Sardinia: 7-day Itinerary
Discover Sardinia on a 7-day itinerary through turquoise beaches, historic cities, mountain villages and some of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular coastal scenery.
Day 1.
Cagliari Airport → Cagliari
Driving: ± 15–20 min
Pick up your rental car at Cagliari Airport and head into Sardinia’s lively capital. Wander through the historic Castello district, visit Bastione di Saint Remy and enjoy panoramic views near the cathedral. End your first day with dinner in the atmospheric Marina district.
Stay: Cagliari
Day 2.
Cagliari → Chia → Tuerredda → Cagliari
Driving: ± 2 hr 30 total
Head west along Sardinia’s beautiful southern coastline towards Chia.
Spend the morning at Spiaggia di Su Giudeu, known for its golden sand, clear water and coastal dunes. Continue to nearby Tuerredda, a sheltered bay with brilliant turquoise water and a small island just offshore.
Return to Cagliari in the late afternoon and enjoy another evening in the historic centre.
Stay: Cagliari
Day 3.
Cagliari → Barumini → Orgosolo → Cala Gonone
Driving: ± 4 hr total
Leave the coast behind and travel through Sardinia’s rugged interior.
Stop at Su Nuraxi di Barumini, Sardinia’s most famous prehistoric nuragic complex, before continuing towards Orgosolo. Explore this mountain village, known for the colourful murals covering its streets and buildings.
Continue through the dramatic landscapes of central Sardinia towards Cala Gonone on the Gulf of Orosei.
Stay: Cala Gonone
Day 4.
Cala Gonone → Gulf of Orosei
Driving: none
Spend the day exploring the spectacular Gulf of Orosei by boat.
Depart from Cala Gonone and discover secluded beaches such as Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzè. Limestone cliffs, hidden caves and intensely turquoise water make this one of the most unforgettable stretches of coastline in Sardinia.
Book your boat trip in advance during the summer months and choose a smaller excursion if you prefer a quieter experience.
Stay: Cala Gonone
Day 5.
Cala Gonone → Posada → San Teodoro
Driving: ± 1 hr 45 total
Travel north along Sardinia’s eastern coast towards Posada, a beautiful hilltop village crowned by the medieval Castello della Fava.
Explore its narrow streets and climb towards the castle for panoramic views across the surrounding countryside and coastline.
Continue to San Teodoro and spend the late afternoon at nearby Cala Brandinchi or Lu Impostu, two beaches known for their shallow turquoise water and pale sand.
Stay: San Teodoro
Day 6.
San Teodoro → Palau → La Maddalena Archipelago
Driving: ± 1 hr 20, excluding ferry or boat trip
Drive north towards Palau and spend the day exploring the La Maddalena Archipelago.
Take the ferry to La Maddalena and explore the island’s beautiful coastal road, or join a boat trip visiting secluded coves and smaller islands such as Spargi and Budelli. The archipelago is known for its clear water, granite rocks and untouched island scenery.
Return to Palau in the evening.
Stay: Palau
Day 7.
Palau → Costa Smeralda → Olbia Airport
Driving: ± 1 hr 30–2 hr
Don’t drive directly back to the airport.
Follow the coast through the landscapes of the Costa Smeralda, stopping at places such as Porto Cervo, Capriccioli Beach or the colourful village of San Pantaleo.
After a final walk or swim, continue towards Olbia Airport, return your rental car and fly home.
Plan your Sardinia trip
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