travel guide to sardinia

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Just beyond the glamor of Sardinia lies an island full of myth, tradition, incredible cuisine scenery that will leave you breathless.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real Sardinia. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Nuraghe Su Nuraxi

Southwestern Sardinia

In the heart of the voluptuous green countryside near Barumini, the Nuraghe Su Nuraxi is Sardinia’s sole World Heritage Site and the island’s most visited…

Cala Goloritzè

Golfo di Orosei

The last beachette of the gulf, Cala Goloritzè rivals the best. At the southern end, bizarre limestone formations soar away from the cliffside. Among them…

Eastern Sardinia

Hidden in a mountaintop cave deep in the Valle di Lanaittu, the mysterious nuraghic village of Tiscali is one of Sardinia’s must-see archaeological…

Spiaggia della Pelosa

Northwestern Sardinia

About 2.5km north of Stintino, the Spiaggia della Pelosa is a dreamy image of beach perfection: a salt-white strip of sand lapped by shallow, turquoise…

Cala Mariolu

Reachable only by boat or by a demanding three-hour trek from the Altopiano del Golgo, Cala Mariolu is arguably one of the most sublime spots on the coast…

Gola Su Gorropu

Sardinia's most spectacular gorge is flanked by limestone walls towering up to 500m in height. The endemic (and endangered) Aquilegia nuragica plant grows…

Santuario & Basilica di Nostra Signora di Bonaria

Crowning the Bonaria hill, around 1km southeast of Via Roma, this religious complex is a hugely popular pilgrimage site. Devotees come from all over the…

Alghero's golden sea walls, built around the centro storico by the Aragonese in the 16th century, are a highlight of the town's historic cityscape…

Top picks from our travel experts

8 of the best things to do in sardinia.

Parco Nazionale dell'Asinara

Named after its resident asini bianchi (albino donkeys), the Isola dell'Asinara encompasses 51 sq km of macchia (Mediterranean scrub), rocky coastline and…

Grotta di Nettuno

Capo Caccia's principal crowd-puller is the Grotta di Nettuno, a haunting fairyland of stalactites and stalagmites. The easiest way to get to the caves is…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

Experience the best of Sardinia with this guide to the top things to do, from diving in the Med to exploring ancient sites.

Things to Know

From car rental shortages to listening out for the local lingo, discover the keys things to know before you book your trip to Sardinia.

Transportation

Sardinia is a relatively compact travel destination with lots of transportation options – here are the best ways to get around.

Money and Costs

Embarking on a trip to Sardinia doesn’t have to break the bank. Touring the island can still be affordable if you plan it right.

Traveling with Kids

With sunny weather most of the year and outdoor activities to suit every age and interest, Sardinia is the perfect destination for a family trip.

Best Road Trips

Sardinia's beaches, ancient sites and charming towns are difficult to get around on public transport. Hire a car and choose one of our 5 road trips.

Plan with a local

Experience the real Sardinia

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

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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.

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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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;-)

A Quick Guide To Sardinia

On this website, I have assembled the most useful and interesting information about visiting Sardinia. You can find over 80 articles listed in the menu, covering a wide range of subjects and travel information based on my own experiences and research.

I hope that you find the articles informative, and that they provide an authentic insight into the incredible island to compel you to consider visiting Sardinia, the hidden gem of the Mediterranean.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Sardinia?

• The island is home to the most beautiful beaches in Europe
• The weather is excellent: Sardinia is renowned for its 6-month summer
• Sardinia is a hidden gem; there is much to be explored
• Sardinia is rich in traditions and culture of ancient roots that have been handed down for generations to the present day
• The atmosphere on the island is timeless. It’s the perfect destination to unwind 
• Sardinia has something for everyone, ancient sites, untouched beaches, elegant towns, rich culture, and expansive untouched nature

101+ Reasons Why You Should Visit Sardinia

The summers in Sardinia are long, and the winter is mild. Sardinia is a lovely place all year round, and every season has its attraction. There’s plenty to see and do throughout the year .

The island is fully prepared for tourists from May to September. During July and August, the hottest months, the island becomes full with holidaymakers.

During the summer months, the cost of accommodation, car rentals, and flights skyrockets. If you are visiting in the Summer, then I recommend booking well in advance .

From October to the end of April, you can stay in Sardinia reasonably cheaply. The island is very peaceful during this off-season, but there is plenty to explore and enjoy.

When’s The Best Time To Visit Sardinia?

How To Get There

Being an island, Sardinia is only reachable by air or sea.

1. By Air – there are frequent connections from mainland Italy and Europe.  Sardinia has three main airports, Cagliari Elmas Airport in the south, Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport in the north-east, and Alghero Fertilia Airport in the north-west.

The main budget airlines such as EasyJet, RyanAir & WizzAir, fly to Sardinia.

2. By Ferry – there are daily ferries often traveling through the night. You can take a ferry from Italy, France & Spain (including Tuscany, Genoa, Civitavecchia/Rome, Palermo, Naples, Barcelona and Marseille.)

Sardinia Ferries: Routes, Costs, and Tips for a Smooth Journey

Getting Around

Driving yourself.

Traveling by car is by far the best way to explore the Island and the most hassle-free option.

You can hire a car from the major touristic areas of Sardinia, major towns, and at each of the airports where internationally recognized car hire brands can be found . Renting a car can be expensive during the summer months and surprisingly economical during the off-season.

Getting Around In Sardinia

Everything You Need To Know About Renting A Car In Sardinia!

Public Transport

The public transport in Sardinia is good quality and very affordable but will limit the options of where and when you can travel.

The trains are slow but reliably connect the major cities of Sardinia. While the buses link all of the smaller towns and villages, some regions have less coverage, and the schedules can be unreliable. You can travel from the south to north of the Island (or vice versa) in under 3 hours by bus or train (cost: under €20.)

Using Public Transport In Sardinia

An Overview Of Accommodation

There are many different places to stay in Sardinia. The legendary beaches led to a boom in tourist facilities. There are hotels, resorts, B&Bs, apartments, camping sites, farm stays, and hostels right across the island.

Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts are more reasonable in Sardinia when compared to the Italian mainland. If you are planning a holiday in Sardinia during the summer months, book it well in advance, as Sardinia is a top spot for Italian holidaymakers during the school holidays.

If you decide to come to Sardinia outside of the peak summer months, you could save more than 50% on accommodation.

Furthermore, as a general rule the further inland you stay the more money you will save on accommodation. Yes, the beaches are famous, but I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the stunning countryside too.

The Best Hotels In Cagliari

A Quick Introduction To Sardinia

The beaches attract tourists from across Italy and Europe, most notably during July and August.

Sardinia is the hidden gem of the Mediterranean. Many aspects of this incredible island are overlooked.

I wish to share the authentic side of Sardinia with you so that you can make the most of your holiday here.

Jason Matthew Warland

Sardinia is a place beyond time. I visited the island for the first time over five years ago to volunteer on a farm. Now, I am living in the United Kingdom, working in regenerative agriculture, and education. Eevery time I have a holiday it will be in Sardinia. And maybe one day I will be able to combine my passions for agriculture and Sardinia together once again. Thanks for reading the article I hope it was useful to you.

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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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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.

Check out our FAQs about Sardinia!

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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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 Rentalcars.com. 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 Rentalcars.com 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 Rentalcars.com 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, Rentalcars.com 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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Sweet Sardinia

What is about, discover the sweet life in sardinia - where every adventure is a treat and every stay feels like home..

Sweet Sardinia is your ultimate guide to the enchanting island of Sardinia, Italy. Our mission is to provide you with the most comprehensive and relevant information about this stunning region, from its pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage to its delectable cuisine and hidden gems.

Whether you’re planning your next vacation or looking for insider tips and recommendations, Sweet Sardinia has got you covered.

Plus, if you’re planning your next trip to Sardinia, we offer a unique vacation rental option that lets you experience the island like a true local. Our charming summer home is located in a small town and it’s a perfect blend of comfort, authenticity, and stunning beaches.

Contact us to learn more about this one-of-a-kind accommodation and make your Sardinian adventure even more memorable!”

Best Places to visit

Best time to visit

Sardinia is a land of stunning contrasts, from its rugged coastline to its rolling hills and ancient ruins. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start.

That’s why we’ve put together a guide to the best places to visit in Sardinia, so you can explore the island’s top attractions and hidden gems.

From the crystal-clear waters of Costa Smeralda to the charming streets of Cagliari, our guide has everything you need to plan your perfect Sardinian getaway.

And when it comes to timing your trip, we’ve got you covered there too. Our guide to the best time to visit Sardinia will help you plan your trip around the island’s seasons, so you can enjoy the perfect weather for your preferred activities.

For food lovers

Sardinian cuisine features unique flavors and ingredients, such as roasted suckling pig, culurgiones (potato and cheese filled pasta), seadas (fried pastry filled with cheese and drizzled with honey), and mirto (a local liqueur made from myrtle berries).

How to reach Sardinia

Exploring the remote and rural areas of Sardinia can be challenging without a car. Although buses and trains are available, they may have limited routes and frequencies. Renting a car is highly recommended to enjoy the flexibility and freedom to travel at your own pace.

Sardinia is a year-round destination with something for everyone. The summer months of June to September are ideal for beach lovers, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Winter is a great time to visit for cultural events and festivals.

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4 Days in Sardinia – The Best Summer Itinerary

Sardinia, Italy in 4 Days

Italian summers are special, especially along the Mediterranean Sea. Sardinia, Italy is one of the best places to vacation without dealing with heavy crowds. It’s a large island with over 1,200 miles (around 2,000 kilometers) of breathtaking coastline and beaches to discover, incredible mountains for hiking, archaeological sites to explore and charming small towns and cities. It’s a must to spend at least 4 days in Sardinia !

Sardinia (or Sardegna) is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean (behind Sicily) and the third-largest region in Italy. What makes Sardinia, Italy special is that it’s part of the Blue Zone , which means people who reside there live the longest and are the healthiest. (Other Blue Zone destinations are Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece and Loma Linda, California.)

Sardinians have nearly 10 times the number of centenarians than most countries because they are culturally isolated and keep a traditional and healthy lifestyle. They also still hunt, fish and harvest everything they eat. Sardinians also cherish family and friendships and empower each other.

From sailing its jaw-dropping coasts to enjoying everything the small towns and charming cities offer, discover the best summer itinerary for 4 days in Sardinia, Italy. I visited this beautiful Italian island in June 2023 with Ashley of World to Wander and we had a wonderful time.

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. 

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How Many Days in Sardinia for Your First Time:

For first-time visitors to Sardinia, it’s recommended that you spend at least a week on the island, even to scratch half the surface of it. Sardinia is a big island with many beautiful areas to explore.

If you only have a few days to spend on the island and want to visit the best spots, I suggest spending at least 4 days in Sardinia and mainly exploring the Baunei Coast and everything north of there. Most of your days in Sardinia will be spent sailing the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean, relaxing at the beaches or hiking in the National Parks.

Please note that Sardinia is larger than you think and all the popular spots are spread out from each other. Much of Sardinia’s coast is nearly a quarter of mainland Italy’s coastline in length. You’ll need ample time to get from one location to another. Regarding how many days in Sardinia, it’s essential to remember specific day trip opportunities and how far of a drive it will be!

Best Time to Visit Sardinia:

It’s no secret that the summer months are the best time to visit Sardinia, Italy since it boasts the most beautiful beaches to enjoy, crystaline waters to cool off in and natural beauty to explore. There are barely any rainy days during the summer too.

If you’re looking to avoid the summer crowds and wondering when to travel to Sardinia , it’s best to visit during the shoulder season, when it’s still warm – April and May and September and October. Even though June is considered a high season for Sardinia travel, I felt it wasn’t as crowded as other areas of Italy like the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre and the big cities. July and August are when you’ll see the most people in Sardinia.

The weather in Sardinia ranges from the following:

• Highs in the upper 60s°F to lows in the lower 50s°F in April.
• Highs in the mid 70s°F to lows in the mid 50s°F in May.
• Highs in the lower 80s°F to lows in the lower 60s°F in June.
• Highs in the upper 80s°F to lows in the upper 60s°F in July and August.
• Highs in the lower 80s°F to lows in the mid 60s°F in September.
• Highs in the mid 70s°F to lows in the upper 50s°F in October.

Travel to Sardinia: How to Get Around Sardinia, Italy

The two main airports in Sardinia to fly into are Cagliari Elmas International Airport in south Sardinia and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport in north Sardinia.

Cagliari is Sardinia’s capital and largest city, and it’s the closest airport to the Baunei Coast. Olbia is Sardinia’s fourth largest city behind Cagliari, Sassari and Quartu Sant’Elena. It’s the best airport to fly into for Northern Sardinia. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner .

For our 4 days in Sardinia, Ashley and I flew to and from Olbia . Since we came from Mallorca, the best flight we could find was from Palma, Mallorca, to Olbia, Sardinia, with a layover in Basel, Switzerland. Even though both islands are in the Mediterranean and aren’t relatively far from each other, there, unfortunately, aren’t many nonstop flights to and from each destination.

A Sardinia road trip is one of the best ways to explore this beautiful island. In that case, renting a car , motorbike or van is best. (Getting around Sardinia without a car presents a few challenges, thankfully, there are plenty of car rental companies at the airports.)

Please note that you must have an international driver’s permit in addition to your regular license if you plan to rent a car in Italy. If you live in the U.S., you can easily obtain one by visiting your local AAA office.

The best way to see the incredible beaches, smaller islands and jaw-dropping coastlines is by renting a boat, either on your own or with a skipper.

The popular boats to rent in Sardinia are the Zodiac. It’s an inflatable boat that is lightweight and easy to drive. Even though there are many boat rental companies to choose from, it’s best to book your Zodiac in advance, especially during peak season. You can easily find boat rentals through simple Internet research or asking your hotel or Airbnb host, which is what we did.

Depending on the company you go through, you may not need a boating license to drive a Zodiac in Sardinia. Thankfully, Ashley has her boating license, so she confidently drove our Zodiac around La Maddalena Archipelago and the Baunei Coast. You can also have a captain if you are uncomfortable driving a boat or book an organized public or private tour.

Even though the best way to travel around Sardinia is by car, there are still public transportation options . There are two main railway lines, but please note that they aren’t modern or updated, so you may experience hotter temperatures, air pollution and smells during your ride. You may also have a difficult time finding nonstop journeys.

One of the lines goes to and from Cagliari to Olbia, stopping at Sardinia’s larger towns and cities. The other line travels to and from Cagliari to Sassari. A tourist train also goes through the mountains, called Trenino Verde . You can purchase affordable train tickets through Omio .

In addition to trains, most of Sardinia’s larger towns and cities have urban buses to get around.

The Best Place to Stay in Sardinia for 4 Days:

Having only 4 days in Sardinia, it’s best to split your time between the Baunei Coast and Costa Smeralda. I suggest spending two nights in the Arabatax area near Porto Frailis, on the Baunei Coast, and the other two nights in Baja Sardinia on Costa Smeralda, which is also near La Maddalena island.  

During our time in Porto Frailis, we stayed in an Airbnb . It was an adorable studio loft with a courtyard featuring a tree house for the local cat, beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and a short walk from the beach of Porto Frailis and local restaurants. Click here to book it!

In addition to rental properties , there are plenty of other great hotels near Arbatax on the Baunei Coast to suit all budgets. Below are my recommendations:

Luxury Accommodation: Lanthia Resort in Navarrese

Boutique Accommodation: Hotel Corte Bianca in Cardedu

Mid-Budget Accommodation: Hotel La Bitta in Arbatax

Budget Accommodation: Orrì Hotel in Tortolì

Here are the best places to stay in Baja Sardinia:

Luxury Accommodation: 7Pines Resort Sardinia by Hyatt

Boutique Accommodation: L’Ea Bianca Luxury Resort

Mid-Budget Accommodation: Club Hotel Baja Sardinia

Budget Accommodation: Hotel Villa Gemella

There are also a plethora of hostels to choose from in Sardinia.

Best Sardinia 4-Day Itinerary: A Travel Guide to Sardinia in Summer

From sailing on the beautiful turquoise waters of the Mediterranean to relaxing at the pristine beaches and learning about the island’s ancient history to exploring the local shops of Alghero, here is the perfect travel guide for 4 days in Sardinia, Italy.

Below are the best places to explore in Sardinia:

Day 1: Relax and Enjoy the Beaches of Arbatax

Located on the Baunei Coast, Arbatax is a suburb of Tortolì with beautiful beaches, a rocky coastline and a Natural Park. It’s situated on Sardinia’s east coast and is the perfect place to enjoy a restful Italian holiday.

Ashley and I relaxed on our first day in Sardinia and enjoyed everything the small town of Porto Frailis offers. One of the best things to do in this area is to enjoy one of the many white-sand beaches. The best beach to unwind, and only a short walking distance from the town’s restaurants, hotels and cafés is Spiaggia Porto Frailis.

One of the best places to enjoy gelato, along with morning coffee and croissants in Porto Frailis is Caffetteria Bougainville . It is situated steps from the beach and offers a beautiful patio with flowers and lovely views of the sea.

What is nice about the beach of Porto Frailis is that it was awarded a Blue Flag by the Foundation for Environmental Education . It’s a great place to enjoy a peaceful day in the Sardinian sun and it’s also free! You can purchase beach equipment, do water sports and more at an extra cost.

Spiaggia Porto Frailis is one of the best beaches in Sardinia because it boasts soft white sand for sunbathing, beautiful blue waters for snorkeling and swimming, breathtaking views, stunning flora and fauna and close access to local restaurants. There is also a parking lot right by the beach!

Located right next to the beach is Hotel La Bitta , which has a restaurant with beautiful views of the beach and sea. Ashley and I had dinner at Ristorante La Bitta at the end of the day on our first evening. It was also a short walk from our Airbnb .

I enjoyed squid ink linguine with local fish, tomatoes and burrata in a pesto pistachio sauce with an Aperol spritz. Ashley had spaghetti with clams with red wine for her meal. I savored the cannoli for dessert, and Ashley had a chocolate hazelnut cake. This was my favorite meal during my 4 days in Sardinia!

Day 2: Sail along the Baunei Coast and Gulf of Orosei

The Baunei Coast is a special part of the island filled with natural beauty, wonderful beaches, steep mountains and beautiful aqua-blue waters! As mentioned above, renting a Zodiac boat is the best way to explore Baunei Coast.

Renting a Boat on Baunei Coast:

Located in the Marina di Arbatax are various local companies where you can charter or rent a boat for the day. We rented our Zodiac boat (40 horsepower Capelli Tempest 530) through Nereo Charter and sailed the coast from there.

What is great about renting through Nereo Charter is that you can rent a Zodiac with or without a skipper. Plus, if you’re comfortable, their Zodiac boats are suitable for driving without a boat license! Our boat came with a sun protection awning, comfortable cushions for sunbathing and more.

In addition to renting your own boat, you can book a mini cruise with an expert skipper/captain who will give you a guided tour. The mini cruises are suitable for parties of up to 12 people. If you are uncomfortable driving a boat, this is the best option!

When you rent a boat for the day, each company will usually give you eight or nine hours before you have to return it. It’s best to plan your sailing route in advance to have enough time to see and experience everything, both on the Coast of Baunei and La Maddalena Archipelago ! You will also be responsible for filling the gas tank when you return the boat.

Sailing up and down the Baunei Coast or the Gulf of Orosei is the best way to explore the beautiful beaches. If you don’t rent a boat, other ways to get to these secluded beaches is by conquering the hiking trails through the Parco Nazionale del Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu. (Unfortunately, we didn’t get to do any of the hikes, but I plan to do so next time I visit Sardinia.)

Along the Gulf of Orosei is the actual town of Baunei. It’s situated along the mountain Province of Ogliastra and boasts some of Sardinia’s most fascinating archeological sites that date back to Prehistoric times. You can see many ruins as you sail up and down the coast.

An important thing to remember when you sail to the different beaches during your 4 days in Sardinia is that you won’t be able to dock your boat and walk onto the beach. You’ll have to anchor in the water and swim to the different beaches from your Zodiac.

In that case, it’ll be hard to bring camera equipment, wallets, phones, etc., unless it’s waterproof ( GoPro , Insta360 , waterproof wallet , etc.) Since sailing up and down the Baunei Coast and Gulf of Orosei takes a whole day, stopping at a local grocery store and picking up food and drinks is a good idea. We got a bunch of cold cuts, fresh bread, fruit, chips, dessert, water, etc.

If you plan to drive a Zodiac, you cannot drink alcohol! If you’re just a passenger on a boat, feel free to bring wine or a beverage of your choice. Please drink responsibly, though, because it’s dangerous to swim while under the influence.

Best Beaches on Baunei Coast:

Below are the beaches we visited along the Costa di Baunei and Gulf of Orosei during our 4 days in Sardinia:

The best way to explore the Baunei Coast and Gulf of Orosei is to start the furthest from Marina di Arbatax, which is Cala Luna. It’s famous for its massive caves!

Cala Luna is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. It includes breathtaking limestone cliffs and caves to explore, turquoise blue waters for snorkeling and plenty of areas for sunbathing. You can also lay your towel inside the caves as it provides shade during hotter days.

You must not skip visiting Cala Luna during your 4 days in Sardinia. Even though it’s one of the most jaw-dropping spots on the Gulf of Orosei, it does draw many crowds and is mainly a pebble beach.

If you want to experience this spot without crowds, it’s best to get there before 10 am, especially during high season. Also, if you want to walk around the beach comfortably, it’s best to bring water shoes with you! The caves have sand, however.

Piscine di Venere:

Piscine di Venere is a unique place to stop at and one of my favorites along the Gulf of Orosei. It means the “Pools of Venus” and features the most crystal-clear water on the Baunei Coast.

Even though it isn’t considered a beach, there is an area you can swim up to, explore and sunbathe. There is also a mini cave! It’s a beautiful spot for snorkeling and it’s where Ashley and I stopped for lunch.

Grotta del Fico:

Grotta del Fico is one of the most fascinating natural wonders on the Baunei Coast that you must visit during your 4 days in Sardinia. It can be accessed by boat and is between Cala Mariolu and Cala Biriala.

What is great about Grotta del Fico is that you can do a guided tour that lasts around an hour. During a tour, you’ll learn about the geology, history and first people to explore the Baunei Coast. There are steel stairs to the grotto and the tour path is easy to walk through.

Guided tours are available in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish and Russian. You can also get an audioguide when you first enter the cave. It’s also important to note that it’s a little chilly inside the cave, so a light jacket can be helpful.

Grotta del Fico is open, weather and sea depending, from May through October from 10 am to 3:30 pm. It costs 10€ for adults, 5€ for children between 6-12 and it’s free for young children under 6. Tickets can be purchased at the cave entrance or the Explorando Supramonte Office at the Marina of S. Navarrese.

Cala Mariolu:

Another of the best beaches to visit along the Gulf of Orosei is Cala Mariolu. It features a dramatic shoreline that offers one of the best swimming areas. The water is a clear azure, also allowing for great watersport activities!

What is also remarkable about Cala Mariolu is that it’s one of the only beaches on the Baunei Coast with a bar where you can sit and have food and drinks! There are also rock-climbing opportunities and caves to explore.

Cala Goloritzè:

Created by a landslide in 1962, Cala Goloritzè was considered the most beautiful beach in Italy and is one of the most breathtaking in Sardinia. It features a natural stone bridge and a large pinnacle rock formation.

An important fact to note about Cala Goloritzè is that it’s highly protected. You must stay 300 meters, around 1,000 feet, away from the shore. The area is sectioned off with buoys so that boats don’t trespass.

The entire area is highly patrolled, but you can swim to shore. Another essential thing to note is that you cannot take sand, shells, rocks, etc. from these beaches. If you’re caught doing so, Italian authorities will fine you.

Evening in Porto Frailis:

Overall, you are guaranteed to have a good time sailing around the Baunei Coast! Once you return, treat yourself to an incredible sunset aperitivo and dinner in Porto Frailis. Thankfully, the Marina di Arbatax is a short drive from Porto Frailis.

An excellent spot to enjoy an aperitivo in Porto Frailis is AcquaChiara . It has a beautiful terrace by the sea, which offers a great place to watch the sunset. What is cool about this spot is that there is an infinity pool, which provides a fun party, along with great music and tasty bites. During high season, you must make reservations to eat at or enjoy a pool party at AcquaChiara .

Ristorante Pizzeria La Baia is a great local restaurant to savor delicious Sardinian food and pizza at an affordable price. I savored the traditional fregola with seafood. This dish is like a Sardinian couscous and it’s delicious!

Ashley had authentic malloreddus pasta in a meat sauce, similar to Bolognese. We both split the tiramisu for dessert and a carafe of red house wine. Everything was incredible!

Another awesome eatery in Porto Frailis is Ristorante Pizzeria Acquolina . At this spot, you can savor delicious pizza with homemade wine at an affordable cost. It was amazing!

Day 3: Explore La Maddalena Archipelago on a Boat Trip

The next day, we drove three hours to the north of Sardinia to explore La Maddalena Archipelago. We did a day trip to La Maddalena from Arbatax, but I suggest staying in Baja Sardinia, an hour’s drive from the ferry terminal in Palau that takes you over to the island.

Visiting Baja Sardinia:

Baja Sardinia has some of the most beautiful beaches in Northeast Sardinia. It’s located on the Gulf of Arzachena by Costa Smeralda. This area is popular for those who love diving!

Some of the best places to visit in Baja Sardinia are Phi Beach and Nikki Beach for day clubs, partying and swanky restaurants; Pevero Beach for family fun and Porto Cervo for great shopping and eateries.

Even though Baja Sardinia is a breathtaking area to enjoy the main island’s best beaches, parties, resorts and more, La Maddalena Archipelago is a highlight of this summer itinerary !

Sailing Around La Maddalena Archipelago:

The best way to get to the island of La Maddalena is to drive to Palau, where you can hop on the ferry. You can either walk onto the ferry or take your car; it is a 15-minute ride.

Like exploring the Baunei Coast, renting a Zodiac boat is the best way to see La Maddalena Archipelago. We rented our boat from La Rosa dei Venti , in front of Hotel il Gabbiano .

La Maddalena Archipelago is a group of islands in the Straight of Bonifacio between Sardinia, Italy and Corsica, France. Overall, 62 small islands make up Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di La Maddalena that feature large rocks to climb, white-sand beaches to relax at, aqua-blue waters to swim in and undiscovered nature to explore.

There are endless places to anchor and explore around La Maddalena Archipelago! Here are the best beaches and coves to visit in La Maddalena Archipelago:

Spiaggia Cala Francese:

The first beach Ashley and I visited, one of the most beautiful along La Maddalena Archipelago, is Spiaggia Cala Francese. It’s one of the closest beaches to the ferry terminal on the main island of La Maddalena.

This beach has emerald waters to swim in, large rocks to climb and explore (without rock climbing experience), breathtaking views and stunning beaches and hideaways. What is incredible about Cala Francese Beach is that it boasts a specific white granite that the French used for iconic structures like the Statue of Liberty .

What is convenient about visiting Cala Francese is that you don’t need a boat to get there. Since it’s on the main island, you can drive to the beach. A superb spot in Cala Francese is the Cappella della Madonnetta , a scenic chapel.

Spiaggia di Cala Corsara:

One of the most popular beaches you must visit during your 4 days in Sardinia is Cala Corsara Beach. It’s located on Isola Spargi and features clear waters for snorkeling, soft golden sands, extraordinary rock formations and awestruck views.

Spiaggia di Cala Corsara is a great beach for families because it has shallow waters. Like on the Baunei Coast, there are no places to dock your boat, so you’ll have to anchor and swim to get to the beaches in La Maddalena.

Spiaggia Rosa:

The Pink Beach of Sardinia is a jewel of La Maddalena Archipelago! It’s a protected area on Isola Budelli that can only be admired from afar, so you can only sail past it. If you anchor at Spiaggia Rosa or even try to swim up to the beach, you will be fined by Italian authorities.

Overall, Spiaggia Rosa offers a beautiful blend of pink and orange sand, granite boulders and crystalline waters. This incredible Sardinian beach was also featured in numerous films like “Red Desert,” which came out in 1964 and was directed by Italian Michelangelo Antonioni .

The Pink Beach of Sardinia was closed off to locals and visitors because people were stealing the sand and taking it home as souvenirs. This started to have a bleaching effect. In 1998, the Italian government decided to protect Spiaggia Rosa and the beach began to regain its natural pink tones.

Spiaggia del Cavaliere:

Another one of the most prestigious spots in Maddalena Archipelago National Park is Spiaggia del Cavaliere on Budelli Island. It’s situated adjacent to Spiaggia Rosa and is a breathtaking area to anchor your Zodiac, jump off and enjoy the crystal blue waters and pristine beaches!

Ashley and I spent a few hours at this spot and enjoyed lunch because the views were fantastic. We also loved how clear the water was at this location!

Many boats were anchored at Cavaliere Beach and a gelato boat came around if you wanted something to cool off with.

Other beautiful islands to explore in La Maddalena Archipelago:

• Spiaggia di Monte di Rena (La Maddalena)
• Spiaggia di Cala Spalmatore (La Maddalena)
• Spiaggia del Cardellino (La Maddalena)
• Spiaggia di Cala Garibaldi (Isola Caprera)
• Spiaggia di Cala Coticcio (Isola Caprera)
• Spiaggia del Relitto (Isola Caprera)
• Spiaggia Cala Conneri (Isola Spargi)
• Spiaggia Cala Lunga (Isola Spargi)

Visiting the island of Corsica, France from La Maddalena is also possible, but ensure you have enough gas to get to and from each destination. The best way to see Corsica would be to do an organized tour . You can also take a 50-minute ferry from Santa Teresa di Gallura in Sardinia to Bonifacio in Corsica.

Day 4: Wander through Alghero on the West Coast of Sardinia

Alghero is a beautiful city you must visit during your 4 days in Sardinia, Italy. It’s situated on the northwest coast of Sardinia and is two and a half hours from Baja Sardinia by car and two hours from Olbia. Click here to book a day tour. Ashley and I visited Alghero on our final day in Sardinia.

Alghero is the last city to remain in Italy with Catalan roots. In fact, you’ll find people speaking Catalan in Alghero and you’ll also find many restaurants that offer traditional Catalan cuisine, such as paella. The people of Alghero are doing everything they can to preserve Catalan culture in the city, but the language is quickly fading.

Catalans first reached Sardinia in the 14 th Century when troops from Spain wanted to expand rule into the Mediterranean. After the House of Savoy overtook Sardinia in the 18 th Century, it became part of modern-day Italy. The Catalan language disappeared on most of the island, except for Alghero.

Today, you’ll mainly hear Italian spoken in Alghero, but a handful of people are still trying to preserve the city’s Catalan origins.

Alghero is Sardinia’s 5 th largest city, filled with historical landmarks, charming narrow streets, incredible restaurants and a thriving city center. After spending the past three days sailing around Sardinia’s incredible beaches, I was happy the city of Alghero was our last stop.

Things to do in Alghero:

The fortified Old Town of Alghero and its historical center features Catalan Gothic architecture and many significant landmarks to check out, like the late 16 th Century Cattedrale di Santa Maria , the 15 th Century Torre dell’Esperò Rejal , the 14 th Century Church of San Francesco , the 17 th Century Church of Saint Michael and Saint John’s Tower.

What I loved most about Alghero was how walkable it was! The city boasts many great shops, from clothing boutiques to local vendors. Additionally, it has a lot of charming piazzas, like the Piazza del Duomo and Piazza Civica, to sit at and grab a gelato.

The Bastioni Marco Polo is located along the city walls and boasts beautiful sea views. Along the Bastioni, you can see old canons and towers from medieval times.

When it comes to food, Alghero has a lot of wonderful restaurants! You must eat at Al Vecchio Mulino for incredible pizza, Nautilus for seafood, Focacceria Milese for sandwiches and La Bottega dei Sapori for traditional Italian food, which is where we ate. I had spaghetti with clams with a glass of white wine and Ashley had pizza with a glass of red wine.

Other memorable things to do in Alghero are to relax at the main beach – Lido San Giovanni; walk through the Museo del Corallo (Coral Museum) and visit one of the many street markets.

If you plan to spend time in Olbia before you fly home, make sure to book an authentic Italian cooking class !

Looking for an Italian summer holiday? Check out these other beautiful spots:

Sicily, Italy

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Puglia, Italy

I hope you enjoyed discovering the best things to do with 4 days in Sardinia in this summer itinerary. If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected].

Basic Facts of Italy:

Currency: Euro, Capital: Rome, Time Zone: Central European Standard Time

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more.  Click here  to get insured for your next trip.

In addition, a great and secure luggage storage to utilize during your summer Europe trip is  Nannybag ! It is easy to use; all you do is download the  Nannybag  app, type in the city that you will be visiting and when you plan to arrive and depart. At a small cost per luggage,  Nannybag  will list the stores, restaurants or hotels where you could drop your bag off at the city you are visiting.

Nannybag  is also insured against theft, loss and breakage. It’s a convenient way to store your bags when you are traveling from one city to the next in Europe.

Shop my Sardinia Look:

Click here  to shop my  Poshmark  closet!

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What a fantastic blog on stunning Sardinia, This trip is going on my bucket list when I get back to Europe. Thank you for sharing this very informative blog ~ love you mom 👩🏻 xoxo ♥️

Thank you mom! It was such a great place to visit.

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Travel Guide to Sardinia

Known primarily for its gorgeous beaches and azure waters, Sardinia is the second largest island in Italy and in the Mediterranean.

However, there’s more to Sardinia than the beaches (not that it wouldn’t be enough, beautiful as they are): a magnificent rugged interior with important archeological sites belonging to the ancient Nuragic civilization; up-and-coming cities like Cagliari or smaller towns where to immerse yourself into Sardinia’s simple life; a delicious regional cuisine, from malloreddu pasta to spaghetti with sea urcins, from Fiore Sardo cheese to pane carasau .

Sardinia: The Beaches

There is plenty of choice when it comes to a seaside vacation in Sardinia. The fishing village of Stintino , on Sardinia’s northwestern coast, is a famous resort offering plenty of fun activities, from hiking to scuba diving, from cycling to horseback riding. La Pelosa is Stintino’s most famous beach, standing in front of a 16th-century Aragonese structure, one of the oldest sighting towers in Sardinia. Stintino is located in front of the Natural Park of Asinara Island , home to the Albino donkey and to a variety of habitats, with quite a unique story having been a quarantine location, a prison camp during World War I, and one of the most important Italian high security prisons in the 1970s.

Another popular spot in the north of the island is the Maddalena Archipelago , seven larger islands and approximately 50 islets, set amid turquoise waters, some of the clearest and cleanest in Italy. To protect the fragile environment, the archipelago has been designated a national park. La Maddalena is 20 minutes by ferry from the port of Palau.

Not far is the glitzy Costa Smeralda (Emeral Coast), which has in Porto Cervo its “capital”, a town created and developed in the 1950s and ‘60s by Prince Karim Aga Khan, mesmerized by the blue-green waters of the island’s north-eastern coast. The area soon became a jet-set hideaway, the most luxurious and inaccessible of the Mediterranean. Beyond all the glitz and glamour, the Costa Smeralda is incredibly beautiful, so take time to explore the area, including Palau, Capo d’Orso, and Santa Teresa di Gallura. 

Other beaches not to miss include Cala Domestica (south-western coast), Cala Goloritze’ and Cala Mariolu in the Gulf of Orosei (eastern coast), Cala Coticcio on the island of Caprera , famous for having been Giuseppe Garibaldi’s home for 26 years.

Sardinia: Art & Archeology

Unique prehistoric monuments still survive in Sardinia: the “Tombs of the Giants”, the name given by local people and archaeologists to megalithic graves built during the Bronze Age by the Nuragic civilization, found throughout Sardinia; the “Domus de Janas” (house of the witches), pre-Nuragic chamber tombs dating to the early Bronze age; the “ nuraghi ”, 8,000 ancient megalithic buildings found nowhere else in the world, they are towers-fortresses shaped like truncated cones.

Below are some of the top sites where you can admire them.

Lu Coddu Vecchiu , close to Arzachena, in the north-eastern part of Sardinia. Due to the massive size of some of the stones used, legends developed saying that giants were buried in these tombs. In reality, little is known about the ceremonies and rituals that occurred there.

Tharros , in the province of Oristano, on the western coast of Sardinia. Tharros is the site of a Punic-Roman town founded in the 8 th century BC by the Phoenicians on the site of a Bronze Age settlement. The ruins are located on the peninsula of Capo San Marco on the Gulf of Oristano. You can see the remains of the temples, Roman baths, the Castellum Aquae, a Phoenician-Punic tophet, an open-air sacred place, and a neighborhood where artisans worked.

Su Nuraxi , a nuragic archaeological site in Barumini, included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997 as Su Nuraxi di Barumini. Su Nuraxi is the island’s most visited nuraghe. This settlement consisting of 17 th -century BC nuraghi, is considered by archeologists the most impressive representation of the Nuragic civilization. The 1500 BC central tower is possibly the main highlight, but the entire site is extremely fascinating.

Sardinia: The Cities

Cagliari was under the rule of many different civilizations, having been settled for 5,000 years. Its Sardinian name, Casteddu, translates as “castle”. Perhaps the best place where to begin an exploration of this ancient city is right in the narrow lanes of the medieval neighborhood of Castello, with its imposing medieval towers, the Basilica of Santa Croce, the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Royal Palace and its Bastions overlooking the sea. Large terraces facing the bay offer great views of the city.

Must-see seaside locations close to Cagliari include Santa Margherita di Pula, Chia, Geremeas, Solanas, Villasimius and Costa Rei .

Alghero is one of Sardinia’s most beautiful medieval cities, besides being the main resort on Sardinia’s northwestern coast. Cobbled lanes, Gothic palaces, and small squares can be found in the well-preserved historic center, which end at the marina where yachts are parked. Part of the population of Alghero descends from Catalan conquerors of the end of the Middle Ages, when Sardinia was part of the Kingdom of Aragon. Thus, Catalan is the official language together with Italian and street signs and menus are often written in both languages.

Nearby are many beaches to explore on the beautiful, 90-km Riviera del Corallo , so called because of the numerous red coral formations in the sea, which are used to make elegant jewelry. Do not miss Neptune’s Grotto, and the beaches of Le Bombarde, Porto Ferro and Porticciolo.

And the food? Yes, that is worth discovering too. We will write about it in our Foodie Guide to Sardinia , to be published next week. 

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On Sardinia, the Magic of Heading Inland

By Siobhan Reid

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Presented by Visa.

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

After a few days on Sardinia’s Cala Liberotto bay, which I spent stretched out on a lounge chair, dozing off to the sounds of the lapping waters of the Mediterranean, I was jolted out of my sun-induced stupor by a sudden urge: I wanted to go somewhere, see things.

The impulse took me by surprise; a few days prior on the jittery flight from New York to Milan— my first big international flight post-COVID —I justified the trip by telling myself it’d be a low-key, socially-distant beach vacation. My boyfriend and I had rented a one-bedroom Airbnb on a relatively isolated part of the island, far removed from the hyped-up scene of Costa Smeralda. We’d rent a car, buy groceries, fall asleep before midnight. Sure, I’d never been one for a true beach vacation , but maybe the pandemic had changed that?

After doing a bit of research, we booked a horseback riding tour through True Sardinia , a new outfitter specializing in outdoor adventures and authentic cultural experiences in and around the town of Irgoli, on the eastern part of central Sardinia. It is a wild, overgrown area not popular with tourists, despite its spectacular setting in the shadow of Monte Albo, the so-called Sardinian Dolomites. The more I thought about it, the more restless I grew, eager to venture beyond the beach and get back into the travel saddle.

So a few days later, we piled into our rental car and drove inland, passing hilltop ruins, vineyards thick with fruit, and marble quarries that glinted in the sun. On a graveled road not far from where we were meeting our tour, a herd of sheep crossed in front of the car, the jingling of the bells around their necks serving as nature’s stop sign. I rolled down my window to breathe in air perfumed with olive and myrtle and let the clamor of the bells fill our car’s air-conditioned silence.

Eventually, we turned down a private driveway that led to a homestead backed by craggy, forested mountains. Our guide, a twenty-something year old Sard named Francesco Porcu—one of True Sardinia’s founders—explained that he had inherited the rambling property from his grandfather. In the future, he hopes to host a number of different activities there, like pig roasts and traditional dance performances.

We walked over to the barn to meet our horses. Mine was an auburn-haired beauty named Tornado. After getting her and the other two horses saddled up, we were off, ascending a scrubby trail that laced up the side of the mountain. The air became thinner and fresher as we climbed, and the conversation flowed freely. Francesco told us about his stints working abroad, including the time he worked as a waiter in a Michelin-starred restaurant in London . “But I always found my way back home,” he said. With True Sardinia, his mission is to stimulate inland tourism and showcase the island’s more authentic side.

“Tourists don’t realize that the real Sardinia has very little to do with the sea,” he said, explaining that, for the most part, the island was still powered by agriculture. For a glimpse into the destination’s true heart, from the folklore and the rustic cuisine to religious festivals and ancient ruins, you need to turn your back to the sea. Francesco hopes that True Sardinia and other new tour companies like it—plus an influx in new design-led country hotels, like Cascioni Eco Retreat —will entice people from the coastline to small, inland towns that need tourism.

When we reached the brow of the mountain, we dismounted to marvel at the views . The island of Sardinia is unbelievably vast—so much so, the turquoise sea was but a distant ring that faded into the sky. I tried to locate our Airbnb on Cala Liberotto, but gave up after a few moments of searching; there was simply too much to take in.

When we made it back to the farmstead an hour later, Francesco invited us to tour his family’s small vineyard, which was pregnant with black Cannonau grapes. I had never seen or tasted Sardinia’s signature variety, and my excitement must’ve been evident: moments later, Francesco appeared bearing a bottle of homemade vino and three wine glasses. We sat on his sun-dappled terrace and drank the fruity, full-bodied wine, losing track of time.

The next day, my boyfriend and I decided to explore the pocket-sized town of Irgoli, taking in its colorful street murals and its magnificent San Nicola church, which houses a reliquary containing what is believed to be a thorn from the crown of Jesus. At dinner, we decided to text Francesco to see if he wanted to join us for dinner. A half-hour later, he and six of his closest friends showed up.

Our group quickly cozied up to a wooden table on a narrow backstreet and shared a procession of traditional plates—grilled lamb and fresh artichokes and Sardinian gnocchi served with fennel sausage. Cigarettes were smoked, Italians were made fun of (the Sards are proud of their distinctive language, culture, and history), and the moon shone brightly, casting pools of light on the village’s clay rooftops. We considered going out after dinner with Francesco and his friends, hitting a local bar and potentially even going to a discotech, but ultimately, my boyfriend and I decided to call it a night—we hadn’t been to a bar, much less a nightclub, in almost two years.

“We’ll text you the next time we’re here,” I told Francesco as I hugged him goodbye.

“That’s what everybody says,” he said with a tinge of sadness.

During the final days on our trip, my boyfriend and I were back to sitting on the beach, like everyone else, getting lost in the psychedelic blue of the water and drinking watery aperol spritzes. The next time I’d visit—and I told myself that I was going to return—I’d do things differently. I had friends to see, places to go.

Triumphal Arch of the Bastione San Remy in Cagliari

What to do in inland Sardinia

Founded by three friends from the commune of Irgoli, on the central-eastern part of Sardinia, new tour company True Sardinia aims to showcase a lesser-known side of the island. Activities and experiences include mural tours, archaeological visits, traditional pig roasts, and horseback riding. 

The pocket-sized town of Irgoli is home to 2,000 inhabitants, and offers a glimpse into the island’s rural heart. Set against the backdrop of Monte Albo—the so-called Sardinian Dolomites—it’s an ideal jumping-off point for hiking and other outdoor pursuits. Don’t miss the Antiquarium Museum , which houses Neolithic and Middle Age artifacts that were unearthed during recent excavations.

Opened in 2020, stylish country enclave Cascioni Eco Retreat is set on a 90-acre nature reserve a short distance from the Emerald Coast. The area is blanketed with Mediterranean plants and a 3,000-tree olive orchard. Suites are set in low-lying farmhouses, and there’s also a beautiful outdoor pool and a spa inspired by native flora. But the main draw are the experiences, among them: canoe trips through the Saloni Oasis, workshops to learn about local crafts like weaving and ceramics, and guided visits to the Arzachena Archaeological Park. 

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Middle east, latin america, north america, a complete guide to the baunei coast: sardinia’s east coast paradise.

The east coast of Sardinia is a true hidden gem of Europe. Here you’ll find the Baunei Coast and the Gulf of Orosei, a stunning paradise of untouched forest, wild nature, pristine beaches, and charming fishing villages.

Although it’s no longer a “secret”, Sardinia isn’t usually the top choice destination compared to other Italian destinations or Mediterranean coastal getaways. This is great news for you if you’re planning a trip!

Sardinia’s natural beauty has been untouched by tourists for generations, largely due to the difficulty in accessing many of the mountains, hillsides, hiking trails, and beaches here.

I was honestly blown away by the spectacular views, the turquoise waters, and the hiking trails. We actually canceled our trip to Portugal so that we could stay longer on this picturesque Italian island- Sardinia surprised us in the best way possible!

A trip to Sardinia will guarantee you an immersive experience in nature and the chance to discover the hidden gems of Sardinia’s Baunei Coast and Gulf of Orosei.

An Introduction to the Baunei Coast

If you’re searching for a stunning destination that combines breathtaking nature and a truly unique and memorable experience, then Sardinia’s Baunei Coast and the Gulf of Orosei are the places for you.

Located on Sardinia’s east coast, Baunei is a small town located in the steep mountain Province of Ogliastra and was once one of the most remote towns in Sardinia.

Even now, the natural landscape gives it natural protection, making many of the famous beaches in the area only reachable by boat or long hikes.

The area of Baunei has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has such a long history thanks in part to the natural defenses on this coast of Sardinia.

You will also see numerous stone towers in this area and across Sardinia. These are Nuraghe, and they are unique to the history and culture of Sardinia. Some are dated as far back as 730 BC, and there are over 7,000 of them on the island of Sardinia.

Where is the Coast of Baunei in Sardinia?

Sardinia, also spelled Sardegna, is an island region of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea and the second biggest Italian island after Sicily. The Coast of Baunei or Costa di Baunei describes the coastal area in the island’s central eastern coast, where the land meets the Gulf of Orosei, also known as Golfo Di Orosei.

The coastal area here is also a protected area as part of the National Park of the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu.

Which Coast of Sardinia is the Best?

Having only experienced the east coast of Sardinia on this trip, I obviously think it’s the best area! But I would suggest that the east coast is best for people who want to be outdoors in nature, on hiking trails, exploring the coast by boat and who are prepared to hike to reach the beaches.

Because of how inaccessible some areas of this region are, you’ll see stunning places but it will take longer to get there. 

If you want to see more in a short space of time, the west and north of Sardinia are well-connected and there’s a chance to see a lot of cultural and heritage attractions in those areas.

But for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers, don’t miss the Coast of Baunei and the Gulf of Orosei!

How to Get to Sardinia and the Coast of Baunei?

Word is spreading about this spectacular island, and there are now a number of international flights available from major international airports such as Rome, Milan, London, and Madrid.

There are two main airports on the island. The airport you fly into will depend on your departure airport and also where you choose to base yourself for your trip.

• Cagliari Airport is in the south of Sardinia
• Olbia Airport is in the north of Sardinia

Both airports have car rentals available. The scenic drive to the east coast of Sardinia, along the Coast of Baunei with views of the Gulf of Orosei, makes the 1.5-2.5 hour drive totally worth it!

Do You Need to Rent a Car in Sardinia?

Public transport in Sardinia is unreliable and time-consuming, plus it doesn’t cover large parts of the island, particularly away from the main towns and cities. Renting a car is definitely the best way to go to give you maximum freedom and flexibility.

We rented a car from the airport, and there are plenty of car rental companies to choose from, making it super convenient. They have competitive rates, especially if you’re sharing the cost between two or more people! 

I was told that it’s not uncommon for them to run out of cars during the high season though. So make sure to book in advance! 

If you are coming from the US like we were, you will need an International Driving Permit to rent a vehicle in Italy. I’ve never had anyone check on the mainland, but they definitely required it on Sardinia.

Luckily, we were able to apply for an International Driving Permit online, get approved, and print it out, all at the airport car rental company. But I wouldn’t risk it again. I would highly recommend obtaining an International Driving Permit before leaving the U.S.

Where Is the Best Place to Base Yourself on the Baunei Coast?

There’s a pretty incredible range of accommodations on the Baunei Coast, from luxury villas and hotels tucked away in the countryside or with coastal views, to a charming family home in a mountain village, or apartments in some of the larger towns.

The type of accommodation you choose depends on the type of trip you want to plan. If you want to experience relaxation and luxury in Sardinia, the boutique hotels and villas dotted around the Baunei Coast are perfect. Whereas if you’re there to hike and explore, you might want to pick a base that’s more convenient for your itinerary.

We stayed in two different locations. One on each end of The Gulf of Orosei. First we stayed in the town of Cala Gonone . This was a small town on the water with lots of restaurants and boat rental companies.

In fact, the first day we got there we had zero plans, so we just wandered down to the port and talked to a few different boat rental companies. For a small zodiac, they were all offering pretty much the same things, so we went with the one that would let us pick up the boat the earliest! 

Then we stayed in Baunei . Although this was a very cute town, parking was difficult, and there weren’t many places to eat.

If I stayed at this end of the gulf again, I’d probably look into staying at Santa Maria Navarrese. That’s where the port is (and where we rented our second zodiac), and it seemed like a more touristy town with more resources. Baunei was closer to the National Park hikes that we wanted to do though, so that’s why we chose it. 

If you’re traveling on a budget and it’s not the hot summer months, there are also plenty of campsite options available.

The Best Things to Do on the Coast of Baunei and the Gulf of Orosei

1. Rent a boat and explore the coastline

Many of the best beaches on the Gulf of Orosei are only reachable by boat. We had such an incredible time exploring this coastline from the water that we ended up renting a boat twice. 

Renting a boat or at least doing a guided boat tour is absolutely the best thing to do on the Gulf of Orosei. And you don’t need any experience! We had rented small boats before in Greece, but that was our only previous experience. The boat companies will give you a quick tutorial, go over some of the National Park rules, and set you on your way! 

There are plenty of guided boat tours if you’re not comfortable driving a boat yourself. I’d probably recommend hiring a guide for a private tour though, as it gives you so much more freedom and means you can get an early start before the beaches and waters around them get too crowded – because they do get crowded, even in the shoulder season!

Renting your own boat gives you the chance to reach beaches on the Gulf of Orosei which you can’t reach on foot, or would take a multi-hour hike to reach. Plus you get to explore the Coast of Baunei from the most stunning perspective – the clear, turquoise water.

We rented boats in Cala Gonone and Santa Maria Navarrese. We visited in early June and there was no need to make advance reservations for boat rental. However the official tourist season begins in July, so I would suggest inquiring about rentals in advance with your accommodation.

When we went in June 2022 you could rent a small zodiac all day for up to 6 people for around 150 Euro.

2. Take a hike in the national park

The Coast of Baunei is home to the National Park of the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu . This is one of three national parks in Sardinia.

Sardinia is a popular hotspot for hikers, mostly due to the famous Selvaggio Blu – one of the most challenging hiking trails in Europe. There are multiple routes and the whole trail takes around 7 days to complete, although you can choose to just do smaller sections of it.

The National Park is full of epic panoramic views, sparkling blue water, and white sand beaches, all flanked by dramatic cliffs and mountains. It’s some of the most dramatic but also breathtaking hiking I’ve ever seen – literally, the steep cliffs and trails are not for those with a fear of heights!

3. Visit the ancient villages of Cala Gonone and Osala

The Baunei Coast is packed with history and exploring the ancient villages and historic seaside towns is part of the experience.

Cala Gonone is probably the most convenient place to explore the Gulf of Orosei, being located on the Bay of Orosei, there are hop-on hop-off boat trips that take you to beaches in the area. The town is focused on tourism, so you’ll easily find boat rentals, restaurants, and hiking guides. 

This is the area we stayed in first, and I loved it here. You could easily walk to the waterfront in 10 minutes and the small town is perfect to explore on foot.

The town itself was a fishing village for centuries before tourism, but you can also see the remains of a prehistoric Nuragic settlement just outside the town.

Osala di Dorgali is one of the best beaches in Sardinia, with a huge sandy beach and turquoise water stretching along the coast close to the town of Orosei. Osala itself is tiny and most people go there to enjoy a day on the beach in the Gulf of Orosei as it’s one of the easiest to reach without a boat.

4. Sample the local cuisine

Sardinia has the BEST combination of Italian food and seafood cuisine! the seafood, pasta dishes, and desserts here are some of the best Italian food I’ve ever had and are super fresh too!

Sardinia is one of the world’s few “Blue Zones” meaning people live longer on average here than in most other parts of the world. A huge part of this is the fresh, seasonal diet and balanced lifestyle.

Some Sardinian staples to try include Pecorino cheese, Malloreddus pasta, Culurgiones pasta (a bit like ravioli) as well as lamb and fish dishes that are sourced from the island.

Don’t miss the cultural experience of Sardinian aperitivo – it usually consists of cold cuts of meat, cheese, bread, and Sardinian wine. It’s a must-do experience in the late afternoon while you’re in Sardinia.

5. Go swimming or snorkeling in the crystal-clear water

The Coast of Baunei and the Gulf of Orosei are famous for their crystal clear water which is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Whether you hire a boat or go out on a snorkeling day trip, this is a must-do while you’re on Sardinia’s east coast. You can easily book a boat trip or hire a zodiac as we did from any of the towns along the coast, such as Cala Gonone or Santa Maria Navarrese.

We didn’t bring snorkeling masks or underwater gear for our phones/cameras and I regretted it the entire time. At the very least I’d suggest bringing along a GoPro! 

6. Go rock climbing 

This is the one activity that I wish we’d had time to do!

Sardinia is a popular destination for rock climbing and nowhere more so than the dramatic, rocky mountainous region of the Baunei Coast.

The area between Cala Gonone and Baunei has plenty of rock climbing spots, including the famous Cala Goloritzé’s Pinnacle and the daring Punta Plumare – if you’re a well-seasoned climber! I can’t imagine a clime with better views! 

Further inland, the Supramonte mountain range of Baunei (Supramonte di Baunei) features the Pedra Longa. It is a popular spot for rock climbers as well as hikers and mountain bikers.

Local companies such as Climbing Sardinia can help you with climbing courses for beginners or guides for seasoned climbers who are looking for a challenge among the vertical rock faces in Sardinia.

7. Watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea

I saw some of the most incredible sunsets during our trip to Sardinia. The sunset over the turquoise blue Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Gulf of Orosei is one of the simplest but most magical parts of a trip to the Mediterranean.

The Best Beaches on the Gulf of Orosei 

Home to some of the best beaches I’ve experienced in my life, the Gulf of Orosei has crystal-clear blue waters and gorgeous sandy beaches dotted along the coast in every direction.

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed outdoor vacation or a relaxing beach getaway, the Gulf of Orosei beaches are going to blow you away with their beauty!

The beaches are lovely, but for the most part you won’t find soft, cushy sand. Instead, you will encounter small white pebbles. Beautiful, but not the most comfortable for walking barefoot on. I’d definitely recommend bringing a pair of flip-flops or water shoes for wading in the water or taking long strolls on the beach. 

We tried to hit up as many beaches in Sardinia as possible, and these are my top picks for the best beaches on the Gulf of Orosei.

Cala Luna 

This is a beautiful beach that’s easily reached by boat from Cala Gonone or via the Lune walking trail. However, because of its proximity to Cala Gonone this famous beach is also one of the busiest beaches on the Gulf of Orosei.

If you want to visit, I suggest renting a boat to arrive early, before 10 am, to avoid the crowds! This is the perfect time for diving, jumping, and swimming around the rocks before it gets busy. If you’ve hired your own boat, it’s easy to travel just a bit further along the coast from the popular beaches and find your own corner of paradise among the secret bays to enjoy without anyone else around.

The beach is more pebbly than some of the others we visited but there are caves to explore and stunning views. 

This area close to Cala Gonone is also popular for stand-up paddleboarding and sea kayaking if you fancy exploring the coast a bit differently.

Cala Sisine 

Another popular beach on the Gulf of Orosei is Cala Sisine which is further south along the coast from Cala Luna but also a popular spot that’s most easily reached by boat.

The beach is also a pebble beach but the pristine blue water is absolutely stunning to swim in. Arrive earlier or after 5 pm to avoid most of the crowds.

If you did want to hike here, it’s a 5-mile hike from the Nature Reserve parking lot (Parcheggio Planu ‘ e Murta on Google Maps).

Cala Biriola 

We found this beach to be much quieter as it’s further south from Cala Sisine and Cala Luna. However, I’d imagine it still does get busy in the peak summer season.

The water here was so turquoise it almost looked neon blue and so stunning for swimming and snorkeling.

Another beach that is best reached by boat, although boats need to be anchored away from the beach, so you’ll have to swim to the beach if you want to walk along the sand.

Piscine di Venere

Piscine di Venere means “Pools of Venus” and when you see the color of the water here, you’ll understand why! The shades of blue are like nothing I’ve ever seen before.

This is the next bay further south of Cala Biriola and although you can’t dock here, you can swim up to the beach as well as snorkel and dive here to see incredible wildlife. 

Cala Mariolu

One of the most beautiful and also dramatic beaches in Sardinia with clear azure water tucked under a soaring limestone cliff – the scale here really is insane. Climbing the rocks and exploring the caves here is just as much fun as swimming among the fish.

Although this is a really popular spot that gets crowded in July and August, traveling in the shoulder season, renting a boat, and arriving early is the best way to avoid the crowds and have the beach (almost) to yourself.

Cala Goloritzè

Most famous for the natural stone bridge and dramatic pinnacle rock, this beach is a showstopper and one that you will need to hike to. The route is around 3 miles and can be done in about 1 hour on the way down, although uphill on the way back will take longer!

Cala Goloritze and the wild, untamed cliffs and nature around it, are all in a protected area, so the number of visitors is regulated. The beach is limited to just 250 people per day and if you’re visiting during the busy season, you’ll want to book in advance using the Heart of Sardinia app .

There is a €6 fee and it includes parking at the top of the trail. If you’re visiting outside of the peak summer season you’ll be able to pay on the day at the trailhead.

Alternatively you can take a boat, and swim to Cala Goloritze. Because it is a protected area, boats must anchor at least 200 metres from the shore . You will need to swim from there. The area is roped off with buoys, so the line is clear. We swam from our boat a couple of times without too much difficulty. However, you’ll want to either be a confident swimmer, or take a life vest.

Technically I think that the park rangers can still charge you €6 even if you swim in. But we didn’t see any rangers or experience this when we were there. Maybe during the high season, when crowds are a bigger issue, they patrol more frequently.

Cala Goloritze’s stunning clear blue water, dramatic cliffs rising 500m above sea level and the lack of boats make it well worth the effort to get there. We spent a lot of time relaxing and swiming in the cool clue water. But there’s lots more to Cala Goloritze than meats the eye! We also spent some time exploring the caves here above the beach which had incredible views of the bay below.

Make sure to take plenty of water and food with you, as there are no facilities at the beach and the walk back up is intense in the heat!

Spiaggia Delle Vacche 

This beach is not actually located on the Gulf of Orosei; however, it’s a spectacular beach in a secluded cove and absolutely worth a day trip from the Baunei Coast area.

Located on the north coast of Sardinia, about 1 hour from Orosei, this is a small beach with a relatively short hike to reach it – about 45 minutes.

The crystal clear sea and the unique rocks mean there are lots of areas for exploring, sunbathing, and diving off. 

It’s a small beach and can get busy around midday, so I suggest arriving earlier or later in the day. Don’t forget to take plenty of water with you! We went in the late afternoon and there were only two other groups of people there.

Most boat tours seem to travel north to south along the Gulf of Orosei, ending at the famous Cala Goloritze before turning around and heading back to Cala Gonone. You can avoid a lot of the crowds by heading south first, without stopping at any beaches along the way. Of course, by the afternoon everyone will have caught up, and it wont matter anymore. But if you’re looking for some solitude it’s worth a try.

I hope this Sardinia travel guide has given you the inspiration and ideas you need to plan a trip to the Baunei Coast and the Gulf of Orosei to enjoy some of the best scenery that Europe has to offer.

The Baunei Coast and Gulf of Orosei are real hidden gems in Europe for hikers, nature lovers, climbers, and divers. But you don’t have to be an adventure seeker to fall in love with Sardinia. It’s also great for those looking for a relaxing vacation with unreal beaches and breathtaking scenery.

Whatever draws you to the east coast of Sardinia, the wild, untouched and natural beauty will blow you away!

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We literally just got back yesterday from a trip to the northeast part of Sardinia! Around Cala di Volpe. Loved it, though we were even earlier tham the shoulder season so the water is more for admiring than swimming! Loved to read your Sardinia blog and it definitely makes us ready to return to that area further south on the east coast… and in June.

Your writeup is so full of the most helpful and inspiring ideas!

So glad that you had a wonderful trip! It’s such a beautiful island (at least the small part I saw). Thanks for taking the time to check out this post!

Oh my gosh. Thank you for such a comprehensive guide! I truly appreciate all of the effort you out into helping us out! I’m going to have to tweak the itinerary I’ve been working on a bit after reading this blog post! 🙂

Thank you so much Hilda! I’m so glad that you found the post helpful, and I hope that you have a wonderful trip. 🙂

This post is beyond helpful and your pictures are SO stunning!!! We’re going in a few days, and I will be referring to this over and over again!

Thank you so much Kara! Stoked that you found it to be helpful. I hope that you had or are having an amazing trip! I’d love to hear if anything has changed since I wrote this post, or if you have any additional tips after your trip that you think I should know about. 🙂

HI Jess, I love your blog. Thank you for the awesome information. Question on renting the boats before going to Sardinia. Do you have any companies you can recommend? Also, how wasy/difficult is it to drive a boat in the area? I rented a boat in Capri and we own a lake boat but I wanted to find out if we need to prepare for anything else, like lic, etc? I appreciate you.

Hi Christina. I don’t have a particular boat company that I recommend. We were always able to secure a boat fairly last minute, and just went with whatever was available. They will give you a short tutorial on how to opporate the boats and any rules you should keep in mind, but there’s really nothing else you need to know or prepare for. It’s super easy!

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Thank you for the wonderful post and gorgeous photos! We are planning on going to this area in June for our honeymoon. Do you have a preference on if you would stay in Santa Maria Navaresse or Cala Gonone?

Thank you, Kate

Hi Kate. I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner. The good news is, I don’t really have a preference. We had a great time in both towns, and spent most of our time out on the water anyway. I hope you have a beautiful honeymoon. I can’t imagine a better place for it!

Visiting there in April! Cannot wait!

I hope you have a wonderful trip!!

Hello from France,

Thank you so much for this compklete guide, it is so helpful for scheduling !!

Question : Are all the Calas mentionned accessible by boat from Cala Gonome or are those in the south too far ?

Right now planning on 4 days stay in Cala Gonome with 2 days boat rental. Or is it wiser to do 2 nights in Cala Gonome and 2 nights in Santa Maria Navarrese ? I know some places are accessible by hike and wondering if driving between the 2 and losing 1 day is smart ?

What would be your absolute recommendation for 4-4 days total ?

We visited everything you see in this blog post by boat! Although we did also hike to some of them on different days. There is probably no need to switch locations. You can reach all the beaches by boat regardless of weather you are staying to the north or south, so I’d pick the town that is closest to the other things that you are wanting to do.

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Hi, I’m Jess, an outdoor enthusiast based in Seattle. I grew up exploring the Pacific Northwest, and early on was infected with the travel bug. I tried to suppress my wanderlust in pursuit of a traditional career path, but after a short stint as a lawyer, I left the confines of my office to get back in touch with my roots. Now, I wander the world taking photos, making memories, and sharing my love for travel with others!

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SARDINIA TRAVEL GUIDE: Unmissable Places To See and Things To Do!

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SO…WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT SARDINIA?

Sardinia is an amazing travel destination in Italy, perfect to soak up the sun, marvel at nature and enjoy some fancy fun. One of the best ways to discover all the beauties that this island has to offer is an on-the-road trip, even better, if you visit Sardinia in the off-season .

Today I want to give you some tips about the best things to see and how to plan your road trip to Sardinia by car, it will be a blast I can guarantee you (as a local!) Let’s do this!

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN SARDINIA: FROM THE SEA TO THE CULTURAL SIDE OF THE ISLAND

The marvelous beach “La Cinta” In San Teodoro, on the northeast coast of Sardinia

SARDINIA COASTS & BEACHES

The Sardinian coast has almost 2000 km of beaches, cliffs, and hidden coves just waiting for you to discover and enjoy them to the fullest! Below is a list of the main coasts of Sardinia and what makes them so special!

SOUTH SARDINIA COAST:

The beaches of southern Sardinia are those historically slightly less touristy and cheaper compared to those of the north but they are equally beautiful: Tuerredda e Su Gideu beach on the south-west and Villasimius and Costa Rei  on the south-east coast, just to give you the most famous examples.

If you choose Cagliari as a base, you can visit some of the most beautiful beaches of southern Sardinia, the salt flats of Cagliari and the beautiful and little-known   San Pietro Island with Carloforte , where we speak a unique dialect, variant of the Ligurian.

SARDINIA NORTH COAST:

The expensive part everyone knows about north Sardinia is obviously the Costa Smeralda area , very posh but still worth a visit if you have the budget! But don’t get fooled, people always associate north Sardinia Costa with Costa Smeralda but in reality there is so much more to it:

Santa Teresa di Gallura, Costa Paradiso, Stintino with its awesome “La Pelosa beach” and many other places along the coast that are well worth a visit and if you are on a tighter budget are also perfect for a smashing Sardinia vacation!

SARDINIA WEST COAST:

The west coast near Oristano and Nebida is among the wildest part of Sardinia. Very popular amongst the campers and people with caravans, it’s the less discovered area and probably the cheapest one too. The main places you can’t miss along the west coast are: Pan Di Zucchero/Nebida/Masua (breaking views awaits!), Piscinas, with the highest sand dunes in Europe, Cala Domestica beach, Is Aruttas, San Giovanni di Sinis and the marvelous Tharros ruins nearby.

SARDINIA EAST COAST:

The eastern coast has some of the most beautiful coves, and it happens to be my absolute favorite for its mix of mountains, cliffs over the sea and spectacularly clear waters . The beaches in the Golfo di Orosei area are the best you will see in Sardinia. I made an article with my personal top 10 beaches in Sardinia and guess who made it to n.1? 🙂

Yep, one of the beaches in that area! But I’m not the only one here, there are so many articles online putting the beaches from the East Coast of Sardinia among the most beautiful in Europe: Cala Goloritzè, Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, Cala Biriola and Cala Sisine are the best! 

SARDINIA CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

The typical murals in Orgosolo, a small village in Barbagia, the heart of Sardinia where you will see the “real deal” of the island besides the beaches.

Sardinia is not just about its beautiful sea. There are towns and villages to see, parks and hiking trails. The Barbagia, for example, one of the wildest inland areas of the island, is definitely worth a visit . Let’s see in detail what Sardinia has to offer besides the beaches. Not to mention the beautiful “Murals” of Orgosolo and the Mammutones parade.

Get to know the Sardinian’s people ways and atmosphere and enjoy their company, even if we don’t speak English a lot, we are one of the most welcoming population in Italy. Reserved at first but ready to give you everything we have!

WHAT TO SEE IN EAST SARDINIA:

Cala Mariolu, my favorite beach in the Golfo di Orosei (East Sardinia)

Moving about 300 km to the north you can discover some of the most beautiful coves of eastern Sardinia, such as Cala Luna, the location of the film Swept away in the azure sea of August. There will be so much to tell about what seeing in East Sardinia, that’s why I am covering that on an article I’m about to finish, but I can guarantee you that this part is top notch for EVERYTHING . From trekking/hiking, snorkeling, culture, gastronomy, and food, traditional villages… it really has it all!

Here is a short but very nice video of the top beaches you can’t miss in East Sardinia: JAW DROPPING!

See for yourself 😉

WHAT TO SEE IN NORTH SARDINIA:

The famous beach “La Pelosa in Stintino near Alghero city in the north part of Sardinia

In the north of Sardinia, there are interesting cities and towns being  Alghero and Castelsardo the most popular ones . Visit the Caves of Neptune and the Maddalena Archipelago for some breathtaking scenarios. I actually think that a boat trip at The “Arcipelago della Maddalena” should be mandatory for everyone!

North Sardinia also offers cultural experiences with the visit to some small Nuraghes (Nuraghe Palmavera is the one closest to Alghero) and for people into water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing & co, this area of Sardinia is perfect. Isola Rossa is the perfect spot for water sports lovers, check it out!

WHAT TO SEE IN SOUTH SARDINIA

This is MY favorite beach in South Sardinia, only 45 min from my parent’s house

The south of Sardinia is one of my favorite corners of the island (maybe because I was born in the area?) 😉

Usually less touristy than other places, it has wonderful beaches, ponds and salt flats where pink flamingos fly, archaeological remains and trails to discover on foot . Not to mention the beautiful and little-known island San Pietro with its lovely town of Carloforte, where they speak a unique dialect: a variant of the Ligurian region’s dialect. Below is a list of other things you can’t miss:

EXPLORE THE BEACHES:

Among the unmissable beaches of southern Sardinia, there are Cala Pira which is a real corner of paradise, CalaSinzias in Castiadas, the beaches of Villasimius especially suitable for windy days and, in Costa Rei , the beach of Santa Giusta, with the famous Scoglio di Peppino.

TREK TO “LA SELLA DEL DIAVOLO”:

Climb up on the Devil’s Saddle on foot or by bicycle s tarting from the beach of the Poetto di Cagliari . This trek is so underrated, relatively easy, even without a guide, and you will be rewarded with one of the most amazing views ever. Don’t forget a good camera or mobile phone as you would want to take LOADS of photos!

VISIT NORA RUINS:

One of the most beautiful archaeological sites in Sardinia is located in the province of Cagliari, near Capo Pula. Bonus tip: The ruins face a lovely gulf, with amazing views over the sea and a super nice beach nearby (Nora/Su Gunventeddu) where you can spend the rest of the day to relax after your visit to the ruins!

WHAT TO SEE IN NORTH -EAST SARDINIA

The beautiful view over one of Costa Smeralda beaches in Northern Sardinia

The Maddalena archipelago can be easily reached by one of the many boat trips and is definitely worth a visit (as I said before: It should be mandatory!). The Costa Smeralda has many beautiful beaches: the Pevero, the Principe beach, and LisciaRuja are just a few. Going south towards San Teodoro there are many unmissable beaches, one of these is Lu Impostu and Cala Brandinchi, also renamed as Little Tahiti (guess why?);).

If you want to peek into luxury and huge yachts, take a trip to Porto Cervo or Porto Rotondo.  Tip from a local: You don’t have to book your accommodation in there, even penniless people can visit these places, all you need is find your accommodation in some smaller villages like Arzachena and San Pantaleo and take a cheap bus for a day trip . Don’t forget to pack a “cocktail dress”, even if it’s from the market around the corner, no one will check it for the label at the entrance 😉

WHAT TO SEE IN NORTH- WEST SARDINIA

S’archittu beach bear Oristano

The coast of the north west of Sardinia starts from Santa Teresa di Gallura connected to Corsica by just one hour of navigation. Continuing west you will meet the beautiful Stintino , just in front of the Asinara Park,  which is another spot you won’t want to miss. Take a day trip to the Asinara Island, make friends with its lovely albino donkeys and enjoy the nature and the pristine beaches.

Capo Testa (don’t miss it if you love some serious scenic views!) , near Santa Teresa di Gallura, is another spot well worth visiting. A granite promontory designed by the wind and the sea to form surreal landscapes.

WHAT TO SEE IN SARDINIA BESIDE THE BEACHES:

Nora ruins at Sunset

Sardinia is not just sea. There are archaeological remains, abandoned villages, villages and castles, culture, gastronomy and ancient testimonies of fascinating civilizations.

NORTH SARDINIA BEYOND THE BEACHES:

In Arzachena, in the  Gallura area, you can visit some interesting Nuraghic complexes and the tombs of the giants , ancient collective tombs with monolithic stems to delimit the entrance. At Capo Testa, in addition to the nuraghe, you can visit the old lighthouse and take a walk in the surreal environment of the Valle della Luna , where the granite forms strange and imaginative rock formations.

It’s called Valle Della Luna for a reason: the name means “Moon Valley” because it actually really resemble the lunar landscape. Well, I haven’t been to the moon (yet) but I take for good the pictures we have from NASA 😀

SOUTH SARDINIA BEYOND THE BEACHES:

In Pula, in the province of Cagliari, there are the remains that can be visited in a Phoenician city. It is called Nora and is located on the edge of a peninsula connected to the coast by an isthmus (see above the Nora ruins). Some more sights worth visiting are the Is Zuddas Grotto and Porto Flavia on the south-west coast.

WEST SARDINIA BEYOND THE BEACHES:

Bosa is one of the most famous and loveliest places to visit in Sardinia . It is a village with colorful houses guarded at a distance from a lovely castle. It is located in the province of Oristano, not far from the mouth of the river Temo. Tharros ruins, also very close to Oristano is another area you can’t miss, facing the shore, they combine culture/Sardinian history with some great views.

Castelsardo is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. It is located in the Gulf of Asinara and the view from the historic center sweeps over all its coasts, including those of Corsica. The medieval village was built by the people from Genova still has the characteristics of a time with the colorful houses perched on the promontory.

GETTING AROUND SARDINIA: USEFUL TIPS:

With this useful guide, you will know exactly what you do and how to plan a great Sardinia itinerary   based on the geographic areas of this incredible island. If you want to explore more than a place you should hire a car to visit everything and make the most of your time there.

For more in-depth info, I’m completely an article solely dedicated to transports/roads in Sardinia and what you have to watch for when renting a car! Stay tuned and Subscribe to know when more articles about Sardinia will be released!

I HOPE YOU ENJOYED MY RECAP OF THE BEST THINGS YOU CAN’T-MISS IN SARDINIA! FOR MORE DETAILED ARTICLES ON MY BEAUTIFUL ISLAND YOU CAN HAVE A LOOK AT THE DEDICATED SARDINIA PAGE

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT SARDINIA!

• Where To stay in Sardinia for Couples: A Local’s guide!
• One week in Sardinia: the Best Itinerary For you!
• 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
• Best Costa Smeralda Beaches With Map
• Costa Smeralda Best Hotels & Resort (Cheap & Luxury)!
• 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

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Well done! Extremely useful information for planning and executing an adventure in Sardinia. Thanks for sharing knowledge of your home island. I look forward to the remaining articles. 🙂

Thanks David! Glad it was useful 🙂

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• Maps of Italy >

Sardinia, Italy, Map and Travel Guide

Looking for different “sardinia is not italy” is the sign you've found it.

Megalithic stone towers still speckle the countryside. They're called nuraghi and they're ancient. Then there are the " sacred wells " in which you can descend into the underworld, your fingers grazing basalt walls so finely worked you couldn't shove a piece of paper between the perfectly honed stones if you tried. They're even older .

Roman spring-fed baths still function, like those at Fordongianus , north east of Oristano on our map. The site is walled and you'll pay a little to get in and wander around, but they've left a bit of the site unfenced near the road, where locals can direct the waters into jugs to fill their bathtubs with the healing waters back home.

Yes, there are beaches, too, and modern hotels with all the amenities you might imagine--as well as prehistoric tombs called "fairies’ houses" and others called "giant's tombs". For a society that has a foot in its unique past and a toe in the pagan waters, it is also firmly grounded in the modern life.

Planning a vacation that will stretch your imagination way back to the distant past? You're in for a treat.

Map of Sardinia Towns, Attractions and Archaeological Sites

Getting Your Bearings

If you come into Sardinia from mainland ferries, you'll likely land at Olbia, Golfo Aranci, or Cagliari. There are major airports in Alghero and Cagliari.

Sardinia is divided into 8 provinces. The most populous is Cagliari. (See a Sardinia Province Map. ) The lines on the map represent train lines (green indicate the tourist train routes). Major superstrada roads mostly parallel the major train lines.

Cagliari is Sardinia's capital and largest city. You'll find sophisticated bars, good restaurants and even fine beaches just out of the city. There is a Ferry port and an Airport, Elmas Airport. Cagliari makes a fine base from which to explore the south of Sardinia. Sites like ancient Nora, a Roman and pre-Roman town on a peninsula near the little town of Pula can be visited by a 40 km drive along the coast. During the season you can see theatrical works in the ancient theater on the site while sea breezes waft over you. Behind the beach you might see the 11th-century church of Sant’Efísio , site of the martyrdom of Cagliari’s patron saint and the destination of an annual four-day procession from Cagliari on May 1 called the Festa di Sant'Ifisio . Yes, you can walk between the two places, even barefoot if you like. Further down the coast is a recommended public beach that sardiniabeaches.com rather likes:

Tuerredda beach ( Spiaggia di Tuerredda ), located on the headlands of Capo Spartivento , certainly deserves a spot on the top ten list of most beautiful beaches on the southern coast of Sardinia.

Cagliari has some ancient sites as well. The Basilica of San Saturnino is within a walled complex that includes a Paleo-Christan necropolis. The first mention of it comes in the year 600. Getting below Cagliari is the way to see older remnants of the city. The “area archeologica” near the Museo del Tesoro e Area archeologica di Sant’Eulalia is where you want to be. You'll see Roman roads, house floors and even a Roman toilet.

50 kilometers north of Cagliari is Su Nuraxi di Barumini , one of Sardinia’s top tourist sites and one of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Cagliari Travel Guide Cagliari Weather and Historic Climate Cagliari Hotels and Apartments Top Cagliari Tours

Alghero is a very interesting city in Sardinia's northwest corner. The seaside beauty has changed ownership repeatedly over history, from the Genovese who designed the port to the Aragonese who expelled the locals and populated the city with Catalan colonists. In fact, a dialect of Catalan is still spoken by a small number of locals, and Spanish is widely understood.

Near Alghero there are a couple of important Sardinian archaeological sites, the nuragic complex of Nurghe Palmavera and the necropolis of Anghelu Ruju found in a vineyard of Sella&Mosca winery.

North of Alghero is Monte d'Accoddi , the 6000 year old Ziggurat folks have been scratching their chins over for years. Our Alghero Day Trips page has recommendations for other attractions on Sardinia's northwestern corner.

The city still retains its laid-back Catalan character, and the new seaside promenade makes strolling a very compelling evening pastime.

Alghero Travel Guide Alghero Weather and Climate Alghero Day Trips Top Alghero Tours

South of Alghero is one of Sardinia's prettiest towns, Bosa. It lies happily along both sides of the Temo, Sardinia’s only navigable river. One of the most photographed places in Bosa are the identical and harmonious "Sas Conzas", long ago serving as tanneries. The town is capped by the ruins of a castle built by the Malaspina family around 1112. There is a fabulous view, of course.

The Romanesque church of St. Peter is a short walk out of town. It's from 1062.

Arogosta a Bosa  are generally accepted to be the best Spiny Lobsters you'll find in Sardinia.

If you are looking for a place to stay with kitchen and even grocery delivery service in the heart of the city, the highly-rated Sardinia Gallery might be worth checking out.

Bosa Travel Guide Bosa Places to Stay

Alghero to Bosa

One of the best trips to take is the coast road from Alghero to Bosa . The drive takes a little over 45 minutes. A short drive inland brings you first to Flussio , a town known for its asphodel baskets, and a little further on to Tinnura , a mural town whose art reflects the Sardinian art of traditional living.

Here you might consider looping back north toward Bonorva, taking in the valle dei nuraghi with its ancient cornerstones the Nuragic complex of Santu Antine and the fascinating necropolis of Sant'Andrea Priu , both shown on the map.

How far in the past are we talking about? The time-line is below.

Nuoro and the Barbagia Mountains

Heading east out of Bosa brings you to the wildly remote barbagia mountains. The geography was such that bandits on foot could catch the slow-moving trains and rob them. Here is where the traditions have held fast and you can really get an idea of life on the island as it was long ago. Traditional arts and crafts are celebrated in a relatively new festival that goes on all autumn called " Autunno in Barbagia ". We stayed in Gavoi, a town we hadn't heard of in the heart of this strange land, and during the festival doors opened to us that we wouldn't have been able to navigate. Buses took us to archaeological sites in the countryside where we had guided walks with experts. The little man who normally made those sought-after Sardinian knives threw his shop open when normally the locals would just knock on his unmarked door when they needed a knife made. ( Where to find artisinal knives in Italy )

Display of Sardinian Hand-Made Knives in Gavoi

This is prime festival country, and you'll notice if you hang around long enough that just about everyone owns a traditional costume and perhaps a mask. If you're ready for a little Paganism, you might head to Mamoiada to see the Mask Museum and if you're there in the late fall you might get the opportunity to take part in a celebration of the dark months.

Dressed in black sheepskins, men shrouded in black masks, big lipped, mouths wrinkly and distorted, the 12 haggard Mamuthones stoop under the burden of the enormous collection of heavy bells on their backs. They are controlled by an Issohadore, a young man in white with a red scarf. It is time for the old ideas of the old, broken men to give way to new ideas. This is a classic tragicomedy of death and rebirth.

You can buy your own mask in Mamoiada

The rest of the story, the traditional costume part, is told in Nuoro , where you can visit the Museo Etnografico Sardo , once called the Museum of Costumes and Sardinian Traditions, one of the island's most important ethnographic museums.

Then there are the mountain towns like Orgosolo . The hard-scrabble life and economic difficulties are reflected in hundreds of murals painted on the walls of rocks and village houses.

To get a real feel for this corner of Sardinia, you must read the novels of Grazia Deledda, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1926 for her depictions of Sardinian life. In Nuoro you just find Via Grazia Deledda and you can visit a museum dedicated to the author, Native House and Museum of Grazia Deledda . The life of the author is reflected in the novel Cosimo .

South to Oristano

Santa Lussurgiu is home to one of the most fascinating Ethnographic museums you'll ever come across. Its famous carnival festival is called Sa Carrela ‘e Nanti and like many festivals, it involves horses in pair races in an event that originated from light cavalry exercises. It's a time to hear the particular music of the tenores in the open cantinas around town.

The area round Bauladu on the map has a couple of interesting ancient sites. Fordongianus is the home to a spring-fed Roman bath complex that, despite the buildings being in ruins, still heats the water in the pools. Santa Cristina , right off the SS131 superstrada, is one of the world's great off-ramp experiences. The complex has an amazing "sacred well" as well as a Nuraghe and a Romanesque church that is still in use today as a church of festivals and pilgrimage; there are houses for pilgrims built near the church from the 1700s, still in use for short stays by modern pilgrims. As if that weren't enough, there is a bar overlooking the site and a very good restaurant. Bauladu is run by Italy's youngest mayor who has revitalized the village, which has a number of ancient sites within walking distance of it, now well signposted. If you wish to stay the night and eat a traditional meal, we highly recommend Casa Atza .

Nearby Milis is famous for its oranges, and is worth a short visit.

Oristano is a gateway to the Sinis Peninsula , which is chock full of attractions and things to do. The provincial capital itself is a charming town with a very well preserved historical center. It's home to one of those huge Sardinian carnival festivals called "Sa Sartiglia", which involves lots of pomp and circumstance followed by a medieval competition in which guild members on horses try to skewer a star held on a string between trees in front of the Duomo. It's a fantastic thing to watch, and it's followed by more demonstrations of the extreme sport of horse acrobatics.

If you are interesting in very well situated archaeological sites, don't miss the peninsula's seaside archaeological site Tharros . Phoenicians were said to have founded the city around the 8th century BC. It became Roman and wasn’t abandoned until 1050. Then head for Cabras and see the archaeological museum where the main event is gawking in wonder at the Giants of Mont’e Prama , enormous sculptures found guarding a grave site on Monte Prama.

When you're tired of old things, head up to Is Arutas Beach . It has a unique sand made of small, round quartz grains, ranging in color from pink to light green to white. The restaurant at the beach serves very good seafood.

Carbonia and the Dunes: Sardinian Mining Country

If the name "Carbonia" seems a bit "made up" it's because it was. Like the town of Fertilia in the north, Carbonia was built by Mussolini order. Why? Well, the answer might lead you to believe that the Italy's alliance with Germany in the war was based on peak coal. The British slowed exports to Italy because coal was running out.

The two low points under the production peak correspond to the two major strikes of the coal miners of 1921 and 1926. But, even without strikes, the British economy was undergoing a major readjustment. Coal was not any more so abundant as before and that had effects on the British coal exports. In turn, that created an energy crisis in Italy. You can see in  the data, below  how coal imports from Britain had plummeted immediately after the war and how imports from Germany were initially insufficient to compensate the decline. ~ What Fuels Civil War? Energy and the Rise of Fascism

Mussolini tried valiently to compensate, opening ancient mines and building infrastructure for miners. The production wasn't ever enough.

The Serbariu coal mine museum in Carbonia takes you through the history of coal mining in the southwest of Sardinia.

Nearly the entire southwest has, in fact, become he Geomineral Park of Sardinia , a UNESCO project intending to preserve the ancient mines and the ex-mining villages. The villages are being promoted along with the traditional foods of the region.

Archaeological buffs might want to visit a very important punic-roman settlement on the top of the mount Sirai near Carbonia. Monte Sirai features the remains of the town and acropolis, a punic and a phoenician necropolis and a tophet . Not to mention that the view from the top of Monte Sirai is amazing.

Mining Buildings in Sardinia

Can mining, a long, dark railway tunnel, and the end of the line for the coal railway be combined with dunes, beaches and a romantic retreat. Why, in Sardinia, yes! The is the land of surprises, and if you take a room at the Hotel Le Dune Piscinas you are in for a romantic vacation on the shifting dunes by the deep blue sea. The location is marked on the map as "Le Dune".

This is where the coal from the major mine of Montevecchio came to be loaded onto boats to be shipped to the mainland. The railway tunnel led to the warehouse which has now been crafted into the Hotel Le Dune Piscinas. The best time to visit is June through September.

West of Carbonia are two notable islands, Sant’Antioco and San Pietro . San Pietro is a land of craggy cliffs and secluded coves. It has but a single town, but an important one, Carloforte. Angela Corrias writes a great guide to the islands, and includes the interesting town:

Walk around its ancient walls, peek at the architecture and be surprised by the incredible similarities with Genoa and the towns of Liguria’s coast. From the streets to the food to the language, here everything will remind you of Genoa. It all dates back to the 16th century when fishermen and traders from Genoa left their initial settlement in Tunisia and founded Carloforte in San Pietro Island and Calasetta in Sant’Antioco. -- Where to go in Sardinia in summer? How about gorgeous San Pietro Island and Sant’Antioco?

Another thing you'll find here is an ancient tradition of harvesting bisso from the giant fan mussel to make Sea Silk. You can learn about it through the little Museo del Bisso di Chiara Vigo . Sharon Sanders tells the tale expertly in Silk from the Sea in Sardinia :

Diving to harvest the filaments without harming the bivalve, cleaning, processing, and spinning the filaments– all of this Vigo learned from her grandmother, Maria Maddalena Rosina Mereu, who received the knowledge from previous generations of women in her family. As she speaks, Vigo combs a clump of bisso to clean the bits of sea debris then she meticulously pulls the clean filaments away from the clump.

You can even contibute to see this tradition alive .

And then there's the food; it's different because the history of the island is different and evolving:

The food is very similar to that of the Liguria region (where Genoa is located) but mixes components and recipes from northern Africa, for example, cascás, is a variation of the African cuscus (but made solely with vegetables that are cooked separately), and many dishes belonging to the Genoese tradition have undergone various modifications and additions, that of tuna especially, as this fish is one of the features of Carloforte. For over a hundred years in fact, the famous “mattanza dei tonni” in which tunas are fished and killed, takes place here the very first days of June. It has become a major event with a variety of initiatives including the “World Tuna Cuisine Competition”. The mattanza in itself , though a fascinating fishing “documentary”, is not a sight for all, but the other events and the fresh tuna in all its cooking variations are absolutely unmissable. Another speciality one must try is the “ceciata” a very tasty sort of focaccia (but not really..) made with chick pea flour, olive oil and water and bright yellow in colour..an absolutely delicious quick snack to relish whilst waiting for a lovely supper, also originating from the Genoa (and Pisan) culinary tradition -- Islands in an island..Sant’Antioco and San Pietro

What is a Nuraghe?

The name "nuraghe" derives from the word "nur" meaning "hollow heap." The earliest form of nuraghi were corridor nuraghi, and from the outside resembled a pile of rock, but the insides had been removed to make a habitation area.

There are around 7000 Nuraghe on the island of Sardinia. Most are stone towers or complexes of many stone towers topped with a corbeled dome (a rounded dome made by stacking rocks in circular courses, each course becoming smaller as it inches inward, until it all comes together at the top). There usually are interior staircases and niches. Here is a picture of the nuraghe at Santa Cristina:

Nuraghe, Santa Cristina, Sardinia

Plan of the Nuraghe seen above. Scala =stairs, camera =room, celle is a niche.

Sardinian Food and Wine

"Sardinia isn't Italy" certainly applies to the food of the island. Here are some things to try that are unique in Sardinia.

Culurgiones are a stuffed pasta the looks like a chinese dumpling you'd consume at a dim sum lunch. The pasta is stuffed with a cheese, potato and mint combo, and is usually served simply dressed with olive oil and pecorino cheese.

Maialetto or Maialino Sardo: suckling pig roasted with myrtle leaves.

There are two outstanding restaurants in Sardinia that serve Culurgiones and Maialino Sardo , one is the vaunted Su Gologone and the other I recently discovered is in the northwest, near Porto Torres called Tenuto Li Lioni . The link to Li Lioni includes a video of how Culurgiones are made.

Pane Frattau : whole sheets of pane carasau , the island's thin and crisp flatbread, are stacked, dipped in broth and made like lasagna with tomato sauce with a poached egg on top.

Grilled eel: One of my favorite festival foods, eel grilled over a wood fire and served in a paper cone are one of Sardinia's great treats. Really.

Panadas: If you are looking for a quick snack or some take-out, try these oven baked pies of meat, fish or vegetables found all over the island.

Fregola : a type of semolina pasta rolled into balls and toasted, are often found with seafood sauces as in fregola with clams .

Cannonau Di Sardegna is a DOC red that is the most famous of Sardinian wines, based on the Grenache grape. In the sandy and warm Sulcis region you'll find Carignano .

Bosa produces a world-renowned Malvasia di Bosa .

Vernaccia di Oristano is very good with shellfish. Vermentino di Gallura , the island's DOC white wine, has hints of green apple, citrus fruit and pear, and is also good with seafood.

The Bookstore

We've partnered with Bookshop.com to bring you recommended books and guides you can order on the internet. Bookshop supports your local bookstore and indy authors, so I like it.

Where to Go From Here, a Suggestion

Sine you can't have too much island life, how about thinking of going from Sardinia to Corsica. A mere 15 km ferry crossing gets you there, and the sudden appearance of Bonifaccio's white cliffs will astound you.

Planning a Trip?

Here are some travel planning tools that are especially useful if you're planning your first or second trip to Italy.

• Travel Planning Timeline : Learn what you need to plan when.
• What Will an Italy Vacation Cost? : Tools for budgeting your Italian vacation.
• Unplanned Attractions : Save time for the good life in Italy.

Tiny Footsteps Travel

How To Get To Sardinia: Ultimate Guide For Travel In 2024

Heading to Italy, and thinking of including Sardinia Island in your itinerary? Good choice. You can travel to Sardinia from mainland Italy easily, but you can also get to Sardinia from any international destinations. If you’re weighing options on how to get to Sardinia, then you’re in the right place.

I mainly headed to Sardinia because of the scuba diving. When I got there, I was so amazed by the beauty- it felt different from the rest of Italy. With medieval towns, a gorgeous coastline, and beautiful nature , Sardinia is more slow paced, quaint and with its stone buildings, has an otherworldly atmosphere.

Between beaches, hiking, scuba diving, shopping and exploring villages, I was so glad that we made time for Sardinia and I’m sure that you’ll be glad you did too. If you’re heading to Sardinia with kids , or for a relaxing adult adventure -we’ve got you covered.

So let’s talk about your options for getting to Sardinia. Let’s jump in!

How to Get to Sardinia

There are two ways to get to Sardinia: by air , or by ferry.

Flying to Sardinia is faster and cheaper, but taking a ferry allows you to bring your own car. The ferry also has some entertainment for kids, which might be a benefit if you’re travelling through Italy with little ones.

Let’s go through the two options of air and ferry to Sardinia so you can weigh the information and decide which is best for you.

Flying to Sardinia

As you can see in the map above, Sardinia Island has three airports: Olbia , Cagliari and Alghero . There are flights to all of them from many European cities, but it may not always be a direct route. There are plenty of direct flights from mainland Italy.

Pro Tip: Flights and ferries to Sardinia are a different price for residents than for tourists. If you’re a tourist, be sure not to select a resident flight option. You will be asked to pay for a new flight, and getting your money back for the original resident flight is a hassle you don’t want.

There are no direct flights to Sardinia Island from outside of Europe , so you’ll need to already be in Europe to get a direct flight to Sardinia. Of course, if you’re already on mainland Italy, then there are plenty of direct flights to all three Sardinia airports daily.

Cagliari Airport: Southern Sardinia (Main Airport) 

Cagliari is the capital and largest city in Sardinia and is located in the south of the island. Cagliari is the main airport and city on Sardinia. Flying here is especially convenient if you’re looking to visit the southern part of Sardinia , but you can also rent a car and drive wherever on the island you wish. (This is what we chose to do.)

How long does it take to fly to Cagliari , Sardinia?

• Cagliari from Rome: under 50 minutes
• Cagliari from London, UK: 2h 45 mins

Pro Tip: Use Skyscanner to see all airline options and be able to select the flight that fits with your schedule and budget the best

Nearby attractions and things to do in Caligari:

Cagliari Airport brings you close to the city of Cagliari , which you can see in a day or two. (I don’t recommend spending your whole trip there, but it is worth spending a day sightseeing.) In or near Cagliari, you can find:

• Archaeological sights , such as the Bastion St. Remy which you can climb and get picturesque city views from the top
• Take a tour of Nora , a pre-Roman archaeological site
• Beautiful cathedrals and churches, such as the Cathedral of Calgliari (pictured above)
• An amazing underground tunnel in Cagliari that you can explore
• Poetto beach , an 8 km long strip that offers stunning views of the Gulf of Cagliari, just 20 minutes from downtown Cagliari
• Hiking in the Sette Fratelli Mountains Park , a breathtaking mountainous range, just over an hour from the city of Cagliari

Olbia Airport: Northeast Sardinia

Olbia is in the northeast part of Sardinia , close to Costa Smerlda. This is probably the most popular destination for honeymooners and couples, and the most expensive, luxurious area on the island. (I’ve heard that celebrities travel here.)

In this area, you can do scuba diving, boat tours to the islands, explore the quaint towns, and enjoy world-class beaches that make you feel like you’re in paradise.

There are flights to Olbia from many cities in Italy, and throughout Europe, but here’s an idea of how long it takes to fly to Olbia:

• Olbia from Rome: 1h 5 min
• Olbia from London, UK: 2h 30 min

Nearby attractions and things to do in Olbia:

• Explore the ancient city of Olbia; there are museums, archaeological and historic sights. A fun way to do this is a 1-hour tuk tuk tour.
• Take a boat tour to Maddalena archipelago , which are islands that have been inhabited since the prehistoric times and are surrounded with the clearest, most turquoise water
• Explore the nearby marine life and even WW2 plane wrecks underwater with Nautilis Dive Centre
• Explore the quaint town of Palau
• World class beaches – the east coast of Sardinia has some of the most beautiful beaches on the island, such as Principe Beach , Brandinchini, Capriccioli, and La Celvia

Alghero Airport: Northwest Sardinia

Alghero is a city is in the northwest part of Sardinia . Its a beautiful, medieval coastal city with ancient walls and cobblestone old town, and almost feels like a fairy tale.

It’s very busy in the summer months with tourists, but there’s a reason for that. Whether you choose to fly into Alghero, or simply stop here to explore, you’ll be glad you saw it.

• Alghero from Rome: 1h 5 mins
• Alghero from London, UK: 2h 30 mins

Nearby attractions and things to do in Alghero:

• Alghero Historic Centre (Centro Storico) which is the medieval old town , with narrow streets, cobbled alleys and lots of boutiques, shops and restaurants
• Neptune Caves (Cape Caccia), which is a stunning grotto , just 30 mins outside of Alghero
• Porto Conte Regional National Park , a seaside conservation area with hiking trails and beaches. Great for hiking and spending time outdoors
• Le Pelosa Beach , on the coastline of the northwestern tip of Sardinia- white sand and tranquil blue waters, its great for swimming and snorkeling

Conclusion: Flying to Sardinia

As you can see, all three airports in Sardinia offer great benefits in terms of what there is to do nearby. Regardless of the one you choose, you can still travel to the areas on other parts of the island.

Travelling to Sardinia by Ferry

Everything you need to know about travelling to Sardinia by ferry, the lengths of times, different ferry ports and what they have to offer

As you can see in the photo above, there are several ferry ports on Sardinia island, but the main two main ones are Cagliari and Olbia.

The advantages of travelling by ferry are that you can bring your own car. However, this isn’t the only reason to take a ferry. Some people prefer ferries if they’re travelling with kids or if they want more space and room for luggage.

Ferry to Sardinia from Italy

Ferries to and from Italy to Sardinia are often overnight, and last anywhere from 7-15 hours, depending on where you’re going or coming from. There are restaurants on board, entertainment for kids, and cabins that you can sleep in.

It’s not a luxury, high-class cruise, like a Disney Cruise , but the ferries are pleasant enough.

There are a few different ferry companies that you can sail from Italy to Sardinia (or back) with; the two main ones are Moby (pictured above), Tirrenia, Corsica Ferries and Grimaldi .

You can take a ferry to Sardinia from the following places in mainland Italy:

• Civitavecchia (82 km from Rome ) to Caligari, Arbataz, Olbia and Porto Torres
• Livorno (near Pisa) to Olbia or Golfo Arranci
• Naples to Caligari
• Genoa (in northern Italy) to Porto Torres

The ferry company you choose to will depend on if you have a strong preference for where you’re coming from or where in Sardinia you wish to dock at. For example, Moby lines only sails to Olbia from Livorno, Italy.

If you wanted to sail to Porto Torres for example, then you’d need to sail with Tirreni or Grandi Navi Veloci, as they’re the only two ferry companies that go to Porto Torres from mainland Italy.

Pro Tip: Use Direct Ferries to see all the schedules and port options for your ferry trip to or from Sardinia. This makes it easy to see all of the available options rather than having to check each website individually.

Choosing your Ferry port in Sardinia

Regardless of which port in Sardinia you choose to sail into, you can’t really go wrong. They all have beautiful attractions nearby, and there are perks to each one. If you’re renting a car in Sardinia, then you can all of the top destinations within a few days.

So just because you sailed into Olbia, for example, doesn’t mean you won’t be able to drive over to Porto Torres (its about a 90 minute drive.)

However, here are the highlights of each of the ports, to make your decision easier:

• Cagliari: beautiful old town, historic city centre with museums and artifacts, hiking in the Sette Fratelli Mountains Park
• Arbatax: visit the nearby Red Cliffs, an impressive rock formation, Rocce Rosse museum, hiking in the Supramonte mountain range or the Gennargentu National Park, beautiful beaches such as Orri and Cea beach
• Olbia: charming old towns, boat trip to La Maddalena Archipelago, the 11th century Basilica of San Simplicio church, beautiful sandy beaches with crystal-clear water such as Pittulongu, Bados and Marinella
• Porto Torres: ancient town with Roman architecture (it was the first Roman settlement, so needless to say, its history is very rich) quaint old town with old city walls, stunning nearby beaches, hiking

Ferry to Sardinia from mainland Europe

You can get ferries to Sardinia from France and Spain. Grimaldi Lines sails from Spain to Sardinia.

From France, you can depart from Nice to go to Sardinia by ferry. From Nice, you can sail to either Porto Torres or Golfo Aranci.

Check Direct Ferries to view schedules and timetables and book your ferry

Getting to Sardinia: FAQs

Here are the most common questions that travellers ask (and that we wish we had asked) about getting to and around Sardinia island in Italy

What is the fastest way to get to Sardinia?

The fastest way to get to Sardinia is undoubtedly, by flying. Flying is cheaper and quicker, but there are perks to taking the ferry too, such as being able to more easily bring kids, pets or luggage. Plus, you can bring your own car on the ferry, which saves you having to rent one on Sardinia.

What airport do you fly into for Sardinia?

You have three airports to fly into on Sardinia island: Cagliari, Olbia and Alghero. The largest one and main city is Cagliari .

How long is ferry from Italy to Sardinia?

It depends where in Italy you sail from. You can sail from Civitavecchia (north of Rome), Livorno (near Pisa), Naples, Sicily, or Genoa. The length of time you’ll be on the ferry travelling to or from any of these places to Sardinia will range from 8 to 15 hours.

Is Sardinia an expensive destination?

Yes, Sardinia is noticeably more expensive than mainland Italy – you can expect to pay a bit more for accommodations and food. This is to be expected though, because many of their goods are imported from mainland Italy and other areas – this adds to the cost of the product.

What is the best month to visit Sardinia?

The most popular time to visit Sardinia is the summer, with average highs reaching 32 °C (89.6°F.) There is also more frequent service during the months of May through to September, since this is when most tourists visit. For example, ferries and flights travel more frequently in summer months than any other time of year.

Can you get around Sardinia without a car?

Yes, you can get around Sardinia without a car. You can bike (although likely not throughout the whole island unless you’re extremely ambitious) and there are also taxis. Taxis can be hailed on the street, or you can book them online. There is also public transportation in Sardinia – ARST, which operates buses throughout the island, and Trenitalia, a train network throughout Italy, including Sardinia. Renting a car is probably the easiest option, but you have these other options as well.

Final Thoughts on Getting to Sardinia

Regardless of your method of travel to Sardinia, you are sure to fall in love with its medieval and ancient buildings, its natural beauty, and stunning beaches, laid back atmosphere and kind people. Whether you’re travelling with kids, or you’re on your honeymoon, Sardinia will have activities that will leave you fondly remembering your trip forever.

We chose to do both: we flew from Rome to Sardinia (to the Cagliari airport), and rented a car to drive around the island. When we returned to mainland Italy, we took a ferry from Sardinia to Livorno, which is near Pisa.

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We know Italy inside out, and Sardinia is no exception. With Classic Sardinia, you will visit the best spots and hidden gems on a private tour of Sardinia with travel guides. With local drivers and guides who go above and beyond to ensure you have an unforgettable stay in this wonderful region.

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Why Travel To Sardinia ?

If you’re looking for an upscale destination that offers a mix of rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural history, Sardinia should be at the top of your list. This island, located off the coast of Italy, is a haven for luxury travelers seeking a unique experience.

Sardinia’s beaches are some of the most stunning in the world, with powdery white sands and turquoise waters that rival those of the Caribbean. The island is also home to rugged mountains, vineyards, and quaint towns that offer a glimpse into the island’s history and traditions.

Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Sardinia has something for everyone. From indulging in world-class cuisine to exploring ancient ruins, this island will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So why wait? Book your luxury getaway to Sardinia today and discover the beauty of this stunning Mediterranean gem.

Travel On Your Mind? Don’t Miss Out Visiting Sardinia!

If you’re planning a trip to Italy, make sure not to miss out on the stunning island of Sardinia. With its crystal-clear waters, picturesque beaches, and rich cultural history, Sardinia is a destination that has something for everyone.

From the vibrant capital city of Cagliari to the charming coastal towns of Alghero and Bosa, Sardinia offers a unique blend of ancient history, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking scenery. Explore the ancient ruins of the Nuraghe, hike through the rugged mountains, or simply relax on the pristine beaches that surround the island.

We offer a range of luxury Sardinia tours that cater to all kinds of travellers. Whether you’re looking for a romantic honeymoon getaway or a family vacation, we can help you create the perfect itinerary that meets all your travel needs. Contact our travel experts today to customize your Sardinia trip and make your dream vacation a reality.

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Epic Sardinia & Corsica Holiday Packages 17 Nights (or Customized)

Go on an adventure of a lifetime through Italy's Sardinia and France's Corsica Island. This epic and action packed tour has it all and is full of cultural experiences and hidden gems.

Essential Sardinia 7 Nights (or Customized)

Discover the beauty and culture of Sardinia with our 7-day itinerary. This trip will showcase the best of what the island has to offer.

Complete Coast of Sardinia Vacation Packages 9 Nights (or Customized)

Embark on a journey along the complete coast of Sardinia, where stunning beaches and picturesque coastal towns await you.

Sardinian Coastal Explorer 7 Nights (or Customized)

Discover the breathtaking coastal landscapes and cultural treasures of Sardinia on this thrilling 8 day coastal adventure.

Cultural Sardinia Vacation Packages All Inclusive 9 Nights (or Customized)

Sardinia island boasts a rich culture and history dating back thousands of years. Explore ancient ruins and stunning landscapes, that showcases the cultural side of Sardinia.

Sardinian Discovery 8 Nights (or Customized)

Discover the hidden gems of Sardinia on this private 8-night tour, where you'll explore the rich history, stunning beaches, and natural beauty of the island.

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View some of our popular Sardinia destinations below or visit our 'Destinations' page to discover the region of Sardinia using our interactive map. We can arrange a personalized private tour to your exact tastes and preferences.

Villasimius

Stintino Tour

Sant Antioco

Porto Rotondo

Porto Cervo

La Maddalena

Most amazing trip ever thanks to bellarome:, “this trip was amazing and i will remember for the rest of my life, vittorio went above and beyond and organised absolutely every single detail to perfection, all the stress was taken out of travelling and each hotel was exactly where i had asked. i can’t thank or rate bellarome highly enough and will use them for my next trip to italy without a doubt. ”.

– Karen P.

An Affordable Way to Rejoice. Explore. Discover

So, if you are looking for something out of the box and have not explored foreign destinations then why not start with Sardinia? Everything about this place will fascinate you right from its rich history to its undiscovered landscapes and its really amazing architecture. All of this indicates you choose Sardinia as your next holiday destination.

Sardinia Travel Guide

Places You Can Visit During Your Trip to Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia boasts of several breath-taking places that you must visit during your trip. The island is home to some of the best beaches in Italy, such as La Pelosa Beach, Porto Giunco Beach, and Cala Luna. If you love history and architecture, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Su Nuraxi di Barumini, an ancient fortified settlement that dates back to the 2nd millennium BCE.

Experience the authentic Sardinian culture by visiting the charming villages of Castelsardo, Bosa, and Alghero. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets, sample the local cuisine, and browse through the handicrafts made by the skilled artisans.

For adventure seekers, Sardinia offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking in the Gennargentu National Park, rock climbing in Cala Gonone, and diving in the crystal clear waters of the Marine Protected Area of Tavolara.

Don't forget to indulge in Sardinia's gastronomic delights such as pane carasau, bottarga, and pecorino cheese, accompanied by the famous Cannonau wine.

Plan your trip to Sardinia during the summer months to experience the island's vibrant festivals, including the famous Sagra di Sant'Efisio, a colorful parade that celebrates the patron saint of Cagliari.

In conclusion, Sardinia is a hidden gem in Italy that offers something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Sardinia now and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Choosing us to book your Sardinia tour comes with quite a few perks. 

Bespoke Tours – We offer you tailor made travel tours that resonate with your objective of traveling. Our top priority is your happiness and always will be. 

Best in industry prices – With Classic Sardinia, you get the most affordable rates no matter where you want to go! Our travel experts prepare the best itinerary suited as per your travel objective. 

Customer Support – Our customer support team is always there to help you in every situation. From preparing the most sorted travel itineraries to solving your problems we have got your covered every step of the way. Plan small/large group tours of Sardinia with you and enjoy the beautiful sites of Sardinia. That will be unforgettable for you.

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Sardinia Travel Guide | Planning For Your Trip

Sardinia is one of the most beautiful islands in Italy and is mainly visited by Italian and European tourists. It is one of those places where local life has remained intact (within the more rural and countryside areas, of course) and where you can truly experience Italian sea life. The people are friendly, the fish is fresh and the views are stunning. To completely experience Sardinia in its entirety, I would recommend at least a month long stay. If you’re working with limited time and you only have a weekend to spend in Italy  or Sardinia is part of your 2 week European itinerary , you can still make Sardinia work into your itinerary, you just have to limit your time to one major city.

SARDINIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Before I ever started planning for Sardinia, I remember thinking the island was small, about the size of Milos (Greece) and that due to its size, we would be able to tour it in its entirety. I was completely and utterly wrong. I spent a few weeks tweaking our itinerary, narrowing it down to places we could actually visit without feeling like we were on the go the entire time. Sardinia is quite large and takes a few hours to travel from north to south (Before I knew any better, I was thinking along the lines of an hour or an hour and a half). So when I first started planning for our 4 day trip, I had mapped out an itinerary from Capo Caccia to La Maddalena to the eastern beaches and finally ending in the capital, Cagliari. Crazy. Totally unrealistic. Impossible. We ended up sticking to the southern and eastern ends.

Sardinia has three main airports: Alghero (northwest), Olbia (northeast) and Cagliari (south). All three airports have regular flights going in and out depending on the destination and original departure city but they can differ drastically in cost (I’m talking a $35 flight versus a $250 flight). When the vacation planning was in its initial stages, I ran flight estimates for all three airports (this helped us decide which area we were going to stick to). Since we were flying in from Florence, Cagliari was best for us. Our first flight was an arrival and departure out of Cagliari but unfortunately for us, our airline cancelled the flight out of Cagliari and to the Amalfi Coast last minute. I had to find all 7 of us a flight a few weeks before the trip and ended up having to choose Olbia for timing reasons. It ended up being a much cheaper flight but it was a 3.5 hour drive from our villa. Completely doable but irritating nonetheless.

There are a bazillion places to stay in Sardinia. I was actually impressed with how many hotels, B&Bs and owner-managed rentals there were scattered across the island. But one thing to consider is that much of the island is rural. There are only a select few cities with typical amenities and plenty of restaurants but the remaining portions of Sardinia are countryside homes with peaceful surroundings and water views. We ended up renting a villa  (see photos the villa below) near the town of Villasimius – it was a gorgeous villa that more than adequately fit all 7 of us and it had the most stunning views of the sea. From the villa, we were able to reach Villasimius and major grocery stores in about 20 minutes and the closest beach was a quick 10 minute scramble over rocks (the less adventurous could reach said beach by car in about 5 minutes). A slightly larger beach (with a bar) was located 5 minutes by car as well as a small grocery store with basic essentials and more. It was perfect for us as my parents and aunt were looking forward to spending a few relaxing days taking it easy and dozing off in the hammock under the sun. If you prefer to be in the middle of it all, be sure to choose a location in any of the main cities like Cagliari, Alghero, or Olbia.

One of my favorite parts of our time in Sardinia was the day we rented a boat from Arbatax. Unlike the USA, an inexperienced driver can rent a boat (Americans would think of it as a large dinghy) to take around the sea. The owners of the marina gave my husband a brief lesson on how to maneuver it and what kinds of rules he had to abide by. After he received his briefing, we were off on our way to visit the beaches alongside the east coast (Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, Cala Goloritze…) The boat runs you about $175 and up (fuel extra) depending on how large a boat you need. IMO, very reasonable for a full day of adventure.

If you’re in the Cagliari area, the Elephant Tower (Torre dell’Elefante) is a must. With sweeping views of Cagliari and perfect spots to photograph, this tower will not only give you your daily dose of exercise but will also leave you with lasting memories. The entrance fee in 2016 was 3 euros per person. There is another tower in Cagliari but we didn’t get a chance to climb it so I can’t speak for the views there. I recommend doing one as the views won’t differ quite enough to be worth it.

I say this hesitantly because I realize that not many people like to cook on vacation. But I recommend making your own meals for two reasons: 1. Sardinian restaurants are expensive. 2. Fresh fish is available everywhere and local produce is cheap.We found it super easy to head to the market or local pescheria for various kinds of fresh fish. Our villa had an amazing kitchen with all the amenities to throw together a healthy and delicious meal. To be honest, it was a nice break from all the pasta and pizza we had been eating (and would eat in the days to come). I will suggest this, however. If you want a unique experience and you’re insistent on eating out, be sure to look up agriturismos (all inclusive meal hosted by a local farm) near the town where you are staying. I had planned to go to one of these but couldn’t convince anyone else to go with me (they were all craving fish every day). They’re scattered throughout Sardinia and are a must try if you want to dine out.

I would say that you need a car to travel in Sardinia. Public transportation isn’t the greatest and if you’re thinking of exploring outside the main roads, a car will be your best friend. We rented two small cars for our family of 7. Driving around wasn’t that difficult – be sure to heed all signs and pay attention to ZTLs. Luckily ZTLs aren’t as strictly enforced (though police will pull you over if you are caught entering one of these) in the small towns of Sardinia as they are in major cities like Florence and Rome, where you can get fined up to $300 for entering one of these zones.

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A travel guide to Sardinia, Italy

S ardinia’s ritzy resort towns are sought-after spots for a slice of la dolce vita . but that’s just the tip of the iceberg on this sun-drenched mediterranean masterpiece….

What image does your mind conjure when you think of Sardinia? Sweeping golden beaches lapped by inviting turquoise waters? Plucked-from-a-postcard Porto Cervo, with its designed boutiques and upscale restaurants? Once sleepy marinas now dotted with mega yachts, each the floating playground of someone rich and famous? While all of these enhance Sardinia’s allure, it’s not all glitz and glam. There’s so much more soul to this central Mediterranean jewel.

Thanks to a new seasonal direct flight route with flydubai , accessing this breathtaking islet has never been easier from the UAE. The seasonal route, which operates three times per week until September 30, lands you at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport. This serves as a gateway to northeastern Sardinia, where endless glamour and rugged natural beauty are the surprise siblings that give this island its unique magic.

Where to stay

Hotel capo d’orso.

It’s easy to see why the secluded luxuries of this five-star resort have the rich and famous flocking to its shores. Nestled within the picturesque Cala Capra National Park, its appeal extends from the verdant, landscaped grounds, to the rustic luxe aesthetic and the charming staff. Honeymooners dine on a romantic floating deck, couples relax lazily in hammocks that billow gently under the dappled shade of the trees, while the Thalasso and spa is a pampering oasis where guests can truly switch-off. For something with a little injection of Porto Cervo glamour (the glitzy town is a mere 20 minutes drive away), dining on the terrace of Il Paguro is a sensory voyage that encapsulates the sights, sounds, aromas and flavours of the ocean it overlooks. Its fresh oysters spritzed with lemon and giant bowls of lobster pasta are each excuses to cancel any further plans for a long, leisurely lunch.

Rates from Dhs1,935 per night. hotelcapodorso.com

Resort Valle dell’Erica

With its impressive array of restaurants, collection of swimming pools and best-in-class wellness facilities, you’d be forgiven for never leaving the resort when checking-in to Valle dell’Erica. Its sprawling 70 acres of private grounds and almost mile-long coastline are aching to be explored. Essentially two resorts in one – the newer La Licciola leads into the historic Erica – around each corner you’ll find saltwater swimming infinity pools that appear to drift into the sea, sandy beaches dotted with parasols, and some half dozen restaurants. The best way to soak it all in is by getting lost among it all, although electric buggies are on-hand to help you to your final destination should you wish. The resort’s aesthetic appeal comes from its ability to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, and local wood, cork and stone are large parts of keeping the traditional charms of this former tourist village alive. From the impressive culinary array, don’t miss an aperitivo in the picturesque square at Nemo, served up to soulful live music.

Rates from Dhs1935 per night, hotelvalledellerica.com

Hotel Airone

Designed to feel like a quaint Italian village wrapped around a central swimming pool, this family-friendly stay from Felix Hotels is a handily located spot whatever your vacation style. Both the high fashion boutiques and swanky bars of Porto Cervo, located 20 minutes away; and the array of natural trails and golden beaches that dot the coast, are within easy reach. Guest rooms are simply styled and sit in neat rows around the swimming pool, and the grounds are also home to tennis courts and a play area for little ones. A continental breakfast of fresh pastries and local fruits is a great way to fuel up for a day of exploring.

Rates from Dhs625. felixhotels.it

Where to eat

A taste of the local flavour at… frades.

A Michelin-pedigree celebration of Italian ingredients, Frades hails from Milan but packs its bags for a lofty terrace in Porto Cervo during the balmy Italian summer. The resulting restaurant is a near-faultless amalgam of stunning views, thoughtful Italian hospitality, and local flavours taking centre stage in dishes like culurgiones ravioli with black truffle and Milanese style turbot.

@fradesportocervo

A global haute-spot… Zuma

Known and loved for its delectable Japanese fare, Zuma is a staple fine dining destination in the UAE. At its counterpart in Porto Cervo, it lands as a seasonal pop-up that pairs a cool and contemporary ambience with sweeping vistas of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Expect energetic DJ sets, a selection of aperitifs designed for the jet-set locale, and an exceptional array of sushi.

@zumaportocervo

A stunning place to party… Phi Beach

Part-restaurant, part-beach club, part-bar – whether you go to Phi Beach to drink, dine or party, just make sure you go. The best way to experience this breathtaking see-and-be-seen spot, arranged around the craggy rocks of the Baja Sardinia coastline, is with drinks at sunset to watch the golden orb meld into the ocean, its sorbet hues illuminating the sky. But you’ll want to stay until late into the night, with a regular rotation of international DJs headlining some of the island’s biggest parties against the backdrop of the ocean.

@phibeachofficial

Things to do

Go island hopping to la maddalena.

A beach in La Maddalena island.

The impossibly aquamarine waters that flank the northeast coast of Sardinia are well documented on Sardinian travel itineraries. But it’s not enough to simply see the endless shades of azure. Hop aboard one of Poseidon Charter’s expertly-crewed boats and set sail on a tour of the unspoiled landscape of La Maddalena National Park. Make pit stops at breathtaking hidden bays like Cala d’Alga and Spiaggia Rosa (pink beach), where impressive rock formations keep Centuries-old secrets, before docking in the archipelago of marvels for an inviting dip in the cool waters.

poseidonfishing.net

Soak up the sun at Nikki Beach

A slightly more rustic iteration of the hedonistic beach club brand where every day is a celebration of life, Nikki Beach Costa Smeralda is set within the rugged Cala Petra Ruja bay. The adventure begins before you’ve event reached this stunning spot, which is accessible via Nikki Beach’s swish boat shuttle – or your own private yacht. Signature white day beds line the gently lapping shore, where guests happily while away afternoons soaking up the ambience and sipping on fresh Spritz. Beyond the beach there’s the restaurant, where energetic DJ sets provide the high-octane soundtrack to a menu of indulgent Mediterranean flavours.

@nikkibeachcostasmeralda

Shop for local crafts at Cannigione Street Market

A sleepy Costa Smeralda town fronted by one of the best beaches on the island, visitors may be drawn to Cannigione’s untouched coastal charms for crystalline waters and golden sands, but you won’t want to leave without stopping by one of the markets. From June, the night market that takes place infront of the marina is a popular spot for picking up pieces that evoke memories of the island, from local ceramics to jewellery.