let me know your thoughts on the perfect option. Many thanks in advance for your time!

Santa Teresa is a great choice! I had one reader who emailed me telling me that they had the time of their life in Santa Teresa di Gallura! Apart for La Rena Bianca which is the main beach and obviously Tahiti, there are so many places you can visit if you have a car. Santa Teresa is strategically located so that you can visit other nearby areas, such as the beautiful beaches near Palau/ Costa Smeralda. They are paradise and you don’t even have to spend a lot on a place in Porto Cervo (which is quite expensive).

Other than Santa Teresa, You could go to Alghero and visit Stintino. If you want to book extra activities near Alghero, I strongly suggest you to contact Gabriella, (I wrote a page about her services as she loves the island as much as I do and she is a real expert in the Alghero area!) you can read it in here .

Bosa Marina is a nice village, but Alghero might be a better choice for you, considering that you can drive there more easily from Santa Teresa.

I’m planning a 2 week trip with my husband to Sardinia this October. We plan to drive, fly into one airport and out of another (any of the three major airports are a possibility). We would like to see as much of the island as possible and still enjoy some down time. Although we enjoy the beach and costal scenery, we will not be spending the day there. I looked at your one week itineraries and thought possibly I should combine 2 or 3? Thanks for your help.

Yes in 2 weeks, you can definitely combine 2 Itineraries (I won’t say 3 unless you really want to rush things!). Also note that being October, you might not be able to swim anymore as the water gets cold and the weather is more unpredictable than in August/September.Also the possibility to book a boat trip in October are limited or none, depending on the weather conditions. But if you want to visit Sardinia not just for the beaches, then October can be an amazing month for you!

Thanks Celia, Unfortunately I was unable to go last October, but plan to try again maybe this May. I love your site and am sure I can structure a trip that will be great. Grazie per tutto.

Sorry Clelia, a mistype

No problem 🙂

Hey Carol, glad you are finally able to make it to Sardinia, I hope you’ll have an amazing time in paradise! I will be back for a month or so to visit my family in July and I can’t wait! (and I’m living in another Paradise, Mexico.. but Sardinia will always be Sardinia!)

Hi Clelia. Excellent post by the way 🙂

We are travelling in 3 (couple + baby 2yrs) and the itinerary 4 seems to be perfect as I’d like to drive less in order to have more time to relax on the beaches and so on. We’ll be going to Italy in August for 1 week. Do you think we could stay based in a place only and from there visit all places around or should we book different hotels?

Also, any chance to have the itinerary details tab working any time soon so that we could see your suggestions?

Hey Emerson, I’m desperately trying to fill in the details for each itinerary in time but it’s a tough job as I run this blog all by myself and people have no idea on how many behind the scenes things you have to do to keep it running 🙂 Anyway, for your question, I think it’s definitely better to chose a base, rent a car and take day drives. One week is worth it if you want to relax and considering that you have a baby is also less stressful for everyone. Anyway, I will try to fill in the details asap but I can’t guarantee that 100%.

Good Job !!!!!

Thanks Nassima! Still working on it, should be finished soon 🙂

We are coming a week from today! Yay! Any chance you will have some southern itineraries up this week? 🙂 Thank you

Hey Ben, auch… I’m so late with updating the article, so I’m not sure I’m going to make it before you are here! Doing all by myself is quite challenging :/

Thank you for this post! My boyfriend and I are visiting Sardegna from the 21st to the 28th August. We’re flying to Olbia so I think the first itinerary is the best for us. Am I right? So now we’re looking for an Airbnb or hotel to stay at during a week. In which place should we stay?

Cheers, Sílvia

Hi Silvia! I guess you want to stay one week in a place as a base, right? If so… all the three areas mentioned in the fist itinerary ar amazing! San Teodoro/ Budoni are much closer to the airport, so if you don’t want to drive too much around maybe that could be your right choice but don’t miss Cala Gonone for any reason!!! 😀 I put my suggestions for the hotel in here, if you haven’t booked yet, you can see what’s still available! Good Luck and have a great stay in Sardinia 🙂

Hello! Thank you for your fast answer. 🙂 We found this house through Airbnb. Do you reckon it’s a good location? https://www.airbnb.pt/rooms/6759191?checkin=21%2F08%2F2016&checkout=28%2F08%2F2016&guests=4&s=N1ayBjaw

Thank youuu 🙂

I checked out the house, the location is OK, not central though so you’ll need the car to go and get the groceries etc, but Budoni is quite small, so I think it might be a good choice for you 🙂

It’s really amazing how much work you’ve done to create the guide and itineraries – they are absolutly the best I’ve found We will definitly use it-at the end of june we are visiting your paradise for the second time! Thank you! E.

Thank you so much for your comment E! I apologise again as I still haven’t finished them, but I’m juggling 10 things together lately! I’m glad you’re visiting again my lovely Island! I hope you’ll have a great time 🙂

Hello, When I click on the ‘itenerary’, no details expand/collapse at all. I have tried on two different computers as well. I am very interested in the Itinerary #1 | SARDINIA NORTH-EAST COAST (1 week) Thank you for your help! Ben

Itinerary #1 | SARDINIA NORTH-EAST COAST

Hi Ben, Yes I know, the article is still work in progress (it’s taking a while, sorry about that!) The itineraries should be ready by the end of next week!

Great! Thank you! We are coming on the 18th, would love to see it before so we can use it to plan. 🙂 Thank you so much for the site and for your efforts!!

June 18th, that is. 🙂

Hi Ben, I’ll do my best!! So much to do all by myself. Sorry that I posted the article without the details but I thought I could already give people an idea of what I think is feasible 🙂

i may have been absent minded but the beautiful area of Ogliastra deserves a special description which i could not find

Hi Angela Thanks for stopping by! You are right, there is no detailed description in the article (YET), as I said at the very beginning in red, I’m still working on this guide and the itinerary part which cover basically everything that there is to see and to do in a certain location is still work in progress. Not to mention that I stated in the intro of my itinerary N.8 that The Golfo di Orosei is my absolute favorite , and I also already talk extensively about Gala Gonone and its surroundings in another article here .

I love Ogliastra and for me is the best in Sardinia , that’s why I’m taking my time to write a comprehensive guide, don’t worry, I will cover that area not only here but in many other places on my website. If you have any suggestion or recommendation (I gather that you might be Sardinian, given your name) 🙂 feel free to mention them! I always love to hear from other people who love Sardinia as much as I do!

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Ciao Clelia,

I love your website. There are many important informations for me and my trip to Sardinia. I am from Slovakia and I have got my uncle and cousin in Italy and I love this country! I love italian food, italian weather, italian people and their mentality. However, the best place in Italy is Sardegna! I was there 8 years ago and I falled in love. Beautiful place! I want live there! This autumn 10-20.9. I with my boyfriend will go to Sardegna again. I am really happy. 10 days in paradise. Could you recommend me some places or itinerary for 10 days holidays? Our airport is Alghero and we want booking car. What about prices low cost accomodation (no camp) and car rental in September? Thank you very much!

Hi Bety, I’m glad you liked Sardinia so much that you would like to live here 🙂 As for your question, September is an ideal month to book your holidays, and for the Itinerary, it really all depends on what you want to do (relax, activities, beaches, hiking, biking?) I suggest you have a look at my article “ Sardinia for couples ” as there is a section dedicated to Alghero where you can stay for a few days and then continue either on the west coast or move to the east coast and leave from Olbia airport. So I would split the holiday in 5+5 days each one in a different coast (or the North of Sardinia anyways).

That article is quite comprehensive and gives you an idea of what are the other places you could visit on the east coast too!

Thanx Clelia,

I was looking at new article – 1 week itinerary. Clelia, it is really awesome. Your website was a big inspiration for me and my itinerary. We will rent a car (I hope in Fiat 500, I love it!) and I would like to stay 2 days in Alghero, then 2 days in Bosa and last days of my holiday in Cabras. From Cabras we can make lot of trips with or without car, I think:). This year I explore west coast and next year I look foward to great beaches in the east. I can not wait! Btw. Ho iniziato a imparare l’italiano questo mese:) O, Clelia please, can you write me some tipical sardinian food, that I have a taste? Thank you very much. Ciao!

Hi Bety! so great to see that you are learning Italian, well done!!! I’m glad to know that the article, although I still have to add some parts to it, helped you and I also like your Itinerary! As for typical Sardinian food …Ohh where do I start??! 🙂 Try “spaghetti alla bottarga” , seadas (typical Sardinian dessert), Flan di latte (another dessert but it’s a bit more difficult to find in the restaurants), “Sa Panada” (this is actually a dish that was invented in my village!), culurgiones , malloreddus and all the seafood dishes! Not to mention (if you like pork meat) the famous “ maialetto sardo “. Other typical sardinian products are the famous cheese and wine combination ( Pecorino Sardo and Cannonau ).

Enjoy all these delicious dishes, and don’t forget to ask for a Mirto at the end of the meal to digest all this food!! 🙂

I have been trying to read your answers, but Its so much information, so forgive me if you have already answered this question.

My husbond and I are planning to go to Sardinia the last week of july. We have already booked 3 days in Cala Gonone, and have 3 more days to spend another place south or west on the island.

I have read about Pula and Bosa. Which one do you recommend if we want easy access to the beaches and laid-back atmosphere without the big party/nightlife? We will rent a car, but would stay close to the beach… Maybe you have another suggestion for us?

Thanks for this blog! Its awesome 🙂

Thanks Christian and sorry for my late reply, I hope you’ll manage to read my answer as you still have time to plan. So if you stay in Cala Gonone and want to change for the south (or for the west coast) you need to consider that it takes at least 2 hours to reach Bosa and 3/4 hours to reach Pula, so I’d say the best bet would be Bosa, which is a lovely Village, even if the sea in my opinion is not comparable with the east coast but it’s still nice and the atmosphere is incredible, so it is definitely worth a visit!

Hi from Sydney, Australia! My partner and I have only 4 nights – any suggestions on where we should base ourselves in Sardinia? We are arriving from Milan and need to fly to Rome after our stay, any recommendations on flights/ferries would also be very useful! We have quite a jam-packed month in Europe, so these 4 nights will be our downtime – looking for beautiful swimming beaches, restaurants with atmosphere and perhaps a bit of nightlife as well. Planning to hire a car to see as much as possible. Any suggestions at all would be much appreciated! Thank you, Lara

Hi Lara, sorry for the late reply… not sure if I can still help as I don’t see which month you decided to visit?

Hi Clelia! Congratulations on your blog! It’s really well organized, and it has a lot of detailed information, at least for the Sardinia island.

I’m planning my one week itinerary for Sardinia, where I’m going with a friend for a week.

We fly direct from Madrid. We arrive to Cagliari on Saturday the 29th of August, and return from the same place on Sunday the 6th of September.

What do you reckon about the following plan? It look very busy to be honest!

Saturday – Cagliari, rent a car, walk around, go out that night. Sunday 30 – beaches nearby: Chia, Portopino area. Maybe Villasimius for afternoon/evening? Monday 31 – drive to Cala Gonone area. Hoping from cala to cala. Maybe renting a zodiac for that? Tuesday 1 – Cala Goloritze trek & day trip. Wednesday 2, Thursday 3, Friday 4 – San Teodoro, Porto Rotondo, Porto Cervo, Poltu Quatu, Baja Sardinia, La Maddalena archipielago, Rosa beach at Isla Budelli, Santa Teresa Gallura. I have to dig more into what to see these days. Saturday 5 – Stintino (Pelosa beach) & Porto Torres. Maybe Alguero? Drive to Cagliari Sunday 6 – return car and fly back.

Thanks so much for your help!

So Sorry Roberto, I’ve totally missed your comment! I hope you had a great time in Sardinia and, just as a reference for other people reading…the itinerary suggested is wayyy too busy in my opinion. I recommend (for 1 week) 1 max 2 places and not far away from each other (maximum 2 hrs drive from each other).

Wow!!! Quite impressed with the blog and your answers Clelia! Thanks so much for your work.

I’m going with a friend from Sat 29th of August and until Sun 6th of September.

First plan, after an afternoon reading websites (glad to know what you think about!!!):

Sat 29: arriving to Cagliari early morning. Hotel, rent car, seeing Cagliari, night there. Sun 30: driving to Golfo di Orosei. Cala Goloritze trek. Mon 31: zodiak cala sight seeing (Cala Liberotto, Grotte Blue Marino, Cala Gonone) Tue 1: drive to Porto Cervo area. La Maddalena boat trip (Rosa beach at Isla Budelli?) Wed 2: Beach day. San Teodoro? Thu 3 and Fri 4: Stintino (Pelosa beach), Porto Torres, Alghero. Sat 5: Chia and back to Cagliari. Sun 6: flight back from Cagliari.

Maybe three days in Porto Cervo area and only one in Alghero area? Maybe three days in Cala Gonone and three days in Porto Cervo areas, and none in Alguero/Chia areas?

We’ll need to invite you to a few drinks if we can see you around there 😀

Thanks, regards, Roberto.

Apologies again 🙂

Ciao Clelia, I just want to congratulate for your blog! I am Sardinian as you and I live abroad (unfortunately my job is not cool as yours though!). I discovered your blog while helping a friend to plan his trip to Sardinia. There are many websites about Sardinia but I found your blog rich of useful and practical tips and at the same time simple and easy to read. Your are doing an amazing job…please keep going!

Thanks Valentina, what a lovely message, I’ll try my best! lately I felt guilty as I was traveling and I couldn’t reply to the many messages I constantly receive. I love helping people to discover my beautiful Island and I have no intention to stop 🙂

What a great website is this..thanksss a lot..

I need your advises. Me and my friend will be Cagliari on 2-3-4 July. Should we rent a car or public transportation is enough?

We are very curious about the island. But I don’t know which beaches are reachable from Cagliari? What have to do in this city?Where are the strange places? about nights? and of course about foods 🙂

could you help me to plan these 3 daysin cagliari? I couldn’t arrange in order all the things in 3 days :S without enough information like someone from island 😉

**btw I am trying to subscribe but I did not recieve any e-mail.

Hey Tugce, thanks for your comment, I’m glad you find the info on my website useful! 🙂 If you didn’t check it out already, I suggest you to have a look at my article for couples in Sardinia (even if you are not looking for a romantic gateway, that guide is massive and it has a whole chapter about Cagliari with the closest beaches, restaurants, things to do and accommodation), you can find it in here .

Let me know if you need further help! Cheers Cle

Props for your awesome website. I am Wendy 27 y/o and want to travel Sardegna with my gf for ten days or so. So Ive been checking websites today while i was procrastinating my work, but i couldnt find practical information until i landed on your blog. Really great info, yay, thanks! As for me I like to travel without any plans (usually i only book a flight) and on a very low budget but my gf wants to travel with a strict itinerary. So we have to plan this one carefully;) We wanna see as much as possible without rushing. We land 19 sept in the evening in Olbia and fly back on the 29th from Olbia as well. We want to rent a car. So there the ingredients for an awesome roadtrip. Before Id seen ur website i thought it was a good idea to stay at the shore in Olbia for two days. then drive south to orosei stay there two days continue: muravera – cagliari – arbus – bosa – stintino – olbia. But i dont know if its a good plan and maybe it is not even realistic. The thing we really want to see are the salt lakes and flamingo’s 😉 and the awesome beaches u mentioned on the east coast. I guess for that its best to stay in Cala Gonono then? Also we dont wanna miss Stintino and Cagliari. I really would love to stay in the city. And i read some about the dunes on the westcoast near Montevvechio. After reading more of ur info i came to the conclusion we also cant miss Maddalena as well. My god, there are so many beautiful places, i dont know any more :$ and i dont wanna google too much cause i dont wanna ruin the experience by having some expectations. So I was hoping u can help us out a little bit on the itinerary, give some advice on a well balanced schedule between beach and some nature / culture (by car). Thanks in advance!!

Hi Wendy, thanks for stopping by! Since you’re traveling to Sardinia in September I’m still in time to give you some suggestions tips in the next few days, stay tuned! 🙂

Hey Clelia,

I came across your page and fell in love with Sardinia before I even arrive. My friend and I are planning a short trip to Sardinia in mid-July. We have a busy itinerary for our 5-day stay since we want to see as much as we can. We will start our journey in Alghero, drive up to Stintino, then Santa Teresa and two days in the Cala Gonone area and back to Alghero. Thanks to your posts this route came to life 🙂 I was wondering if you could recommend some boat trip companies for the 1-day trip to the Cala Mariolu beach. Would really appreciate your help!

Greetings from Germany

Hey Caroline, sorry I completely missed a few comments in here as I was traveling non stop. I hope you’re having a great time in Sardinia!

Hi Clelia, I’ve really enjoyed your guide to Sardinia! There are just too many options! My friend and I are hiring a car and we are keen to explore the West coast – somewhere between Alghero and Cagliari. We just want to base ourselves somewhere so then we can go to different beaches. Staying very close to one beach would be great, but we are also keen to explore. We are going in July and hoping that side of the island will be less touristy and hopefully cheaper? So the question is where should we look for somewhere to stay on the west side of the island? Thanks! Erin

Hey Erin, I guess I’m too late now to reply to your questions! Unfortunately when I am traveling is difficult to catch up with all the messages and emails I receive about Sardinia. I wish you a smashing holiday in my beautiful Island 🙂

My boyfriend and I have been struggling to find any decent information on Sardinia until we found your site! Love it, so helpful and has been giving us great ideas for far! 🙂

We are travelling this friday the 22, till the 27th. We are flying in and out of Alghero. Since we don’t have a huge amount of time, we would love a few recommendations of beaches/must see/not to miss spots! We ideally want to camp (or cheap accommodation) and are looking to chill out. Also is there anywhere to buy a cheap tent?

Sorry I’ve been overwhelmed by requests and I must have missed your message!If you arrive in Alghero I suggest to visit the beaches of La Pelosa, le Bombarde and check out for camping areas (but I’m afraid there is nothing much near Alghero) you’ll have to move towards the North East to find something decent. As for the tent, there are shops in Alghero where you can find a cheap one, but the campings also allow you to get one for a cheap price directly in there

I hope it helps!! I don’t know what budget do you have but you can check out here , for Alghero, as they have pretty good deals for accommodation and here for Stintino

What a great blog!

I would love to get some recommendations from you, as me and boyfriend are visiting Sardinia in two weeks for 4 days.

We are staying in Porto Cervo, and I was hoping you could give us some tips about what we could visit/do during the day – as we would like to explore some beautiful beaches, but also do some sight and activities too.

We will be hiring a car, so we don’t mind venturing out a bit further!

During the evening we are hoping to enjoy the nightlife/restaurants – if you have any favourite places to go I would love to hear them!

I would really appreciate any tips, advice and information about Porto Cervo, and surrounding areas like Coast Smeralda.

Many thanks! S xxx

Sorry for the late reply, crazy busy days! I don’t know Porto Cervo town very well but the surrounding areas are full of beautiful places to visit! you can rent a boat, go for a day trip to La Maddalena, discover the awesome beaches of Cala do Volpe, Capriccioli, Spiaggia del Principe, liscia Ruja… and Porto Rotondo of course! If you like park themes, you can go to baja Sardinia to the most famous aquapark! 🙂

Unfortunately for the restaurants I can’t be of any help for now, I would ask some friends who go there regularly when I’m putting together my guide for the costa Smeralda area, but for now I’d rather direct you to TripAdvisor , as I’m sure they will have some better info on good restaurants in there!

Cheers, and have a great time 🙂

Your page is awesome! SO much great information and definitely doing every thing you recommend. Thinking I should pack my bags and move there 😛

I am going to Sardinia with my boyfriend for 8 nights in first week of August (30th July – 7th August) and we cannot wait!

We arrive into Cagliari at 7.50am and fly out of Olbia at 8.30am. We are going to hire a car for the whole trip.

We are finding it very hard to come up with an itinerary though. There is so many people recommending so many different things, which towns you should stay in and which not to, and then saying you shouldn’t try do too many things… it’s an overload of information haha!

Is there a specific itinerary that you recommend doing that isn’t too rushed but a perfect way to see your beautiful island? Should we spend a night in each town or will that be too rushed? We want a relaxing holiday but at the same time we want to see a lot.

All of the towns sound incredible. My partner and I are in our 20s, we enjoy beaches, hiking (nothing too intense though), live music, exploring, boat trips, good food and bars/nightlife.

Do you have any live music events during this period? What boat trips do you recommend?

I would really appreciate your help, i’ve read so many blog posts on Sardinia but it’s so hard to pick what to do because everything seems so pretty!!!

Have a lovely day 🙂 x

Hi Gioia, I get your point! I’m a full-time traveler (except for when I have to stop to work hard on my blog) and when I’m in a destination and only a few days, I’d like to see a lot, but at the same time I also want to relax!

My advice is: don’t rush too much. You won’t have a great experience. Plus, Hopefully, Sardinia won’t go anywhere and you can always come back and explore another area 🙂 It took me 15 years to say that I know Sardinia quite well but there are still a few places that I need to discover!

That said, my idea for one week (considering your flights) is:

30th of July : Cagliari (if you’d like to have more “beach life” you might skip the city) otherwise you can dedicate the first day to see the main attractions and views which are especially beautiful by night. The Via Roma walk admiring the pier, the main beach “Poetto”, the Old city with its cathedral and towers and the Bastione to see the whole city from above.

SECOND OPTION WITHOUT VISITING CAGLIARI 30-31 July :Drive directly to Villasimius , where you can spend at least 2 days. the place is nice for young people and also the beaches are very nice ( to know more about Villasimius, you can check my other article on the top 10 beaches or wait for my next guide to be out (I’m finishing the one “Sardinia by car” where I also point out the distances from the main airports to help people organize their itineraries.

1-2nd of August: : Drive up north to Golfo di Orosei , where you can’t miss the trek to Cala Goloritze (it will take the whole day) and the boat trip to Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna and Cala Sisine (another full day). I’d suggest you to stay or in Cala Gonone or Orosei, where there are very nice beaches to explore other than the boat trip, but you’ll have to drive down to Cala Gonone to take the boats, but it’s OK as the road is panoramic and it’s around 1 hour away (for me totally worth it)

3-4th of August: : Drive to San Teodoro and if the main beach “La Cinta” is too crowded, explore the surrounding areas of Budoni, the Marine park of Tavolara Island, Cala Brandinchi etc. San Teodoro town is great for people in their twenties as it’s lively with cocktail bars, live music and nice places to have some good fun!

5-6th of August: Move up to Arzachena/Cannigione and take 1 day for the boat trip to Arcipelago della Maddalena (as I always say: the Golfo di Orosei and La Maddalena Boat trips are UNMISSABLE!). So 1 day it would be dedicated to that and the second day, a beach of your choice! There are many nice ones in the area: Capriccioli, liscia Ruja, Spiaggia del Principe and many others reachable by car. After the day at the beach I’d recommend a visit to Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo, the VIP part of the Island, even if your budget is not huge, it’s nice to have a look at the famous plaza and the pier. If you don’t like the idea You could find some nice restaurant not in Porto Cervo or Porto Rotondo town so you won’t spend a fortune 🙂

7th of August: You will be heading to Olbia airport (which is quite close to the area, that’s why I recommend to stay there for your last days so you wont have to wake up too late in the morning and can enjoy your last night in Sardinia.

As for the live music events, if you stay in Vllasimius and San Teodoro, they already offer some nice places with live music but if you want to keep and eye to the calendar of the official events, have a look at the official website for Sardinia here .

If this Itinerary is too rushed for you (spending just 2 days in each place can be stressful) the you can either skip Villasimius or San Teodoro, but please don’t miss the boat trips!!

Oh my god!!! You are actually amazing! My boyfriend and I are so happy, literally made everything 100% easier. Thank you so so much 🙂

We have booked 2 nights in Villasimius. YAY!

2 nights in Cala Gonone/Orosei (Which town do you recommend? Do you think Cala Gonone is better because of the boat?) -With the Cala Goloritze Hike.. where do you start and finish? -Boat trip (Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna and Cala Sisine) where do you take this from? Is there a specific company that you recommend? And do you need to book in advance as it’s peak season?

We have booked 2 nights in San Teodoro.

2 day/1 night in Arzachena/Cannigione (Which town do you think is better to stay in?) -Boat Trip (Arcipelago della Maddalena) – where do you take this from? Is there a specific company that you recommend? And do you need to book in advance as it’s peak season?

1 night in Oblia, we have to drop the car off at nighttime unfortunately.

Home time :,(

On these two boat trips, are you able to go snorkling/scuba diving?

Let me know about what towns you think and the boat trips.

I am so excited 😀

Have a fantastic day 🙂 x

Hi Gioia, Wow! you sound very excited 🙂 Given the itinerary you’ve chosen, I can understand why! You are going to see some of the best places in Sardinia!

As for your questions, I copy and paste them and leave my reply below them!

2 nights in Cala Gonone/Orosei (Which town do you recommend? Do you think Cala Gonone is better because of the boat?)

I’d recommend Cala Gonone if you want to be directly on the beach and it’s also quite convenient for the boat trips, yes. Orosei is also nice and there are a few private companies that Organize boat trips but the most of them depart from Cala Gonone, I’d say, if you are interested in beaches and the famous boat trip, Cala Gonone is your best choice!

-With the Cala Goloritze Hike.. where do you start and finish?

To get to Cala Goloritze’ you need to go towards Baunei, a small village, depending on where you are staying, if you decide for Cala Gonone get the SS125 orientale Sarda (the name of the road), directed south to Baunei. It will take around 1 hour to get there and from Baunei is another 15/20 minutes to get to the parking lot. You will easily find the place as there are many signs on the road indicating Cala Goloritze. From there, there is a wooden sign that indicates the path to go down. Don’t forget to bring a lot of water with you, towels, food and a good pair of shoes for the hike 🙂 It’s not super difficult but you have to be careful. I also recommend you to be there very early in the morning so you can enjoy the beach and also because the sun disappears behind the mountains quite early (around 4:30) so you’ll have the time to enjoy the beach and get ready to go up again! It’s a bit tiring but totally worth it!

-Boat trip (Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna and Cala Sisine) where do you take this from? Is there a specific company that you recommend? And do you need to book in advance as it’s peak season?

There are several companies to book the boat trips and they depart from a few piers including: Cala Gonone, Santa Maria Navarrese, Arbatax, Orosei. If you are in Cala Gonone there are a few websites you can check online. A good one (to give you an idea of the options and prices) is this one . And yes, I’d say it’s better to book in advance if you go during peak season! The companies are quite similar in the end, unless you want to rent your own boat. Make sure they serve lunch and ask what itinerary are they following and how long do they stop at each beach. Sometimes you have to pay an extra fee to visit additional attractions such as le Grotte del bue marino and la Grotta del fico. Le Grotte del Bue Marino are beautiful, but if you want to spend your day at the beach, i’d say to skip them and stay a bit more relaxing on the beach, but it’s up to you! 🙂

2 day/1 night in Arzachena/Cannigione (Which town do you think is better to stay in?)

Depending on what you want to do: Cannigione is on the sea but the village is super small and not much do to. If you use it to go to the Arcipelago Della Maddalena Boat trip it is a good choice! (unless you can stay directly in Palau, so you’re near to the pier). there are also boat trip from Cannigione to Caprera Island and the last time I went to Cannigione there were also boat trips to the Arcipelago, but you’ll need to ask your hotel for more info as the main pier is Palau.

Arzachena is also nice but not on the sea, and there are more restaurants and options for Accommodation, they are very close to each other so it really depends on you! -Boat Trip (Arcipelago della Maddalena) – where do you take this from? Is there a specific company that you recommend? And do you need to book in advance as it’s peak season?

(See my response above! Usually they start from Palau, but you can also ask for the Cannigione options), I never used any online website, I simply went to one of the many agencies in town either the day before (or 2-3 days before the date I wanted to take the tour), but since you’re staying for only one day in the aread I’d recommend to make an enquiry online to make sure you reserve your tickets. I found these agencies online: Elena Tours , Maggiorleggero Tour and you’ll find many other just googling “Arcipelago della Maddalena tours” 🙂

On these two boat trips, are you able to go snorkeling/scuba diving?

I once scuba dive in Cala Mariolu, you better ask if the option is still available. Depending on your level of expertise, this immersion is quite easy also for beginners, nothing like the big Australian Barrier reef of course but still a fun thing to do. Snorkeling in Cala Mariolu is also fun, if you can swim properly there are small “caves” on the water, but be careful with the underwater currents (they are not usually strong in there but on the rocks the sea is a bit less calm.

All in all, I think both boat trips are SO WORTH IT, no matter how many times I did them (a least 5 times each), I always want to go back!!

Have a great time in Sardinia :)) Cheers Cle

Hello Clelia. I´m travelling to Sardignia (Alghero) on June 21, 2015 and leaving (from Cagliari) on the 27th (early). I’m with my husband and my 3-year-old son. We want to hire a car and get to know Sardignia. What would recomend? We were thinking of staying, for instance, the first night in Alghero, as we arrive quite late, and then head to Orosei, for instance (following your previous recommendation here). What would you recomend?

Hey Ines, Thanks for stopping by! if you fly to Alghero I recommend staying 1 day in the area and visit Stintino (you can’t miss it!), then you could drive to the Golfo di Orosei (which is quite a ride!) and stay there for the rest of the week and then head to cagliari on your last day.

Or (but this is more stressful), stop first in San Teodoro for 2/3 days (you could drive to Palau for the boat trip to Arcipelago della Maddalena), then 2 days in Golfo di Orosei for the Boat trip to Cala Mariolu and the hike to Cala Goloritze, and then head south to Cagliari to catch your plane.

This way you’ll see quite a lot but you’ll be in a rush, so if you want to relax it’s not ideal.

If you simply want to relax I’d say the Palau area (Costa Smeralda) and its beaches (plus the boat trip to La Maddalena) would be enough. Or skip Palau and just spend the holiday in Orosei, discovering the surrounding beaches.

It’s up to you and how you’d like your holiday to be! Hope it helps 🙂

Thank you so much, Clelia. Very good tips and in fact a little bit of what we had hoped we would be able to do. We can’t wait for this exciting trip. Thank you so much, Inês

You’re Welcome Ines! I hope you’ll have a great time in Sardinia 🙂

Clelia, sono finita qua per caso da un’altro articolo, e come sempre rimango affascinata dalla tua inventiva e, soprattutto, mi domando: ma come fai a fare tutto? Altro che giornate da 24 ore di lavoro per te!!! 🙂

Bravissima come sempre!

ahahah grazie Lady Pillo! Non hai idea del lavoro che c’e dietro (anzi, in realta’ un’idea ce l’hai altrimenti non mi avresti chiesto come faccio a fare tutto)!! E come faccio? in realta’ sono un vampiro e non dormo la notte! A parte gli scherzi, e’ la mia passione, e quando c’e passione… non lo vedi come un lavoro! Sono anche stressata eh, ma quando mi sveglio la mattina e apro il computer sono strafelice del mio lavoro 🙂

Un abbraccio e grazie per le belle parole! Cle

i am travelling for the first time to Italy. we are in positano from the 17th to the 22st and wanted to go for a for about six days to sardinia. We are a family of four – we are 45 and 46 years old and our sons are 14 and 10 and love water water sports hiking etc.

Could you suggest where we should stay (clean, comfortable ,decent sized, mid price range, maybe a little luxury), which beaches to visit and how to plan this trip. Your website looks fantastic and you seem just the person who suggestions we would really enjoy. thanks

ps we are leaving for venice on the 7th so if we could get the info before ( i am sorry for the rush) it would be great

Hey Tushna, thanks for stopping by! I’m working on this post as we speak, and I hope to have it done soon! As for your question, you have various options When it comes to visit Sardinia for 1 week, my suggestion is always to only pick one, max 2 places otherwise your visit would be a bit rushed and you won’t be able to really see things at the right pace.

So, I’d say this would be my favorite itinerary for 1 week:

North Sardinia 3 nights in Orosei and 3 nights in Arzachena/Cannigione: If you land at the Olbia airport that’s Ideal.

You could head south to Orosei first (or Cala Gonone) as from there you can take the boats for the day trip to the Golfo di Orosei area and see the beautiful beaches of Cala Mariolu, Cala Sisine and Cala Luna, the rest of the days you can hike to Cala Goloritze, snorkel in the crystal clear waters and visit the Parco Nazionale del Gennargentu.

Then you’ll head north to Arzachena/ Cannigione and also either rent a boat to the Arcipelago della Maddalena day trip (also incredibly beautiful) and then relax on the nearby beaches in the Costa Smeralda area like Capriccioli and Spiaggia del Principe.

You can stay at a mid-range/luxury Hotel near Arzachena (depending on your budget, I’m linking to my favorite booking website, I personally use for my stays and it has loads of options). In the Arzachena area you can discover the traditional village and also relax on the small coves around for some good snorkeling!

Obviously you will need a car, as you’ll need it to reach the most beautiful beaches! Hope this helps!

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Sardinia Revealed

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Planning a perfect vacation in Sardinia sounds exciting but can also be overwhelming. Sardinia is a huge region so whether it’s your first time, second or tenth, there will always be something you haven’t seen or done.

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About Sardinia Revealed

Hello, I’m Angela Corrias , an Italian journalist and travel writer born and bred in Sardegna (Sardinia). After traveling extensively around the world and living overseas for over a decade, I felt a strong pull to return home to Italy.

This is how I embarked on the journey of creating the Sardinia Revealed travel blog, dedicated to showcasing the wonders of Sardinia to the world. Through my blog, I aim to provide readers with an authentic and immersive experience of Sardinia, sharing not only travel tips but also Sardinian food recipes and insights into the local culture.

Having spent most of my life in Italy, I have had the privilege of writing about my travel adventures for platforms such as Forbes , Global Times, Lonely Planet, and Fearlessly Italy travel website.

However, it was my deep connection to my birthplace and where I grew up that led me to create Sardinia Revealed, a detailed resource for all things Sardinian and a helping hand for travelers planning their dream trips.

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Best beaches in Sardinia

Winter is almost over and we are already thinking about our summer holidays. What is a better way to spend your warm season discovering and enjoying the best beaches in Sardinia?

While with so many things to do we have already said that a holiday in Sardinia shouldn’t be limited to its coastline, we can’t deny that in summer going to the beach is inevitable.

Whether you are with your family, with kids, a couple, or a group of friends, in Sardinia you will find fantastic beaches, bays, and sea resorts for every type of summer holiday.

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One week in Sardinia: Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary + My Best Tips

• A week in Sardinia: which Itinerary for 6, 7 or 8 Days?

You want to go for a 1 week trip to Sardinia and you’re looking for the best Itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you 2 recommended Itineraries for a week in Sardinia.

Depending on where you will land ( Cagliari or Olbia), these 7 days itineraries in the North or South of Sardinia will allow you to discover some of the best places to visit on the island.

If you prefer to visit the North, you will discover the Costa Smeralda and Maddalena islands whereas the south will allow you to enjoy the region around Cagliari and Sant’Antioco island.

For both itineraries, in addition to the best things to do and must-see attractions , I will also give you all my best tips as well as a list of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best places to visit during your one week trip to Sardinia? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

Where to stay on Costa Smeralda

Where to stay in maddalena, where to stay in capo testa / santa teresa di gallura, where to stay in olbia, where to stay in cagliari, where to stay in teulada, where to stay in sant’antioco, where to stay on the iglesiente coast, where to stay in oristano, visit sardinia in 1 week: north or south , renting a car in sardinia: my best tips, other activities for 1 week in sardinia, renting a boat in sardinia, you’re traveling in sardinia these articles will help you, itinerary: one week in northern sardinia, 1) costa smeralda / porto cervo (2 days).

You want to visit Northern Sardinia in one week? Then you should ideally take a flight to Olbia airport.

As Sardinia is a big island, you will need to rent a car to make the most of your stay.

In order to get the best price and not be scammed , you should book your car in advance on Booking.com Cars. I will tell you why I always use this website at the end of this article, in the “Renting a car in Sardinia: My best tips” section.

You will quickly notice that Olbia isn’t a very interesting city to visit, so just grab your car and head directly to the Costa Smeralda! It will be the perfect place to start your 1 week itinerary in Northern Sardinia .

The Costa Smeralda stretches from Porto Rotondo in the Gulf of Cugnana to Cannigione in the Gulf of Arzachena.

With its many luxury hotels, villas and shops, the Costa Smeralda is clearly the fanciest place in Sardinia . If you’re there during high-season, you might even spot a few celebrities during your trip!

For your first day, you should go to Porto Cervo, the “capital” of Costa Smeralda located just 40 min away by car from Olbia. Depending on your landing time in Sardinia, you may have time to make a few stops along the way.

If you do, you should definitely stop by one of the following beaches: Liscia Ruja beach, Capriccioli beach, Romazzino beach or Principe beach. They are all very beautiful!

Spend your first night on the Costa Smeralda.

On the day after, start your day with a stroll at Porto Cervo Marina to admire the yachts and sailboats, and walk around the commercial streets. Don’t miss the “Stella Maris” church located next to the harbor!

In addition to the luxury, the Costa Smeralda is also famous for its archeological sites , including a few famous Sardinian nuraghes .

So let’s go around Arzachena town to visit the Nuraghe La Prisgiona and see Giant’s graves. The great thing is that it’s only 25 min away from Porto Cervo.

While you’re there, another must-see is the village of San Pantaleo . This charming and authentic village offers a beautiful scenic view over the mountains.

And at the end of the day, head to a beach close to Porto Cervo or to one of the other seaside resorts of Costa Smeralda such as Poltu Quatu, Cannigione or Baia Sardinia.

If you want more information about the Costa Smeralda, you should read my detailed article: The 10 best things to do in Costa Smeralda .

You get it, the Costa Smeralda is the most touristic and expensive place of Sardinia . There are many luxury hotels, so it’s really perfect if you’re looking for an upscale experience!

However, the best hotels are fully booked months in advance, so you should really book your accommodation as early as possible.

• Residenza Capriccioli: Located just 3min walking from Cappricioli beach and 8km away from Porto Cervo. Studio and apartment with kitchenette and balcony/terrace starting from 100€ per night. Considering the area, it’s one of the cheapest accommodations available so book ahead of time! Strong points: walking distance to the beach, the swimming pools, great location. The best choice on the Costa Smeralda if you’re traveling on a budget!
• Grand Hôtel Poltu Quatu: Located in Poltu Quatu, 12min away from the beach. Very spacious and bright double room, with traditional Sardinian furniture, starting from 190€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: the location, excellent breakfast, friendly staff. It’s my favorite on the Costa Smeralda for its amazing value for money!
• Cervo Hotel,Costa Smeralda Resort: Located in Porto Cervo, 15min walking from the beach. This 5* hotel offers comfortable and warm double rooms, starting from 280€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: exceptional setting, staff always available, calm, nicely decorated. It’s my recommendation for a romantic stay on the Costa Smeralda!
• Cala Di Volpe, a Luxury Collection Hotel: Located in a natural setting, only 6 min walking from the beach. This luxury hotel on Costa Smeralda offers splendid double rooms with a view on the gardens or on Cala di Volpe bay, starting from 400€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: 5 stars service, the private beach, stunning setting, friendly staff. It’s the best choice for a luxury stay on the Costa Smeralda!

2) The Maddalena archipelago ( 3 days )

The next stop of this week in Northern Sardinia is the Maddalena archipelago .

Made of 7 islands, the archipelago is a dream destination for beach lovers and hikers!

From Costa Smeralda, it takes about 40min by car to reach Palau , the departure point for the ferries to Maddalena island .

There is a departure every 30 min: the trip lasts 20 min and costs about 40€ for one car and two people . The ferry boats takes you to the main island of the archipelago: La Maddalena island.

For your first day in La Maddalena, you can drive around the island on the scenic road . It’s the best way to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and make stops along the way at the numerous beaches!

Bassa Trinita, Monte di Rena and Spalmatore beach are the most popular ones, but I personally prefer Capocchia du Purpu beach . With its big rocks and turquoise water, it looks just like the Seychelles!

Spend the night in one of the hotels recommended below.

Let’s continue this 6, 7 or 8 days itinerary in Sardinia with Caprera island , another island of the Maddalena archipelago. You can go there by car: simply cross the bridge linking La Maddalena to Caprera island.

Over there too, get ready for beautiful beaches . The only difference is that you’ll have to walk a bit to reach them .

Caprera island is wilder than its neighbor, making it a great spot to go hiking . Most of the hikes are very easy and reward you with a beautiful cove to take a dip. And during your walk, you may even see the famous Caprera wild goats!

In my opinion, the best beaches of Caprera are Cala Serena, Caprarese, Coticcio and Brigantina.

Between hiking and swimming, you can easily spend the entire day on the island. There are also nice viewpoints, the best ones being the Teialone lookout tower or the Batteria Poggio Rasu Superiore.

A the end of the day, go back to La Maddalena island to spend the night.

For your 3rd and last day , you should explore the other islands of the archipelago.

They are only accessible by boat , so the best way to visit them is to opt for a 1-day boat excursion . You should book it in advance here to make sure to have a seat!

All departures are from La Maddalena port . During the day, you will be able to enjoy the beaches on Budelli, Santa Maria, Spargi and Razzoli island. It costs around 40€ per person, lunch included. It’s really an amazing day trip!

Spend one last night on Maddalena island.

Find out all the best things to do in La Maddalena in my detailed article: How to visit La Maddalena?

• AHR Residence Leonis La Maddalena: Located in the center of La Maddalena. Fully furnished spacious studio starting from 70€ per night. Strong points: the location (very close to the port and restaurants), fully equipped kitchen, high quality bedding.
• Residenza Mordini: Located only 100 metes way from the Maddalena port. Comfortable and spacious double room starting from 110€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: warm welcome, quiet atmosphere, close to the city center, homemade breakfast. It’s my favorite place in Maddalena for its great value for money!
• Residenza Marginetto: Located on the Northern part of the island, and just one minute walking from the beach. Holiday home with kitchen, living room, patio and barbecue starting from 110€ per night. Strong points: the very quiet location at the edge of the island, stunning surroundings, direct access to the beach. This is the best choice for relaxing holidays!
• Grand Hotel Ma&Ma Resort: Located 100 meters away from the Punta Tegge beach. This luxury hotel, the only 5 stars of the island, offers splendid double rooms starting from 250€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: the pool, the spa, the very attentive staff, the proximity to the beach. It’s the best hotel for a luxury stay in the Maddalena archipelago!

3) Capo Testa / Santa Teresa di Gallura (1 day)

It’s already the 3rd part of your one week itinerary in Northern Sardinia! This morning, you will take the ferry back to Palau.

Once in Palau, head to Capo Testa , located not far from Santa Teresa di Gallura seaside town. It will take you around 35 min by car to get there.

Capo Testa is a former granite carry , full of giant rock formations with surprising shapes. Located on the sea side, it’s an amazing spot to take stunning pictures!

As the site is quite large, you can easily hike around for a few hours. You can also go to several beaches:

• Cala Francese , left of the Capo Testa lighthouse when you arrive from the parking lot
• Cala di l’ea, south of the lightouse, near the “Valle de la Luna”.

There’re a few more beaches around Capo Testa, so you can spend the afternoon at one of them . I recommend you “ Spiaggia Zia Culumba “, with its big rocks and crystal clear water. On the left of this beach, you can also take a small path by the sea side to reach small hidden coves.

To be honest, Capo Testa was one of the best places I visited during my trip to Sardinia!

In the evening, you should sleep in Santa Tereas di Gallura , the closest city to Capo Testa. The city center is lovely, with lots of restaurants and café terraces.

• La Reggia Di Nausicaa: Located 10 min walking from Santa Teresa port. One bedroom apartment with a kitchenette starting from 55€ per night. Strong points: the swimming pool and friendly staff.
• Villa Gandamar: Located 2km from the city center. Big and comfortable double room starting from 80€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: great breakfast, lovely atmosphere, very quiet. It’s my favorite hotel for its amazing value for money!
• Hotel Corallaro: Located in Santa Teresa’s historical center, 2min from the beach. Modern double room starting from 140€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the swimming pool, close to the beach, very helpful staff. It’s the best choice for a romantic stay in Sardinia!

4) Going back to Olbia (1 day)

If you’re doing a 7 days itinerary in Northern Sardinia , it will be time for you to head back to Olbia.

If your flight is at the end of the day or early the morning after, you can enjoy the beach one last time in the morning.

Then drive back to Olbia, 1h20 away from Santa Teresa di Gallura, to take your flight back home or spend one last night in Olbia (if your flight is early in the next morning).

This one week itinerary in Northern Sardinia is now over! Now you know what to do in Sardinia for 6, 7 or 8 days from Olbia.

If you plan to spend 8 days in Northern Sardinia:

• Spend one more day around Capo Testa . For example, you can go to Costa Paradiso (50 min away from Capo Testa) and enjoy the magnificent Li Cossi Beach.
• Residenze del Centro: Located in the heart of Olbia. New, clean and modern apartment starting from 65€ per night, with an additional breakfast 10€. What I loved: high quality accommodation, helpful staff, good location.
• Jazz Hotel: Located 2km away from the city center and 500m from the airport, Comfortable and modern double room starting from 100€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: modern design, friendly staff, the swimming pool. It’s the perfect hotel to stay at the end of your trip to Sardinia as it’s so close to the airport (10min on foot), but you don’t hear any plane noise! It’s my recommendation in Olbia for its amazing value for money!
• Maison et charme hotel boutique: Located 100m away from the city center and 3km away from the airport. New and well decorated luxury suite, starting from 120€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: the decoration, the room is very comfortable, the owner is always available.

Itinerary: one week in Southern Sardinia

1) cagliari (1 day).

To visit Southern Sardinia in one week , you will need to land in Cagliari, the island’s capital.

As the island is quite big, you will also need to rent a car . In order to get the best price, you should really book it in advance!

I personally always use Booking.com Cars website, as it’s by far the most convenient. I will tell you everything you need to know a bit below, in the “Renting a car in Sardinia: My best tips” section.

Let’s now start this one week itinerary in Southern Sardinia with the visit of Cagliari.

Depending on your arrival time, you can visit:

• Il Castello: the city’s ancient district, where all Cagliari’s must see attractions are located
• The Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Sanctuary of the Martyrs
• The Saint Remy Bastion and the Umberto I terrace, offering a beautiful view over the whole city
• The Palazzo di Citta, housing a Sardinian paintings museum

And if you’re in the mood for some beach time, you should go to Poetto beach . It’s 7 km long , so you’ll be sure to find a free spot to enjoy your first day in Sardinia.

For more ideas about the best things to do in Cagliari, you should read my article: Visit Cagliari: the Definitive guide.

• Birkin Castello: Located in the Castello district and 50 meters away from the Cathedral. A very cozy and comfortable double room from 60 € per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the location, the rich breakfast, the helpful staff.
• Budget Rooms Cagliari : Located in the old town. A well decorated and warm double room from 85 € per night. Pros: the location to visit Cagliari on foot, the friendly staff.
• Hotel Villa Fanny : Located 1 km from the centre of Cagliari, 15 minutes walk away from the harbour. A double room with refined and luxurious decoration from 130 € per night, breakfast included. Pros: the kindness of the staff, the calm, the perfect bedding, the excellent and varied breakfast. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Cagliari!

2) Teulada (1 day)

On the day after, let’s continue this 6, 7, 8 days itinerary in Southern Sardinia on one of the most beautiful scenic roads of the island: the SP71.

The road begins in Chia , 1h away of Cagliari, and goes for 25km until Teulada . You’ll drive along the seaside the whole time and enjoy stunning views between the sea and mountains .

The best thing about the Strada Panoramica della Costa del Sud is that you can easily park your car on the side of the road and enjoy beautiful coves and beaches .

One of my favorites is Cala Cipolla , with its crystal clear water and big rocks.

While you’re there, you should also take the path on the right side of the beach . It leads you to Capo Spartivento lighthouse, located on the top of a hill . From there, the view over the whole coast is breathtaking!

Plan to picnic on one of the beaches and spend the day enjoying the wonderful Southeastern coast of Sardinia.

Spend the night in Teulada .

• B&B Su Tostainu: Located in Teulada. Clean and spacious double room starting from 60€, breakfast included. Strong points: lovely hotel, good breakfast.
• Hotel Jasmine: Located 600m away from the city center of Teulada. Spacious double room with balcony starting from 70€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: friendly welcome, high quality bedding, good value for money.
• Agriturismo S’Arxola: Located in Teulada. Comfortable double room starting from 95€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: its location between countryside and sea, excellent traditional homemade breakfast, friendly and helpful owner.

3) Sant’Antioco island (2 days)

Third stop of this one week itinerary in Southern Sardinia: Sant’Antioco island , 40 minutes away from Teulada.

No need to take a ferry, there’s a bridge to go there. You will directly arrive in the main city of the island: Sant’Antioco city.

Park your car close to the port and the tourist information office and go for a walk along the pier. Don’t hesitate to also stop by the Basilica di Sant’Antioco Martire and go visit the archeological museum.

Then, get back to your car and go explore the island’s best beaches .

The best options are: Maladroxia (small resort), Coa Quaddus (wilder), Cala Sapone and Cala Lunga .

The latter, with its transparent shallow water is in my opinion the most beautiful beach of Sant’Antioco. It’s quite wild and a bit hidden, as it’s located at the end of a cove.

Spend your first night in Sant’Antioco.

On the day after, you should go to San Pietro, the neighboring island.

To get there, you’ll have to take a ferry from Calasseta town (departure every hour). The trip lasts about 30min and costs 35€ for two people and a car, roundtrip.

In San Pietro , you’ll arrive in the city of Carloforte. There isn’t any specific place to visit there, so you can just take a walk along the seaside and maybe stop by one of the many coffee shops and restaurants.

After, it will be time to explore the island by car!

• Pass by Spiaggia La bobba and walk along the path on the seaside until you reach the famous column shaped rocks.
• Follow the coastline of La Conca to enjoy beautiful views over the cliffs
• Take a beach break at Spiaggia Spalmatore, the most popular beach of San Pietro
• Enjoy the stunning scenic view at Capo Sandalo!

Spend another night in Sant’Antioco.

• B&B LA VELA: Located in the city of Sant’Antioco. Double room with balcony and sea view starting from 60€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: Calm, great view, very friendly owner.
• Complesso Residenziale Isola dei Mori: Located 10min walking from Cala Sapone. Fully equipped studio apartment with kitchenette starting from 85€ per night. What I loved: being able to cook your own food, calm, close to the beach.
• Mercury Boutique Hotel: Located between Cala Sapone and Cala Lunga. Bright and spacious double room with balcony and sea view starting fro 100€ per night. Strong points: 2 swimming pools, very generous buffet style breakfast, good atmosphere and nice view. It’s simply the most beautiful hotel on Sant’Antioco island!

4) The Iglesiente coast (1 day)

Your one week tour in Sardinia will now take you to the Iglesiente coast.

First, you will head to Fontana Mare beach, offering a nice view over the surrounding mountains.

Then, you will reach Nebida and Masua . From these two locations you can see the famous Pan di Zucchero (“sugar loaf” in English). With 133 meters high, it’s the tallest faraglioni of Sardinia.

You may not know it, but in the past, Iglesiente was the mining region of Sardinia . So nowadays, a popular tourist attraction is to visit one of the former mines!

The most famous one is for sure Porto Flavia , dug 600 meters deep in the cliff. You will need to book your visit in advance at Iglesias tourist information office.

After your visit, you should spend some relaxing time at Cala Domestica. Located at the end of a cove, it’s really a great spot to take a dip. And if you want to have a drink or eat something, there’s also a small snack bar .

This beach is a must-see during your 7 days itinerary in Sardinia!

At the end of the day, head to Portixeddu area for the night. If you want to enjoy the beach again, there is a 3km long beach next to the town. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sunset!

• B&B Raggio di Sole: Located in Fluminimaggiore. Comfortable and bright double room starting from 60€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: very relaxing place, great welcome, stunning view. It’s my favorite accommodation for its great value for money!
• Agriturismo Fighezia: Located in Fluminimaggiore. Double room with mountain and sea view starting from 85€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the view from the rooms, extremely calm, high quality meals.
• La Rosa Dei Venti: Located in Buggerru. Very spacious and warm double room starting from 115€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: the breakfast on the roof with a view, the calm, the friendly welcome.

5) Oristano / Cagliari (2 days)

Let’s continue this one week Sardinia itinerary and go to Oristano!

Oristano is located about 1h25 by car from the end of the Iglesiente coast. Don’t go directly to the city (you will have time to visit it later) and continue driving towards the Sinis Peninsula . There, you will find beautiful beaches such as San Giovanni di Sinis and the Spiaggia di Capo San Marco.

The peninsula is also home to a famous Sardinian archeological site: Tharros . It costs 5€ to visit the site, however, I prefer to warn you: there isn’t much to see. Even if you don’t want to visit the site, you should however definitely go for a walk around San Giovanni tower and the Capo San Marco lighthouse.

At the end of the day, go to Oristano and spend the night there .

In the evening, you can go on a stroll to see:

• The piazza del duomo
• The cathedral
• The Chiesa di San Francesco
• The piazza Eleonara d’Arborea
• The piazza Roma.

Then, have dinner in one of the many restaurants in the area and don’t forget to stop for dessert at Barbagelato for a good ice cream . It’s simply the the best ice cream shop of all Sardinia!

Spend the night in Oristano.

If you’re visiting Southern Sardinia in 7 days, it will now be time to head back to Cagliari and fly back home. If your flight is at the end of the day, you can spend one last morning at the beach somewhere around Oristano, as it’s only 1h away from Cagliari.

If you visit Southern Sardinia in 8 days:

• On that extra day: in the morning, go visit Bosa (1h away from Oristano)
• Spend the afternoon at the beach

If you’re in Southern Sardinia only for 6 days, you can either:

• Not go on San Pietro island (and only go to Sant’Antioco)
• Skip Oristano
• Sa Domu e Crakeras: Located in the center of Oristano. Basic but very clean double room starting from 45€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: free private parking, excellent service.
• Hotel Il Duomo: Located in the heart of Oristano’s historical center. This hotel used to be a mansion and offers spacious, pleasant rooms in a very elegant style. Starting from 80€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: great location in the center, calm, nice common spaces, great breakfasts with many different dishes. It’s my favorite hotel for its great value for money!
• Hotel Raffael: Located in the Sinis peninsula, in Putzu Idu, 5min walking from the beach. Bright and spacious double rooms, most of them with their private fully equipped terrace and view on the garden. Starting from 140€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: calm, big garden with a swimming pool, the terrace, excellent and generous breakfast, very friendly staff. It’s the best hotel for a romantic stay around Oristano!

As you have seen in this guide, to visit Sardinia in one week, you will need to choose between the North and the South of the island.

A Northern itinerary is great if you don’t mind going in quite crowded and touristy places . Northern Sardinia is really the fancy part of the island, with many luxury hotels and relatively high prices.

I won’t hide you that the Costa Smeralda and Maddalena islands are the most famous destination for 6-7 days trip to Sardinia.

With that in mind, it’s essential to book your accommodations in advance! Also, don’t worry, the beaches, even if a bit crowded, are absolutely stunning.

You should visit Southern Sardinia if you’re looking for a more authentic experience , less mass tourism-oriented.

In the South, Beaches are wilder and as beautiful as in the North! The South is also a better choice if you’re traveling with your family , as the region is more tranquil and laid back.

Anyway, no matter if you choose to go to the North or the South, you will for sure enjoy amazing beaches and relax under the sun during your 6, 7 or 8 days trip to Sardinia!

If you have any question to plan your itinerary in Sardinia, and don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section below. Together, we will plan you a perfect week in Northern or Southern Sardinia.

As I told you in the 2 itineraries, you will need to rent a car in order to make the most of your 1 week trip to Sardinia.

To rent it, I recommend you to use Booking.com Cars website. It’s the one I always use, no matter if I am traveling to Sicily , Spain, Malta , Thailand or even Canada ! It’s really user friendly and it offers some really cool features:

• You can easily compare prices between all the car rental agencies in 1 location
• You can get the “full protection insurance”: you will get refunded in case of any damage, accident or if the car is stolen (tested and approved on many occasions! They refunded me more than 1300 euros to date)
• Canceling or modifying your booking is free
• They have the “Best Price Guarantee”: if you find cheaper elsewhere for a similar car, Booking.com Cars will refund you the difference!

You want to do more activities during your 1-week trip to Sardinia ?

No problem!

I have created for you a list of the best activities you can do on the island.

Simply click on the links below for more information and to make your reservations:

1) Northern Sardinia

• From Palau: Full day boat trip + snorkeling in Spargi and Budelli islands + lunch included
• From Porto Cervo or from Baia Sardinia : Mini-cruise + snorkeling in Cala Coticcio, on the island of Caprera
• From Porto Cervo or from Baia Sardinia Cruise + visit to the beaches and bays of the island of Caprera, with swimming stops
• From Porto Cervo : Day trip – Dolphin and whale watching + Snorkeling around the Maddalena Islands – A half day trip is also possible.
• Jet-ski tour around Caprera island from Baia Sardinia
• Jet Ski Tour around Spargi island from Baia Sardinia.
• Cruise around the Costa Smeralda to discover its most beautiful beaches
• Windsurfing course at Porto Pollo
• Diving session near the Maddalena archipelago
• Boat trip to the Lavezzi islands (Corsica) – departure from Santa Teresa di Gallura (north of Sardinia)
• Stand Up paddle tour (between Stintino and Castelsardo).

2) Southern Sardinia

• 3-hour kayak tour with a guide in Cagliari
• Kitesurfing lessons near Cagliari
• Via Ferrata (hiking) or climbing at the Pan di Zucchero (on the coast of Iglesiente)
• Kitesurfing lessons (Island of Sant’Antioco)

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your itinerary in Sardinia, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental.

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Sardinia? 😊

Sardinia travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Sardinia guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Sardinia guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Sardinia: All Voyage Tips articles about Sardinia are listed here.

• The 25 Best Things to do in Sardinia
• Itinerary: 2, 3, 4, or 5 days in Sardinia – With all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (North + South)
• Itinerary: 10 days in Sardinia – The definitive guide to visit Northern Sardinia in 10 days!
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Sardinia – The perfect 14, 15 or 16 days itinerary in Northern Sardinia
• Itinerary: 14, 15 or 16 days in Sardinia – The perfect 2 weeks itinerary in Southern Sardinia
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Sardinia – With all my best tips to visit the whole island in 20 or 21 days!
• Itinerary: North West of Sardinia (1 week) – How to visit Sardinia in 6, 7 or 8 days from Alghero
• Alghero: The 6 best places to visit
• Cagliari: The 10 best things to do in and around the city
• Costa Smeralda: The definitive guide to plan your stay
• Gulf of Orosei & Supramonte: The 10 best things to do
• La Maddalena: All my best tips to visit the islands

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Discussion 25 comments.

We don’t usually rent a car. How would you describe driving in Maddalena?

Hello Doris,

No problem to drive in La Maddalena, the roads are in good conditions. On the main scenic road, there are parking spots on the side allowing you to stop and enjoy the view or go to the beach.

Same on Caprera island, the roads are pretty good.

I did a 3 weeks road trip around Sardinia and overall, the roads are great Sardinian people drive carefully – The driving style is very different than the one in Sicily or south of Italy for example!

Enjoy your trip to Sardinia!

Is it reasonable to arrive on the ferry from Corsica, rent a car in the north, then drive south to a rental house? Can having a central location, doing day trips, give a nice taste of the island?

Hello Grace,

If you want to drive from the north of Sardinia (the ferry arrival from Corsica is in Santa Teresa) to the south (for example, Cagliari), it’s a little over 3.5 hours.

I wouldn’t advise you to take one accommodation in the centre of the island because it’s really lost in the mountains. And in the end, you will drive a lot every day.

If you only have a week, it’s best to visit either the South or stay in the North.

Enjoy your stay in Sardinia!

Thanks for these wonderful tips. We will travel to Sardina and have one week. We will land in cagliari and were thinking combining South (3 days) and North (4 days) and leave the rental car in Olbia and fly to Nepal from there. The main goal of the trip is to relax and see and enjoy the best beaches and sea. I wonder if this is possible. Where are the best and most interesting beaches and scenary? Is it possible for you to suggest an itinary based mainly on seaside holiday with a number of different beaches? Thanks again!

Hello Volkan,

Thank you very much! I’m glad that my one-week itinerary in Sardinia is helping you to plan your stay.

For the most beautiful beaches, you can already find all my recommendations in this article.

If you arrive in Cagliari and want to spend 3 days in the South, you can stay in the surroundings and go to the beaches of the SP71 road and Sant’Antioco island.

After that, you can go north, stopping at Cala Gonone to visit the coves of the Gulf of Orosei.

Then the most beautiful beaches in the North are on the Costa Smeralda and the archipelago of La Maddalena. You can find detailed information about these places here: Destination Sardinia .

Enjoy your week in Sardinia!

Hi Vincent Thank you for your usefull itinarary of sardinia , i want go there by my housband for our honey moon and relaxing there. I come frome Iran And i go to austria and then italy I want to know for a week relaxation trip , and also swimming and sunning in the beach in middle of september which beach is your recomand ? I read your itinarary but you recomandad several beaches i want a sandy beach with warm water and also a hotel near that . Can you help me ? Thank you and Best Wishes Hoora

Hello Hoora,

I would recommend you to stay in the North of Sardinia, in the Costa Smeralda area. You have several very nice hotels perfect for a honeymoon on the sea front (you can click on the name of the hotels to see the pictures and all the information): – Hotel Abi d’Oru in Porto Rotondo – Pevero Hotel in Porto Cervo – Hotel Romazzino in Porto Cervo – Hotel La Rocca Resort & Spa in Baja Sardinia – Hotel Li Finistreddi in Cannigione.

Great site, thanks Vincent. We are planning a ladies trip mid September and I’m hoping we can all do 10 days. I truly can’t decide north or south!! We like the hike, bike, be in charming towns, enjoy the beach, etc. We will of course have a car possibly even have to do 2 unfortunately with luggage. Please let me know what you think of my itinerary? not sure of the order yet. Assuming mid September will still have availability and not be outrageous prices on Costa Smeralda but I could be wrong????

Fly into Olbia and stay in Porto Certo or Rotunda (will try and do airbnb’s since we have 4 people) or if not stay at a 5 Star hotel for only a night then over to La Maddalena for 3 nights (is that too long?) we can hike on Caprera Island like you suggest.

Santa Teresa *(looks lovely to me()

Next would be Asinara National Park (should we base in Stintino?) also see Castelsardo?

Alghero OR Bosa? Where to base? Friend said Bosa is a must see and it looks perfect to me.

Orosei for a boast day?

I just don’t see how we can see entire island in 10 days if we want to do airbnb’s and not change hotels constantly. Trying to figure out order of towns and where it’s best to base. We will do regional flight from Rome so assuming we can go in one city and out another? Might pay drop off fees with rental car. Please help if you don’t mind. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Thanks Jamie!

Regarding your itinerary: – Ok for one night towards Porto Cervo – 3 nights in La Maddalena is perfect – Santa Teresa ok – You can pass by Castelsardo on the way between Santa Teresa and Asinara – For accommodation you can look between Porto Torres and Stintino. – Alghero is more lively than Bosa, there are more restaurants and things to do in the area. You can visit Bosa from Alghero, as it’s only 50 minutes by car. Bosa is just a photo opportunity, it’s a short visit. – I’m not sure if you have time to do the day trip to the Gulf of Orosei. For 10 days, the programme is already quite full.

You can rent the car in Olbia and return it to Olbia, it will save you extra costs.

Hi Vincent, love your site, am finding it very helpful! I will be in Sardinia for 7 nights, flying into Olbia from Nice and then flying out of Cagliari to Bari. Am trying to work out the my travels from north to south, am currently thinking: – fly into Olbia in the morning and drive to to Orosei region (stay either in Orosei, Cala Gonone or Dalgari), spend 3 nights here for hiking and boat tour – drive west to Bosa, stay here 3 nights and explore north/south – drive Bosa to Cagliari, exploring Cagliari town on last day Would love your thoughts, thanks!

Hi Rachael,

Thank you so much! I’m glad my blog is helping you plan your one week itinerary to Sardinia. What you have planned is perfectly feasible, no problem.

Excellent, thanks Vincent! One other question, do you think a small car (like a Fiat 500) is fine for this type of driving?

You’re welcome!

Yes, a small car will be fine. I rented a fiat panda for my road trip in Sardinia and had no problems.

Have a nice day,

Hi Vincent Your website is fabulous and Sardinia looks beautiful!!

I’m hoping you could give me your opinion as I’m not certain it is the right time for me to go there.

I’m a 19 year old travelling by myself this September, mostly in London for a short uni program and after that am really wanting to do a mostly relaxing beach holiday.

I am considering 5 days in Sardinia, 3 nights in La Maddalena and a night or 2 in Costa Smeralda. From reading your info and others it looks like you really need to have a car while in Sardinia.

I won’t be driving and I am on a budget. So just not sure whether to do a trip to Sardinia now or leave it for another time.

Would appreciate any thoughts or advice you may have. Thanks very much Janelle

Hello Janelle,

Thank you! Yes, Sardinia is really beautiful and has some superb beaches. Unfortunately, for me, you really need a car to visit it and get to the beaches. What’s more, this part of Sardinia (the whole Costa Smeralda) is reputed to be one of the most expensive on the island, so I think it would be complicated to find cheap accommodation in September. I think it would be better for you to go there next time when you can hire a car.

If you want to enjoy the sun and beaches without hiring a car, maybe Malta could be for you. It’s possible to find cheap hotels in the St Paul’s Bay / Mellieha area (North of the island) or on Gozo (the other island of Malta). You can eat there very cheaply. There are also youth hostels in the south of the island. The Mellieha area has some of the most beautiful beaches in Malta, and Gozo also has some great swimming spots. You can get around by bus or use VTC apps like Uber. In Malta and Gozo, it’s best to use Bolt (which isn’t very expensive either). If you’re interested, you can find all my articles here: Destination Malta .

Don’t hesitate if you have any questions!

Thank you so much for your response Vincent. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply and for your honesty.

I have had a quick look at Malta but will check it out more and save Sardinia for another time.

Thanks again Janelle

We will be visiting Sardegna for the first time and currently live on mainland Italy. Do you know if it’s possible to use your own kayak at any of the beaches or cove areas? We can’t seem to find any regulations or information about kayaking besides rental locations. Thanks so much! And thank you for this article, we will be doing your 1 week in the north recommendation 😊

Thank you! I’m glad that my itinerary for a week in Sardinia is helping you organise your visits.

As for kayaking, I’m honestly not sure but I don’t see why you shouldn’t be allowed to use your kayak. I would advise you to contact one of the companies that organise kayak tours in Sardinia and ask them whether or not there are any special regulations. They should know.

Don’t hesitate to tell me the answer, it may be useful to other travellers.

Hello Vincent,

We are staying for 10 days in Sardinia flying into Cagliari and after 2 days we plan to drive straight up to Maddalena (is that too much?) Could you suggest which route is best to enjoy the views please and is there somewhere we could stop for a break about half way? We are planning 3or 4 days here and then driving south again spending the remainder of the holiday in Oristano before returning to Cagliari.

Hello Naomi,

To get from Cagliari to Palau (where the ferry leaves for the island of La Maddalena), you need to allow about 3 hours 45 minutes by car. It’s the quickest route, but it passes through the interior of Sardinia, so there’s not much to see.

You can also take the road along the entire east coast of Sardinia to enjoy the views. But the journey takes at least 5 hours by car.

Vincent I don’t know you-but you place wonderful itineraries for free here, so we know you know your stuff! When folks ask you such detailed questions that would take your time to answer, consider setting up a link where they can hire you for a consult to help create a personalized itinerary! Why not? Regards, Viv

Thanks a lot of your kind comment and suggestion! To be honest, I am really happy to help people plan their trip for free by answering their questions in the comments section. I try to write as detailed articles as possible, sometimes suggesting variations or several options of visits when it’s possible and worth it. Most people are thus asking me for relatively small changes to the itinerary, so it’s not too complicated to answer, and I wouldn’t see myself charging a fee for this. However, creating tailor made itineraries for clients would be much more work, and I believe that would easily turn into a full time job if I start offering this service! That would mean I won’t have time anymore to write guides, translate them, travel, take care of the photos etc.. and that would be a bit sad, as it’s what I enjoy doing and what helps most people to plan their trip! Of course I could always subcontract the work to someone else, but I believe this is not really fair, as they wouldn’t really have visited the places I talk about.

I actually have another blog about Mauritius with one of my friends who lives there, and she is offering this type of service. As it’s a small blog about 1 destination, it’s not a problem, as she has a few enquiries per month and can manage it along with the blog writing!

Thanks again Viv, and if you have any question to plan your trip to Sardinia or anywhere else, don’t hesitate.

Have a wonderful day!

Hi ! I love your iterinary wondering if you could help me? First time visit (anniversary trip) total of 7 nights in July . Wanted to know how I can squeeze in algehero , Porto cervo maddalena? Is this possible? We are mostly interested in beach, charters and relaxing.

Hello Mari,

Thanks a lot!

For your trip, you can follow my itinerary for a week in Northern Sardinia, as it already includes Porto Cervo and La Maddalena.

As for Alghero, if you’re only staying for 7 nights, I think it’s too short to include it, as it’s about 2h30 by car from Palau. Plus, as you say you’re mainly interested in the beaches, it’s not worth going to Alghero for that.

There are many more beautiful coves around the Costa Smeralda or towards Capo Testa, which I mention in this itinerary, or a little further towards Costa Paradiso. For a week, it’s best to concentrate on this area.

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15 Best Things To Do In Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is one of the most stunning and diverse places in Italy to visit. Nestled in the Mediterranean, to the west of the mainland, it’s a relatively big island (as European islands go) and there are so many of the best things to do in Sardina dotted all across its coast and inland valleys. 

Obviously, Italy is known for its incredible places , that’s a given! This is especially true with all the epic Italian cities that are totally gorgeous. 

That being said, what they end up doing is leaving you wanting to go back and explore more of Italy. This is exactly where the island of Sardinia comes in.

Honestly, Sardinia feels like the kind of place you visit for more of a sun-soaked holiday, and, being the second-largest island in the Mediterranean  (it’s even bigger than Cyprus ), it’s got a heap of stunning bays and quaint little villages to explore.

With that in mind, I wanted to share some of my favourite and the best things to do in Sardinia when you visit. It’s a gorgeous island, so make sure you spend some time exploring! Have the best time. 

1.) Cala Goloritze

Perched in the Gulf of Orosei, Cala Goloritze is one stunning beach and coastline to explore when you’re in Baunei. 

Now, the beach itself is actually quite new! It was only (naturally) formed in the 1960s when a massive landslide caused this stunning little area to explore. It’s totally stunning.

Also, close by, you’ll find the stunning landscapes of Le Figlie Della Aguglia . It’s such a unique spot on the island and easily one of the best things to do in Sardinia when you’re driving the coastal routes.

Read more: Best Italian islands to visit

2.) Cagliari

Being the capital city of Sardinia, Cagliari is the perfect Italian city to visit if you fancy lots of little restaurants, mounds of history and quaint little streets. 

Once here, make sure to explore Bastione Saint Remy, and see the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Poetto if you fancy a city beach with plenty of bars.

It’s a great place to start (or end) your trip in Sardinia and well worth staying for a few days.

It’s such a gorgeous city.  

Read more: Best cities in Italy

3.) Pelosa Beach

For me, visiting Pelosa Beach is a must when exploring the northern routes of Sardinia. It’s totally stunning and one of the best beach areas (and coastal regions in all of Italy).

Trust me, you’ll see why once you arrive! 

Now, the only thing to remember is that it can get pretty busy if you arrive in the high season. Keep this in mind and try to avoid the weekend and you’ll have a much quieter and totally tranquil experience. 

It’s gorgeous and relatively easy for a day trip from Sassari.

Also, if you fancy staying longer, take a trip over to Asinara Island (from Stintino) or take a boat tour to swim in the waters around the island itself. 

4.) Tavolara’s island

Not too far from the city of Olbia, the coastline overlooking Tavolara’s island is a great place to explore. Dotted with little fishing villages and eating spots, you’ll be hard-pressed not to enjoy this place.

Honestly, it’s the kind of driving route where you escape the main roads and discovers all the little villages and gorgeous coves , too.

Just be sure to book some of your Sardinia tours well before arriving on the island. They can fill up fast in the summer months. 

Nestled on the western fringes of Sardinia, just shy of the coast, Bosa is a stunner of a town to explore whilst driving further north (or south).

Now, it’s not the kind of place you’re going to spend a week exploring, but well worth a few hours stop, especially for lunch. Now, one authentic and totally intimate little foodie spot is Trattoria Sa Cariasa , they’re pasta is so good! 

Read more: Best places in Italy to visit

Not too far from the coastal route (near Tavolara’s island), exploring Olbia is one of the best things to do in Sardinia if you love your history. You see, Olbia might be small but it’s packed full of historical spots to explore.

Once here, make sure to explore the Archeological Museum of Oblia, they have everything from Roman ships to ancient artefacts. It’s incredible and a perfect little spot to explore if you fancy some time out of the sun. 

Oh, and don’t forget you can book this incredible sailing tour from Olbia that will take you all around the pristine waters of La Maddalena Archipelago. It’s just stunning. 

7.) Arzachena

Nestled close to the northern coast of Sardinia, Sassari is a stunner of a town to visit whilst driving the northerly route. 

Once here, make sure to see the church of Saint Lucia and its colourful steps. Afterwards, pop over to the huge La Roccia del Fungo that has been carved by the wind over many thousands of years. 

Also, just outside the town is the Nuraghe Albucciu, tempietto Malchittu and the Tombe dei Giganti. These settlement areas date back thousands of years and it’s so incredible to see. 

That being said, if you’re not into ancient history, you might wanna give it a miss. 

8.) Cala Luna

Chilling at Cala Luna is one of the best things to do in Sardinia if you want a more relaxing day that’s totally epic. 

Nestled within Gennargentu National Park, the beach is well worth visiting if you’re exploring the eastern coastline. Just be sure to enjoy the whole area and drive, too. It’s a really special region of Sardinia. 

9.) Alghero

Based in the north of Sardinia, Alghero is the little sister of Cagliari and well worth a visit whilst on the island. Also, depending on who you fly with, you might end up actually landing here!

This makes it a really easy city to visit before picking up your car and exploring the rest of Sardinia. 

Once here, be sure to see the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, visit Chiesa di San Francesco and see the Nuraghe Palmavera.

It’s said the latter was built all the way back in the bronze age. 

10.) Maddalena Archipelago National Park

Just off the north coast of Sardinia is the Maddalena Archipelago National Park. It’s totally stunning and well worth visiting if you want a break from driving the island. 

That being said, if you want to beyond La Maddalena, make sure to drive the northerly, more rural routes. It’s one of the best things to do in Sardinia, especially if you love national parks.

Read more: Best national parks in Italy

11.) Rocce Rosse (Red Rocks) Beach

Right on the coast of Arbatax, Red Rocks Beach is well worth a little gander whilst near Tortoli. After taking a wander around the beach area, make sure to drive on over to San Gemiliano Tower.

It’s only about a 5-minute drive and well worth seeing.

12.) Spiaggia del Principe

Not too dar from Maddalena Island in the car, Spiaggia del Principe Beach is totally stunning. The whole beach has some of the most crystal-clear waters on the island and the sand is just so nice, too.

Now, you will need to pay to park, here. It’s around 20 Euro a day but totally worth it. Just remember, this is one of the best things to do in Sardinia, so it can get a little busy. If you prefer fewer crowds, avoid the weekends. 

13.) Roman city of Tharros

The ancient city of Tharros was once a bustling Roman centre for Sardinia and a must-see when on the island. 

Being almost 3000 years old, Tharros is now in ruins but you can still wander and see the serving structures that were once part of this colossal city.

It’s a great place to wander and really accessible, too. This means it’s one of the best things to do in Sardinia if you’ve got the whole family whit you. No massive hikes, or treacherous climbs! 

In total, you’ll probably spend about 1-2 hours here, making it a great little stop whilst driving the island. 

14.) San Marco Cape

Not too far from the city of Oristano, San Marco Cape is a gorgeous area to visit after seeing the Roman City of Tharros. You see, Tharros is on the lower part of the cape itself, making it really easy to visit the ‘coastal spit’ after seeing the archaeological ruins.

It’s a stunning area and you’ll find a fair few restaurants and bars, too. 

15.) Costa Verde

Just across the bay from San Marco Cape is the start of Costa Verde, which trails all the way down the western coastline from here.

It’s totally unspoilt and you’ll find loads of little coves and beaches (like Spiaggia di Funtanazza and Spiaggia di Piscinas ) that are well worth visiting. It really is one of the best things to do in Sardinia if you fancy a beach day. 

It’s totally gorgeous and one of the best things to do in Sardinia when exploring the western coastline. 

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Visit the North of Sardinia

Article mis à jour le 26 Mar 2024

Road trip in Sardinia : 1-week itinerary in the North

Are you planning a road trip in Sardinia? We offer you an itinerary to discover the North of Sardinia by car! It ’ s a trip we took in July 2017 and loved it. Beach lovers, you will be amazed in Sardinia.

Travel to Sardinia: practical information

When to go to sardinia.

☀️  The best time to travel to Sardinia is in May, June or October. In July and August, the weather is also beautiful, but the beaches are crowded with tourists.

Plane tickets to Sardinia

We had, as usual, book our plane tickets through Skyscanner . We find that the comparator finds the best prices and the possibility of setting flexible dates is very practical! To visit the north of Sardinia, the best is to land at Olbia airport , less than 2 hours from France. Plane tickets are generally very affordable – obviously more expensive in July / August.

Accommodation in Sardinia

We only booked accommodation on Booking.com , looking at reviews and prices around € 50 per night.

Getting around North Sardinia

To follow our itinerary, it is essential to rent a car for a road trip in Sardinia! We still advise you to compare prices with Skyscanner .

Budget for 1 week road trip in Sardinia

• Plane tickets: € 100 p.p.
• Car rental: € 160  for an economic model
• Gasoline costs:  € 50
• Hotels: € 60 per night
• Food: € 35 per person per day

     Total: 1 320 € for two people

* indicative budget according to our mode of travel – prices July 2017

Northern Sardinia Itinerary – Road Trip

Olbia – Alghero (? 1h40)

At the airport, we crossed the island from east to west in one go. Nothing really interesting on the road, the landscapes are very arid and there is not much to see. Before tackling the Sardinian beaches, which are among the most beautiful in Europe, we wanted to discover an authentic city .

Alghero is a bustling ancient Catalan town . The center is very colorful and there is a port. It is pleasant to walk along the ramparts. Also discover the small alleys and its shops, its restaurants with terrace. Finally, the sunset over the sea is magnificent since Alghero is located in the far west of Sardinia.

Other activities to do in Olbia:

• Dive into the depths of the Gulf of Orosei.

We stayed 1 night in Alghero. Here is a selection of accommodation  in Alghero.

  Voir cette publication sur Instagram   Une publication partagée par Alghero Official (@algherofficial) le 6 Juin 2018 à 5 :26 PDT

Alghero – Porto Conte Regional Natural Park ( ?  30 minutes)

For our 1 week itinerary / road trip in Sardinia , we decided to go north along the west coast to make a loop to Olbia. First stop to have a magnificent point of view : the regional natural park of Porto Conte . It is an unspoiled almost-island, which stretches about 2 km wide – 12 km long. There are beautiful walks to do, with countless plant species. The views over the Mediterranean Sea are superb. For the more athletic there is a cycle path from Alghero, count 20 km. A few minutes north of this natural park you will find the beautiful Porto Ferro beach .

Access to this regional park is free, no entrance fees.

Porto Conte Regional Natural Park – Stintino ( ?  1h)

Warning the eyes ! Just above Stintino you will find one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean: La Pelosa. The water is really translucent there … Then you have foot for tens of meters! This place is unfortunately a victim of its success, so crowded with people. We recommend that you get there early enough . Too bad, at that time, we didn’t have our Drone to take great aerial shots of all that turquoise blue.

But hey, the photos still make you want to take a dip! ☀️ 

Stintino – Castelsardo (? 1h)

It was in Castelsardo that we spent the night after visiting Porto Conte and Stintino during the day. Here you will find accommodation  in Castelsardo.

Change of scenery. Here you will find a charming town with facades painted in different colors, clinging to the rocks that border the water. A decor that is somewhat reminiscent of the Cinque Terre!

The orange hue of the city at sunset is sumptuous. There is even a small beach below to enjoy the spectacle with your feet in the water. We had eaten on the terrace just opposite to contemplate the beauty of the moment and obviously have an aperitif!

Castelsardo – Costa Paradiso (? 50 minutes)

The name alone is evocative!

Costa Paradiso is a small town that has a pretty sandy beach between the rocks. You can enjoy crystal clear water as you like it. There is a very nice walk to do along the coast.

Spend the afternoon there after enjoying Castelsardo in the morning.

Costa Paradiso – Santa Teresa di Gallura (? 40 minutes)

It is one of the largest cities in northern Sardinia . Santa Teresa Gallura is very flowery, with many traders. This was not really planned at the base, but we stopped here to take a ferry to Corsica. We stayed 48 hours in the south of Corsica to see family. If you have time to make a stopover in Corsica, don’t hesitate, the prices are affordable and the crossing to Bonifacio only takes an hour. We will not tell you more about Corsica because we will devote a full article to it during our next stay on the island of beauty.

Back to the Sardinians, direction Palau to take the ferry to the islands of La Maddalena.

The islands of Maddalena, the jewel of northern Sardinia

❤️  We recommend that you spend at least one night on the Maddalena Islands to fully enjoy it. However, if you don’t have time, you can book this full-day boat trip to visit them. It’s a must-see during your road trip in Sardinia !

It is quite easy to get to the Maddalena archipelago . There are ferries every 30 minutes and the service is very good. Again, we’re repeating ourselves, but plan to go early (first boat at 8:15 am) to avoid the crowds and have to wait for the next boat … especially if you have a car and want to cross with it! Besides, having a car is really essential to get around.

Ferry price: € 48 for two people with 1 car, round trip.

? Hotels in la Maddalena

Visit the Maddalena Islands

Once on the main island, La Maddalena , you will be surrounded by turquoise blue water , it is truly beautiful. We recognize in his city the Italian charm, with its pretty colors and flowers. We had done the tour quite quickly, as we had come for 2 days here to enjoy nature and the beaches ! In order to find the best spots , we always use the Google Maps app with satellite view to find the clearest waters. Here you will have a lot of choice.

We started off at Del Polpo beach on the Giardinelli peninsula. It is accessible by car just a 15-minute drive from the port of arrival. It was beautiful and it wasn’t too crowded.

One of the best beaches during our road trip in Sardinia

The next day, head to Caprera Island (east of the archipelago) for a ride, to descend into a cove. This island is much more unspoiled, with greenery and little habitation. It took us 20 minutes to get to the “ Fosso di Stefano ” trailhead. Then, it takes 30 minutes of walking to discover Cala Coticcio beach . It is arguably one of the most beautiful places we have seen in Europe. The water is peaceful and translucent.

The beach is tiny, we recommend that you try to find a small flat area on the rocks to be quieter (then you will have a much better view). Getting there early enough will allow you to park closer to the start of the trail. Plan to take good shoes , do not go in flip flops because there are small rocks to climb and 120 meters of vertical drop! If you make the most of a morning on this spot, stop by Barone Rosso on the way back for a delicious, inexpensive lunch . This snack doesn’t look like much but the dishes are delicious and plentiful.

Taken by the weather – yes a week goes by very quickly – we were unable to hitchhike between Maddalena and Olbia airport. Out of curiosity, we just went to see Porto Cervo . This resort is very popular and has a pretty harbor with many small boats and yachts. It’s a bit like Sardinian Saint-Tropez, where the jet set comes to the fore! We didn’t see much interest in it.

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What to do in Milos? Cyclades

Prepare your trip to seville.

Everything you need to know about Sardinia, PLUS an itinerary

February 17, 2020

I’ve had a lot of enquiries about travelling to Sardinia recently, so thought I would re-post this blog. It’s a beautiful island, well worth a visit, so I hope this blog and itinerary are helpful when planning your trip to Sardina.

La Pelosa Beach near Stintino in the north of Sardinia.

Sardinia is an island in the Mediterranean of incredible natural beauty.

The view from the El Faro Hotel in Alghero.

Inland it’s mountainous, arid and rugged with wheat fields, cactus, grapevines, bougainvillaea’s and olives dominating the landscape.

Where the land meets the sea it’s rocky, but it does give way too many beautiful white sandy beaches. Other beaches the sand is made up of billions of tiny pieces of quartz, like grains of rice.

There are many small beaches like this over the island.

While it’s a stunning island, man has left some untidy footprints on parts this land, particularly in the south and west. Derelict buildings, unfinished homes, abandoned mines, dilapidated hotels and long-forgotten beach pizzerias. These remains gave me an eerie feeling of time gone by, but it doesn’t seem to bother the locals who shrug of their shoulders and say, ‘This is Italia’.

Having said this, much of the country is beautiful and well cared for like Villasimius, Alghero, Stintino and Porto Cervo.

Alghero old town.

What’s it Sardinia like? 

It’s a very chilled place with great beaches, stunning scenery and great food and wine. It’s an emerging tourist destination with pockets that are well-developed. While it’s lovely in the south and west lacks sophistication. However, in the north-east around Costa Smeralda, it’s stunning. I think the island will be completely different in 10-years when some of the other regions, notably the west coast and south have been developed more.

What’s Sardinian food like?

  The food in Sardinia is very good and it would be difficult to get a bad meal here.

What is the best time to visit Sardinia? 

Sardinia is incredibly busy in June, July and August with European visitors and the prices fluctuate accordingly. We were there in May and the temperatures were between 24-28 degrees, although the sea temperature was only about 20 degrees. My advice is to avoid the crowds and come in May. Or better still in September when you can guarantee the sea will be warmer. Many of the resorts close from November through April.

Is it best to have a beach holiday or an adventure holiday in Sardinia? 

If you are planning a beach holiday head to the northeastern part of the island. You will find a better standard of accommodation and more beach resorts, although it is considerably more expensive than the south.

However, Sardinia is a destination to explore as the island is so diverse. Depending on how much time you have, my recommendation would be to stay in 3-5 different locations for 2-3 nights each and use your hotel as a base to explore.

What’s the driving like in Sardinia?

Sardinia is a large island and not one you can properly see in a couple of days. Public transport is not an option so you’ll need a car. While the roads are good, the signage is poor so you do need GPS. Many of the car rental companies do not offer them so as a makeshift alternative we bought data and used google maps on our i-pad. It worked well and was an inexpensive option.

Sardinia is also a great place for walking and cycling tours.

Which Sardinia airport is best to fly in and out of the Island?

  There are three airports on the island, so plan your trip around an entry and exit point. They are Cagliari-Elmas, the largest, Olbia-Costa Smeralda and a small airport at Alghero-Fertilia. There are a number of ferry options too, from the Italian mainland and Corsica.

Where to go in Sardinia? 

We flew into Cagliari in the south, explored the south-eastern corner before working our way up the west coast. We stayed near Oristano and Alghero, then headed to the north-eastern, Costa Smeralda. We purposely did this so we would see the least touristy side of the island.

10-day Sardinian itinerary

Here is a 10-day itinerary for Sardinia, that will give you a flavour for both the east and west coasts. As you can see the travelling times are not great

Note: If you have less time fly into Olbia-Costa Smeralda and explore the east coast.

Day 1 Cagliari

Fly into Cagliari and have a night there. The old part of the city on the waterfront is pleasant but dirty. Covered in graffiti and the authorities clearly have no interest in removing it. If you are looking for a good restaurant in the old town Antica Cagliari Ristorante is inexpensive and excellent.

Accommodation

We stayed in the T Hotel  , about a 20- minute walk into the old city. It’s one of a very few modern hotels in the city, with a good-sized room, a great bar and delicious breakfast. Parking across the road is free. My suggestion is to get in and out of Cagliari quickly as there are better things to see on the island.

  Day 2- Drive from Cagliari to Oristano on the west coast – driving time approx. 90 minutes

Head north-west towards Oristano. We took a scenic route going via Nebida and Iglesias which have a number of abandoned zinc, iron and silver mines. They look like something from a movie set. You will pass through a number of traditional villages and see incredible rocks in the sea, very typical for the south-west coast of Sardinia.

The south-west coast of Sardinia is famous for random rocks in the ocean.

We had an exceptional lunch in Buggerru, at a pizzeria in the marina. Succulent grilled squid, spaghetti vongole and melon and prosciutto.

We ate this perfect squid (that looks like a carrot) in a little restaurant in Buggerru.

We stayed just out of Oristano at Hotel Lucrezia in Riola Sardo. It’s a boutique hotel I would highly recommend. Behind the walled street, the facade is a delightful rambling garden with five rooms. The hotel used to be an old farmhouse and is a little like a museum.

This was our sitting room in Hotel Lucrezia, Oristanio.

Day 3 –Explore Oristano and the surrounding beaches

  The highlight of this region were the beaches on the small peninsula jutting off the coast. Starting at Putzu Idu we worked our way down the coast until we reached the impressive ruins at Tharros at the southern end. Well worth a visit.

Ruins in Tharros.

Oristano itself is a pleasant city with an impressive cathedral and a few other historic sites, but nothing of real note.

The coastal walk near Tharros

Day 4 – Drive from Oristano to Alghero- driving time approx. 120 minutes

The drive from Oristano to Alghero covered varied terrain from mountainous country to beautiful coastlines. Many of the small villages have no restaurants, but you will find places to eat at Bosa.

Accommodation We stayed at the El Faro Hotel , a little out of Alghero. It is a magnificent location in the middle of a National Park with an incredible ocean outlook. The hotel was great in all respects with two swimming pools and access to the sea. It’s an excellent location to base yourself to explore Alghero and Stintino.

The sun-loungers on the coast, at El Faro Hotel in Alghero.

Day 5 Explore Alghero town

Alghero has a walled old town with a delight to walk around the perimeter with restaurants on the seaside. It is well worth a half-day exploring with a long lunch overlooking the sea.

Day 6 Explored Stintino and La Pelosa beach

North of Alghero is the harbour village of Stintino, in the province of Sassari. It’s quaint and a sensational place for lunch. Don’t miss La Pelosa beach. Arguably, it is one of Europe’s best beaches with its shallow turquoise waters and salty white sands. The beach is 300 meters long with an ancient 16-century watchtower.

Watchtower at La Pelosa Beach near Stintino

  Day 7 Drive from Alghero to Costa Smeralda – driving time approx. 130 minutes

We had not planned to stay on the east coast, but having driven to Costa Smeralda, I would recommend spending a couple of days enjoying the great beaches and ambience. It’s wealthy compared to the rest of the island with superyachts, classy hotels and even golf courses.

The housing at Porto Cervo, in the Costa Smeralda region, was beautiful, unlike much of the housing on the west coast.

We spent the day at Porto Cervo which is an upmarket town and I would highly recommend the Spinnaker restaurant for lunch.

As we didn’t stay here I don’t have any recommendations, but take a look at trip advisor as there are many good options.

Explore the beaches of Costa Smeralda and travel further south on the east coast is you have time.

I hope this information helps you plan your Sardinian holiday.

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TRAVEL BLOG

Sardinia: An Authentic Travel Itinerary

Beautiful bays and beaches, ancient castles and delicious wines, are just a few of the delights of Italy’s sumptuous island. In our latest travel info post, Italo Rizzo reveals his selected highlights…

If Sardinia is for you a typical summer destination and a mysterious place of unknown origins, this guide should prove very useful to you in revealing the great attractions of the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.

Are you ready for a journey through wild nature, stunning archaeological finds, ancient traditions and tasty local products? Good… then you’re ready to fall in love with Sardinia!

Cala Girgolu, a corner of Heaven near Olbia

The first stage of our virtual trip takes us to Northern Sardinia, near Olbia , a town easily reachable by airplane from Italy and other countries. Cala Girgolu is one of the most lauded beaches in Italy, a cove surrounded by juniper trees and pink granite rocks. The ochre sand and pebbles is the backdrop of an enchanting beach, and here you can see the famous small Tortoise bay (Cala della Tartaruga) – so-called because there stands a rock, sculpted by the sea and the wind, that is similar to a tortoise.

Cala Girgolu is recommended for trekking and for a solitary dive into the amazing blue sea: Sardinia is at the same time a popular destination for beach lovers and eco-travellers.

Many of the island’s coves and beaches have two different names, so if you read something about Sassi Piatti, this is the name given by people from the mainland to Cala Girgolu!

The bizarre shapes of rocks inspired this name, but please remember to call all the places you’ll visit here with their proper name as the Sardinians are a very proud people!

Pedres Castle

Many tourists don’t know that Sardinia is also a land of castles, remnants of the Middle Ages in an island where beauty is eternal. One of these ancient fortresses is Pedres Castle, located in the south of Olbia and built between 1296 and 1322 by the Visconti family to protect the surrounding area.

The Castle rises on a hilltop, a strategical position to prevent invasions, although these days some of the walls are missing due to damages and air raids during World War II.

To visit the ruins of Pedres Castle, follow the trail at the base of the hill and the staircase, recently restored, to reach the top of the fortress and enjoy a wonderful view of Northern Sardinia, from the sea to the town of Olbia. The association ArcheOlbia manages this archaeological site, which is open to the public every day from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm; don’t miss the chance to explore one of the highlights of Medieval Sardinia.

Tavolara Paddle Festival

Going to Sardinia is a nice choice if you like water sports: a lot of beach resorts offer kitesurfing, waterboarding and canoeing with expert instructors, an opportunity to play sports and free the mind and body from the hectic pace of everyday life. The Tavolara Paddle Festival, which usually takes place at Porto Taverna in September, combines two aspects of an interesting event: an excursion by kayak including a guided tour of Tavolara Island on the first day, and the international canoeing competition on the second day.

The first day is open to everyone and allows you to discover the marine protected area of Tavolara; here the environment is still intact and this is an important remind for travellers, because nature always claims love and respect.

The second day is one of the main competitions for canoeing: the last editions had the champions Francesco Gambella and Daniele Scarpa as ambassadors.

Tenute Olbios, top vineyards in Sardinia

The wine-producing tradition of Sardinia is less known compared to other Italian regions such as Tuscany and Veneto, nevertheless this island boasts DOCG wines such as Vermentino di Gallura.

If you are planning a trip to Gallura, the most renowned Northern area of Sardinia, remember to do a wine tour in a prestigious vineyard close to the aforementioned Island of Tavolara and Pedres Castle, Tenute Olbios . 

The name Olbios means prosperous land and you’ll be amazed by the passion and the attention to details of these winemakers, who made Tenute Olbios a landmark for high quality wines production. It’s possible to book a tour of Olbios Estate and taste the best vintages of Vermentino at the Sampling Room, where you will discover a buried cellar used for ageing wines.

Enjoy the Sardinian flavours and soon you’ll understand why this island is an unrivalled setting for fulfilling your desires.

The local staff of  Lu Nibareddu , a Residence Hotel village in Sardinia, suggested to me many of the stages of this itinerary. They know the island very well if you are looking to experience its authentic treasures… I’ll leave you with a view of their lovely swimming pool!

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Current version updated on March 6th, 2015

First published on March 5th, 2015

Posted in Travel Info

4 thoughts on “ Sardinia: An Authentic Travel Itinerary ”

Sardinia is a beautiful place … nice to read such descriptions. I hope that one day I will go there 🙂 I have been in the area of Sardinia, but I had no time to rest.

Hello, On 11th August 2015, I will arrive at 13:55 at Cagliari airport to travel 5 days in Sardinia 2 adults and 1 teenager (13yo). Which city is near the beaches (on foot) in the south of Sardinia? Or a city with public transportation going to the beaches. Thanks.

a route in Sardinia heavenly… try to discover a trip to Sardinia also in October 🙂

Hi, I went to Sardegna as well this year. I love it! I was in the north as well, but on the other side. It was so fantastic.

http://www.cattivakat.com/sardische-impressionen-mit-frischer-dorade-und-calamari-gilt-head-sea-bream-and-octopus/

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The Perfect One Week Sardinia Itinerary: From Colorful Coastal Towns to the Best Beaches in Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia (or Sardegna, in Italian) may be one of the most perfect islands on earth. As the second-largest in the Mediterranean , the Italian neighbor of the French island of Corsica truly has everything one could desire. Amazing food, stunning landscapes and beautiful beaches, world-class shopping, and a culture rich with history are just some of what make Sardinia a must-visit. Closer to Tunisia than it is to Italy , the best way to explore the vast island of Sardinia is by renting a car and stopping through the coastal towns. This one week Sardinia itinerary begins in the southern Capital of Cagliari, and travels up west all the way to the northeastern tip of Olbia for departure. With this travel guide and Sardinia itinerary, 7 days is all you need to discover the island’s most interesting sights, the best beaches in Sardinia, the greatest restaurants, and standout hotels. Need a little inspiration before you start planning? Check out my drone video below:

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my disclosures  page.

7 day sardinia itinerary: best towns, restaurants, hotels, and the best beaches in sardinia , day 1: cagliari and the city.

Begin your trip by flying into Sardinia’s southeast city of Cagliari. As the historic capital of Sardinia , Cagliari feels the most “city-like” and offers plenty to do and see.

Day 1 involves getting acquainted with the best of what Cagliari has to offer. After a delicious Italian hotel breakfast complete with espresso and pastries, make your way to Mercato di San Benedetto,  the famous morning food market , and one of the biggest in Europe. Here you will find the true essence and charm of local Sardinians, as the busy fisherman, farmers, and other food suppliers offer all of the freshest Sardinian delicacies to the patrons who stop by in the mornings to prepare for their often lavish and lackadaisical meals of the day. Botarga, which is cured mullet roe, and more closely resembles a type of salami than fish eggs, is Sardinia’s most popular delicacy. You will find it in abundance in this market and all over Sardinia, and is worth a sample to experience its oceany flavor and unique texture.

After taking in the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of the morning market, drive up to the Marina District where you will leave your car, and walk through the medieval twisting roads of the Il Castello District up to the Torre dell’Elefante

Past the Torre (tower) and at the summit, you will find Caffe Libarium Nostrum.  Stop for a coffee or cocktail and revel in the most picturesque, panoramic views of all of Cagliari.

Continue on through the alley-like streets of Piazza San Giacomo where colorful houses are lined with plants and greenery, a truly unique neighborhood to see. Nearby you will also find Bastione Saint Remy , the neoclassical structure with a gallery space and rooftop terrace with sweeping views.

After getting lost roaming the Instagram-worthy streets, do a little shopping in the Piazza San Guiseppe Girabaldi , where you will find shops and boutiques by a mix of local Sardinian designers.

For lunch, walk over to the elegant Michelin-starred  restaurant, Fork . Here you can try traditional Sardinian dishes in the best and most beautiful preparations. For something more casual, consider dining at the marina restaurant Antica Cagliari for fresh seafood with a Sardinian flair. Of course, a trip to anywhere in Italy is not complete without an abundance of gelato, so for dessert, a stop at Stefino is a must!

After lunch, hope in the car and head to Poetto beach to soak up the sun. Stop by the chic beach bar Emerson for an Aperol Spritz before taking a dip in the clear turquoise Mediterranean waters.

After relaxing at the beach and when the businesses open back up after the afternoon siesta (break), have a leisurely dinner at Luigi Pomata , which offers a seafood-heavy menu with an emphasis on tuna and its multiple ways of preparation.

Accommodation Recommendation for Cagliari : T hotel . A modern, upscale hotel great for its central proximity, with a restaurant, bar, and luxurious spa with an indoor pool.

Day 2: Cagliari Day Trips

The way day 2 should be spent in Cagliari depends on your own particular interests. If culture is something you are after, you may choose to visit one of the museums such as Museo Archeologico Nazionale for ancient history, or Galleria Communal d’Arte if modern art is more you speed.

For those looking for rest and relaxation, you may want to consider a day trip to the pristine beaches of Villasimius,  where pink flamingos hang out certain times of the year on the beach of Cala Giunco. 

Other options in Cagliari include the botanical gardens of Orto Botanico ,  trying local wines at one of the top wineries Cantine Argiolas , or hiking the wooded mountains of Monte Dei Sette Fratelli. 

Day 3: Bosa to Alghero

On the 3rd day, make the 2-hour drive up toward north Sardinia to the picturesque west coast town of Bosa, one of Sardinia’s most beautiful landscapes. Colorful pastel structures hanging off cliffs perched with the tower of above, and the Temo River down below, makes Bosa the most attractive area and a must-see on any Sardinia itinerary.

Begin with lunch on the Bosa Marina at Essenza Del Gusto where fresh seafood is the star of the menu (Are you noticing a trend? Sardinian cuisine is a mix of traditional Italian dishes combined with Mediterranean fish – a beautiful combination.)

After lunch, make your way up to the medieval castle, Castello Malaspina for one of the most impressive views on the entire island of Sardinia. Things to do in Sardinia, and Bosa in partciular would not be complete without seeing this castle!

Tip: For a postcard-perfect photo opp of Sardinia pictures, head back to the main town area and over to the southern side of the Ponte Vecchio bridge, where you will find a parking lot. Next to it is a boat loading dock which offers a point of view that is super Instagram-worthy.

After taking in the beauty of Bosa, it’s time to continue on your Sardinia road trip to the next base, the Catalan town of Alghero.

After checking in and settling into your hotel in Alghero, take the 15-minute walk along the Marina to the quaint historic central for dinner at La Botteghina , where you will have some of the most amazing homemade pizzas . Be sure to also stop by the cozy bar across the street before or after dinner to sip on local wine and beer at l’altra Vineria .  Next, take a walk through the area before returning to your hotel for a good night’s sleep; or if you’re a night owl and want to dance and party the night away, head to Il Ruscello for one of Alghero’s biggest night clubs. 

Day 4: Alghero’s Ancient Port

After breakfast at the hotel, start your day by walking Alghero’s ancient golden sea walls , a historic highlight of Alghero’s old city. Along the port, start from Piazza Sulis all the way to the historic center of Piazza Civca. Here you can browse the shops and stop for lunch or a snack at the famous Caffe Costantino .

Next, by car head up the tree-filled scenic inland up to Capo Caccia for panoramic views of the multi-blue-hued sea and take a tour of Neptune’s Grotto, Grotta di Nettuno via the ferry, or a 654 step staircase for the particularly adventurous.

Now it’s time to hit the beach at Spiaggia Mugoni . This stunning and idyllic beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and offers boat rentals, kayaks, windsurfing, as well as a few restaurants and a snack bar.

After the beach, drive back to the town for dinner with romantic marina views at Ristorante Nautilus . A perfect place to watch the sunset (if they are open at this time) with seafood pasta dishes and crisp wine.

Recommended accommodations for Alghero : Villa Las Tronas Hotel , a former royal residence castle-turned-hotel with stunning sea views, an indoor as well as an outdoor pool, a beautiful spa, and a restaurant with live classical music. Spot this gorgeous castle hotel in my drone video at the beginning of this post. Out of all the places to stay in Sardinia, this was one of my favorites. 

Day 5: La Maddalena Best Beaches in Sardinia

In the morning, make the two-hour drive to Palau in Olbia  to catch a 15-minute car ferry to the stunning 7 island archipelagos of La Maddalena . Ferries run every 15-30 minutes during main season all day long, and cost around 20 euro a person round-trip. You can spend the day exploring La Maddalena and and the bridge-connected island of Caprera by car, but my preferred method is to visit the less inhabited islands and enjoy their more secluded beaches, by booking a day boat trip, or better yet renting your own small boat for around 100 euro for the day. You will find many boat rentals and tour operators along the main strip of La Maddalena as soon as you exit the ferry.

For a beautiful beach on La Maddalena , check out Bassa Trinita , or on Caprera , if you’re up for a bit of challenging hike , the beach of Cala Coticcio is well worth the effort as some refer to it as “ Little Tahiti .”

For lunch on La Maddalena , Trattoria Vecchia Ilva is warm and welcoming and serves a deep-fried bread filled with cinnamon ricotta for dessert that is out of this world.

After your day exploring the islands, it’s time to take the fairy back and make the 30-minute drive to the luxurious Costa Smeralda.

Day 6: Costa Smeralda and Glamorous Porto Cervo

The last leg of your Sardinian trip involves soaking up the sun and excitement of Costa Smeralda , aptly translated to “Emerald Coast.” Some may call it a sort of artificial Mediterranean utopia, much like what Las Vegas is to the U.S . with all its manufactured glamour and luxury — you may even come across this sentiment in a Sardinia travel blog or two. Still, there is much to be adored about Costa Smeralda as every summer crowds of the rich and famous yacht their way in for the glittering beaches, clubs, and all-around luxurious summer getaway.

Upon arriving to Costa Smeralda and checking into your hotel in Porto Cervo, the heart of Costa Smeralda’s rich and famous summer scene , head to Frati Rossi for a beautiful seaside dinner.

In the morning, you’ll want to head to Costa Smeralda’s most famous beach, Capriccioli, early to snag a spot and relax along the powdery sand and turquoise waters.

In the afternoon, visit the luxury shops of Porto Cervo’s promenade, complete like beloved high-end designers such as Louis Vuitton and Cartier.

In the evening, head to Phi Beach Club in Baja Sardinia for dinner or a sunset drink , and stick around as the beach’s day club turns into a night club with DJs playing music late into the night. 

Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo’s nightlife can be exceptional, yet finicky for tourists as many places will charge a high cover or only allow entrance if you know someone. Some of the more popular clubs in the area are Billionaire and Aqua Lounge. Tip: Book a table for dinner for guaranteed entrance, and don’t forget to dress to impress!

Accommodation recommendation for Costa Smeralda: Cervo Hotel , a Marriott Bonvoy property that is perfectly situated on the Porto Cervo promenade with bars, a restaurant, and outdoor pool on site.

Day 7: Arzachena and the Historic Nuraghe

If glitz and glamour are not your speed, don’t worry because the area is home to some of the most important archeological sites on the island and visiting such sites are among the top things to do in Sardinia.

Into the countryside near Costa Smeralda, you will find the town of Arzachena. Arzachena is one of the main Sardinia points of interest pertaining to several ancient Nuraghic sites,  which are tower fortresses, edifices, or structures, and their giant tombs. The Nuraghi civilization were the early inhabiters of Sardinia, dating all the way back to 730 BCE.

Of the main 6 Nuraghic sites, the most interesting are Albucciu and La Prisgiona . Entry to each site is around 3 – 3.50 euro, with options for multi-site tickets at a small discount. After exploring the Nuraghic sites, stop in the village of San Pantaleo for lunch, before preparing for your flight out. From Costa Smeralda, you will be flying out of the Olbia airport, about a 30-minute drive away.

Things to know before you travel to Sardinia:

When is the best time to visit Sardinia?

Sardinia is best suited as a strictly summer destination from the months of May to early October. Many hotels and businesses close for the winter due to bad weather and rainfall during the winter months. In general,  Italy in July,  or mid-summer is a great time to go, for sunshine and the most activity, but will be very busy. If you want to beat the crowds, it’s best to plan Sardinia vacations at start or end of the season, but you may risk certain hotels or businesses not open.

Is Sardinia Expensive?

It depends on when and how you travel. Many people assume taking a Sardinia, Italy vacation is expensive, but it can be done on almost any budget with accommodations being much cheaper during the shoulder and off-seasons. Camping and RVing are also popular in Sardinia. Flights and hotels are most expensive in the summer. The cheapest way to get to Sardinia is by flying to Europe (preferably Italy) and then taking a flight to Sardinia with a budget airline such as Ryanair. 

Where to go in Sardinia and Where to Stay in Sardinia?

There are 3 major airports in Sardinia, Italy: Cagliari, Alghero, and Olbia. These major hubs are also joined by Bosa and Costa Smeralda/Porto Cervo in this itinerary as Sardinia’s main points of interest. If you’re short on time or want to spend more days at each destination, I recommend cutting out Cagliari completely from the Sardinia travel itinerary and beginning your trip in Alghero. You also do not need to stay in Bosa if you’re on a road trip, and can easily travel through it, as I have shown in this one week itinerary. 

What currency do they use in Sardinia?

They use the Euro in Sardinia.

How many days in Sardinia?

To make the most out of trips to Sardinia, Italy, if coming internationally, I recommend at least 5 days as the absolute minimum, and up to 14 days if you prefer longer vacations. If you are already in Europe, you may also consider a quick long weekend in just one part of Sardinia, such as Costa Smeralda.

What else do I need to know?

The siesta culture in Sardinia is strong, meaning that shops and businesses are closed in the afternoon from the hours of around 1-3pm for a break, and re-open around 7-8pm.

Lastly, you should know that Sardinia is huge, often referred to as its own continent. Dialects, traditions, and culture can all differ from town-to-town. This one-week Sardinia itinerary is not suited for those who are seeking slow travel, because a week in Sardinia may just not be enough time, and is therefore best for those who wish to see as many of the highlights of the island in the shortest amount of time possible. In just 1 week in Sardinia you can see so much of the varied landscape, however, the central region and east coast are not covered in this itinerary. On the Eastern side of the island you will find beach destinations such as Cala Gonone, San Teodoro, and the region of Costa Paradiso and Capo Testa in the Northeast, as well as more mountainous towns and the University. The inland mountains are supposed to be very beautiful also, and worth a trip of its own. The Western coast of Sardinia is perfect for a first-time visit, and for those looking for the the best beaches in Europe, picture-perfect towns, renowned food, and ancient exploration.

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Share this:, 5 thoughts on “ the perfect one week sardinia itinerary: from colorful coastal towns to the best beaches in sardinia, italy ”.

Loved this post. Am a regular traveller to Sardinia as I love the simplicity and beauty of the island. Thanks for sharing Mona! I am a Creative Life Coach with a poetry blog and today’s post features Rondelets in case you have time to look?

https://peacockpoetryblog.wordpress.com/2019/03/07/rondelet-rendezvous/

I am also on Instagram as #coachingcreatively, let’s follow each other if you use this medium? You can also find me on Facebook under Sam Allen wearing a bright red and orange hat!

I love connecting with fellow creatives and travellers as you can see!

Sunny greetings from Switzerland!

Have you ever been to Arezzo, Italy? Also, can you recommend a7/8 day tour we could take of Sardinia, by this I mean the areas we should see for sure, places to stay etc. We are from Canada and are looking forward to coming to Sardinia. Many Thanks, Bonnie We would just rent a car and tour on our own.

I unfortunately have not been to Arezzo.

The itinerary you see here is perfect for about a week in Sardinia and includes all the major highlights. I will say that it is pretty fast-paced, so if that’s not your style of travel then I recommend cutting time off Cagliari and spending an extra night or two in one of the other cities mentioned. Renting a car and touring on your own is a great idea, and the hotels mentioned in this post are all fantastic. Happy to answer any other questions you may have. Happy travels! I know you will love Sardinia.

hi 🙂 thanks for the helpful article! Cala Luna is the main reason i wanna go to Sardinia but i can’t find any good hotels in the surroundings (up to 1.5 hrs drive with kids). any tips? thanks!

Hi there! Have you looked into Lanthia Resort in Baunei?

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This Italian Island Has Tranquil Villages, Stunning Beaches, and Luxury Hotels — Here's How to Plan Your Trip

Everything you need to know to plan the perfect vacation on Sardinia.

Sardinia's famous Costa Smeralda, a 12-mile stretch of dreamy shoreline along the northeast, attracts travelers looking to immerse themselves in la dolce vita. And really, with its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, rugged coastline, ancient archaeological sites, and fascinating culture and traditions, who could blame them? The Mediterranean island truly does have it all.

Sardinia is the second-largest island in Italy after Sicily and is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. The island spans 9,305 square miles (or slightly larger than the state of Vermont) and is home to about 1.64 million people. The closest land to Sardinia is another island, Corsica, which is only about eight miles north. Sardinia lies 125 miles from the coast of mainland Italy and about the same distance from the shores of Northern Africa.

The island — with its idyllic mountains and tranquil villages, giving way to bustling resort towns along its rocky coastline — offers an abundance of activities for every type of traveler. Whether you want to bask in the sun, take in the breathtaking views, or taste the local culture, the island will leave a lasting impression on you.

How to Get to Sardinia

Visitors can either fly to one of the three main airports in Sardinia (Cagliari Elmas Airport, Olbia Airport, and Alghero Fertilia Airport) or take a scenic — albeit long — ferry ride to the island. There are multiple daily flights between Italy's major cities and the island, including Rome and Milan, and many of those are operated by low-cost airlines for as cheap as €8. You can also fly to the island from many European cities, including London, Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, Brussels, and many more.

If time is not of the essence (or you would like to bring a car), take a ferry from mainland Italy, France, or Barcelona. Sardinia has five ferry ports, so you can take the slow route whenever you wish.

The Best Times to Go to Sardinia

While many consider the Italian island a summer spot, Sardinia offers plenty to do and see year-round.

If you are after its sun-drenched picture-perfect beaches, the best time to visit Sardinia is during the peak season between June and September, when temperatures soar. If packed beaches are not your thing, consider stopping by at the end of September or October, when the sea is still warm, but most tourists have left the island.

Sardinia is also beautiful in the spring — between March and May — when the flowers and trees are in full bloom, and the weather is perfect for hiking. May is also when the Feast Of Sant'efisio Cagliari takes place. It's a multi-day festival, where thousands of participants accompany the statue of Sant'efisio from Cagliari to Nora and back, roughly a 40-mile journey.

Autunno in Barbagia takes place every fall and lasts a whopping three months. Visitors can enjoy cultural events on weekends dedicated to local arts and crafts. And every winter, the island celebrates Carnival di Mamoiada , one of Sardinia's oldest and most mysterious festivals dating back thousands of years.

Things to Do in Sardinia

Castello, Cagliari

Set on a hill in Sardinia's capital, the historic Castello district is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Cagliari and holds many of the city's significant landmarks. The narrow streets, flanked by ancient buildings, historic palazzos, and churches, transport travelers back in time. Some must-see sights include the Bastione di Saint Remy fort for its panoramic views and beautiful classic architecture, the Cagliari Cathedral and its bell tower, and the Archaeological Museum.

Su Nuraxi Nuraghe

Central Sardinia is home to the island's only UNESCO World Heritage Site and most important archaeological landmark, a striking example of prehistoric architecture called Su Nuraxi Nuraghe. A nuraghe is a defensive stone structure that originated in Sardinia in the Bronze Age. The complex comprises a central stone tower that once reached almost 61 feet in height and four smaller towers connected by a curtain wall.

Porto Flavia

Located near Nebida in the southwest, Porto Flavia looks like it belongs to a scene from "Game of Thrones." Directly built into the cliff and facing the sea, this port is considered a masterpiece of mining engineering that served as a loading dock. Two tunnels connect the port to a mine that once allowed workers to quickly load minerals onto the ships. Today, visitors can tour the site only by appointment and with a guide for safety reasons. The hour-long tour includes a walk along the upper tunnel that ends at the terrace, which offers breathtaking views of the sea and coastline.

The Neptune's Grotto

This two-million-year-old cave in Capo Caccia, Alghero, is one of Sardinia's most-visited natural wonders. Arrival at its entrance is either via boat or a staircase built on the side of a rocky cliff overlooking the sea. Once inside, visitors are introduced to a beautiful world full of wondrous natural sculptures known as stalactites and stalagmites. The grotto is also home to one of the largest saltwater lakes in Europe, Lago Lamarmora.

Castelsardo

Castelsardo, often ranked as one of Italy's most charming villages, occupies a hill on the northwest of the island. With its landscape dominated by the perfectly preserved medieval Doria castle, colorful houses spilling down the cliff sides, and the glistening waters of the Mediterranean, Castelsardo looks like it's out of a fairy tale.

Porto Cervo

The crown jewel of Sardinia's renowned Costa Smeralda is this small resort town that, in the summer, becomes the glitzy playground of the international jet set. Its picturesque port fills up with luxury (mega)yachts, and its streets are bustling with celebrities, socialites, and political dignitaries, soaking up the Sardinian sun and dolce vita lifestyle.

Where to Stay in Sardinia

Hotel Cala di Volpe

SP160, 07021 Capriccioli SS, Italy +39 0789 976111 Marriott.com

Located on the stunning Costa Smeralda, the glamorous waterfront Hotel Cala di Volpe treats its guests to spacious suites, a dazzling beach, an Olympic-size saltwater pool, a golf course, and a wellness center and spa, among other high-end facilities. While lush, Mediterranean landscapes surround the property, it is a short eight-minute drive from the vibrant downtown area of Porto Cervo.

Hotel Li Finistreddi

Loc. Micalosu Via le Finestrelle, 07021 Cannigione +39 0789 869144 finistreddi.it

Perched on a hill in the heart of Costa Smeralda, this almost 15-acre property offers vistas of Sardinia's emerald coast and La Maddalena archipelago. Hotel Li Finistreddi has three villas with swimming pools and 19 suites with private entrances and sea views. During the day, guests can lounge by the property's two pools or take a shuttle to the dreamy white-sand Barca Bruciata Beach.

Petra Segreta Resort & Spa

Via Stazzu Malcusa, 07026 San Pantaleo +39 0789 187 6441 petrasegretaresort.com

As the only Relais & Châteaux property in Sardinia, the sprawling Petra Segreta Resort & Spa offers guests a memorable experience set against the idyllic backdrop of stunning Costa Smeralda. The resort, nestled on 12 scenic acres of verdant forest, has 25 rooms and suites set in traditional Sardinian stone houses with private patios and modern interiors. The resort's fine-dining restaurant, il Fuoco Sacro, is among the best on the island and mainland Italy and serves patrons delectable "dishes full of modern Italian flavor," according to the Michelin Guide .

La Villa del Re

Località Su Cannisoni, 09040 Castiadas CA +39 070 775 3009 Lavilladelre.com

This adults-only boutique hotel sits in a scenic park on the southeast coast of Sardinia and offers front-row views of the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Costa Rei. The property's facade invokes traditional Sardinian architecture, while its 50 rooms and suites are all about soothing palettes and timeless elegance. The private beach and chic infinity pool are perfect for enjoying the hot Sardinian sun with a cocktail in hand. The hotel's pool-side restaurant, Bella Vista, lives up to its name and treats patrons to gorgeous sea views and delicious Mediterranean fare.

Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa

Lungomare Valencia, 1, 07041 Alghero SS +39 079 981818 Hotelvillalastronas.it

With its classic tower-inspired Belle Epoque architecture, gardens, and dramatic location, Villa Las Tronas is a unique base to explore Alghero and Sardinia's northwest coast. The spacious 24 rooms are all about Old World charm, clad in marble or parquet floors, crystal chandeliers, and vintage furniture. The hotel's spa features an indoor pool, a Turkish bath, and a sauna, while the seafront restaurant offers a seasonal vegetarian menu.

Località Mucchi Bianchi, 07021 Baja Sardinia SS, Italy +39 0789 99880 7pines.com

This brand new resort opens in July 2022 in a remote cove in Baja Sardinia. With 76 light-filled, spacious rooms and suites overlooking its gardens or the sea, 7Pines is a stylish retreat just a short drive from vibrant Porto Cervino. The two pools nestled amid swaying palms and surrounded by sunbeds and cabanas are the epitome of Italian chic, while those who prefer to take a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean can head to the resort's main beach or explore the secluded coves around the property.

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Sardinia Ultimate Travel Guide 2023: Unlock the Island’s Secrets

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Introduction to Sardinia 2023: The Island’s Hidden Secrets

Welcome to your comprehensive Sardinia travel guide. A world of captivating charm awaits you, ready to be discovered. Nestled in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is a paradise island that holds the secrets of an ancient and fascinating history, a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast or a gastronomy lover, Sardinia is a destination that will satisfy every traveller’s curiosity.

Where exactly is Sardinia? – let’s answer that question here!

The island’s hidden secrets are patiently waiting to be unveiled by those ready to explore Sardinia. From the prehistoric Nuragic civilization and the enchanting folklore, to the mouth-watering traditional cuisine and the pristine beaches, Sardinia is a world in itself, a microcosm where time seems to have stopped, allowing traditions to be preserved and local life to flourish.

This Sardinia travel guide is designed to help you discover Sardinia’s beauty, understand its deep-rooted culture and history, and provide you with all the necessary tips and information for a memorable Sardinia vacation. So, let’s set sail on this exciting journey together and unlock the island’s secrets.

Understanding Sardinia

Sardinia’s geographical location and unique features.

Situated in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is the second largest island in the region. Its unique geographical location, between Italy, Spain and North Africa, has influenced the island’s history, culture and way of life. One of the most distinctive features of Sardinia is its varied landscape, which ranges from the dramatic cliffs of the Costa Smeralda and the vast plains of the Campidano, to the rugged mountains of the Gennargentu range and the pristine white sandy beaches along its coastline.

The island’s flora and fauna are another testament to its unique geographical position. Sardinia hosts a variety of endemic species, making it a biodiversity hotspot and a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Exploring Sardinia’s natural wonders is undoubtedly a highlight of any Sardinia tourism experience.

Overview of the Island’s History and Cultural Heritage

Sardinia has a rich and diverse history, which dates back to the prehistoric times. The island was home to the Nuragic civilization, and its numerous Nuraghe (stone-built tower-fortresses) are a testament to this ancient culture. Over the centuries, Sardinia was influenced by various cultures including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Spanish, each leaving their mark on the island’s cultural heritage.

Sardinia’s culture is a vibrant blend of traditions, folklore, music, and dance. The island is known for its distinct language, Sardinian, which is considered a romance language separate from Italian. Sardinians are also famed for their longevity, with the island being one of the world’s five ‘Blue Zones’ where people live the longest.

Why Choose Sardinia for Your Vacation

Choosing Sardinia for your vacation means immersing yourself in an authentic Mediterranean experience. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life, and reconnect with nature and culture. The island’s stunningly beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and breathtaking landscapes make it an ideal destination for relaxation and adventure.

Sardinia offers a wealth of activities for travellers. From exploring the island’s rich history and culture, to enjoying water sports, diving , hiking , and cycling, there are countless things to do in Sardinia. And let’s not forget the gastronomic delights. The island’s unique cuisine is a culinary journey in itself, offering a myriad of flavours to tantalise your taste buds.

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Discovering Sardinia’s Beauty: Key Sights and Attractions

Top places to visit in sardinia.

Sardinia is teeming with attractions that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or simply relaxation, you’ll find plenty of places to visit on this enchanting island.

Cagliari: The Capital City’s Historic Landmarks and Modern Charm

Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital city, is a bustling metropolis that perfectly blends the old with the new. Its historic quarter, Castello, is home to medieval fortifications, narrow cobbled streets, and grand palaces. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Royal Palace, and the Bastion of Saint Remy for a dose of history. The modern part of the city offers chic boutiques, trendy restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife.

Alghero: The Catalan-Infused Town on the Northwest Coast

Alghero, known as ‘little Barcelona’, is a charming town that bears Catalan influences. Its old town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys lined with Gothic buildings. Visit the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Tower of Porta Terra. Don’t miss the chance to explore the nearby Neptune’s Grotto , an impressive stalactite cave.

Olbia: Gateway to the Costa Smeralda and Nearby Attractions

Olbia is often the first stop for tourists due to its international airport and ferry port. However, this city is more than just a gateway to the famous Costa Smeralda. Visit the Basilica of San Simplicio, the Roman Aqueduct, and the Archaeological Museum. Nearby attractions include the stunning beaches of the Costa Smeralda and the Giants’ Grave in Arzachena .

Nuoro: The Heart of Sardinian Culture and Traditions

Nuoro is often referred to as the cultural heart of Sardinia. It is home to numerous museums, including the Ethnographic Museum and the Museum of Sardinian Life and Traditions. This city is also a good base for exploring the stunning Gennargentu National Park.

Oristano: Rich Historical Sites and Coastal Beauty

Oristano is a city that exudes historical charm. Visit the Tower of St. Christopher, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Archaeological Museum. The nearby Sinis Peninsula and the Tharros archaeological site are also worth a visit.

Sassari: Exploring the Vibrant Cultural Hub of the North

Sassari, Sardinia’s second largest city, is a cultural and educational hub. Visit the Piazza d’Italia, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, and the National Museum. Don’t miss the annual Cavalcade of Sassari, a grand folkloric event.

Porto Cervo: The Glamorous Allure of the Costa Smeralda

Porto Cervo is the heart of the glamorous Costa Smeralda . Known for its luxury yachts, upscale boutiques, and high-end restaurants, this town is a playground for the rich and famous. Enjoy the beautiful beaches and the lively nightlife.

Bosa: Picturesque Charm on the Temo River

Bosa is a picturesque town located on the banks of the Temo River. Its colourful houses, the Malaspina Castle, and the Bosa Cathedral are must-sees. Also, don’t forget to try the local Malvasia wine.

Cala Gonone: Unveiling the Wonders of the Gulf of Orosei

Cala Gonone is a seaside village that serves as a gateway to the stunning Gulf of Orosei. Explore the beautiful beaches, the Bue Marino Caves, and the Gennargentu National Park.

Costa Rei: Relaxation and Leisure on Sardinia’s Southeastern Coast

Costa Rei , on Sardinia’s southeastern coast, is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and leisure activities. Relax on the beach, enjoy water sports, or explore the nearby Capo Ferrato Nature Reserve.

Sardinia’s Must-See Landmarks

Sardinia’s landmarks are a testament to its rich history and cultural heritage. The Nuraghe, ancient stone towers scattered across the island, are perhaps the most iconic landmarks. The most famous is Su Nuraxi in Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other must-see landmarks include the Basilica of San Gavino in Porto Torres, one of the oldest churches in Sardinia, and the Neptune’s Grotto in Alghero , an impressive stalactite cave. The Giants’ Graves, ancient megalithic tombs, and the sacred wells, like the Well of Santa Cristina, are also worth a visit.

• Nuraghe Su Nuraxi (Barumini) : One of Sardinia’s most iconic landmarks, Nuraghe Su Nuraxi is a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the Bronze Age. This well-preserved nuraghe complex features a central tower surrounded by defensive walls and interconnected chambers, providing a fascinating glimpse into Sardinia’s ancient Nuragic civilization.
• Alghero’s Old Town : Nestled on Sardinia’s northwest coast, Alghero’s Old Town is a picturesque gem known for its Catalan heritage and medieval charm. Stroll through narrow cobblestone streets, admire historical buildings, and enjoy the stunning sea views along the city walls.
• Cagliari’s Castello District : The historic Castello district in Cagliari, the island’s capital, boasts a majestic hilltop fortress, ancient walls, and beautiful architecture. Wander through its ancient alleys, visit the Cagliari Cathedral, and enjoy panoramic views of the city and sea.
• Neptune’s Grotto (Grotta di Nettuno) : Located on the dramatic Capo Caccia cliffs near Alghero, Neptune’s Grotto is a mesmerizing sea cave accessible by boat or a scenic hike down the 656-step Escala del Cabirol staircase. Inside, marvel at stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes.
• Tiscali Nuragic Village : Hidden within a limestone mountain near Dorgali, Tiscali Nuragic Village offers a unique archaeological site. Accessible through a scenic hike, the village is nestled inside a large cave and showcases well-preserved remnants of Nuragic structures.
• Roman Amphitheatre (Teatro Romano) – Cagliari S: Unearth the ancient past of Cagliari at the Roman Amphitheatre, which dates back to the 2nd century AD. Marvel at the well-preserved ruins, including seating tiers and the arena, and learn about the rich history of the Roman era.
• La Maddalena Archipelago   Take a boat tour to explore the breathtaking beauty of La Maddalena Archipelago, a national park comprising seven main islands and numerous islets. Discover secluded beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique rock formations.
• Giants’ Tombs (Tomba dei Giganti) : Giants’ Tombs are ancient burial sites scattered across Sardinia, characterized by impressive megalithic structures. These prehistoric monuments provide a glimpse into the island’s early civilizations and burial rituals.
• Tharros Archaeological Site : Situated on the Sinis Peninsula, the Tharros Archaeological Site offers well-preserved ruins of an ancient Phoenician and Roman city. Explore ancient temples, bathhouses, and a theater, all overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
• Basilica of San Gavino (Porto Torres) Summary: The Basilica of San Gavino in Porto Torres is an extraordinary example of Sardinia’s early Christian heritage. This Romanesque church features intricate architecture and stunning frescoes, making it a significant religious and historical site.

Learn all about the best beaches in Sardinia

Things to Do in Sardinia: Activities and Experiences

Sardinia offers a wealth of activities for travellers. Hiking and cycling are popular ways to explore the island’s diverse landscapes. The Gennargentu National Park and the Supramonte are prime locations for outdoor activities.

Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, and sailing. The Costa Smeralda and the Gulf of Orosei are popular spots for these activities.

For culture vultures, attending a traditional Sardinian festival is a must. The Carnival of Tempio Pausania, the Sagra del Redentore in Nuoro, and the Cavalcade of Sassari are among the most famous.

Sardinia’s Unique Cuisine: A Gastronomic Journey

Sardinian cuisine is a gastronomic journey that reflects the island’s history, culture, and agricultural bounty. Traditional dishes are simple but full of flavour. Try the “porceddu” (roasted suckling pig), the “malloreddus” (Sardinian gnocchi), and the “bottarga” (mullet roe).

Sardinia is also known for its bread, cheese, and wine. The “pane carasau” (flatbread), the “pecorino sardo” (sheep’s milk cheese), and the Cannonau wine are must-tries. For more information read our guide on what to drink when in Sardinia.

5 Sardinian Foods you Must Try!

• Pasta alla Bottarga : A classic Sardinian dish featuring pasta (commonly spaghetti) topped with grated bottarga, which is dried and salted gray mullet roe. The bottarga adds a unique umami flavor to the pasta, creating a delightful and savory dish.
• Porceddu : Porceddu is a traditional Sardinian dish of roasted suckling pig, seasoned with aromatic herbs such as myrtle and rosemary. The meat is slow-roasted to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy, and flavorful pork.
• Culurgiones : Culurgiones are Sardinian stuffed pasta, similar to ravioli but with a unique twist. The dough is filled with a delicious mixture of potatoes, pecorino cheese, and mint, then shaped into small pockets and served with a simple tomato sauce or butter and sage.
• Fregola con Arselle : Fregola is a type of small, round pasta similar to couscous. Fregola con Arselle is a delightful seafood dish made with fregola cooked in a flavorful broth with fresh clams (arselle) and sometimes other seafood like shrimp or mussels.
• Seadas : Seadas, also known as sebadas or seadas, is a traditional Sardinian dessert. It consists of a delicious combination of deep-fried pastry filled with a mixture of fresh cheese (such as pecorino or ricotta) and lemon zest. Once fried, the seadas are drizzled with honey, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Learn more about vegetables of Sardinia

Sardinia Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Best time to visit: understanding sardinia’s weather.

Sardinia has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The best time to visit depends on what you want to do. For beach holidays, the summer months from June to September are ideal. For hiking and sightseeing, the spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) offer pleasant weather.

Average Month-by-month temperature in Sardinia

Planning your sardinia vacation: practical information and resources.

When planning your Sardinia vacation, consider the length of your stay, your budget, and your interests. Book accommodation and transportation in advance, especially during the peak season. Check the local customs and regulations, and learn a few words in Italian or Sardinian . It’s also a good idea to buy a good Sardinia travel guide book or download a Sardinia travel guide app.

Read our compressive guide on airports in Sardinia

Closing Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Sardinia Holidays

Sardinia is a destination that captivates the senses. Its enchanting beauty, rich history and culture, and warm hospitality make it a place that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or culinary delights, Sardinia offers an unforgettable travel experience. This comprehensive Sardinia travel guide aims to help you make the most of your Sardinia holidays. So, pack your bags, set your spirit of adventure free, and get ready to unlock the island’s secrets. Sardinia awaits you!

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Undeniably Italian, yet expressing a unique regional identity, Sardinia presents a distinctive take on the Mediterranean island experience. Blending Italian and North African influences, the Sard people fiercely embrace their diverse island home. From the coast to the wilderness of the interior, Sardinia is well worth a visit.

The best travel tips for visiting Sardinia

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When planning a trip to Sardinia, it is important to keep a few travel tips in mind. First, it is recommended to avoid the peak tourist season in August, as prices can be higher and crowds can be overwhelming. Instead, consider visiting in the shoulder season months of June, July, or September.

Additionally, be prepared for narrow, winding roads and rugged terrain in some areas. It is also worth noting that many businesses, including restaurants and shops, close for a mid-day siesta, so plan accordingly.

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Chia beach, Sardinia © Shutterstock

Sardinia offers visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy, from exploring the island's rich history to soaking up the sun on its beautiful beaches. Here is our pick of the best things to do in Sardinia.

#1 Relax at the Sardinian beaches

Even the most discerning beach enthusiasts will find their desires fulfilled with the abundant selection of swimming spots scattered along the mesmerizing coasts of Sardinia. Whether you prefer perennial favorites that have stood the test of time or hidden gems nestled within secluded coves, there's always a beach nearby.

Sardinia boasts some of the most remarkable beaches in all of Italy, guaranteeing an unforgettable beach experience for all who visit. These are some of the best beaches on the island:

• La Pelosa: Located near Stintino in the northwest, La Pelosa is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, fine white sand, and a picturesque backdrop of the medieval tower of Torre della Pelosa.
• Cala Goloritzé: Situated on the east coast, Cala Goloritzé is a hidden gem accessible only by boat or a challenging hike. It features a striking limestone rock formation called the Aguglia, pristine waters, and a small pebble beach.
• Cala Mariolu: Also found on the east coast, Cala Mariolu is known for its pristine and transparent waters, vibrant marine life, and breathtaking rock formations. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities here.
• Spiaggia di Tuerredda: Located in the south, near Chia, Tuerredda Beach is renowned for its Caribbean-like beauty. With its soft sand, clear turquoise waters, and surrounding hills, it is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
• Porto Giunco: Situated in Villasimius on the southeast coast, Porto Giunco offers a stunning landscape with fine white sand, shallow waters, and a backdrop of Mediterranean vegetation and saltwater lagoon.
• Cala Brandinchi: Known as "Little Tahiti," Cala Brandinchi on the northeast coast boasts turquoise waters, pristine white sand, and a pine forest backdrop, creating a truly idyllic setting.
• Spiaggia di Is Arutas: Located on the central west coast near Oristano, Is Arutas is famous for its unique sand made up of tiny quartz grains resembling colorful grains of rice. The beach is surrounded by stunning cliffs and clear waters.
• Spiaggia del Principe: Situated on the Costa Smeralda in the northeast, Spiaggia del Principe offers a secluded and picturesque setting with fine sand, granite rock formations, and turquoise waters.

#2 Discover the area's ancient towers

Nuraghe-spotting is one of the classic pastimes when travelling through the island. Some of these prehistoric monuments are well restored and can only be visited with a ticket; others are mossy ruins in fields, free to enter. One of the most exhilarating is the Nuraghe Mannu outside Cala Gonone.

Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

#3 Take time for culinary pursuits

You’ll enjoy the exquisite sea and land-based dishes in restaurants throughout the island. That said, some of the best places are off the tourist track. You'll want to be sure to explore such inland centres as Sássari and Nuoro.

#4 Explore church treasures

You don’t have to visit galleries to see great art in Sardinia – some of the smallest, most unprepossessing churches preserve some real gems of medieval art. For example, the magnificent altarpiece in San Pietro Apostolo, Tuili, is well worth a detour.

#5 Rides and drives

Embarking on a road trip through Sardinia is a gateway to experiencing the island's awe-inspiring landscape, and it is an adventure that will leave travellers in awe. The undulating terrain of the island's mountainous interior presents an enchanting backdrop for long, leisurely journeys, allowing explorers to truly immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.

One of the most beloved routes is found in the picturesque area of Gerrei, known for its captivating scenery and charming villages. As you traverse the roads south of Dorgali and west of Aggius, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas of rolling hills, rugged mountains, and verdant valleys, evoking a sense of tranquility and wonder. The roads wind through idyllic countryside, adorned with vineyards, olive groves, and grazing sheep, providing a glimpse into the traditional rural life of Sardinia.

Along the way, there are numerous opportunities to stop and explore the hidden gems that dot the landscape, from ancient ruins to quaint villages where time seems to stand still.

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#6 Spend time at the Isles of Wonder

The island has its own subgroups of islands, the most dramatic of which is the archipelago of La Maddalena, off the northeastern coast; you can explore the pristine beaches and silky waters on boat trips – join a group or rent your own motor-dinghy.

#7 Learn about local culture at the Ethnographic Museum

The Ethnographic Museum in Sardinia is a fascinating place to explore and learn about the island's history and cultural heritage. A visit to this extensive collection – crammed with masks, costumes, craftwork and musical instruments – offers intriguing insights into the local culture.

#8 Plunge into Neptune’s Grotto

Neptune's Grotto is a stunning sea cave and is a must-visit for anyone travelling to the island. Stalactites, stalagmites and eccentric rock formations are the highlights of a tour through the Grotta di Nettuno, a cave complex set in towering cliffs by the sea.

Stairways to stalactite cave of Neptune Grotto in Alghero in Sardinia © Prashant_Agrawal/Shutterstock

#9 See Tharros — one of the best things to do in Sardinia

Tharros, an ancient Phoenician-Roman city in Sardinia, offers visitors a glimpse into the island's rich history through its well-preserved ruins and stunning coastal location. Founded by the Phoenicians on a promontory jutting into the sea, this historic site retains extensive evidence of the Punic and Roman settlers who followed.

#10 Explore the beautiful landscapes of Inland Gallura

Inland Gallura boasts breathtakingly beautiful landscapes that capture the essence of the Mediterranean. Interspersed with thick groves of cork oaks, the granite rockscape of this scarcely populated mountainous zone offers unforgettable panoramas.

#11 Discover the underwater world

Diving enthusiasts will find a captivating underwater world awaiting them in the azure depths surrounding Sardinia. With its clear waters, diverse marine life, and captivating underwater landscapes, the island offers an unforgettable diving experience.

One of the top diving spots in Sardinia is the Marine Protected Area of Tavolara-Capo Coda Cavallo. This area is home to vibrant coral reefs, underwater caves, and a rich variety of marine species, including groupers, moray eels, and colorful nudibranchs. Another renowned site is the Isola di Mal di Ventre, known for its incredible visibility and the opportunity to encounter large pelagic species such as dolphins and tuna.

The Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, located near Villasimius, is another popular diving destination. Its crystal-clear waters are teeming with marine life, including octopuses, seahorses, and various species of colorful fish. For those seeking adventure, the underwater caves of the Grotta del Nereo near Alghero offer a unique and fascinating diving experience.

Other notable diving spots include the underwater archaeological site of Nora, where divers can explore ancient ruins beneath the sea, and the Lavezzi Islands, located between Sardinia and Corsica, known for their abundant marine life and stunning rock formations.

On the whole, accommodation in Sardinia is cheaper than in the rest of Italy. The main problem is the lack of availability, as the various options can be fully booked in summer. Even outside the high season, it’s advisable to book as early as you can.

As well as hotels, there are hostels, B&Bs, agriturismi (rural accommodation), self-catering villas and apartments, and campsites with bungalows or caravans to rent. There is certainly no shortage of options when deciding where to stay in Sardinia .

Colourful traditional Sardinian embroidered dresses, parading in the streets, Italy © hybridimages/Shutterstock

Full meals can be elaborate affairs. These are generally served in a trattoria or a ristorante, though these days there’s often a fine line between the two: traditionally, a trattoria is cheaper and more basic, offering home cooking (cucinacasalinga), while a ristorante is more upmarket (tablecloths and waiters).Antica Dimora del Gruccione, Santu Lussurgiu. This gourmet restaurant concentrates on local meat products (with veggie options) and charges €35 for a five-course meal..

• Dal Corsaro, Cágliari. At this venerable spot – one of Cágliari’s oldest restaurants and the only one that is Michelin-starred – the dominant tone is hushed elegance. Modern, stripped-down versions of classic fish and meat dishes are often memorable.
• Il Mosto, Aggius. This granite-walled trattoria is among Gallura’s finest, offering honest gallurese cuisine at moderate prices (€30 per head for two courses).
• Il Pórtico, Nuoro. You’ll find an innovative approach to the traditional Sard dishes on offer in this smart place with modern art on the walls.
• Mabrouk, Alghero. This is about as near as Alghero comes to a cosy neighbourhood trattoria, where there’s no written menu but a democratic €40 fixed-price dinner for everyone – including unlimited house wine and limoncello.

If you're looking to travel to Sardinia, you have several options available. One way to reach the island is by taking a direct flight from major European cities. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from mainland Italy or other Mediterranean countries.

From the UK, flights operated by Ryanair, Tui and easyJet to Alghero, Olbia and Cagliari are hard to beat for price. From the Italian mainland, there are frequent daily flights to the island’s airports from Rome , Milan and Bologna , with less frequent connections from smaller centres. Most routes are served by Alitalia, Air Italy, easyJet and Ryanair. Prices start at around €40 for a one-way Milan–Alghero ticket.

Regular, year-round ferries sail to Sardinia from mainland Italy , Sicily , Corsica and France . Reserve well in advance for summer crossings, especially if you have a car or bike. August sailings can be fully booked by May. Prices in high season start from about €40/person, depending on the route.

The cheapest tickets (“Ponte”) involve sleeping on deck. Pricier tickets include a reclining armchair and a berth adds another €45 or so. The charge for a medium car is around €130 in high season. Look out for discounts on return tickets bought in advance within certain periods, and for special deals for a car plus two or three passengers.

Trenino Verde train, Sardinia © Shutterstock

If you're looking to travel to Sardinia, you have several options available. One way to reach the island is by taking a direct flight from major European cities like Rome, Milan, or Barcelona to Cagliari, the capital city. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from mainland Italy or other Mediterranean countries such as France or Spain, which offers picturesque views of the island's coastline.

The best way of getting around Sardinia is undoubtedly by car. There are rental offices in all the major towns including Cagliari .

The island-wide bus service is run by ARST , supplemented by smaller independent operators covering specific long-distance routes, for example Turmo between Cagliari and Olbia.

Trains connect the major towns of Cagliari , Oristano, Sassari and Olbia, operated by Trenitalia . Smaller narrow-gauge lines linking Nuoro and Alghero with the main network are run by ARST . From mid-June to mid-Sept, the Trenino Verde trains take slow but scenic routes to various destinations around the island, including Bosa, Tempio Pausania and Láconi.

Beach of "Cala Gonone", Sardinia © LPuddori/Shutterstock

To fully appreciate the island's stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming coastal towns, it is recommended to spend at least a week in Sardinia.

That said, if you are interested in exploring the island's more remote areas or embarking on adventurous activities such as hiking, diving or sailing, then you may want to consider extending your stay to ten days or more.

To avoid the crowds, high prices, and heat, it is best to skip August when visiting Sardinia. Meanwhile June, July, and September are still hot but less busy. Swimming is possible from May to October.

Visiting in the winter can be a low-key experience, though some facilities may be closed. Spring is great for festivals and walking, while autumn offers beautiful colours for outdoor activities.

Top image: Beach of "Cala Gonone", Sardinia © LPuddori/Shutterstock

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The 10 best beaches in Sardinia

T he beaches in Sardinia are among the finest in the world, and with over 1,000 kilometres of coastline, there’s no shortage of spectacular places to pitch up, whether surrounded by archaeological ruins, looming granite cliffs or the local macchia – and of course all are lapped by impossibly limpid turquoise sea. Here are 10 of the best, but you can also take a boat out and find your very own private cove.

For further inspiration, see our guide to Sardinia and the island's best hotels , restaurants , nightlife and things to do .

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Poetto beach.

A short bus ride from the city centre, Cagliari's main beach faces the Gulf of the Angels and stretches from Sella del Diavolo up to the coastline of Quartu Sant'Elena. With almost eight kilometres of white sand, the beach is served by dozens of traditional wooden kiosks, ‘baretti’, where food and drink is served day and night, plus diving centres and surf schools. The promenade teems with bladers, buggies and bikers, but the 16th-century watchtower is a reminder that the sea wasn’t always such a friendly proposition.

Spiaggia Poltu Di Li Cogghj

Spiaggia Poltu Di Li Cogghj is also known as Principe Beach, after Prince Aga Khan, who considered it to be the most beautiful in the Costa Smeralda. It’s not easy to reach, involving a 10-minute walk down a rough path (don’t wear flip-flops), but it’s well worth the effort: a fine sand beach surrounded by granite rocks and Mediterranean macchia faces crystal clear blue sea. There are no bars or restaurants here, so bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.

Cala Spalmatore

Off the northeast coast of Sardinia lies the spectacular La Maddalena archipelago, made up of seven islands, with a total of over 300 impeccably clean beaches, thanks to the fact that the entire area is protected as part of the Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago. Once here, the choices are many. After a wander around the elegant port, head off to accessible Cala Spalmatore or Spiaggia Bassa Trinità, or jump on another boat to visit Budelli, famous for its Spiaggia Rosa. 'Pink Beach' owes its name to the crushed coral and shells that are inhabited by tiny pink microorganisms. The sand today is less pink than it once was, as so many people decided to take some away with them, so these days it’s not possible to disembark, but boats still drop anchor off the coast so that you can swim against the unrivaled backdrop.

San Giovanni

Visible well before you arrive, thanks to its 12th-century hilltop Castello della Fava (Bean Castle), the medieval village of Posada is a delightful maze of little streets and cafés. But it’s biggest claim to fame is its beaches: San Giovanni and nearby Su Tiriarzu, Iscraios, Due Pini and Orvile have all received the prestigious Cinque Vele Legambiente in recognition of the protected status of the surrounding flora and fauna. You can also travel down the Rio Posada river in a canoe to admire the population of pink flamingos.

South of Olbia are some of Sardinia’s most famous mountains, and the Gennargentu massif makes an incredible backdrop to the bay of Cala Luna. It’s possible to make a two-hour hike along trails to this secluded little beach, but most take a boat from the nearby ports of Cala Gonone, Santa Maria Navarrese, and Arbatax. There are plenty of caves to explore if you tire of the turquoise sea, and a further 40-minute scenic trek brings you to the famous Grotta del Bue Marino. The wild charm of the bay was the setting for Italian cult movie 'Swept Away' by Lina Wertmuller.

Cala Mariolu

On the central eastern coast lies one of Sardinia’s jewels, Cala Mariolu. It takes its name from the monk seal that would steal (mariolu means 'thief') the day’s catch from the local fishermen. Surrounded by cliffs that rise to a height of 500 metres, the beach is only accessible by a fairly challenging trek through Mediterranean scrub, so those without time (or experience) prefer to take a boat to enjoy the sandy beach, speckled with pink and white pebbles, surrounded by clear blue waters. It’s an exceptional location for snorkelling and diving.

Cala Goloritzé

Cala Goloritzé is another exquisite beach renowned for its crystal clear waters, and it can be reached by a less challenging trail through Holm wood forest. Boats leave from Cala Gonone, but it’s also possible to hire a gommone (inflatable) with an outboard motor. The backdrop of Monte Caroddi is spectacular, and popular with free climbers, but most choose to admire the 100-metre high pyramid-shaped rock from the white pebble beach, hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare Eleanora falcon that has made its home here.

On the central western coast, an hour’s drive north of Cagliari, lies the medieval city of Oristano, and the nearby Sinis Peninsula, which stretches over 26,000 hectares.  The marine-protected site has everything: flat white beaches, pine woods, salt pans, lagoons that are first-rate for snorkelling, fossil-laden cliffs for exploring and, thanks to a northwesterly mistral wind, it’s also ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing all year round. There are even opportunities for whale-watching, and a chance to visit the nearby Phoenician ruins of Tharros .

An hour from Alghero, the town of Stintino is a delight in itself, located between the two picturesque harbours of Porto Mannu and Porto Minori. But just beyond the town, via a series of wooden walkways, you’ll find one of Sardinia’s most enticing beaches, La Pelosa. With white sands lapped by turquoise sea, it’s a well-frequented destination, so continue on to the wild and unspoilt Capo Falcone at the end of the peninsula. The beach is overlooked by a Spanish watchtower and has views across to the island of Asinara. Stintino’s Museo della Tonnara tells the story of the town’s tuna-fishing industry, and there are plenty of restaurants serving the fish.

Porto Pollo

A 10-minute drive north of Palau you’ll reach the top wind- and kite-surfing destination in the north, Porto Pollo (Chicken Harbour – nope, no idea either). Thanks to its length and location, there’s always somewhere where the surfing is good, and the addition of a few surfing schools means it attracts a younger crowd keen to learn how to catch a wave – check out the number of camper vans in the car park. But there are also more sheltered coves, and plenty of visitors locate a secluded bit of beach, surrounded by dunes and Sardinian macchia, to swim and laze, and later gaze at the sunset. At some point, most find their way to one of the beach shacks ( Rupi’s is a fave) for refuelling and music.

How we choose

Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.

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