The best one week Sardinia itinerary

This Mediterranean giant, second only to Sicily in size, remains one of Italy's best travel destinations. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, this expert Sardinia itinerary will guide you in planning the perfect trip. From the winding streets of Cagliari to the glamorous Costa Smeralda, we'll help you squeeze the most out of this enchanting isle in just one week.

The best one-week Sardinia itinerary

Rugged, sun-drenched coastlines, prehistoric ruins, and some of the Mediterranean's most pristine beaches – Sardinia is a great place to explore. A week-long road trip is the perfect way to experience this unique island. Here’s our favorite way to spend a week in Sardinia: 

Day 1: Cagliari

The first day of this Sardinia itinerary starts at the Cagliari Airport, where you will pick up your rental car. Start by exploring Caligaria, the island's capital that's equal parts medieval charm and modern Mediterranean with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Here you’ll find lively piazzas and narrow streets that are great for exploring.

Start your day with a walk through the historic Castello district. Here you can visit the Bastione di Saint Remy, a limestone fortification that offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. Make sure to also see the nearby Cattedrale di Santa Maria, a 13th-century cathedral featuring a unique blend of Pisan-Romanesque and Baroque architecture.

When it’s time for lunch, stop by Sa Domu Sarda, a relaxed spot known for its traditional Sardinian food. Be sure to try the culurgiones — a tasty pasta stuffed with potatoes and pecorino cheese.

In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Cagliari Cathedral and climb the Torre dell'Elefante, a 14th-century tower offering stunning views of the city.

Where to stay in Cagliari

• Best for a boutique stay: Neko Boutique Hotel. This charming hotel offers uniquely designed rooms in a restored historic building. Its central location, attentive service, and stylish decor make for a great place to stay in Cagliari.
• Best for luxury experience: Palazzo Doglio. This five-star hotel combines opulent design with top-notch amenities. 
• Best for budget-friendly comfort: Boutique Hotel Carlo Felice. Situated near Cagliari's main attractions, this affordable hotel offers comfortable rooms friendly service — and complimentary breakfast.

Day 2: Costa Rei

After breakfast, you'll set off on a scenic 1-hour drive east to Costa Rei, enjoying some stunning coastal views along the way. This area is famous for its pristine beaches, but there’s much more to explore. Start your day at the Scoglio di Peppino, a distinctive rock formation that's become a symbol of Costa Rei. From there, you can take a short hike to the Torre di Sarrabus, a 16th-century Spanish watchtower that offers panoramic views of the coastline. This tower is part of a very old defensive system.

In the afternoon, head over to Cala Pira, a secluded beach surrounded by Mediterranean scrub and known for its crystal-clear waters. It’s a great spot to try windsurfing or paddleboarding, both popular activities in the area. As the day comes to an end, take a stroll through the charming village of Muravera, known for its citrus fruits and traditional handicrafts.

Where to stay in Costa Rei

• Best for a boutique stay: La Villa Del Re. This adults-only luxury hotel offers an intimate beachfront experience with elegant rooms and stunning sea views. Its infinity pool, gourmet restaurant, and attentive service create an atmosphere of refined relaxation.
• Best for beachfront convenience: Hotel Ristorante Il Vascello. Located steps from the pristine Costa Rei beach, this hotel combines comfort with easy seaside access. Its on-site restaurant serves delicious local cuisine, while the friendly staff ensures a pleasant stay.
• Best for wellness enthusiasts: Costa Rey Wellness & Spa Resort. This expansive resort boasts a comprehensive spa center, multiple pools, and various dining options. It has spacious rooms and great proximity to the beach.

Day 3: Cala Gonone

The third day of this Sardinia itinerary starts with a  2.5-hour drive to Cala Gonone, a picturesque town in the Gulf of Orosei. 

Once you arrive, start with a visit to the Grotta del Bue Marino, a series of sea caves known for their stunning stalactites and stalagmites. These caves were once home to the rare Mediterranean monk seal, which is how they got their name.

If you’re more in the mood for hiking, head out to the Gola di Gorropu, often referred to as Europe’s Grand Canyon. This impressive gorge, with walls reaching up to 500 meters, offers trails for all fitness levels and showcases some of Sardinia's most dramatic interior landscapes. 

For dinner, make your way to Ristorante Ispinigoli, which is set in a natural cave for a truly unique dining experience. Be sure to try their roasted suckling pig, a local Sardinian specialty. Cala Gonone has a relaxed, coastal vibe with just the right amount of adventure, making it a great stop on your Sardinian trip.

Where to stay in Cala Gonone

• Best for a boutique stay: Margaida Boutique Hotel & SPA. This stylish hotel offers a serene retreat with modern rooms and a luxurious spa. Its hilltop location provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Orosei, while the infinity pool adds a touch of elegance.
• Best for sea views: Hotel Caramare. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, this hotel boasts panoramic vistas from every room. With a private beach area and an excellent restaurant.
• Best for family-friendly amenities: Hotel L'Oasi. This welcoming hotel features spacious family rooms and a large outdoor pool. Its proximity to the beach, coupled with a kids' play area and friendly staff, makes it ideal for vacationing families.

Day 4: Olbia

Day four starts with a 1.5-hour drive north to Olbia. Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, head over to the port for a boat trip through the stunning Arcipelago di La Maddalena. This protected group of islands and islets is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the Mediterranean. 

As you sail through the turquoise waters, keep an eye out for dolphins—they’re often spotted in this area. Also be sure to visit the famous Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) on Budelli Island, with its unique rose-colored sand made from coral and shell fragments.

In the late afternoon, return to Olbia and explore the town's historic center. Here you can take a stroll along Corso Umberto, the main shopping street, where you can browse local handicrafts and sample traditional Sardinian sweets like seadas, a delicious fried pastry filled with cheese and drizzled with honey. For dinner, stop by Bacchus Restaurant, known for its excellent wine selection and traditional Sardinian dishes. 

Where to stay in Olbia

• Best for a boutique stay: Hotel Stefania Boutique Hotel by the Beach. This elegant beachfront property offers stylish rooms with sea views. Its intimate atmosphere, excellent restaurant, and proximity to Pittulongu Beach make it perfect for a luxurious, relaxing getaway.
• Best for beach lovers: Hotel Mare Blue. Situated directly on Bados Beach, this hotel provides stunning sea views and easy beach access. With comfortable rooms, a beachfront restaurant, and water sports facilities.
• Best for city exploration: Hotel Centrale. Located in the heart of Olbia, this hotel offers a convenient base for discovering the city. With modern amenities, helpful staff, and proximity to shops, restaurants, and historical sites.

Day 5: Olbia

The fifth day is for exploring Olbia and the surrounding areas more. You can start your morning with a visit to the Chiesa di San Simplicio, a stunning Romanesque church and one of Sardinia's most significant medieval landmarks.

If you want to get a feel for local life, try to visit Olbia's lively market, which takes place on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. You can wander through stalls packed with fresh produce, local cheeses, and traditional crafts. It's the perfect chance to try some regional favorites like pecorino cheese and bottarga (cured fish roe).

From there, you can take a short drive to Costa Smeralda, famous for its upscale resorts and breathtaking beaches. Our recommendation is to spend some time relaxing at Spiaggia del Principe, a gorgeous crescent-shaped beach with clear turquoise waters.

Travel tip: While the Costa Smeralda is beautiful, it can be quite expensive. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy on one of the public beaches to save money.

Day 6: Alghero

Spend today exploring Alghero, often called "Little Barcelona" because of its rich Catalan influence. Begin your day with a stroll along the ancient city walls, where you'll get amazing views of the sea and the charming old town. Make a stop at the Torre di Porta Terra, a historic tower that now features a multimedia museum about Alghero's past.

For lunch, head to La Botteghina, a cozy spot in the heart of the old town. Don't miss out on their Catalan-style lobster, a dish that highlights Alghero's Spanish roots. Afterward, wander through the local market to check out fresh produce and Sardinian treats.

In the afternoon, hop on a boat to Capo Caccia and visit Neptune's Grotto, a stunning sea cave filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. If you're feeling adventurous, climb the 656 steps of the Escala del Cabirol (Goat's Steps) for incredible views of the coastline.

Where to stay in Alghero

• Best for a boutique stay: San Francesco Heritage Hotel. This elegant hotel occupies a restored 15th-century monastery. Its central location and charming courtyard provide a unique, intimate experience.
• Best for spa relaxation: Hotel La Margherita & SPA. This contemporary hotel boasts a luxurious spa center with various treatments and facilities. Its rooftop terrace offers stunning sea views.
• Best for budget-friendly comfort: Hotel Alguer. This affordable option offers clean, comfortable rooms in a convenient location. With friendly staff and a short walk to the beach and old town, it's ideal.

Day 7: Alghero

For the final day, you've got two great options to choose from. If you're into wine, you can take a tour of the nearby Sella & Mosca winery, one of the biggest in Europe. You'll get a taste of Sardinian winemaking traditions and sample some fantastic local wines, including the famous Cannonau.

If history is more your thing, you could visit the Nuraghe di Palmavera, an ancient site with impressive prehistoric stone structures that are unique to Sardinia. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the island’s Nuragic civilization, with around forty "domus de janas" (fairy houses) carved into the rock dating back to 3300-2500 BC.

To wrap up your trip, treat yourself to a farewell dinner at The Kings in Alghero's old town. Their tasting menu highlights the best of Sardinian cuisine, with fresh seafood, locally sourced meats, and traditional desserts — a perfect way to end your stay.

Planning the perfect one-week Sardinia road trip

If you’re ready to hit the road, here are some tips from our local travel experts. If you’re exhausted from the hours of research that come with planning a trip, consider our tailor-made trip service. Our experts can craft a customized itinerary, taking care of all of the planning and booking. See some of our trip ideas for inspiration.

How to get around in Sardinia

Forget public transport – to really see Sardinia, you'll want your own set of wheels. Renting a car is the best option as it gives you the freedom to veer off the beaten track and discover those hidden coves and mountain villages that make the island so special.

Brace yourself for some seriously jaw-dropping coastal drives. The twisting roads hugging Sardinia's rugged coastline offer fantastic views.

For island-hopping, the best way to get around is to jump on an organized boat tour. It's less hassle and you'll get to learn a lot more about the area along the way.

Where to stay in Sardinia

If you're on a budget, inland towns can often offer more affordable options without sacrificing charm.

For a more authentic experience, consider staying at an agriturismo (farm stay). You'll get a real feel for rural life, and most of the time, you’ll be treated to delicious home-cooked meals made with fresh local ingredients.

If you're after luxury, check out the resorts in Costa Smeralda. Just be ready to pay premium prices, especially in the summer. Booking ahead is a smart move if you want the best spots.

If you're figuring out where the best place for you to stay in Sardinia is, see our detailed guide.

How to get to Sardinia

However you're planning to arrive, make sure to book early, especially if you’re traveling during the busy summer months.

• By plane: Sardinia has three main airports – Cagliari Elmas (CAG) in the south, Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB) in the northeast, and Alghero-Fertilia (AHO) in the northwest.
• By ferry: If you prefer a scenic journey, ferries run from various Italian mainland ports. The main operators are Tirrenia, Moby Lines, and Grimaldi Lines. An overnight ferry can even save you on accommodation.

When to visit Sardinia

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are ideal for visiting. The weather is mild, ranging from 59°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C), and you won’t have to fight for space on the beaches. These seasons are also perfect if you’re into hiking or biking.

If your main goal is beach time, summer (June to August) is when you’ll get the most sun. Just be prepared for crowds and higher prices, as it’s the peak tourist season. The island will be buzzing, but everything comes at a premium during this time.