Sardinia Road Trip: 7-Day Itinerary Between Beaches and Mountains

Traveling through Sardinia by car means discovering an island with a thousand faces in just a few days, amid ancient cultures, mountains covered in cork oaks, and beaches with crystal-clear waters. This one-week itinerary has been designed so you can enjoy each stage without rushing, pleasantly combining archaeological sites, characterful villages, and hidden coves. From Cagliari to the La Maddalena archipelago, prepare to taste aged pecorino, walk on Sahara-like dunes, and explore stunning limestone canyons. Keep your camera ready: spectacular panoramas await you around every turn.

Suggested route

Day 1 – Cagliari, the sunny capital

• Must-see sights: Castello district, Poetto beach, San Benedetto market

Perched high above the castle, the chalk bastions offer breathtaking views of the Gulf of Angels. Let your steps guide you through the maze of cobblestone streets, discovering courtyards adorned with bougainvillea and the ceramists' workshops. A sea breeze accompanies you to the Elephant Tower, an ideal vantage point for overlooking the pink marshes where the flamingos make their home. Returning to the marina, admire the pastel Art Nouveau facades, a feast for the eyes (and your lenses!), before surrendering to the call of a strong espresso on one of the terraces under the arcades.

Feeling peckish? Head to the covered market of San Benedetto! It's the perfect place to stock up on fresh bluefin tuna, bottarga, and freshly baked carasau bread. Everything you need for a delicious picnic to enjoy on the eight kilometers of fine sand of Poetto Beach. In the late afternoon, some will opt for a paddleboard ride along the Sella del Diavolo, while others will prefer the richness of the archaeological museum and its enigmatic Giants of Mont'e Prama. As night falls, Piazza Yenne comes alive. It's time for a myrtle spritz and Campidanese-style malloreddus (typical pasta), enjoyed on the terrace to the sound of jazz.

Day 2 – Heading to the Costa Verde and Oristano

• Distance from Cagliari: approximately 105 km
• Estimated driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Don't miss: Piscinas Dunes, ancient Tharros site, Cabras lagoons

The path winds through juniper and rockrose trees before opening up to the surprising spectacle of the Piscinas dunes. Imagine sixty meters of golden sand sculpted by the mistral, an almost Saharan landscape where you might be surprised by a grey fox as you turn the corner. Not far away, the ghost town of Ingurtosu and its rusty carts bear witness to the region's mining past. Further on, Is Arutas beach will dazzle you with its unique sand composed of grains of pink and white quartz, so fine they crunch underfoot.

To the north, the Sinis Peninsula reveals Tharros, an ancient Phoenician and later Roman port, overlooking a Mediterranean with turquoise reflections. A short distance away, Cabras is worth a stop for its museum displaying the impressive statues of Mont'e Prama and its ponds, a refuge for flamingos and avocets. When the light softens, Oristano lights up. Piazza Eleonora resembles an open-air salon, perfect for enjoying a glass of local Vernaccia, accompanied by Zippole, delicious traditional doughnuts.

Day 3 – From colorful Bosa to Catalan Alghero

• Distance from Oristano: approximately 137 km
• Estimated driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Highlights: Panoramic road SP105, Malaspina Castle in Bosa, Neptune's Grotto near Alghero

Head north to Bosa. Cross its trachyte Ponte Vecchio to lose yourself in the charming maze of pastel-colored houses that climb the hill, crowned by Malaspina Castle (often called Serravalle Castle). A stop on the terrace is a must, enjoying a glass of Malvasia, a sweet local wine, with marinated anchovies, while watching the colorful boats glide along the Temo River.

So prepare for a memorable trip: the SP105 coastal road that will take you to Alghero is truly spectacular. Every bend reveals cliffs plunging into the sea, hints of bright yellow broom, and the intoxicating scents of the scrubland. Further on, Alghero welcomes you with its imposing ochre walls and vibrant Catalan heritage. Stroll through the cobblestone streets where you can still sometimes hear the local dialect, Alguerès. If time permits, a boat trip to the spectacular Neptune's Grotto is a must. Elsewhere, the Scala del Cabirol ("the deer's ladder"), with its 654 steps carved into the cliff, offers a breathtaking panorama (and a good workout!). In the evening, enjoy Catalan-style lobster in a restaurant in the old port, and finish with homemade gelato, perhaps featuring local flavors like figs and almonds.

Day 4 – Stintino, jewel of the Northwest, and Capo Falcone

• Distance from Alghero: approximately 48 km
• Estimated driving time: 55 min
• Must-sees: La Pelosa beach, the unspoiled island of Asinara, the panorama from Capo Falcone

Wake up early to enjoy the peace and quiet of the famous La Pelosa beach. Its pristine white sand and turquoise waters evoke tropical shores, with the iconic Aragonese Tower as a backdrop. After a refreshing swim, a visit to the Tonnara Museum (MuT) will immerse you in the history of tuna fishing, an activity that has long made Stintino prosperous.

From the pier, take a boat to Asinara, an island that has become a national park. It's a wildlife sanctuary where you can observe the famous albino donkeys roaming free and, with a bit of luck, spot Caretta caretta sea turtles. Back on dry land, the road climbs to Capo Falcone. From its height of 168 meters, the view of the different shades of blue of the sea is simply breathtaking. Watch the kitesurfers who seem to be playing with the wind. To top off this beautiful day, enjoy a fregola (Sardinian pasta) with clams, accompanied by a glass of Aleatico, while admiring the sunset.

Day 5 – Immersion in the heart of the wild: Nuoro and Barbagia

• Distance from Stintino: about 153 km
• Estimated driving time: 2 hours
• Places to discover: Ethnographic Museum of Sardinia, Murals of Orgosolo, Su Gorroppu Canyon

Leave the coast to explore the interior, a more secret Sardinia with its powerful granite relief. In Nuoro, the Ethnographic Museum (Museo della Vita e delle Tradizioni Popolari Sarde) is a must-see for understanding the Sardinian soul through its traditional embroidered costumes and ancestral masks (Mamuthones and Issohadores). Don't miss the birthplace of Grazia Deledda, Nobel Prize winner for literature. A short detour to Monte Ortobene will reward you with a panoramic view and perhaps a picnic of Fiore Sardo cheese and local cured meats (su succu).

We continue to Orgosolo, a village famous for its murals, with more than 150 political and social frescoes adorning the facades of its houses, true testaments to local and world history. The road then heads towards the impressive Su Gorroppu Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in Europe. A hike of approximately 1.5 hours along a rocky path will take you to the heart of this magnificent natural site, dominated by vertiginous walls where the golden eagle nests. In the evening, a farmhouse dinner experience is a must: savor porcetto (roast suckling pig) flavored with myrtle, a glass of Cannonau (roasted red wine), and let yourself be lulled by the polyphonic singing of a tenor under a starry sky.

Day 6 – The Gulf of Orosei: spectacular coves and cliffs

• Distance from Dorgali (near Su Gorroppu/Nuoro): approximately 43 km to Cala Gonone
• Estimated driving time: 45 min
• The gems: Grotte del Bue Marino, Cala Mariolu, Cala Goloritzé, hike to Cala Luna

The winding road that descends from the Genna Silana Pass cuts through the limestone landscape of the Supramonte to reach Cala Gonone, a charming port nestled between cliffs and pine forests. From there, embark on an unforgettable boat trip. First stop: the Bue Marino cave, a geological marvel with its stalactites and stalagmites, a former refuge for the monk seal ("bue marino" in Sardinian). The boat then follows the coast, revealing heavenly coves such as Cala Mariolu, with its small white pebbles polished by the waves and its incredibly blue water, before stopping near Cala Goloritzé (accessible only on foot or by sea for some distance), famous for its natural arch and limestone spire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For hiking enthusiasts, the coastal path leading to the beautiful Cala Luna beach is a great option (about a two-hour walk from Cala Fuili), offering magnificent views and the aromas of the maquis. The light at the end of the day is magical. For the more athletic, try a via ferrata like the Badde Pentumas, for thrills overlooking the sea. The evening will be pleasant, punctuated by tasting culurgiones (stuffed ravioli), seadas (cheese fritters drizzled with honey, often corbezzolo), and the sound of crickets.

Day 7 – The Emerald Coast and the Maddalena Archipelago

• Distance from Cala Gonone: approximately 113 km to Palau (pier)
• Estimated driving time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Icons: Porto Cervo, Spiaggia del Principe, island of Caprera (La Maddalena)

Take advantage of the morning to discover the legendary Costa Smeralda before the crowds. Porto Cervo, its beating heart, lines up with luxury yachts and designer boutiques, but reveals a quieter charm off-season or in the early morning. Not far away, a path leads to Spiaggia del Principe, a crescent of fine sand nestled between pink granite rocks, lapped by a sea of intense emerald green.

Join Palau for the ferry to the La Maddalena archipelago (a quick 20-minute crossing). Once on the main island, the panoramic tour is enchanting, revealing coves with translucent waters such as Bassa Trinità. A bridge connects La Maddalena to the wilder island of Caprera, inseparable from the figure of Giuseppe Garibaldi, whose house can be visited (Compendium Garibaldino). Treat yourself to one last swim in the crystal-clear waters of Cala Coticcio (nicknamed "Tahiti," access is regulated and often by boat or on foot with a guide).

Enjoy a last glass of Vermentino while watching the sunset before returning to Olbia (the airport is about 45 minutes from Palau). If your flight allows time, Olbia itself offers some pleasant surprises, such as its remarkable Basilica of San Simplicio or a pleasant stroll around the harbor before departure. To explore all the possibilities and find other activity ideas in Olbia, check out our dedicated article. You'll leave with your head full of images and the blue sea in your eyes.

Renting a car in Sardinia: our advice

A car is undoubtedly the best way to explore Sardinia in complete freedom. The island offers over 1,700 km of coastal and inland roads (toll-free!), and public transport only partially reaches isolated coves and mountain villages. Upon arrival at the airports of Cagliari, Olbia, or Alghero, you'll find a wide selection of rental agencies (international ones like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and local ones like Noleggiare). You can choose between a small and agile city car, a more spacious SUV, or even a convertible to enjoy the sun.

Budget and Booking: Rates vary greatly depending on the season. In the low season (November-March), you can find deals as low as €8-15/day. In spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October), expect to pay around €25-35/day for a compact car. In the height of summer (July-August), prices skyrocket: a city car can cost over €50/day and an SUV €70-80/day. The key is to plan ahead: it's best to book three to six months in advance, especially during the summer, to get the best rates. Online comparison sites like Voiture Sardaigne can help you understand availability, deductibles, fuel policies, and special promotions. They often offer additional excess reimbursement insurance (around €6-8/day) that covers items often excluded by rental companies (tires, windows, underbody).

Mileage: Most major rental companies offer unlimited mileage, but check this carefully as some local agencies may impose a limit (e.g., 250 km/day).

Insurance, excess, and deposit: The basic insurance (CDW/TP) included in the contract usually has a high excess (the amount you are responsible for in the event of damage or theft), ranging from €600 for a small car to over €2,000 for an SUV. Note: An international credit card (with raised numbers) in the name of the main driver is almost always required to hold the excess deposit. Debit cards (such as Maestro, Electron) or prepaid cards are generally only accepted if you purchase the rental company's "zero excess" insurance, which is quite expensive (€15-25/day). Even if your premium bank card (Visa Premier, Gold Mastercard) covers the excess refund, the deposit amount will still be blocked in your account; make sure you have enough. External reimbursement insurance is a cheaper option, but it involves paying for repairs first and then receiving reimbursement (keep all invoices and reports safe).

Pickup and drop-off: Picking up and dropping off your car at the airport is the easiest option and often the most flexible in terms of scheduling. Downtown locations have more limited hours and may charge extra for pickup or drop-off outside of normal hours. Renting a car in one location and returning it in another (e.g., arriving in Cagliari / departing in Olbia) is possible, but incurs a drop-off fee (calculated between €60 and €100). This is a good option if you optimize your flights. Taking a ferry to nearby islands like La Maddalena or Carloforte is generally permitted by most rental companies at no additional cost, but leaving Sardinia (to Corsica or mainland Italy) almost always requires written permission and specific insurance; otherwise, you will no longer be covered.

Practical advice

Here are some essential tips to make your road trip to Sardinia as smooth as possible. Remember that for the most complete and up-to-date information on all practical aspects (transportation, accommodation, local regulations, events, etc.), the official Sardinia Tourism website remains the go-to resource.

• Roads and Fuel: Good news, there are no tolls in Sardinia! However, remember to refuel before entering mountainous areas like Barbagia, where gas stations are scarce.
• Parking: On the coast, many parking lots are paid from June to September (sometimes even in May or October). If you arrive before 9 a.m., you can often avoid the crowds and, sometimes, the fees.
• Beaches: Bring water shoes, especially for the pebble beaches or rocky coves of the Gulf of Orosei; sea urchins may also be present.
• Sea weather: The Mistral (Maestrale) wind may blow strongly and cause temporary cancellation of ferry crossings to Asinara or La Maddalena. Check weather and shipping company reports the day before.
• Payments: In inland towns or small establishments (agritourism, cheese shops), credit cards are not always accepted. It's always helpful to carry some cash (around €40-50).
• Local Flavors: Don't leave without trying Sardinian wines! Vermentino (white) pairs perfectly with the seafood of the northern coast, while Cannonau (red) pairs wonderfully with meat dishes and inland cheeses, such as the famous Pecorino Sardo.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is the best time to visit Sardinia without crowds?

Spring (mid-May to late June) and early autumn (early September to mid-October) are the ideal months. Temperatures are around 25°C, the sea is pleasant for swimming, and accommodation prices are approximately 30% cheaper than in the height of summer.

Do you need a 4x4 to drive on the roads of Sardinia?

No, it's not essential. The vast majority of places, even those accessible via white roads, can be reached with a conventional passenger car. Just drive carefully on dirt roads (towards Cala Sisine, for example) and consider tire insurance if you plan to go off-road.

Do you have to pay to park near the beaches?

Yes, very often during high season (usually June through September). Expect to pay between €1 and €2 per hour or a daily rate of €6 to €10. Please note: for some popular beaches like La Pelosa, online reservations are required in summer, and access is limited.

What fuel budget should I plan for this route?

Unleaded gasoline prices can vary considerably. To cover the 700 km of this route, it's prudent to plan a fuel budget of around €110–€150, depending on your vehicle's fuel consumption and current prices during your trip. Remember to check current prices.

Do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

For licenses issued within the EU/EEA, the national license is usually sufficient. For other countries, it is often required or strongly recommended to include a PCI along with your national license. Check the specific requirements for your nationality before you leave.

What about limited traffic zones (ZTL)?

Many historic centers (Cagliari, Alghero, Bosa, Oristano, etc.) have ZTL (ZTL), indicated by specific signs. Access to unauthorized vehicles (often including rental cars) is prohibited during certain hours/days, under penalty of a heavy fine. It's advisable to park outside these zones and walk, or ask your accommodation if they can provide you with a temporary permit if necessary.

Is it easy to drive in Sardinia?

Main roads are in good condition. However, secondary roads, especially in the mountains and along some coastal sections, can be narrow, winding, and sometimes lack clear signage. Local driving can seem hectic. Adjust your speed, stay alert, and don't hesitate to use the horn when negotiating curves on narrow roads with limited visibility. Allow more time than indicated by the GPS for secondary routes.