One-week Sardinia Itinerary
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Get off the beaten path and far away from the summer crowds with this guide to one of Sardinia’s wildest and least-visited regions.
This area, the Southwest of the island, is where I’m from and it’s my favorite part of Sardinia (no surprise there!). To give you a great taste of Sardinia in a small amount of time, I’ve tried to include a nice balance of sightseeing, culture, urban exploring, and beach time.
For those with only 5 days and those with up to 10 days, at the bottom of the article I’ve also included five different 5-day Sardinia itineraries all over the island as well as a 10-day itinerary.
More Sardinia travel info:
For more ideas on planning a trip here, check out my Sardinia travel guide and this list of 30 Sardinia travel tips.
If you could use some one-on-one help planning your itinerary, schedule a Sardinia travel consultation with me!
Table of contents
One week Sardinia itinerary
Day 1 - Discover Cagliari
Day 2 - Explore the Sinis Peninsula
Day 3 - Slow Food culture in Bosa
Day 4 - Wild Costa Verde & Cabras
Day 5 - Idyllic Carloforte
Day 6 - Costa del Sud and Chia
Day 7 - Arrivederci!
Local help with your planning
If you’re planning a trip to Sardinia and could use some help figuring out a great plan, schedule a Sardinia travel consultation with me!
These are one-hour Zoom calls where we can chat about the trip you’re planning and I’ll share my tips and advice, answer your travel questions, and help you perfect your itinerary.
South Sardinia One Week Itinerary
Itinerary overview
Prepare yourself for a beautiful journey along the whole of Southwestern Sardinia.
The route begins in Cagliari, Sardinia’s lively capital surrounded by wetlands renowned for the elegant pink flamingos that make them home. Starting from the capital, you’ll head Northwest to explore the shining white quartz beaches of Cabras and the mysterious history of its gigantic ancient statues.
From here, you’ll go south along the coast, immersing yourself in a majestic scenery made up of Phoenician towns, ancient Spanish towers, and seemingly endless sandy beaches and magical coves.
This is one of the least explored and most authentic parts of Sardinia. Its beaches are uncrowded and the small towns and cities that dot the countryside and coast carry on traditions and customs from centuries past. It also offers great wines and traditional food with slight hints of African influences that serve to remind you of Sardinia’s past as a center of trade between continents.
It is an unexpected exotic escape close to Cagliari and right at the heart of the Mediterranean.
How to get around
For this itinerary, you absolutely need to have a car rental. This is true for pretty much any Sardinia itinerary as public transport is simply not good. If you want to see great beaches, get between cities and smaller towns, or just go anywhere not on a major road, you need a car.
Luckily, renting a car in Sardinia is easy, driving is mostly hassle free, and you’ll find many of the big international rental companies here as well as a host of local ones. This itinerary starts in Cagliari, so that’s where you should rent your car. For trips starting elsewhere, the cities of Olbia and Alghero both have many rental agencies to choose from.
To check prices and book, I recommend using the following two car rental websites:
DiscoverCars includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing. You can often find great deals.
AutoEurope tends to be more expensive, but they only list options from large, well-reviewed companies and their customer service is excellent. Their deals often include “zero deductible” (i.e. full coverage) rental insurance.
Day 1: Arrival in Cagliari
Benvenuti to the lively capital of Sardinia!
Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia and the perfect starting point for your tour. This is a very lively town and an undiscovered Mediterranean gem. Its long history tracks the rise and fall of countless civilizations in the Mediterranean: Nuragic Sardinians, Phoenicians, Punics, Romans, Byzantines, Barbarians, Genoans, and even the Spanish! Its center is divided into four old districts dominated by the one called Castello (the Castle), overlooking the whole of town and its two bays.
Depending on the time of your arrival, you could start with a relaxing cycle around the promenade beginning in the center and continuing to Molentargius Park where you’ll pass along the ancient salt works.
These are now inhabited by thousands of Pink Flamingos and many other species of lagoon birds. Here flamingos, called Genti Arrubia by locals, (it means red people in the Sardinian language) have been nesting and living for more than 30 years and have become a real symbol of the city.
After snapping some pictures, keep cycling along the long sandy Poetto beach, stopping along the way to experience a super local ritual: having an aperitif while enjoying the view of the Sella del Diavolo cliff plunging into the sea.
Back in town you’ll dine in one of the historic districts, an experience that will let you discover a unique cooking style that has its roots more in Spanish culture than Italian.
Cagliari cooking is quintessentially Mediterranean; lots of fresh fish, seafood, sea urchins, handmade pastas, local olive oil, and many local ancient grapes. You’ll be sure to have an unforgettable meal, which will set the tone for your culinary journey of Sardinia.
Day 2: Cagliari to Cabras
Hike along scenic cliffs, taste the local grey mullet fish, and try the best Bottarga.
Sardinia is at the center of the western Mediterranean and many civilizations cruised along its coasts. Very few were able to conquer its vast and fertile inland, inhabited by the still mysterious civilization of Nuragic people.
Depart Cagliari heading north among the fertile Marmilla hills, a rolling and peaceful landscape, before stopping in Barumini to visit the most important archaeological site of Sardinia; the Unesco heritage site of "Su Nuraxi.”
This solemn "Nuraghe" is the most representative of more than 7000 ancient castles built 3500 years ago that dot the island. Ancient inhabitants used massive stones and refined architectural techniques to create these unusual structures.
After your visit, continue driving up to Sinis Marine Park, a peninsula on the west coast famous for its shining and dotted with wetlands inhabited by pink flamingos. Its main village, Cabras, is a laid back place with a long tradition of lagoon fishing.
In the afternoon you can hike the scenic coast of Sinis Peninsula, walking along the cliffs of Su Tingiosu. This is a breathtaking easy hike from which you can admire the myriad shades of blue of the ocean at your feet.
You’ll reach the marvelous white quartz beaches of Mari Ermi and Is Aruttas, and then pass through the village of San Salvatore with its countryside church which is a destination of a fascinating ancient procession.
The Sinis hosts some of the most interesting heritage attractions of Sardinia: the fascinating Phoenician settlement of Tharros and the mysterious “Giganti di Monte Prama,” a giant sandstone statues representing nuragic warriors dating back to the 9th century BC.
Connect with Simone, a Sardinia-based tour guide and travel consultant. Book a call with Simone and get his expert local advice to make your trip planning seamless!
Day 3: Bosa and the Montiferru
Traditional Knives and Slow Food culture
Today you’ll drive north along the slopes of Montiferru, a dormant volcano now covered in thick oak forests and thousand-year-old olive groves. In Cuglieri you can taste the village’s famous olive oil, where the olives are single cold pressed to retain maximum flavor and health benefits.
If you don’t mind driving a bit more, I’d suggest to arrive all the way to Bosa, with its colorful houses spread on the slope of a hill dominated by its imposing medieval Castle. Here you should stop to have a local Malvasia wine tasting at Su Camasinu.
This is the cantina of the Battista Columbu winemakers family; one of a few local producers that continue to preserve this precious wine. You can learn a bit about them in the movie “Mondovino”, from French director Nossiter.
After the tasting, on the the way back you’ll climb until Santu Lussurgiu to visit the handicraft “laboratory” of masters Vittorio Mura & Figli. They make the famous and incredibly beautiful handmade Sardinian knives, horse tacks and riding gear.
The best dinner in town (and one of the best of Sardinia) is at the absolutely charming “Antica Dimora del Gruccione” housed in the ancient mansion of Gabriella Belloni. This fascinating lady restored her ancestors’ home and has a clear vision of incorporating the history and traditions of Slow Food and genuine Sardinian hospitality into her guests’ experience.
*For more ideas on terrific local dining experiences in Sardinia, check out my guide to 8 of the island’s best restaurants.
Day 4: Cabras to Nebida
Into the Sardinian wild
Another spectacular day starts by crossing the Marcedd lagoon, a place that seems frozen in time. As you drive, you’ll come across the remote Costa Verde (the Green Coast) which is quite a movie location thanks to its old mining villages and sandy dunes.
This is definitely one of the wildest areas of the island and the Mediterranean bush covers the hills like a thick carpet until you arrive at desert sands leading up to majestic dunes. The ocean itself looks wilder here, always mosso (moving and churning) thanks to the “mistral” wind blowing in from Africa.
The road keeps winding south around old mines, long endless beaches, secluded coves, and fields of wildflowers until it finally opens up at the infinite gold sandy beach of Portixeddu - a surfer’s paradise. You have a few good options for lunch here in town, along with stunning views.
The next village is Buggerru, a little port nestled among the imposing limestone mountains. Here you can visit the absolutely scenic Porto Flavia, a mine that opens up in a cliff face towering above the sea. This is not just for looks - ships were loaded directly from this cliff before the mine was decommissioned.
Today is a day when it looks like beauty never ends and your final stop of the day in the Nebida area, where you have a natural terrace that overlooks our famous “Pan di Zucchero” (Sugar Loaf) cliff, is no exception.
Day 5: Nebida to Carloforte and Sant’Antioco
Genoan and Phoenician heritage on the southwest’s prettiest islands
Carloforte is a pretty town and the only one on San Pietro island. Since 1783 it has hosted a community of Ligurian fishermen who arrived from the African island of Tabarka (Tunisia) because of a request by king Emanuele III of Sardinia.
The population still today lives on sea-trade, fishing (especially lobsters and red tuna), and local handicrafts. The beauty of this place, together with an incredible mild climate, makes Carloforte one of the best place to visit in the South West of Sardinia.
As soon as the ferry approaches the port, you’ll notice a distinctive architecture, more similar to the villages of Cinque Terre than the Sardinian villages. Explore the town and then the island, from its small beaches to some odd rock formations, and out to the solitary lookout point of Capo Sandalo.
You could stay here on the island or, if you’ve had your fill, get the ferry to Calasetta to arrive to Carloforte’s sister island of Sant’Antioco. This island is now connected to the Sardinia mainland by a bridge. On Sant’Antioco you’ll be amazed by the stubborn Carignano grapes growing in the sand and producing some of the best wines of the whole Sardinia. The landscape is also stunning and pristine. Sant’Antioco village is on the southern side of the Island, and has some high end fish restaurants right by the lagoon.
*Get more local tips and secrets about south Sardinia in my Sardinia travel guide.
Day 6: Sant’Antioco to Pula
Spanish towers, glorious coastline, and magnificent Nora
The last leg of this tour starts at the Capo Teulada shores. This stretch of coastline is stunningly beautiful with calm bays and coves lapped by mindbogglingly clear seas.
You’ll take a winding road up and down along the amazing Costa del Sud. Be sure to stop plenty to embrace this pristine landscape and soak it in. This a never ending succession of marvelous beaches patrolled by solitary Spanish watch towers, a remnant from the Spanish occupation of Sardinia.
Once you’ve arrived to Chia I recommend to stop and hike to the astonishing lighthouse of Capo Spartivento. For anyone with more energy, you can continue the hike to arrive at the ancient lookout point of Guardia Manna.
The day ends in Pula, a lively little village with a nice Piazza surrounded by restaurants and gelaterie. The nearby town of Nora was once Phoenician before being colonized. by the Romans. It sits directly on the sea and is one of the most important archaelogical sites of Sardinia. Even if you are not a fan of archaeology, you can’t help but marvel at its magical location, suspended between the sea and the lagoon.
This is also the perfect place to celebrate the end of the tour with a Michelin star dinner right at the heart of the Nora Lagoon at “Fradis Minoris” restaurant!
Day 7: Departure day
Time to start thinking about a return visit!
Now, sadly, you are leaving my beautiful island. So, buon viaggio ed alla prossima! See you soon!
5-day and 10-day Sardinia itineraries
5-day north Sardinia itinerary - Arrive to Alghero and depart from Olbia
Day 1 - Alghero
Day 2 - Stintino and Castelsardo
Day 3 - Santa Teresa di Gallura
Day 4 - La Maddalena
Day 5 - Costa Smeralda: Porto Cervo & Porto Rotondo
5-day northwest Sardinia itinerary - Arrive and depart from Alghero
Day 1 - Alghero
Day 2 - Mugoni beach, Capo Caccia promontory, and Grotta di Nettuno
Day 3 - Stintino beach
Day 4 - Bosa
Day 5 - Sinis Peninsula
5-day northeast Sardinia itinerary - Arrive and depart from Olbia
Day 1 - Santa Teresa di Gallura beaches
Day 2 - La Maddalena archipelago
Day 3 - Costa Smeralda beaches
Day 4 - San Teodoro and Budoni
Day 5 - Boat trip in the Gulf of Orosei from Cala Gonone
5-day east Sardinia itinerary - Arrive to Olbia and depart from Cagliari
Day 1 - Costa Smeralda
Day 2 - San Teodoro & Budoni
Day 3 - Boat trip in the Gulf of Orosei from Cala Gonone
Day 4 - Cala Gonone to Costa Rei
Day 5 - Costa Rei and Villasimius
5-day south Sardinia itinerary - Arrive and depart from Cagliari
Day 1 - Cagliari
Day 2 - Portixeddu, Buggeru, and Masua
Day 3 - Carloforte
Day 4 - Boat trip around Porto Zafferano and Teulada beaches
Day 5 - Chia and Tuerredda beach
10-day Sardinia itinerary - Arrive to Alghero and depart from Cagliari
Day 1 - See Catalan architecture in elegant Alghero
Day 2 - Spend the day swimming at iconic Stintino beach (stay in Alghero)
Day 3 - Depart Alghero for Castelsardo & Santa Teresa di Gallura (stay in Santa Teresa)
Day 4 - Visit the stunning La Maddalena archipelago (stay in Santa Teresa)
Day 5 - Explore the Costa Smeralda beaches around Porto Rotondo (stay in Santa Teresa)
Day 6 - Do a boat trip in the Gulf of Orosei (stay in Orosei)
Day 7 - Relax on the wide beaches of Costa Rei and Villasimius (stay in Villasimius)
Day 8 - Beach hop in Costa Rei and Villasimius (stay in Villasimius)
Day 9 - Experience cosmopolitan Sardinia in the island’s capital of Cagliari
Day 10 - One more day at the beach in Chia and Tueredda beach (stay in Cagliari)
