Sardinia Sights in the East: The TOP 13 Highlights

For us, Sardinia is definitely one of the most beautiful islands in Europe, if not the world. The Italian island can easily compete with islands in the Caribbean, considering its countless stunning beaches and bays. No wonder Sardinia is often called the “Caribbean of Europe.” Our varied and exciting tour took us through the north, west, south, and east of the island.

Here, gigantic mountain ridges, a paradisiacal coastline, hidden dream beaches, idyllic mountain villages, and limestone cliffs plunging steeply into the turquoise sea awaited us. We definitely wanted to spend the last few days of our Sardinia tour in the east of the island and visit a few more beautiful places.

In the following article, we would like to introduce you to the most beautiful sights in Sardinia in the east and give you some cool tips. Have fun browsing!

What else you should know

What else you should know
Sardinia Sights in the East – An Overview
1. Santa Maria Navarrese
2. Pedra Longa rock needle
3. Mountain village of Baunei
4. Supramonte di Baunei
5. Gennargentu National Park
6. Boat trip to Cala Goloritzé
7. On the SS 125 Orientale Sarda
8. Orosei and surroundings
9. Rock town of Posada
10. Budoni resort
11. San Teodoro & La Cinta beach
12. Porto Taverna & Flamingos
13. Hike Cape Ceraso
Sardinia’s sights in the east – our conclusion
How much time should I plan for the east of Sardinia?
When is the best time to travel to Sardinia?
Which accommodations can you recommend?
How much does a Sardinia tour cost?
How much does a rental car cost in Sardinia?
Which travel guide should I use for planning?

Sardinia’s sights in the east – an overview

On the following map, we have marked our most beautiful Sardinia sights in the east. For a Sardinia road trip, we recommend at least 5 days, so you can explore the many beautiful spots at your leisure. The more time you have, the better. We spent 2 nights in San Vito and 2 nights in Santa Maria Navaresse before returning to the airport in Olbia. This gave us plenty of time to take a great boat tour and visit beautiful beaches and charming towns. Here in the east, you can also spend your 7 to 10-day summer vacation in a relaxed manner. If you don’t want to drive around the island, you’ll find plenty of holiday resorts here. The tourist infrastructure is also very well developed in the east, and you’ll find practically everything you need for a thoroughly enjoyable vacation. We personally find the north, northeast and east simply beautiful and varied.

Our entire route at a glance:

2 nights in Olbia
2 nights in Santa Teresa Gallura
2 nights in Porto Torres
1 night in Alghero
2 nights in Oristano
2 nights in Carbonia
2 nights in San Vito
2 nights in Santa Maria Navarrese

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1. Santa Maria Navarrese

After exploring the south and southeastern Sardinia, we continued on to the small coastal town of Santa Maria Navarrese, which lies halfway between Olbia and Cagliari. Here we had booked a beautiful accommodation for two nights, as well as an exciting boat tour, but more on that later.

Santa Maria Navarrese is ideal for exploring the cliffs of the Gulf of Orosei. In the town itself, there are numerous accommodations, restaurants, a beautiful beach promenade, a small marina, and shopping opportunities.

Our food tips:

MeC Puddu’s
Trattoria Grill Carreras
Sa spighitta culurgioneria
Pizzeria T-Eight
Cool Hen Bar
Mastro Gelataio

Sardinia Sights in the East Santa Maria Navaresse

2. Pedra Longa Needle

From Santa Maria Navarrese, it is just 8.5 kilometers to the impressive and striking Pedra Longa needle. The approximately 128-meter-high rock rises steeply from the sea and is one of the highest on the island. In 1993, the rock needle was even declared a natural monument. You can drive right up to the rock, park there, and explore the area on foot. There’s a restaurant with a great view (Trattoria Pedra Longa) on site, although you should definitely reserve a table in advance during the season. The popular Selvaggio Blu (“The Wild Blue”) hiking trail starts from the parking lot and leads you to breathtaking views. The trail is approximately 59 kilometers long and runs along the rocky east coast of Sardinia. It is considered one of the most beautiful, but also most challenging, hiking trails in Italy. According to previous guests, the trail from Pedra Longa to some beautiful viewpoints is not particularly demanding. More about the hike here.

3. Mountain Village of Baunei

After being captivated by the Pedra Longa needle, we drove up numerous switchbacks to the small, sleepy mountain village of Baunei. The drive only took about 10 minutes. The mountain village, situated at an altitude of 400 meters, is located between the mountains and the sea and offers many fantastic views. From here, you can start tours to the Supramonte di Baunei.

We strolled through the small town center and enjoyed a cool Ichnusa on the roof terrace of the “Ristorante Pizzeria Baunei.” From the town center, a winding road leads up to the viewpoint “Terrazza panoramica su Baunei”, from where we had a magnificent view of the east coast and the hinterland.

4. Supramonte di Baunei

Fancy a varied hike in nature? The Supramonte di Baunei is located in the east of the island and, after the Gennargentu, is the second highest mountain range in Sardinia. The Supramonte di Baunei includes, among other things, the long coastal strip of the Gulf of Orosei and awaits you with breathtaking scenery.

The highest peak, Monte Corrasi, measures an impressive 1,463 meters and can be climbed. In the region, you can not only swim but also climb, hike, and kayak. You can find more inspiration here: The 10 most beautiful hikes in Baunei.

5. Gennargentu National Park

Or how about a hike through the highest mountains on the island? The Gennargentu National Park is home not only to the Gennargentu Mountains with the island’s highest mountain (Punta Ma Marmora), but also to the stunningly beautiful coastline of the Gulf of Orosei, Barbagia, and Ogliastra. Incidentally, in winter there’s snow in the mountains, which is why there’s even a single ski lift there (Bruncu Spina).

Highlights in the national park include the Supramonte di Orgosolo, the Su Gologone spring, the deep Su Gorropu gorge, and spectacular limestone cliffs lined with beautiful bays and grottos. On the following page, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for a great hike through the national park: The 20 Most Beautiful Hikes in Gennargentu National Park.

6. Boat Tour to Cala Goloritzé

In Santa Maria Navaressa, at the small marina, you can rent your own small motorboat for half a day or a whole day. Many providers offer various inflatable boats (max. 6 people), which you can drive there without a license. On board, you’ll usually find an awning (very important in the heat), a cooler for drinks and snacks, and seat cushions.

Before the trip, you take a test drive with the crew to get a feel for the boat. We ended up paying about €180 for the daily rental and fuel, and every euro was more than worth it. They didn’t ask us for a deposit. Book your own boat here*.

Marco and I set off around 9:30 a.m. and stopped at various bays and beaches along the way. With your own boat, you’re totally flexible and not tied to specific departure times. These boats also have a lot of power, so you can get out on the water relatively quickly.

Highlights include, of course, the Pedra Longa rock needle, the beautiful Cala Goloritzé, the small Cala Mariolu, Piscine di Venere, Cala Sisine, and Cala Luna. You can stop wherever you like. Cala Luna has restrooms and a small snack bar. We returned to the marina in Santa Maria Navaresse around 5:30 p.m.

Gulf of Orosei Sardinia Boat Rental Eastern Sardinia Beach Cala Luna

Summary of the boat tour

We had an incredibly great day on our motor-driven dinghy and enjoyed the time to the fullest. Many of these bays and beaches (hiking is also possible) can only be reached by water, so it was absolutely cool that we were able to stop everywhere. Riding the boat was incredibly fun, and we highly recommend a tour like this.

But even if you prefer a guided tour, that’s no problem at all. There are plenty of providers locally or online. The rocky coast is unique and hides so many beautiful beaches and coves. We would book a tour like this again and again! Definitely!

Starts from Santa Maria Navarrese
7-hour boat trip along the coast from Baunei to Cala Goloritzé
Discover historic shipwrecks and marine life, beaches and much more!
Tour ratings: 4.7 out of 5 points from 122 reviews
Price: from 69 € per person | Book tickets online in advance here*
Alternative: Tour from Cala Gonone*

Boat Tour in High Season?

Locals told us that the entire island is extremely crowded, especially in July and August. They don’t recommend a boat tour like this either, as there are simply far too many boats on the move and the beaches are completely overcrowded. Ultimately, everyone has to decide for themselves.

It’s best to read the reviews of the individual bays on Google. We were there at the end of May and it was really pleasant. Only at Cala Luna was it busier, as excursion boats with many vacationers repeatedly stopped there.

7. On the way on the SS 125 Orientale Sarda

On the way back to Olbia, we drove on the SS 125 Orientale Sarda, which is one of the longest and most important roads on the island. It leads from Cagliari along the coast via Baunei, Dorgali, Orosei and Olbia to Palau in the north of the island.

I have to admit, we didn’t have a great time during the drive, as the many curves (especially between Baunei and Cala Gonone) really upset our stomachs. We had to take a break every now and then to get some fresh air. But the route is beautiful and winds through the mountains with fantastic views!

8. Orosei and Surroundings

The picturesque town of Orosei is located on the east coast of Sardinia, surrounded by rugged cliffs, the deep blue sea, rolling hills, and plenty of fragrant maquis. The old town awaits you with narrow streets, restaurants, cafés, shops, and historic buildings, including an incredible 13! churches. At the well-kept village square, “Piazza del Popolo,” with its garden and palm trees, you can watch the hustle and bustle and start your exploration.

Although the town is not directly on the water, you can reach the beautiful beaches within a few minutes’ drive. You can enjoy adventurous canoe tours on the Credrino River, which flows directly past Orosei. You also have the option of renting a small motorboat to explore the coast on your own (contact the provider).

Golfo Aranci: Kayak tour with dolphins and aperitif*
Guided cruise to Cala Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu, Cala Gabbiani and Biriala*
Golfo di Orosei: Mountains and beaches in a 4×4*
From Orosei or Dorgali: Gorropu Gorged Guided hiking tour*

9. Rock City of Posada

If you continue along the SS 125, you will reach the rock city of Posada, located between Orosei and Budoni. Even from a distance, you can see the enormous rock, on whose slopes the small town of Posada nestles. You can reach the historic center via steep stairs that lead you up the mountain.

Stroll through the quiet town, enjoy a delicious coffee at the Lucignolo Café or the Day By Day Café, and then explore the Castello della Fava with its 12th-century tower. The seaside resort of San Giovanni is also popular, especially with kite and surf enthusiasts.

10. Budoni Holiday Resort

In the northeast of the island lies the popular holiday resort of Budoni, just 30 minutes from Olbia. Here, you’ll find expansive, gently sloping beaches, a warm sea in the most beautiful shades of blue, cozy holiday homes, and a wide range of sports. This area is especially popular with families and beachgoers.

In the town itself, you’ll find restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, as well as supermarkets and small shops (Wednesdays are market days, by the way). The Spiaggia di Budoni is particularly beautiful, with its small pine forest, magnificent white sand, and crystal-clear water in all shades of blue. From Budoni, you can visit the surrounding beaches and towns.

11. San Teodoro & La Cinta Beach

It was only by chance that we stopped in the small town of San Teodoro, because we really wanted to eat some ice cream. So we parked our car and strolled through the former fishing village. During the season, you can enjoy an aperitivo at sunset, sample delicious Sardinian cuisine, or even stop by one of the trendy clubs.

During our visit in May, there wasn’t much going on in the town, but we still liked the colorful corners of San Teodoro, the cozy atmosphere and the many great beaches around it (e.g. La Cinta, Brandinchi Beach, Lu Impostu). By the way, we got delicious ice cream at “Cono il gelato buono” (also the cheapest during our entire trip – only €1.50 per scoop).

12. Porto Taverna & Flamingos

For us, one of the top sights in Sardinia in the east was definitely the place Porto Taverna with the flamingos. We discovered this spot on the very first day of our trip, as we explored the surrounding area from Olbia. If you park your car HERE, you can stroll along a beautiful long wooden walkway and, with a bit of luck, spot flamingos in the lagoons behind the beaches. We were lucky and spotted a few in the distance.

The path ends directly at the beach of Porto Taverna with a view of the offshore island of Tavolara. On the beach you will find, among others, the Chiosco Mare Azzurro restaurant and the 2.1 Café Restaurant, where you can enjoy a leisurely meal with a view of the sea. Other beaches nearby include La Cinta, Lu Impostu, and Cala Brandinchi. Tours to the island of Tavolara* are also offered. There are also said to be stunningly beautiful beaches there.

13. Hike to Cape Ceraso

We have one last highlight for you. Shortly before sunset, we drove to Capo Ceraso to enjoy a fabulous view. Since the gravel road was becoming increasingly potholed, we parked the car on the side of the road and continued on foot. We also didn’t want to put too much strain on our small rental car.

First, we explored the Spiaggia di Capo Ceraso before climbing steeply through the thicket to the viewpoint. The effort was worth it, though, because the view from up there was unique. You look out over the sea, see the ferries heading towards Olbia, and discover the large island of Tavloara. The journey up took us around 40 minutes, including all the stops.

Sardinia Sights in the East – Our Conclusion

Wow! What a trip, what a region. As you’ve seen, the east coast of Sardinia has an incredible amount to offer. From charming fishing villages and dream beaches to mighty mountain ranges – everything comes together in the east.

We can’t tell you exactly what we like best, because the east coast has new surprises around every corner. For us, the east coast was a successful conclusion to an completely perfect trip.

How much time should I plan for eastern Sardinia?

If you’re doing a round trip, we recommend at least 5 days for the east, but 7 days or more are better. If you’re planning a pure beach holiday in eastern Sardinia, you should stay at least a week. The more time you bring with you to Sardinia, the more you can discover and do.

This way, you can relax and explore the east coast with its many great beaches and bays, take a boat tour, and visit some charming little villages. Whether you’re looking for a beach, active, couple, or family vacation, the east of the island is truly suitable for everyone.

When is the best time to travel to Sardinia?

We are absolute fans of the off-season! For us, the month of May was simply perfect, as the temperatures were already summery warm, but costs were still relatively low (free parking, etc.). There weren’t that many tourists on the island yet, which made our trip super relaxing.

Locals told us that you should especially avoid the months of July and August, as the Italians themselves are on vacation during these months, and the island is supposedly completely overcrowded. The many beautiful beaches are full, the hotspots are overcrowded, and rental car and hotel prices are significantly higher.

The best time to travel to Sardinia is in May, early June, or from the end of September to October. The island is much more relaxed then. In May, we had temperatures between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius almost every day, barely a cloud in the sky, and flowers blooming everywhere. We also went swimming on many beaches, as the water temperatures in May were already very pleasant.

Which accommodations can you recommend?

Generally, you’ll find countless hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, and guest rooms in Sardinia. Before our trip, we did extensive research because we wanted to stay in nice accommodations. It was important to us that these were small, cozy accommodations rather than large hotel complexes. In our separate article, we have listed all the accommodations, presented them in more detail, and provided links. Be sure to check it out:

How much does a Sardinia tour cost?

We diligently kept a budget and noted all expenses during our trip. Prices vary, of course, and depend on the time of travel, the type of rental car, your own requirements, and the choice of accommodation. Especially in July and August, you can expect significantly higher costs. We spent approximately €1,400 per person for 15 days in Sardinia (including flights, rental car, gas, accommodation, excursions, food, etc.).

We were on the island from mid-May to the end of May and were able to enjoy the benefits of the off-season several times. And we don’t just mean the financial advantages, but also the empty roads and beaches, the few tourists, the lush landscapes, and the wonderful climate. For us, this month was simply perfect, and our trip couldn’t have been more beautiful. You can find a detailed list of all costs here:

How much does a rental car cost in Sardinia?

Rental cars are currently very expensive throughout Europe, including in Sardinia. During peak season, you can expect to pay between €90 and €110 per day. We were lucky and spent a long time comparing prices, repeatedly canceling our booking. While we would have had to pay €899 (€59 per day) for two weeks with the first booking, after the fourth booking it was “only” €582 (€39 per day). So, it’s worth keeping an eye on prices even after booking. We’ve been booking our cars at www.billiger-mietwagen.de* for many years and can only recommend this site.

Which travel guide should I use for planning?

Are you still looking for a suitable travel guide for your trip to Sardinia? We recommend the travel guide from DuMont Verlag* and the travel guide from Marco Polo*. We used both guidebooks on the island and consulted them frequently, especially on longer car journeys.

If you prefer more detailed information, you should get the travel guide from Michael Müller Verlag*. However, we also like to use Google Maps to plan our trip and mark interesting places in advance that we might want to visit while we’re there.

Sardinia sights in the east from Budoni to Cala Goloritzé