1 Week in Sardinia: The Perfect Sardinia Itinerary [+Free Map]

One Week in Sardinia FREE Map

There are countless possible itineraries for a road trip in Sardinia, depending on the number of vacation days you have and what you want to see.

Nesrine and I had only one week in August (9 days to be precise) but we didn’t want to focus only on the north or the south like most travel blogs suggested. We wanted all! 😂

So, we decided to make a road trip around the island, starting and ending in the city of Olbia in the northwest. Of course, we couldn’t visit everything, but we definitely made the most of our trip. 

Download my free map of our 8-day Sardinia travel itinerary right below.👇

Disclaimer: A car is necessary to perform this itinerary. Also, you should know it involves quite a lot of driving since it practically loops around the island in a clockwise direction.

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Keep reading to find all the details and tips for every stop on this itinerary!

Day 1 – Visiting Olbia

We decided to start our Sardinia trip at Olbia simply because of the flight price. Out of the 3 airports in Sardinia, it was way cheaper to arrive at Olbia than at the others (Alghero and Cagliari) when we booked our tickets on Skyscanner, like always.  

As we live in Paris, we took a flight from France’s Paris Orly Airport directly to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport. Departure time was 11.30 am, and we landed in Sardinia at 1.20 pm (1h50 flight time) so we had enough time to start visiting. 

We picked up the car we had rented directly at the airport and drove to Olbia city center, which is a short 10 min drive. 

1. Olbia

We started exploring Olbia by 3 pm with the picturesque Basilica di San Simplicio located just outside the historic center so it was easy to park close to it. 

It is a small church of Romanesque-Pisan style dating from the 11th century which stands on an open square. Inside this remarkably preserved granite basilica, you can appreciate the remains of historical frescoes decorating the interior walls.

Basilica di San Simplicio

After this quick visit, we continued our Olbia tour on foot towards the historical center, which took us about a 5 – 7 min walk. We arrived through the Corso Umberto I, the city’s main shopping street.

Corso Umberto

We enjoyed our first pizza in one of the many restaurants on the avenue, and also took the time to stroll through the charming small adjacent streets. That is how we ended up discovering the San Paolo Church, a massive hidden church adorned with a beautiful dome in multicolored tiles. 
 

San Paolo church

We finished our visit by walking down the Corso Umberto to the Olbia Ferris Wheel located right in front of the Museo Archeologico.

Olbia Ferris Wheel

We got back to the car and headed south to Nuoro to attend the Redeemer Festival, about a 1h15 drive from Olbia. 

2. Nuoro

At first, we decided to make a stop at Nuoro only to get closer to our activity of the next morning. But we luckily ended up being there on the last weekend of August, which is when the Redeemer Festival (Festa del Redentore) takes place every year. 

Celebrated since 1901, this festival is one of the most important events in Sardinia. During this celebration, parades in traditional costumes and folk groups with music cross the city. About 100,000 people attend this festival that combines songs, dances, and local food.

So, we arrived there by 8.30 pm and it was really complicated to find a spot to park since most of the city center streets were closed for the parades. We had no choice but to park a bit far from the place we were sleeping. 

We checked it, dropped our bags, and went to the celebrations. It was really great to see, a true immersion into Sardinian folklore and a unique way to discover the local culture. 

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Day 2 – Gulf of Orosei

After a good sleep, we left Nuoro early in the morning to hike to Cala Goloritzé, Sardinia’s most famous beach, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

I recommend leaving Nuoro before 8.30 am to arrive at the hike starting point by 11 am maximum (1h45 drive). 

If you are not into walking, you can opt for a boat tour to Cala Goloritzé and other caves of the Gulf of Orosei. These tours usually take the whole day. 👉 Book your tour here 👈

1. Hiking to Cala Goloritzé

The hike to Cala Goloritzé starts at Su Porteddu. It is a moderate hike that takes about 2h30 round trip (1h to go, and 1h30 to come back due to the elevation) but nothing too difficult.

Accessing the trail to Cala Goloritzé is charged 6€/person to be paid in cash at the trail entrance.

It is a very pleasant trail to hike even though there are only 1-2 viewpoints on the way. The trail is almost entirely shaded, so we didn’t burn under the sun and it is well-maintained and signed. But above all, let me tell you it is the most rewarding hike I have ever done in my life. 

2. Beach Time at Cala Goloritzé

When arriving at the beach, we were mind-blown: the sea blue color is so intense and crystal clear at the same time with such an incredible setting that we felt like in heaven. 

Nesrine and I spent only 2 hours there because we forgot our umbrella, so we were literally burning as the sun was really strong.

We had enough time to enjoy bathing and snorkeling, but I definitely recommend equipping yourself properly and spending the whole afternoon in this wonderful place. But don’t waste all your energy at the beach because the hike back awaits you!   

Tips: Bring enough water, snacks and a picnic with you as there is nothing to get supplies on site. Also, prefer wearing good walking shoes as the trail is rocky and an umbrella as there is almost no shade at the beach.

👉 Make sure to check out this dedicated guide to the Calagoritzé hike with all the info, tips & details. 

After hiking back to the car, we hit the road inland in the direction of our hotel in the town of Orroli, about a 2 hours drive southwest of Cala Goloritzé. 

Day 3 – Su Nuraxi & Cagliari

After sleeping in Orroli, drive 40 min west to visit one of the greatest nuraghes in Sardinia, Su Nuraxi di Barumini. 

The nuraghes are a singular feature that makes Sardinia an exceptional land since you will find them only there. They are stone constructions in the shape of a truncated cone on the upper part that testify the human activity around 2000 BC.

To make sure you can follow Day 3 itinerary, I recommend leaving Orroli by 9 am at the latest to arrive at Su Nuraxi at 9.40.

1. Su Nuraxi

Accessing Su Nuraxi is only possible through 1-hour guided tours that take place every 30 min during the peak season. So when arriving at 9.45 am, you will be able to take the 10 am guided tour. 

Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site will surprise you. Perched at an altitude of 238 meters, it is one of the best preserved megalithic monumental sites to be found in Europe.

This archaeological site shelters the remains of prehistoric defensive constructions built in the 12th century B.C. You will see an imposing central tower around which are erected 4 other towers of the same size. And around the latter are built 7 other towers in a spiral. You will also see wells, cisterns, houses, and even huts for meetings. It is fabulous!

2. Casa Zapata & Centro Lilliu (Optional)

As the Su Nuraxi ticket includes entry to the Centro Lilliu and Casa Zapata, 2 museums located close to the archeological site, we decided to visit them. 

Casa Zapata was nice to see as it is built over the ruins of a nuraghe that are still visible. On the contrary, I personally think visiting the Centro Lilliu is not worth it. 

Visiting both museums should take you 1-hour maximum, but you can prefer to go directly to Cagliari.  

Inside Casa Zapata

3. Cagliari

After this morning in Barumini, get back to your car and drive south for about 50 min to Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital city. You should arrive there by 1 pm. 

Start sightseeing in the city with a tour of San Benetto Market to discover the local flavors. Leave your car at the parking lot facing the market, and enter this huge market, the biggest in Sardinia and the first to be in indoors in Italy. 

Then, walk for about 15 min (or take your car and park at the Parcheggio Regina) to Il Castello, Cagliari’s old town and oldest district. It is one of the most charming places in the city, with its ramparts, typical picturesque little streets, colorful buildings, and lively local life. 

It is also here that you will find some of the most beautiful monuments of the city: the Palazzo Regio, the Duomo di Cagliari (also known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria), the Antico Palazzo, and the Torre dell’Elefante.  

After the Torre dell’Elefante, walk south on the Via Università to reach the famous Bastione San Remy. What was originally used for the city’s defense is now highly appreciated for the amazing view it offers of the Mediterranean Sea and the city’s surroundings. 

Bastione San Remy

Go down the Bastione’s stairs and you will find yourself on the Piazza Costituzione where you will see many coffee shops, restaurants, and stores. It is a nice place to have a coffee break or a gelato before heading to Spiaggia del Poetto for a refreshing swim. 

Get back to your car, drive 15 min on the marina, and park in Poetto Beach’s free parking lot. This large and beautiful beach offers all the facilities you could need including a food kiosk and beach equipment rental.   

Poetto Beach

End of Day 3! 🎉

You will find plenty of great restaurants everywhere in town to finish your day properly. Nes and I were craving Macdonald’s 🙈, so we had dinner there near the beach before going to our hotel.   

Day 4 – Southern Sardinia Beaches Tour

Day 4 is Farniente day! From Cagliari, let’s go west to discover some of the most beautiful beaches in South Sardinia. 

Drive from beach to beach and settle on the one that pleases you the most. I would advise you to choose Tuerredda or Porto Pino though. 

But you can also prefer going to one single beach and spending the whole day there. It is a great way to have a full day of relaxing and feeling the Sardinian vibe. 

Whatever option you choose, you can leave your hotel at the time you want to execute Day 4 itinerary. But don’t forget that you need to be in the southeast at the end of the day to be able to tackle Day 5.  

1. Spiaggia Su Giudeu

Enclosed by sand dunes and green bushes, Su Giudeu Beach is a pretty beach of crystal clear water and endless gold sand located about 1-hour drive from Cagliari. 

2. Spiaggia di Tuerredda

If you drive 10 min west from Su Giudeu, you will end up at Tuerredda Beach. This one is the most postcard-like beach in Southern Sardinia. 

The scenery there with the Tuerredda island in the background and the sea’s various shades of blue creates one of the greatest panoramas of Sardinia. 

3. Spiaggia di Porto Pino

Located 50 min drive from Tuerredda, Spiaggia di Porto Pino stands out thanks to its huge white sand dunes. Like most beaches on the island, Porto Pino Beach obviously features transparent blue water and fine sand to lie on. 

Nes and I chose this beach to spend the rest of the day, and we really loved it. Along with Cala Goloritzé, Porto Pino is the beach where we enjoyed swimming and sunbathing the most. 

End of Day 4! 🎉

Nesrine & I chose to sleep at Calasetta on Sant’Antioco island to enjoy the nightlife because there is a nice night craft market, live music, and tasty restaurants in the summer. But it is a long way to go as it is a 1-hour drive to get there from Porto Pino Beach…

So, here are different options depending on your tiredness at the end of this beach day:

1. If you feel able to drive 1 hour, then I definitely recommend doing like us and going toCalasetta
2. If you are tired and need rest asap, then you should stay in Is Solinas (30 min drive) or Porto Botte (35 min drive)

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Day 5 – Discovering Sardinia’s Mining History

On Day 5 of this Sardinia road trip, you are going to discover a whole new side of the island. Indeed, Sardinia’s west coast is best known for its dramatic coastline and mining history. 

Your morning leaving time will depend on the Pan di Zucchero boat tour time slot. As for us, we booked the 1 pm boat tour, so we left Calasetta at 10 am to arrive at Laveria Lamarmora, our first stop of the day, by 11 am.  

1. Laveria Lamarmora

Laveria Lamarmora is a great site from the 19th century hosting the well-preserved ruins of a building that used to wash minerals extracted in the area. Its location on the edge of a cliff with views over several faraglioni makes it an extraordinary place to visit. 

To access it, you need to hike a bit starting from the Giardino belvedere di Nebida. Count 1 hour for the whole visit including a stop at the Belvedere Daniele Pani. 

👉 Check out this full guide to get all the tips & tricks to explore Laveria Lamarmora.   

2. Porto Flavia & Pan di Zucchero Boat Tour

There are several ways to discover these 2 incredible gems, but doing a boat tour is the best option to make the most of your time, especially on this one-week itinerary only. 

After booking your boat tour a min 2 days in advance on this website, you need to go to Spiaggia di Masua to take the boat. It is located only a 10 min drive from Laveria Lamarmora so you won’t be in a rush.  Just, make sure to arrive 15 min before your tour.

Nes and I absolutely loved this tour! We were amazed during the whole trip, but what we enjoyed the most was the snorkeling time such a unique place that we will never forget this experience.   

👉 Read this guide to get all the info & tips to discover the Pan and Porto Flavia+ our full review. 

3. Cala Domestica

After this tour, we decided to spend the end of the afternoon at Cala Domestica, a great hidden beach located 20 min drive from Masua and classified as one of Sardinia’s best ones. We weren’t disappointed! 

We spent a great time relaxing at this beach and exploring the surroundings up to the Spanish tower. But of course, you can choose to stay at Spiaggia di Masua if you prefer. 

After this, we headed north to our hotel in the town of Guspini. 

Day 6 – Sinis Peninsula

We decided to discover a very special place on the 6th day of our trip through Sardinia: the Sinis Peninsula.

This place is one of the most unspoiled areas stretching along the island’s west coast, from Capo Mannu to Capo San Marco. It is a very varied area where inlets, lagoons, and ponds of fresh and brackish water are everywhere. It is a paradise for nature lovers, but also for history lovers. 

Don’t leave your accommodation after 10 am to be sure to follow this schedule. 

1. Tharros

Tharros Archeological Site was the first stop of Day 6. From Guspini, we drove for about 1 hour and arrived there by 11 am. 

Tharros is an ancient Phoenician city dating back to the 8th century BC and one of the most significant archeological sites in Sardinia. The ruins of the city are particularly well preserved given their age and offer great panoramas as they face the sea. 

👉 Read more about this visit on this Tharros travel guide.

2. Capo San Marco Hike

Capo San Marco is the Sinis Peninsula’s southern tip located right behind Tharros. So, no need to get back to your car, just walk toward the singular-shaped piece of land. 

Nes and I absolutely loved this easy 2-hour hike because of the outstanding views all along. Definitely our favorite, so don’t miss it!

👉 Get all the Capo San Marco hike map & details on this guide.  

3. Is Arutas Beach

After hiking, time to relax and enjoy the Sardinian’s crystal clear waters!

Get back to your car and drive 16 min to Spiaggia di Is Arutas, a beautiful azure beach known for its very special quartz sand. But the wind can strongly blow, it was the case for us. But we really enjoyed our sunbathing session on the tiny quartz balls! 

Time to get home!

The next day is partly dedicated to Alghero, so it is best to sleep there. We drove for 2 hours and arrived there for dinner by 7 pm, so we had time to get beautiful and enjoy Alghero’s nightlife.      

Day 7 – From Alghero to the Costa Smeralda

After a deep sleep in Alghero, we started the day with a walking tour of the city, especially the old town. 

We first had breakfast at Cake Café on the marina and then started our Alghero visit by 10 am. We couldn’t start the day after this hour because we have booked the 1 pm Neptune’s Cave tour.  

1. Alghero Old Town

We easily recognized the old town because of the huge walls protecting it. We entered it through the Piazza Civica, a square filled with restaurants and shops.

Piazza Civica

From there, we wandered through the charming narrow streets with no specific plan as it is quite small, simply following our feelings. That is how we stumbled on the town’s main landmarks.

We first entered the Alghero Cathedral also known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria.

Alghero Cathedral

Then we walked on the Bastion Marco Polo, the defensive zone that buffers the walls from the heart of the town where cannons and other weapons are exposed.  

We kept strolling and saw other churches including the Chiesa di San Francesco and the Chiesa di San Michele.   

It is for sure a great place to buy some souvenirs as you will see lots of souvenir shops and craft stores, especially coral jewelry stores. 

Count about 2 hours to tour the old town at your own pace and have the time to eat a snack and/or a gelato before driving 30 min to Neptune’s Cave. 

2. Neptune’s Cave

Accessing Neptune’s Cave is possible by land or by sea. I strongly recommend going by land because of the incredible experience you will have when walking down the Escala del Cabirol, the enormous cliffside stairs leading to the cave. 

Only accessible on a guided tour, make sure to book your time slot well in advance here. Count about 1,5 hours for the whole visit, including going up and down the stairs. 

👉 Get all the info to access and visit Neptune’s Cave on this post. 

This cave is a mesmerizing place to visit. Sheltering several galleries full of huge thousand-year-old stalactites, large lakes and wells make Neptune’s Grotto an absolute must-do. 

3. Cala Li Cossi

After Neptune’s Cave, it is time to drive all the way to the north coast, the Costa Smeralda, in order to be as closest as possible to the next day’s schedule, i.e La Maddalena Archipelago. 

So we drove for about 1h50 to arrive at Cala li Cossi, one of the most iconic beaches of the Costa Smeralda. Well, the landscape there is astounding! See by yourself: 

We arrived there by 6 pm, so we swam a bit and watched the sunset on this heavenly beautiful beach. We ate at the Hotel Costa Paradiso restaurant and then slept at Aglientu, a town located nearby. 

Day 8 – La Maddalena & Back to Olbia

The final day of this itinerary is dedicated to La Maddalena, an archipelago listed as a UNESCO national park located off the northern coast, about 20 min boat ride from the port of Palau. 

Although the schedule seems busy, it is not. You will mostly enjoy snorkeling, bathing, and relaxing in this land paradise.

I recommend booking the 9 am or 9.30 am ferry to be able to execute Day 7 itinerary at a relaxed pace.  

Tip 1: Book your ferry ticket on this website preferably at least 2 days before D-Day. Make sure to take your car with you, otherwise it will be difficult to get around the island. Prices are reasonnable: for 1 person + 1 regular car, it costs about 40€ round trip during the high season. 
 
Tip 2: Bring picnics, snacks and lots of water with you. The island is wild and unspoiled so you won’t find anything on the beaches and natural zones.

1. Cala Napoletana Hike

In order to avoid burning under the sun, the first activity of this last day in Sardinia is a hike to an incredible cove of pristine waters and golden rocks typical of La Maddalena, Caprera’s Cala Napoletana. 

The hike starting point is only 15min drive from La Maddalena harbor. It is an easy hike of about 1h10 round trip, but count at least a total of 3-4 hours to have time to enjoy the beach. 

👉 Get all the hike details and info on this Cala Napoletana dedicated guide.

2. La Maddalena Panoramic Road

In the second part of the day, follow the panoramic road that basically goes around some of La Maddalena’s best beaches, from Spiaggia Testa del Polpo to Spiaggia Punta Tegge. 

We decided to have a look at many beaches for the sake of this travel blog, but you shouldn’t do the same as they are all incredible but pretty similar. Among all the beaches we have seen on this road, I strongly recommend staying at Spiaggia Testa del Polpo or  Spiaggia di Monte di Rena. 

—

End of Day 8 and your Sardinia 1 week itinerary is now over! 🎉

Depending on your flight time the next day, you can either sleep on the archipelago or go to Olbia by the end of the day.

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FAQ About Travelling Around Sardinia

Is Sardinia Expensive?

Sardinia is part of Italy, so the currency is the Euro. Life in Sardinia is a bit cheaper than on the mainland and other European countries, but prices vary from simple to double between winter and the peak season in July and August. You can nevertheless find some good deals even during the summer depending on the occupancy rate but you will only know at the last moment. 

Just to give you an idea, here is the breakdown of the budget we spent on this 1 week in Sardinia itinerary for 2 persons (airfare excluded): 

• 🏠 Accommodation: 580€
• 🚗 Car rental: 480€
• ⛽️ Gas: 180€
• 🎡 Activities: 210€
• 🅿️ Parking: 25€
• 🍕 Groceries & restaurants: 300€
• = Total Budget: 1,775€  (887€/person)

FYI, We booked our flight, accommodations and car pretty late (in early July for a trip the month after, in August) due to passport issue. If you book earlier, 5-6 months in advance, you will benefit from lower prices.

Note that Sardinia’s northern coast, the Costa Smeralda, is much more expensive than anywhere else on the island. In fact, it is one of the world’s most expensive coasts! So if you are on a budget, avoid staying too long in this area.  

What is the Best Time to Go to Sardinia?

The best time to visit Sardinia is in summer from June to September. This is the ideal season to enjoy the beaches and the sea. Actually, this itinerary is only feasible at this time of the year.

To avoid the crowds and the high prices, it is better not to go in July and August when the Italians from the mainland come to spend their vacations on the island.

If the weather is warm and sunny, you can still enjoy the beach until the beginning of October, but beyond that, the water will be too cold to swim. Outside this period, I don’t see the point in going to Sardinia because apart from the beach, there is not much to do. Besides, most of the hotels and restaurants will be closed.

How Many Days in Sardinia?

If coming from outside Europe, 7 days in Sardinia is the absolute minimum to discover the island’s greatest attractions. But 10 days is the ideal duration as you will be able to discover both the north and the south at a fair pace. 

If coming from Europe, you can allow yourself to spend a long weekend of 3-4 days to discover Cagliari or Alghero. But you will need to come back to discover Sardinia’s best natural wonders.  

How to Get Around Sardinia?

Getting around Sardinia by public transportation is not an option, except if you plan on doing a short city break in Alghero or Cagliari for example.

But if you want to travel around the island, having a car is essential. Out of the main cities, public transportation is almost nonexistent and most of the beaches are out of the way and can only be reached by vehicle. 

Rent your car to travel Sardinia here.

Where to Stay on this Sardinia One Week Itinerary?

To make it easier for you, I have gathered here all the best accommodations to stay in while doing this road trip around Sardinia following the different stages: 

1. Best accommodation in Nuoro: B&B Il Bandito Re
2. Best accommodation in Orroli: B&B Charme Sa Pardina
3. Best accommodation in Cagliari: Arcipelago 37
4. Best accommodation in Calasetta: Appartamento da Andre
5. Best accommodation in Guspini: B&B La Genuina
6. Best accommodation in Alghero: Sweet Dreams Guest House
7. Best accommodation in Aglientu: Hotel Sorgente
8. Best accommodation in La Maddalena: Casa Ilva
9. Best accommodation in Olbia: City Garden Guest House

More Useful Readings to Visit Sardinia

Prepare your trip thanks to these posts about specific places in Sardinia mentioned in this post.  

Here are dedicated guides about Sardinia’s best beaches:

• All the Most Beautiful Beaches in Sardinia
• The Best Beaches on La Maddalena archipelago
• The Best Beaches in Northern Sardinia
• The Best Beaches in Southern Sardinia
• The Best Spots to Snorkeling Sardinia
• The Best Beaches Near Olbia

Also, find below detailed guides to discovering some of Sardinia’s best attractions:

• The Best Things to Do in Olbia
• Visit Cala Goloritze in the Gulf of Orosei
• Hike Guide to Cala Napoletana, La Maddalena
• Discover Masua’s Porto Flavia & Pan di Zucchero
• Visit Laveria Lamarmora
• Hiking Capo San Marco
• Visit Neptune’s Grotto
• Complete Guide to Spiaggia di Cala Li Cossi

Finally, if you’re looking for a home base in Sardinia, you will find my best accommodation recommendations below:

• The Best Areas to Stay in Sardinia
• The Best Place to Stay in Sardinia for Couples
• The Best Places for Nightlife in Sardinia

I hope you have found everything you need to plan your trip to Sardinia Italy; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

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