Sardinia Road Trip Itinerary: Epic Coastal & Countryside Adventure from Cagliari to Costa Smeralda
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Explore the best of Sardinia on an unforgettable road trip itinerary that winds through breathtaking beaches, ancient ruins, charming villages, and dramatic mountain landscapes. This Sardinia road trip starts in Cagliari and loops around the island’s top destinations—from the pristine sands of Spiaggia La Pelosa to the luxury of Porto Cervo and the wild beauty of Gorropu Canyon.
Ultimate Sardinia Road Trip Itinerary: Your Day-by-Day Guide
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Sardinia’s diverse landscapes—from glittering coastlines to rugged mountains, ancient ruins to luxury marinas. This day-by-day itinerary follows an efficient loop starting and ending in Cagliari, taking you through the island’s most iconic sites and hidden gems. Perfect for a 10–14 day trip, this route balances beach time, cultural exploration, scenic hikes, and authentic Sardinian cuisine.
Day 1–2: Cagliari to Costa Rei
Begin your adventure in Cagliari, exploring the medieval Castello district, Poetto Beach, and the Roman Amphitheatre
Head east toward Costa Rei, famous for its long stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters
Optional: Hike around Capo Ferrato or enjoy seafood at a beachfront trattoria
Day 3: Inland Drive to Cala Gonone
Take the scenic inland route north through Muravera and Baunei, winding past mountains and traditional villages
Arrive in Cala Gonone, a charming seaside town backed by cliffs
Consider an evening boat trip to the nearby Grotte del Bue Marino caves
Day 4: Gorropu Canyon Hike & Su Gologone Spring
Start early for a day hike in Gorropu Canyon, one of Europe’s deepest gorges
On your return, stop at the Su Gologone spring and explore the surrounding limestone caves
Overnight again in Cala Gonone or nearby Dorgali
Day 5: Relax at Brandinchi Beach
Drive north toward the coast, arriving at Brandinchi Beach, often dubbed “Little Tahiti”
Spend a leisurely day swimming, sunbathing, or stand-up paddleboarding in the shallow turquoise water
Overnight stay in nearby San Teodoro
Day 6–7: Olbia, Arzachena & Costa Smeralda
Continue north to Olbia to visit the Tempio di cremazione and refuel in town
Discover Arzachena’s Nuraghe ruins and archaeological sites
Base yourself in Porto Cervo, the heart of Costa Smeralda, and spend the next day exploring Capriccioli, Liscia Ruja, and local wineries
Day 8: Spiaggia La Pelosa & Alghero
Travel west to the postcard-perfect Spiaggia La Pelosa near Stintino
In the afternoon, continue on to Alghero, a lively Catalan-influenced town
Catch the sunset from Bosa viewpoint and enjoy seafood along the promenade
Day 9: Oristano & Tharros Ruins
Journey south to Oristano, stopping in Cabras to learn about Sardinia’s fishing culture
Explore the Sinis Peninsula and ancient Tharros ruins perched above the sea
Enjoy a traditional dinner of bottarga or malloreddus in Oristano
Day 10: Return to Cagliari
Take the scenic inland route back to Cagliari, passing open farmland, small villages, and rugged landscapes
Wrap up your trip with a final stroll through Marina district or a farewell dinner with sea views
Cagliari & Costa Rei: Southern Sardinia's Charm
Southern Sardinia blends ancient history, coastal beauty, and laid-back charm—where medieval lanes meet turquoise waters and every road leads to a hidden paradise.
Your Sardinian adventure begins in Cagliari, the island’s vibrant capital, where history, culture, and beach life meet. Nestled between hills and the sea, Cagliari offers a perfect mix of ancient landmarks and modern Mediterranean flair.
Start your day wandering the Castello district, a hilltop maze of cobbled lanes, ochre buildings, and sweeping views over the Gulf of Cagliari. Step into the past with visits to the Roman Amphitheatre and the National Archaeological Museum, where relics from Sardinia’s Nuragic and Phoenician eras await.
When you're ready to unwind, head to Poetto Beach, just minutes from the city center. This long, sandy stretch is popular with locals and ideal for a mid-morning swim or a seaside lunch.
From Cagliari, take the coastal road east toward Costa Rei, one of Southern Sardinia’s most stunning beach destinations. The drive itself is scenic, offering glimpses of turquoise bays and dramatic cliffs. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water, perfect for sunbathing, snorkeling, or just soaking up the laid-back vibe.
Adventurous travellers should carve out time to explore the Capo Ferrato nature reserve. Hike panoramic trails with views of the coastline, spot native wildlife, and discover hidden coves nestled between volcanic rock formations.
With its blend of urban charm and natural beauty, Southern Sardinia sets a relaxed yet captivating tone for your road trip ahead.
Eastern Sardinia: Adventure and Untouched Nature
Eastern Sardinia is where rugged mountains meet crystal-clear seas—an untouched paradise of hidden coves, ancient canyons, and authentic village life.
Eastern Sardinia is where raw natural beauty takes center stage. This region is perfect for travellers seeking adventure, dramatic landscapes, and a slower pace of life rooted in tradition.
Begin in Cala Gonone, a seaside village framed by steep limestone cliffs and deep-blue waters. Known as a gateway to the Gulf of Orosei, it’s the ideal base for boat trips to secluded beaches like Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu, only accessible by sea or hiking trails. The town itself offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for evenings spent dining by the marina.
A short drive inland leads you to one of Sardinia’s most thrilling hikes—Gorropu Canyon.
Carved by millennia of erosion, this towering gorge is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Europe." The trail winds through rugged terrain and dense Mediterranean scrub, rewarding hikers with awe-inspiring views and an unforgettable sense of scale.
After your hike, cool off at the Su Gologone spring, a pristine emerald pool nestled beneath the Supramonte mountains. The nearby karst caves and forested surroundings make this a peaceful detour into Sardinia’s wilder side.
Next, head north along the coast to Brandinchi Beach, often called “Little Tahiti” for its powdery white sand and shallow turquoise water. It’s a postcard-perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, or simply lying under the sun with a good book.
For an authentic taste of Sardinia, make your way to the nearby mountain village of Dorgali. Here, you’ll find rustic eateries serving up hearty local dishes like culurgiones (stuffed pasta) and porceddu (roast suckling pig), all prepared with traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Northern Glamour: Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo & Arzachena
In Northern Sardinia, luxury meets legend—where superyachts float beside ancient ruins and every beach feels like a private escape.
As your road trip heads into Northern Sardinia, you’ll encounter a striking contrast: the raw natural beauty of the island gives way to polished elegance and refined luxury. Costa Smeralda, with its glamorous resorts, pristine beaches, and historical richness, offers a different kind of Sardinian experience—one that balances indulgence with cultural depth.
Begin in Porto Cervo, the crown jewel of Costa Smeralda. Designed by Prince Karim Aga Khan in the 1960s, this upscale town features a stunning marina filled with superyachts, as well as designer boutiques, fine dining, and world-class beach clubs. It’s the perfect place to take in the high life—whether by sipping aperitivo at a waterfront bar or people-watching along the piazza.
Just a short drive inland lies Arzachena, a treasure trove of prehistoric Sardinian culture. Scattered throughout the region are Nuraghe ruins, megalithic stone structures built over 3,000 years ago. These fascinating archaeological sites offer a glimpse into the mysterious Nuragic civilisation that once thrived here.
Nearby in Olbia, make time to visit the Tempio di cremazione, a unique archaeological site that adds another layer to Sardinia’s deep historical tapestry. It’s a quieter stop that offers rich insight and fewer crowds.
Of course, no visit to Costa Smeralda would be complete without some beach time. Capriccioli and Liscia Ruja are two of the most breathtaking beaches in the area, with soft sand, turquoise waters, and a refined atmosphere that reflects the region’s luxury appeal.
Finish your time here by driving the scenic coastal roads, where every bend reveals new vistas of cliffs, coves, and sapphire-blue sea. With its blend of modern opulence and ancient history, Northern Sardinia offers an unforgettable chapter in your island journey.
Western Coast & Back to Cagliari: Culture, Nature & History
Western Sardinia whispers its stories through ancient ruins, quiet villages, and golden coastlines—offering a soulful end to your island adventure.
The final leg of your Sardinia road trip takes you along the island’s rugged western coast, a region rich in cultural layers, sweeping natural beauty, and timeless traditions. This part of the island feels slower, more soulful—inviting you to pause, reflect, and soak in the essence of Sardinian life.
Begin in Alghero, a picturesque town with Catalan roots reflected in its architecture, language, and cuisine. Wander the cobbled streets of the old town, framed by medieval walls and sea views. As the day winds down, head south to the Bosa viewpoint, where the sunset paints the coastline in warm golds and purples—an unforgettable end to a day of exploration.
Just north of Alghero lies Spiaggia La Pelosa, one of Italy’s most iconic beaches. With its powdery white sand and impossibly clear water, this is a place to truly unwind. Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of this pristine bay.
Continue south toward Oristano, stopping in the nearby village of Cabras to learn about the area’s traditional fishing culture and sample the local specialty, bottarga (cured mullet roe). The region's identity is deeply tied to the sea, and its culinary and cultural offerings reflect this heritage.
Not far from Oristano lies the Sinis Peninsula, home to the ancient ruins of Tharros. Overlooking the sea, these archaeological remains from Phoenician and Roman times offer a dramatic and moving glimpse into Sardinia’s layered history.
Your journey concludes with a scenic drive back to Cagliari, weaving through wild coastline and pastoral farmlands, a fitting end to a trip that has shown you every side of this extraordinary island—from luxurious to rustic, ancient to modern, coast to countryside.
