Are you planning a 7-day Sardinia tour and are still looking for inspiration and helpful travel tips? Then you’ve come to the right place. Sardinia awaits you with stunningly beautiful beaches, lush mountains, charming mountain villages, diverse seaside resorts, and an impressive rocky coastline.

We are often asked where the most beautiful places in Sardinia are and whether a 7-day Sardinia tour is worthwhile. We can assure you that even 7 days are worthwhile. The island has a lot to offer in the north, east, south, and west.

We’ve put together two itineraries for Sardinia, one in the north and one in the south, to make your travel planning as easy as possible. We’ll also share our best tips on rental cars, costs, accommodations, and excursions.

• Sardinia Round Trip: 7 Days in the North
• Sardinia Route Planning in Detail – 7 Days in the North
• Sardinia Round Trip: 7 Days in the South
• Sardinia Route Planning in Detail – 7 Days in the South
• Costs for a 7-Day Sardinia Round Trip
• General Travel Tips for Sardinia
• Frequently Asked Questions

Sardinia Round Trip: 7 Days in the North

One of our favorite travel routes in Sardinia takes you through the magical and diverse north of the island. Your adventure begins in Olbia, where you’ll have time to settle in after your flight lands. Stroll leisurely along the harbor, explore the charming shops of the old town, and enjoy your first evening with a generous portion of pasta and a fine glass of Sardinian wine.

The next day, your tour begins along the Costa Smeralda, the coast of the “rich and beautiful.” During the cruise, you’ll pass numerous stunning bays and beaches, so have your swimsuit ready. In the late afternoon, you’ll take the ferry from Palau to the unique La Maddalena archipelago. Boat trips, bike tours, and a variety of beaches await you here, waiting to be discovered.

After two nights on La Maddalena, it’s time to return to the main island. A stop at Capo Testa is an absolute must to marvel at the quirky rock formations and romantic bays. The route now leads along the breathtaking Costa Paradiso before you finally reach the picturesque hilltop town of Castelsardo. Stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy the view over the sea.

The next morning, it’s worth getting up early to begin your journey to Stintino. There, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, La Pelosa, awaits you. Over the next two days, you’ll explore the enchanting old town of Alghero and the fascinating Neptune’s Grotto. Afterwards, you will return to Olbia Airport with your rental car.

Route suggestion – 7 days in the north

• Start in Olbia (1 night)
• La Maddalena (2 nights)
• Castelsardo (1 night)
• Stintino – La Pelosa (1 night)
• Alghero (2 nights)

Who is the 7-day round trip through the north suitable for?

If you are looking for stunningly beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, charming If you’re looking for charming villages and a variety of activities, then the north of Sardinia is just right for you. For us, this region of the island is the ultimate package for a perfect vacation. Of course, you can adapt our suggested itinerary to your own ideas, be it regarding accommodations, stops, or activities.

Sardinia Route Planning in Detail – 7 Days in the North

Day 1 – Arrival and Start in Olbia

The plane has landed, and your exciting tour can finally begin. At the airport, you’ll pick up your rental car, which will take you through the north of the island for the next 7 days. Afterwards, you’ll head to your first accommodation, where you can freshen up and stow your luggage. There are numerous beautiful guest rooms in Olbia.

You can spend the rest of the day exploring the port city of Olbia, which awaits you with its picturesque alleyways. Enjoy the evening hours in one of the numerous restaurants, stroll along the harbor and let the day end comfortably. Our tip: ☞ Sardinian pasta workshop, wine tasting and local food*.

Hotel tips for Olbia

• Jazz Hotel Olbia*
• CasAunoE Boutique Hotel*
• Hotel Panorama*
• Felix Hotel Olbia*

Day 2 – Exploring the Costa Smeralda & La Maddalena

After a relaxing first day in Olbia, your journey continues north. On your way to La Maddalena, you’ll pass the breathtaking Costa Smeralda, the “coast of the rich and beautiful.” Admire the expansive Spiaggia Bianca beach, explore the hidden bay of Cala Petra Ruja, and immerse yourself in the sophisticated ambiance of Porto Cervo.

Once you arrive in Palau, take the ferry to the La Maddalena archipelago. You can buy tickets at the port and hop on the next ferry. The ferry crossing takes just under 15 minutes. In the town center of La Maddalena, you can stroll through the alleys and enjoy a delicious meal after your day of exploring.

Hotel tips for La Maddalena

• Hotel Excelsior*
• Grand Hotel Resort&SPA Ma&Ma – Adults Only*
• Residence Cala Francese – Case sul mare*

Day 3 – La Maddalena Archipelago

Today a special highlight awaits you, where you can decide for yourself how you want to explore the island of La Explore La Maddalena and Caprera. At the port of La Maddalena, you can rent an e-bike (from €40 per day) and cycle around the main island and the island of Caprera in about four hours. Alternatively, you can also book a guided tour and explore the archipelago from the water.

Popular Tours on La Maddalena

• Maddalena Archipelago: Island Hopping, Sailing Tour, and Lunch*
• La Maddalena Archipelago Catamaran Tour*
• The North of Sardinia: La Maddalena Archipelago Boat Trip*
• Introductory Scuba Diving Course on La Maddalena*

Day 4 – North coast to Castelsardo

Today we take the ferry back to Palau. An absolute must is a detour to Capo Testa on the northern tip of Sardinia, where numerous impressive granite cliffs can be admired. Weather permitting, you can even glimpse the coast of Corsica from there. You should allow approximately 1 to 2 hours to explore this area. Alternatively, you can also take a guided hike through the Valle della Luna (for the Valle della Luna hiking tour*). Then continue your journey, following the coastal road along the north coast to Castelsardo. Along the way, you’ll pass countless beaches with fine sand and turquoise water, such as Spiaggia Rena Majori or Spiaggia Monti Russu. In the late afternoon, you’ll reach the picturesque hilltop village of Castelsardo with its colorful house facades. Immerse yourself in the medieval old town and end the day relaxing in one of the local restaurants, for example, the Ristorante Il Bounty.

Hotel tips for Castelsardo

• B&B Casa Doria*
• New Suites Sea View*
• Bajaloglia Resort*
• Romantic Loft in the Old Town*

Day 5 – Dream Beach La Pelosa

Don’t worry, the early bird doesn’t always catch the worm! You can relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation before your journey continues today via Porto Torres to Stintino. There, one of the most beautiful beaches on the entire island, La Pelosa, awaits you. The sand is as fine as powdered sugar, and the water shines a clear, deep blue (Activity tip: kayak tour to La Pelosa and Asinara* or half-day catamaran tour to La Pelosa*).

Important for your visit: During the season (June 1 – September 30), the daily visitor number is limited to a maximum of 1,500 people (admission for adults: €3.50, children up to 12 years free). It is strongly recommended to register online in advance to secure a ticket, as tickets sell out very quickly during peak season. You should also bring something to rest your towel on (e.g. a raffia mat) to prevent the fine sand from wearing away too much over time.

Hotel tips for Stintino

• Residence Capo Falcone Stintino*
• Residenza Cala Rosa*
• UNAHOTELS Club Hotel Ancora*
• Ancóramare*

Day 6 – Strolling through Alghero

The first few days of your tour are over. Now you reach Alghero, the fifth-largest city on the island. We recommend a stroll through the old town, where you’ll find numerous restaurants, shops, cafés, markets, and historic buildings. A trip to the small harbor is also recommended, especially in the evening.

Alghero boasts numerous sights that you can explore in just a few hours, including the old city walls, the magnificent Santa Maria Cathedral, and the charming Church of San Michele. Spend the evening in the charming alleys of the old town and enjoy the wonderful Mediterranean atmosphere. Incidentally, the impressive sandstone rock tombs, which are part of the Anghelu Ruju necropolis, are located just 10 kilometers north of Alghero.

Hotel tips for Alghero

• F53 Kevin’s Charming Houses*
• Panorama Guest House*
• Casa Filuga – City Centre*
• Luxury Liberty House*

Day 7 – Exploring Alghero & Surroundings

Today you have plenty of time to get to know Alghero even better. A popular excursion is a visit to Capo Caccia, where the imposing limestone cliffs rise from the turquoise sea and the famous Neptune’s Grotto is located (entrance fee: €14 for adults, €10 for children). The grotto stretches for about 4 kilometers and forms a fascinating cave system.

You can reach the grotto either by bus, car from Alghero, or by boat tour. If you are traveling during peak months, it is advisable to reserve tickets online in advance: click here to book. You can spend the day as you wish and take part in various guided tours. Whether horse riding, cooking classes in the old town, bike tours or wine tastings – the options are varied.

Popular tours in Alghero

• Alghero: Historical city walking tour with a local guide*
• Golfo Aranci: Kayak tour with dolphins and aperitif*
• Snorkeling day in Alghero*
• City walk & Wine tour in Alghero*

Day 8 – Return journey and departure

The last morning in Sardinia. Wow! What a fantastic trip. You’ve now spent 7 days traveling through the north of Sardinia and visiting many beautiful places. With suitcases bulging with memories and experiences, you now make your way back to Olbia. The route now leads you through the interior of the country back to Olbia. There, you’ll return your rental car and fly home.

Sardinia Round Trip: 7 Days in the South

The south of Sardinia offers just as many adventures as the north. Your adventure begins in the island’s capital, Cagliari, where you’ll gather your first impressions of the city. Immerse yourself in the picturesque old town, explore local markets and shops, and enjoy authentic Sardinian cuisine in one of the numerous restaurants.

Then, you’ll set off on your road trip towards Villasimius. Here, stunning beaches and bays await you, as well as the Capo Carbonara nature reserve, where you can take a spectacular hike to the end of the small peninsula. Boat trips and snorkeling tours are also very popular. Beach holidays are a top priority on the Costa Rei. This royal coastline stretches over 10 kilometers and attracts visitors with its expansive, beautiful beaches.

Your journey along the coast continues to Santa Maria Navarrese, a charming little town on the east coast. Rent a boat for a day and explore the coast around the popular destinations of Cala Goloritzé, Cala Luna, and the unique Pedra Longa rock formation.

After this exciting adventure, you’ll head west to the Sinis Peninsula. Here, flamingos, breathtaking viewpoints, and the famous rice-grain beaches await you. On this route through the south, you’ll also discover the charming town of Pula and the beautiful beaches around Tuerredda. Afterwards, we return to Cagliari.

Route suggestion – 7 days in the south

• Start in Cagliari (1 night)
• Costa Rei (2 nights)
• Santa Maria Navarrese (2 nights)
• Sinis Peninsula / Oristano (1 night)
• Pula (1 night)

Who is the 7-day round trip through the south suitable for?

The 7-day round trip through the south Sardinia is ideal for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. You’ll be spoiled for choice with its numerous beaches and stunningly beautiful bays. The south of Sardinia is known for relaxing summer and beach holidays. The combination of city and beach is almost perfect here. But the scenic highlights are also certainly not to be missed in the south of the island.

Sardinia Itinerary in Detail – 7 Days in the South

Day 1 – Arrival in Cagliari

After your arrival, it’s time to head to your hotel. There you can drop off your luggage and freshen up before setting off on your first walk through the old town of Cagliari. Although the island’s capital has just under 150,000 inhabitants, most of the city’s highlights are easily accessible on foot. Start by getting an overview and enjoy the magnificent view over the city’s rooftops from Monte Urpinu.

Next, you should explore the oldest district of the city, Castello. Here you will find the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Torre dell’Elefante, and the Bastion of Saint Remy – all three within a short walk from the Terrazza Umberto I. From this square, you can also enjoy a magnificent view of the city.

Then you can end the evening in one of the numerous restaurants. How about Sardinian food at the restaurant “Sa Domu Sarda”, which is only a 10-minute walk from the Bastion? A boat trip at sunset* is also one of the region’s highlights.

Hotel tips for Cagliari

• Suites Garibaldi*
• Albergo Diffuso Birkin Castello*
• Residenza le Scalette*
• Bleisure Inn*

Day 2 – Exploring Cagliari & Costa Rei

Start your second day on the island with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, head straight to the popular San Benedetto market, open daily (except Sundays) from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sample local specialties and browse the wide selection of fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, cheese, bread, and pastries. Afterwards, explore Via S. Saturnino, a street known for its street art, murals, and graffiti. From Cagliari, you’ll begin your short tour. Follow the winding Strada Provinciale 17 panoramic road along the coast to Villasimius. Along the way, you’ll pass numerous breathtaking beaches and stunning viewpoints. In the small fishing village of Villasimius you can stroll through the town center and visit the local shops.

Popular Tours of Cagliari

• Guided Walking Tour of the Old Town of Cagliari*
• Cagliari: Underground Walking Tour of Cagliari*
• 3-Hour Boat Tour through the Gulf of Cagliari*
• Sardinia: Cooking Class – Fresh Handmade Pasta*

Day 3 – Capo Carbonara & Costa Rei

On day 3, you’ll primarily explore the many beautiful beaches. The harbor is the ideal place not only to enjoy delicious food but also to book various snorkeling and boat excursions. You can even rent small motorboats here and go exploring. The popular “Spiaggia di Porto Giunco” beach is nearby, impressing with its expanse and fine sand. The “Spiaggia di Punta Molentis” beach is equally attractive.

In the afternoon, we recommend an excursion to Capo Carbonara. From the parking lot, a 25-minute walk leads to the end of the cape. Breathtaking views of the sea and the coast await you there. Along the way, you can detour to Spiaggia Cala Burroni or Cala Burroni for a refreshing swim. Plan a total of 60 minutes for the hike.

Popular Tours and Excursions from Villasimius

• Villasimius: Snorkeling Tour in Capo Carbonara*
• 4×4 Tour to Villasimius and the Beaches*
• Wine Tour and Lunch or Dinner in Our Vineyard*

The Costa Rei, also known as the “King’s Coast”, attracts with a more than 10-kilometer-long sandy beach and numerous idyllic Bays. To the north, this coastline is bordered by Capo Ferrato, while to the south are the rocky and sandy bays of Sant’Elmo. The hilly hinterland is particularly impressive, with its evergreen maquis and imposing granite cliffs forming a picturesque backdrop.

Our beach tips: Cala Sinzias, Spiaggia Sant’Elmo, Spiaggia di Santa Giusta, Piscina Re lagoon & Spiaggia di Cala Monte Turno.

Hotel tips for Villasimius & Costa Rei

• Cruccùris Resort – Adults Only*
• La Vela Summer House*
• Domu Simius Hotel*
• Hotel Mariposas*

Day 4 – Santa Maria Navarrese + Pedra Longa

After a relaxing day on the beach on the Costa Rei, your road trip continues. From your accommodation, drive to the picturesque coalt town of Santa Maria Navarrese, which is the perfect base for exploring the Orosei cliffs. Here you’ll find numerous accommodations, restaurants, a beautiful beach promenade, shops, and a small marina.

From Santa Maria Navarrese, it’s only 8.5 kilometers to the impressive Pedra Longa rock needle, which, at approximately 128 meters, is one of the highest on the island. It was declared a natural monument in 1993. You can drive to the rock, park there, and explore the surrounding area on foot. The Trattoria Pedra Longa restaurant offers a wonderful view; Reservations during the season are recommended.

Hotel tips for Santa Maria Navarrese

• B&B Antico Telaio*
• Scirocco a pochi passi dal mare*
• Appartamenti Nonna Rosa*
• B&B Elianto*

Day 5 – Boat tour on the Gulf of Orosei

A very special highlight awaits you today. You can rent a small motorboat for the day either at the marina in Santa Maria Navarrese or in Cala Gonone (link to boat rental*). Many bays and beaches along the east coast are only accessible from the water (also by hiking), so a boat tour is a great option. The highlights include the imposing rock needle Pedra Longa and the beautiful bays of Cala Goloritze, Cala Sisine, Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu.

We had an incredible amount of fun boating and can highly recommend a tour like this. If you prefer a guided tour, that’s no problem at all. You can find numerous providers locally or online. The rocky coast is home to a variety of beautiful beaches and bays waiting to be discovered. We would definitely do a tour like this again!

Popular tours along the east coast

• Cala Gonone: Gulf of Orosei Rafting trip with skipper*
• Santa Maria Navarrese: Goloritzè, Mariolu, & Biriala Cruise*
• Gulf of Orosei: Sailing around the coast*

Day 6 – Sinis Peninsula

On day 6 of your 7-day round trip through Sardinia, you leave the east coast and head to the west of the island. After a nearly 2-hour drive through the picturesque interior, you reach Oristano. The city is home to around 31,000 inhabitants and captivates with its authentic charm. Immerse yourself in the cozy ambiance of the historic old town and end the day relaxing in one of the numerous restaurants (we recommend Pizzeria Civico 35).

An absolute must is a trip to Capo San Marco, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding beaches from the tower (Torre spagnola di San Giovanni di Sinis). If you continue along the path a little further, you will eventually reach the lighthouse (Faro di Capo San Marco) at the end of the peninsula.

We also recommend a detour to the Spiaggia di Is Arutas and Mari Ermi beaches. Here, you won’t find ordinary sandy beaches, but rather small quartz pebbles in the most beautiful colors, about the size of a grain of rice. Hence, they are often called “rice grain beaches”. The turquoise and crystal-clear sea gives these beaches a dreamlike character that can easily compete with the beaches of the Caribbean.

Hotel tips for Oristano/Sinis

• Albergo Residenziale Menhirs*
• Welcomely – Cocco e Dessi Home*
• B&B Su Soi*
• Holiday Room Sa Tebia*

Day 7 – South Coast to Pula

For your last day in Sardinia, a drive along the south coast to Pula is planned. Numerous highlights await you along the way. Be sure to enjoy the scenic drive along the panoramic SS71 road, which takes you directly along the sea. Stop again at the beautiful Spiaggia di Tuerredda and treat yourself to a refreshing dip in the clear water.

Su Giudeu Beach is a great place for lunch, where you can soak up the last rays of sun. At the end of your 7-day tour of Sardinia, stroll through the picturesque town of Pula. Here, you can leisurely end the evening, explore the charming alleys, and perhaps enjoy a last Sardinian dish in one of the local restaurants. Tip: You can find incredibly delicious ice cream at the Gelateria Il Gatto Azzurro.

Hotel tips for Pula

• Villa Cavalieri Country Hotel*
• Italianway – Locanda della Meridiana*
• Hotel Baia Di Nora*
• Casa Fiore*

Day 8 – Return to Cagliari and Departure

From Pula, it is only 35 km to Cagliari. Your Sardinia tour ends there after 7 exciting days. From here, you’ll fly back home. Our itinerary is only a suggestion and can be customized. Perhaps you’d like to add a few more days?

• 10-Day Sardinia Round Trip – Routes, Highlights & Tips
• Sardinia Round Trip: Our 16-Day Itinerary Including Sights

Costs for a 7-Day Sardinia Round Trip

The costs for a 7-day round trip through Sardinia can vary considerably depending on your travel budget, timing, travel style, and individual preferences. Costs are noticeably higher, especially during peak season (June, July, and August). Here’s a rough estimate of the main expenses for a couple’s trip in September:

Accommodation: Accommodation costs vary depending on the type of accommodation, from simple hostels and bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts. Prices per person per night can range from €50 to over €150, depending on the location and standard of the accommodation.

Food: Meal expenses vary depending on whether you eat in restaurants or cook your own meals. You can expect to spend between €20 and €50 per person per day for food and drinks.

Transportation: Car rental prices vary depending on the season and vehicle category. On average, expect to pay between €40 and €100 per day. For a 7-day trip in September, the price is currently just €220 (€110 per person).

Activities: Expenses for activities such as boat tours, attraction entrance fees, and water sports can vary, but generally, expect to spend an average of €20 to €50 per day per person.

The total cost for a 7-day tour of Sardinia can range between €1,000 and €2,000 per person, depending on the factors mentioned above. For our 15-day tour of the entire island, the per-person expense was €1,400, including flights, rental car, accommodations, meals, excursions, and fuel. You can find further details here: Costs of our Sardinia tour.

General travel tips for Sardinia

Getting to Sardinia

Sardinia is well-connected with three international airports: Cagliari Airport in the south, Olbia Airport in the northeast, and Alghero Airport in the northwest. These airports offer good connections to various cities in Italy and other European countries. From there, you can rent a car or use public transport. Book your flight ticket here*.

If you prefer to travel with your own vehicle or experience a ferry crossing, various ferry connections are available from Italian ports to Sardinia. The main ferry ports in Sardinia are Porto Torres in the northwest, Olbia in the northeast, and Cagliari in the south. Ferry connections from Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, and Naples are particularly popular. You can find more information here: Traveling to Sardinia by ferry.

Best time to visit Sardinia

The ideal time to visit Sardinia is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasantly mild and tourist crowds are less crowded. During these times, you can explore the island at your leisure and enjoy nature in all its splendor or in the warm autumn colors.

The summer months (June to August) are also popular, but the beaches and tourist attractions can be crowded. Temperatures often rise above 30°C. During the winter months (December to February), Sardinia is very quiet, but the weather can be changeable, and many tourist facilities are closed.

IMPORTANT: If you are traveling to Sardinia during peak season, it is advisable to book your accommodation and activities in advance. Since many Italians are also on vacation, and many of them spend their holidays on the island, it can be very crowded from mid-June to mid-September. More information here: Best time to visit Sardinia.

Rental Car & Driving

Driving in Sardinia is generally quite straightforward and pleasant, especially outside the larger towns. The main roads are usually well-maintained and well-signposted. However, off the main roads and in rural areas, the roads can occasionally be narrower and have bumps.

If you venture into the mountainous regions of Sardinia, expect tight bends and steep roads. Be especially careful here and watch out for oncoming traffic. Otherwise, driving in Sardinia is similar to driving in Germany.

While parking is often free during the off-peak season, fees apply during the high season (June 1 – September 30), especially at beaches. We didn’t have to pay any parking fees during our trip in May. Tip: In many areas of Sardinia, you can use the “easypark” app.

• Blue markings: Parking ticket required
• White markings: Free parking
• Yellow-black markings: No parking
• Yellow stripes: Parking prohibited

Speed limits in Sardinia:

• Within towns 50 km/h
• On country roads 90 km/h
• On motorways 130 km/h

Payment and Credit Card

It is always advisable to have some cash on hand, especially for small purchases, markets, or shops that may not accept card payments. ATMs are available in most cities and larger towns, where you can withdraw cash. Make sure your credit or debit card is enabled for foreign withdrawals and be aware of possible foreign withdrawal fees charged by your bank.

Credit cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants, hotels, and gas stations in Sardinia, especially in tourist areas. Major cards such as Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted. We always carry our Hanseatic Bank* credit card (for the rental car), our DKB Bank* debit cards, and our AMEX* with us. More on the topic of travel credit cards.

Sardinia Packing List

You don’t really need anything special for your Sardinia trip. However, if you’re traveling to the island in summer, you should definitely pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a beach towel, and a snorkeling set. A small daypack for excursions, sturdy shoes for cycling or hiking, and a waterproof dry bag can also be useful.

As for clothing, this is very individual, so we don’t want to give specific recommendations. In May, we wore almost exclusively light and short clothing because it was very warm. Occasionally, we wore a sweater in the evening, just to be more comfortable.

What we packed for our Sardinia tour:

Sardinia Travel Guide

Are you still looking for a suitable companion for your trip to Sardinia? We can recommend the travel guide from DuMont Verlag* and the travel guide from Marco Polo*. Both accompanied us well during our time on the island; we often consulted them, especially on longer car journeys.

For a more detailed exploration, the travel guide from Michael Müller Verlag* is an excellent choice. When planning our trips, we often use Google Maps to mark interesting places that we would like to explore on site.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need for Sardinia? Can you explore Sardinia by car? Which part of Sardinia is the most beautiful? Is Sardinia expensive? When is the best time to visit Sardinia?