The popular island of Sardinia, located on the west coast of Italy, is not only the second largest in the country, but in the entire Mediterranean. Some even call Sardinia the Caribbean of the Mediterranean. No wonder, because its dreamy sandy beaches and turquoise waters are simply breathtakingly beautiful. The combination of dolce vita, diverse nature and idyllic bays truly makes Sardinia a top holiday destination.

A 7-day Road Trip is the perfect way to explore Sardinia. That’s why I’ve put together a 7-day Sardinia itinerary for you – with the best sights, tours, beaches and hidden gems. As always, you’ll find them all on a detailed map.

Sardinia Road Trip – a few important tips in advance:

• The best times to explore Sardinia by car are May – June and September – October. During this time, it is not as hot as in summer and there are significantly fewer tourists.
• A small car or SUV is best suited as a rental car to go around the island. Familiarise yourself with the park rules beforehand, as they can vary a lot between the north and south.
• You should book boat tours well in advance – especially for the Grotta di Nettuno, the Golfo di Orosei and La Maddalena.
• Don’t forget to take cash with you, as cards are often not accepted in smaller villages and remote areas.

My map with the best sights in Sardinia:

My 7-Day Sardinia Road Trip Itinerary

Sardinia Day 1: Arrival in Cagliari & start of the trip

After landing at the international airport in Cagliari and picking up your hire car, you start your Sardinia road trip with your first breathtaking coastal drive towards Chia. The small village is located 48 kilometres south of Cagliari, nestled in a coastal area with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water. The setting exudes true Caribbean flair. Between fine dunes full of fragrant greenery, you can relax wonderfully on the fine sandy beaches.

My Restaurant Tip:

For dinner, I recommend the Trattoria da Angelo in Domus de Maria. It is located just a few minutes from the Hilton Chia Laguna. Here you can enjoy authentic Sardinian specialities such as porceddu (suckling pig), fregola ai frutti di mare (roasted pasta with seafood) and seadas (honey dumplings with pecorino cheese).

My hotel tip: Hilton Chia Laguna Sardinia

The Hilton Chia Laguna impresses primarily with its fantastic pool and excellent spa area. There is also a shuttle service to the Spiaggia di Monte Cogoni – a picturesque sandy beach from where, with a bit of luck, you can even spot dolphins.

Sardinia Day 2: Along the Costa del Sud

The second day of my Sardinia itinerary takes you further along the panoramic coastal road along the Costa del Sud – with breathtaking views of beautiful bays and cliffs. I promise you won’t get enough of the idyllic sandy beaches that pass you by.

Stops you shouldn’t miss during your road trip:

• Tuerredda Beach – an absolute dream beach in Sardinia with shallow turquoise waters that are always calm. You really feel like you’re in the Caribbean here.
• Capo Spartivento – here you’ll find a lighthouse, which is one of the oldest still functioning on the island. From here you have a great view of the sea.
• Porto Pino – an atmospheric place with white, never-ending sand dunes and tranquil lagoons.

Your final stop for this day is Oristano. This historic, authentic Sardinian town is located on the west coast between picturesque, rocky bays and is perfect for your second overnight stay of your Sardinia itinerary. The province is not only surrounded by beaches, but also by the impressive mountains of Monte Ferru. And if you’re a night owl, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get your money’s worth in Oristano.

My hotel tip in Oristano:

• → Hotel Mistral2
• → B&B Domo La Laguna
• Both offer good value for the money and are very comfortable.

Sardinia Day 3: Bosa – the colourful jewel of Sardinia

Today’s first destination on your Sardinia round trip is Bosa – one of the most beautiful small towns in Sardinia. Bosa may not be large (just under 8,000 inhabitants), but it is full of charm. You simply have to immerse yourself in this magical flair and let yourself be carried away by it. The historic town centre with its pretty alleyways, pastel-coloured houses and cute shops will cast a spell over you. It’s simply fun to stroll around here and stop every now and then to marvel.

My insider tips in Bosa:

• Visit Castello Malaspina – A walk of about half an hour takes you from Bosa’s old town centre up the Scalinata staircase, which is hung with roses, to Castello Malaspina. The castle was built at the beginning of the 12th century and offers a fantastic panoramic view.

Arriving in Alghero

We continue along the coast to Alghero. The lively little town, surrounded by a city wall, is a former Catalan enclave and is often referred to as Little Barcelona. You will surely love the picturesque harbour. Alghero is world-famous for its traditional red coral jewellery.

In the evening, I recommend the Alghero Sunset Sailing Aperitif Tour – a leisurely boat tour with an aperitif at sunset.

My hotel tips in Alghero:

• → Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa – This exclusive hotel offers you a breathtaking view of the sea
• → Hotel Punta Negra – It is located directly by the sea, has a pool and you can enjoy a great view.

Sardinia Day 4: Beach time & Grotta di Nettuno

The morning of the fourth day of your Sardinia round trip by car can be spent relaxing on the Spiaggia di Maria Pia – an approx. 2-kilometre-long beach in Alghero with golden sand, bordered by a pine forest that provides shade.

Afterwards, you can take a boat tour or hike to the Grotta di Nettuno – an impressive stalactite cave with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, accessible via a picturesque boat trip or an impressive staircase with 654 steps along the cliffs.

Later, you have the option of taking part in a wine tasting at the renowned Sella & Mosca winery, which I would definitely recommend if you are a wine lover.

After a short break, the journey continues towards the east coast with an overnight stay in Cala Gonone. This town on the east coast of central Sardinia is the perfect base for a boat tour to the best beaches in Sardinia the next morning!

My hotel tips in Cala Gonone:

• → BUE MARINO Hotel & Roof Lounge
• → Hotel Pop
• → Eden affittacamere 
• All three hotels have an ideal location right at the harbor of Cala Gonone where all boat tours take off  in the morning

My restaurant tip in Cala Gonone:

• Sa Cuchina piccolo listeria enoteco – Here you can enjoy delicious homemade pasta, and traditional Sardinian classics such as Culurgiones (filled Pasta with potatoes and cheese served with tomato sauce). It is a very small restaurant run by a cute couple – so you might need to wait a bit for a table.

Sardinia Day 5: Golfo di Orosei Boat Tour & San Pantaleo

Start the day with a boat trip to the most beautiful beaches, the bluest water and hidden little caves. A boat is the best choice, as most of the beaches on the east coast can only be reached from the water or after a strenuous and steep hike – especially on the way back up the cliffs.

You will see unique white beaches with dreamlike blue water, for example:

• Pools of the Venus – a perfect spot to stop the boat and go for a swim in the bluest water
• Cala dei Gabbiani – an idyllic little bay with crystal-clear water
• Cala Mariolu – with rocks for cliff jumping and also crystal-clear water
• Cala Luna – with caves at the beach which are ideal to hide from the intense sun
• Cala Goloritze – the most famous beach with its iconic rock formation

I highly recommend booking a private boat (with or without skipper) instead of booking a tour on a big ship with countless other people – It’s a whole different experience! I have linked you the exact tour we booked below!

The tours usually end in the late afternoon so make sure to pack enough water and snacks during your boat trip as there are barely any places to buy drinks or food at the beaches.

San Pantaleo Mountain Village

After a day on the water, continue your road trip to San Pantaleo. I absolutely loved this tiny village surrounded by the mountains with the cutest market square where you find little cafes and local shops with sustainable fashion. It is an absolute hidden gem in Sardinia!

Sunset and early mornings are the best time to explore the village which is why I highly recommend spending one or two nights here.

My hotel tips in San Pantaleo:

• → La Suera San Pantaleo – A boutique oasis right in the center with a modern interior
• → Boutique Hotel Sant’Andrea – A cozy 3‑star relais with a pool, it is family-run and located in the village heart

My restaurant tip in San Pantaleo: 

• Grab your morning coffee and, ideally, a shakarata (iced shaken espresso) or the decadent ciccolata calda (thick hot chocolate) at one of the cafés around the main square this is also where you find the majority of restaurants for lunch or dinner

Insider Tip:

If you happen to come to San Pantaleo during a Thursday morning, visit the Thursday artisan market with local ceramics, crafts, and delicacies – it’s a highlight in the village.

Sardinia Day 6: La Maddalena Archipelago & Olbia

On this day of your 7-day round trip Sardinia by car, you will head towards Palau – a pretty town in the north of Sardinia. From here, you can also embark on unforgettable tours. Treat yourself to a boat or catamaran tour through the La Maddalena archipelago – one of the most beautiful island groups in the Mediterranean, with dreamy bays and turquoise-blue water. You will find a true snorkelling paradise among the more than 60 islets.

If you’re in the mood for a visit at a unique winery I suggest a Gallura winery tour with a tasting of excellent local wines. You’ll be amazed by the flavour and ambience. → Linked here!

Sardinia Day 7: Dolphin watching & Cagliari

In the morning, I recommend a dolphin watching tour by kayak. Not far from Olbia is the small fishing village of Golfo Aranci, from where the tour starts. The village alone is worth a visit, with its pretty harbour, friendly town centre and, of course, its dream beaches. The tour leads to the island of Tavolara where dolphins are seen daily nearby a fishing farm.

The last section of your Sardinia round trip by car takes you back to the capital, Cagliari. If you still have time before your return flight, we recommend a stroll through the old town. The Bastione di Saint Remy, Cagliari’s largest rooftop terrace, is one of the city’s most beautiful vantage points with views of the sea and the old town. Here you can enjoy a coffee under the palm trees in one of the small cafés. Another tip is the historic Castello neighbourhood. Stroll through the narrow streets with colourful houses, impressive palazzi and charming little squares. You absolutely must make a stop at Santa Maria Cathedral!

You can plan your return flight for the evening or spend another night in Cagliari.

7 days Sardinia round trip by car – My thoughts:

Sardinia really is a fabulous dream island. You could stay here for much longer than just 7 days, as there is so much more to discover. Some people also call Sardinia the island of freedom. You can really feel this when you’re traveling along the coastal roads and simply taking in the fantastic views of the beaches and the sea.

My 7-day Sardinia Road Trip itinerary offers a perfect mix of beaches, culture, adventure and relaxation. I hope this post will help you to plan your own Sardinia holiday!

One last tip from me:

Make sure you try the Seadas (honey dessert) and the Cannonau wine. You won’t regret it.

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