The Ultimate 10 Days in Sardinia Itinerary for First Timers

When it comes to visiting Sardinia, I’ve put together a comprehensive itinerary for first-timers looking to explore the best of the island. Sardinia is in my top three favorite islands visited in Europe. I was taken by its incredible white sand beaches, historic towns and villages, and wild landscapes.

After spending two weeks in Sardinia this last year, I wish I had visited earlier. I will say Sardinia took me completely by surprise. I had no idea beaches this pristine existed in Europe. Not just a few, either. Sardinia has shimmering turquoise waters and powdery-soft sands everywhere. And the food? Unique to Sardinia, with dishes I had never had elsewhere in Italy.

I adored this island. It felt like it struck a wonderful balance between vacation and traveling. One day we could be sitting by the beach, and the other, exploring centuries-old citadels and historic sights. The coastline here, from both the western and eastern sides of the island, is unlike anything I’ve seen before.

So if you’re considering a trip to Sardinia, know that this itinerary comes from months of research and time spent on the island. I then refined it based on what worked best along the way (and what didn’t). For a first-time visit, I focused this 10-day itinerary on Northern Sardinia. I believe the north offers the best balance of beaches, historic towns, and landscapes in a short trip.

Short on Time? Here’s the Ultimate Sardinia Itinerary (10 Days)

Stop 1: Costa Smeralda — 4 nights

Begin your trip in Costa Smeralda, the crown jewel of Sardinia and the ideal first base for beach hopping and coastal exploration. Stay between Porto Cervo and Cala di Volpe. Beach-hop in the mornings, wander inland to San Pantaleo, and end the day along the marina. Reserve one full day for a boat trip to the La Maddalena Archipelago from Palau.

1. Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel ($$$$), for the best luxury boutique stay and a prime base for Porto Cervo and beach hopping
2. Hotel Cala di Volpe ($$$$), for elevated luxury in a central Costa Smeralda location
3. Pitrizza ($$$$), for a secluded, romantic stay near Porto Cervo
4. Hotel Balocco ($$), for the best design-for-dollar hotel near Porto Cervo
5. Hotel Capriccioli ($$), for a budget beachfront stay near Capriccioli Beach
6. Cala Granu 2-Bedroom Vacation Rental ($$$ / Where I Stayed), for the best spacious, private home base close to Porto Cervo

Stop 2: Baunei Coast — 2 nights

Continue south along the east coast to the Baunei Coast, Sardinia’s most dramatic shoreline. Plan one full day on the water from Cala Gonone to cruise the calas of the Gulf of Orosei. Then use your second day for a scenic drive exploring inland mountain villages.

1. Su Gologone Experience Hotel ($$), for an immersive destination-style stay blending art, food, and Sardinian culture
2. Hotel L’Oasi ($), for a practical base near Cala Gonone boat departures
3. Hotel Barbagia ($), for a quiet countryside budget stay inland
4. 2 Bedroom Condo with Views ($$), for the best two-bedroom stay with views on the Baunei Coast

Stop 3: Alghero — 3 nights

End your itinerary in Alghero, one of the best-preserved historic towns in Sardinia. Alghero is an ideal base for walking, long dinners, and a few standout day trips. Spend your time in the citadel and along the bastions at sunset. Then, weave in nearby beaches and one bigger outing to either La Pelosa in Stintino, Bosa, or Neptune’s Grotto.

1. Villa Las Tronas ($$$), for the best luxury hotel close to Alghero’s historic center
2. Hotel Domomea ($$), for the best boutique hotel near the citadel
3. Hotel Catalunya ($), for a modern design hotel and central Alghero base
4. 1 Bedroom Condo with Terrace & Parking ($$ / Where We Stayed), for the best practical stay with a terrace and parking near Alghero’s old town

Things to Do

La Maddalena and the Gulf of Orosei were two absolute highlights for us. Here are the best ways to experience them based on your travel style.

Visit La Maddalena

1. La Maddalena Archipelago Boat Tour (Bigger Group, Full Day), budget-friendly full-day route that covers multiple islands with classic swim stops
2. La Maddalena Archipelago Sailboat Tour (Small Group, Full Day), more intimate sailing day through the islands with a calmer pace and fewer people onboard
3. La Maddalena Archipelago Private Tour with Skipper, private, skipper-led day tailored to your pace for maximum flexibility

Visit the Gulf of Orosei

1. Gulf of Orosei Dinghy Cruise with Swim Stops (Small Group), small-group outing from Cala Gonone combining coastal cruising with multiple swim stops
2. Cala Gonone Dinghy Rental (No Boat License Required), rent your own dinghy and explore the Gulf of Orosei independently (most don’t require a license)
3. Gulf of Orosei Cruise with Cala Goloritzè Stop (8-Hour Tour), longer, big-group day cruise hitting headline calas with a dedicated Cala Goloritzè stop
4. Gulf of Orosei Cruise to Cala Goloritzè, popular big-group cruise option focused on the Gulf’s top coves, including Cala Goloritzè

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

If you’re in the process of mapping out a broader trip, start with my guide to the best places to stay in Sardinia, which breaks down the island’s best beaches, towns, and bases to help you choose where to anchor your itinerary. If you’re still deciding what experiences to prioritize, my guide to the best things to do in Sardinia pulls together the island’s highlights, including how to visit La Pelosa. Then, dive into my Costa Smeralda travel guide for curated picks on the best beaches, boutique hotels, La Maddalena and San Pantaleo day trips, and practical tips for planning your time along the Emerald Coast.

Travel Tip: The best way to explore Sardinia is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Sardinia is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

The 10-Day Northern Sardinia Itinerary

---

What to Know Before Choosing Your Itinerary

How Much Time in Sardinia?

With such a large island, you’d really need 2-3 weeks to see all of it. However, with 10 days, you can cover quite a bit of ground in northern Sardinia. I’d specifically focus on the Baunei Coast, Costa Smeralda, and Alghero. This 10-day itinerary for Sardinia maximizes your time to experience the different landscapes the island has to offer.

What is the Best Way to See Sardinia?

By car. Driving yourself is the only way to get from one place to another. My recommendation is to pick up a rental car on arrival at Olbia Airport and use it to get around.

Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

What is the Best Airport to Fly into for Sardinia?

For this itinerary, I recommend flying into Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport to begin. Olbia services the most flights in the northern part of Sardinia. You can also fly out of Alghero Airport, which has fewer flights to Italy. Alghero is great if you want to visit Tuscany or Rome afterward. If you continue to Cagliari after this itinerary, you could also fly out of Cagliari Airport. Just remember to book a one-way rental car!

---

Practical Tips for Visiting Sardinia

You’ll Need a Rental Car

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, and a rental car is the best way to get around. Public transportation is very limited between regions and tedious. We had our rental car for the entirety of our time visiting Sardinia.

Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

Seasons Matter

Sardinia has a very limited summer season, as many restaurants and hotels close for the winter. Many restaurants will often close down by the first week of October and reopen in May. So consider this as you begin to plan your trip. The height of summer in August is the busiest, and you’ll find fewer crowds come mid-September with the warmest waters to swim in.

Bring the Right Beach Gear

Unless you’re staying at a hotel, most private rentals don’t provide beach towels. My suggestion is to bring beach towels if you can. If you’re traveling with kids, as we did, I’d throw in this tightly packed beach shade tent for shade at the beach. You can rent chairs at lidos, but not every beach has one, so you will need your own shade.

You’ll Want Cell Data

Navigating Sardinia is easy, but it’s easiest with cell data. Holafly’s eSIM worked great for us while we were there. I’d recommend purchasing your data plan and installing your eSIM before arrival.

Cell Data Travel Tip: Read my Holafly review, which covers why I think they are the best eSIM for Europe.

Make Reservations in Advance

If you’re planning to go to the top restaurants and want to stay at popular hotels, book in advance. With the shorter season, the demand is higher, and many of these places sell out months in advance. As an example, I pre-booked dinner at La Colti Agriturismo nearly 6 weeks in advance of arrival to guarantee a table (it was fully sold out that night when we dined).

---

Editor’s Note: How I Structured This 10-Day Itinerary in Sardinia

When I started honing in on the best places and areas of Sardinia to recommend, it became very clear that the northern part had it all, especially for a first-time visit. Think top beaches, memorable citadels, historic sights, and remarkable landscapes all within 2-3 hours of each other. This trip aims for a slow, intentional pace that allows you to soak in the island life Sardinia embodies and to take time to dive into cultural and historical sites.

This entire trip stays in the more northern part, going from east to west. I’ve chosen destinations in Sardinia that I feel offer a balanced experience. It begins in the Emerald Coast, moves down to the great cliffs of the Baunei Coast, then across to the citadel of Alghero. I hope you’ll enjoy this Sardinia itinerary as much as we did!

---

Sardinia Travel Itinerary Overview: Northern Sardinia (10 Days)

This itinerary moves east to west across Northern Sardinia, minimizing backtracking and long driving days.

Trip Logistics

• Start: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport
• Finish: Alghero Airport (or Cagliari if continuing south)
• Best way to get around: Rental car
• Trip style: Beaches, historic towns, and standout coastal landscapes

10-Day Itinerary Flow

• Days 1-5: Costa Smeralda (4 nights)
• Days 5-7: Baunei Coast (2 nights)
• Days 7-10: Alghero (3 nights)

---

Stop 1: Costa Smeralda
Beaches, Villages, and the Emerald Coast

I don’t think there is a better place to start a vacation in Sardinia than Costa Smeralda. With glimmering shorelines, incredible day trips to places like the La Maddalena Archipelago, and stunning landscapes, this is where vacation happens. Costa Smeralda is the crown jewel of the island and one of the most sought-after destinations for summer.

And as you begin to plan your time in Sardinia, set your eyes on Porto Cervo to Cala di Volpe for your home base. You can venture inland to hilltop villages like San Pantaleo, eat at agriturismos, or glitz it up at one of the many beach clubs.

I adored our long week in Costa Smeralda. Every day we visited a new beach, tried local restaurants, and soaked in unparalleled nature. It’s an area of Sardinia that can’t be missed on a first-time trip.

Recommended Time: 4 nights

Four nights gives you three full days to beach hop along the Emerald Coast without rushing, plus time for a full-day trip to the La Maddalena Archipelago. With beaches spread out and a mix of coastal and inland stops like San Pantaleo, fewer nights would feel compressed for a first visit.

Getting to Costa Smeralda from Olbia Airport

Renting a car is the best way to get to Costa Smeralda from Olbia Airport. It will also give you the most flexibility for exploring the area, unless you plan to hire a driver.

Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

Where to Stay in Costa Smeralda

I have an entire guide dedicated to where to stay in Sardinia, breaking down the best options in each region. To keep it short, in Costa Smeralda I recommend booking either a well-fitted apartment rental, considering a mid-tier hotel, or splurging on one of the fabulous luxury hotels. My choices for these are:

Hotels

1. Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel ($$$$), for my top pick for the best luxury boutique stay, plus a prime base for Porto Cervo and beach hopping
2. Hotel Cala di Volpe ($$$$), for the best elevated luxury hotel, plus a central Costa Smeralda location
3. Pitrizza ($$$$), for the best romantic stay, with a secluded feel near Porto Cervo
4. Hotel Balocco ($$), for the best design-for-dollar hotel, plus a Porto Cervo-adjacent location
5. Hotel Capriccioli ($$), for the best budget beachfront hotel, steps from Capriccioli Beach

Airbnbs

1. 2 Bedroom Cala Granu Condo with View/Garden (Where We Stayed), for the best spacious, private home base close to Porto Cervo
2. 1 Bedroom Garden Condo Near Cala di Volpe, for the best quieter garden condo near Cala di Volpe
3. 2 Bedroom Stone Villa House — a charming, traditional stone villa offering privacy and space, well-suited for travelers who want a quieter, more residential feel.

My Favorite Things to Do in Costa Smeralda

• Visit the beaches of Costa Smeralda — One of the main draws to this part of Sardinia is the impeccable beaches. If I had to pick my favorites, I would do Spiaggia del Grande Pevero, Spiaggia di Capriccioli (nord), Spiaggia del Principe, and Spiaggia Del Romazzino.
• Explore the charming town of San Pantaleo — Just inland, about 20 minutes away, is the hilltop town of San Pantaleo. It’s this chic, artist enclave with loads of restaurants, incredible stores, and more, all set in the dramatic mountains. I’d block in an afternoon and a meal here if you can.
• Walk Along the Marina di Porto Cervo — I’d grab a gelato to go and go for a walk along the scenic Porto Cervo Marina. You’ll see incredible yachts and boats here, and get to be alongside the water the entire time.
• Visit the Nearby Nuraghe Sites — Near Costa Smeralda, there are a few key Nuraghe sites worth visiting. The first is Nuraghe Albucciu, part of a larger archaeological area that includes the Tomba dei Giganti di Moru. The second is the Nuraghe La Prisgiona complex, along with its nearby tombs. If you only have time for one, Nuraghe La Prisgiona is the best choice.
• Go Shopping in Porto Cervo — For those after tax-free luxury shopping, Porto Cervo has incredible options. You’ll find almost every big brand from Chanel to Prada.

The Best Restaurants in Costa Smeralda

• The Restaurants at Romazzino, Belmond Hotel — Loved eating the food here, the setting was impeccable, and the service was great. I ate at the Pool Bar as that was all that was open (I’d reserve at Restaurant La Terrasse if you can).
• Agriturismo La Colti — If I could make one reservation in advance, it would be here. This multi-course, farm-to-table dinner set in the countryside was memorable. I loved the spit-fired suckling pig to local cheese, really something to experience while here.
• Ristorante Pizzeria La Vecchia Costa — Our favorite local restaurant was at this very popular spot, inland about 10 minutes. Within 15 minutes of opening, every table was full.
• Hivaoa Ristorante Pizzeria — Good spot for local pizza or a more semi-formal sit-down restaurant. We did takeaway here a few times!

The Best Day Trips from Costa Smeralda

Take a Day Trip to La Maddalena Archipelago

One of the biggest highlights of this area is a visit to the La Maddalena Archipelago. A breathtaking group of islands off northeastern Sardinia, the archipelago is known for crystal-clear water, dramatic granite scenery, and protected natural beauty. It’s a hugely popular day trip, with most boat tours and rentals departing from Palau Port, about 45 minutes north of Costa Smeralda. It ended up being one of our favorite days of our entire Europe trip.

We rented our small dinghy from MD Service Palau and opted for this Marlin 630. This boat was the largest option that didn’t require a boat license. We spent the full day exploring, focusing on the islands of La Maddalena, Spargi, and Caprera.

Boat Rental Tip: Dinghy rental prices range from 180 to 400 euros per day, depending on the boat and the time of year (low, medium, or high season). Though it’s possible to rent boats the same day in slow season, I recommend checking the wind, wave, and weather forecasts (more on this below) and reserving a boat at least 48 hours in advance.

Instead of docking, we anchored offshore and swam to beaches that caught our eye. This is what most people do, and we found it easy. There were hundreds of similar boats out on the water. Rental companies provide everything you need. All you need to bring is food, water, and towels.

If you’d rather not drive your own boat, there are excellent guided tours that visit the same iconic beaches and the famous “Blue Pool.” Here are the best options:

• Best Budget Tour: Bigger Group Tour, Full Day and Every Island
• Best Small Group: Full Day Sailboat, Small Group Tour
• Best Private Tour: La Maddalena Archipelago Private Tour with Skipper

Travel Tip: The waters of the La Maddalena Archipelago are generally well-protected, but I recommend starting to gauge the wind, wave, and weather forecast for the days you’re considering going about a week in advance. Windfinder was our favorite wind, waves, and weather forecast site. For La Maddalena, we used the forecast for Porto turistico di Cala Gavetta on Maddalena to make our decision. See my Costa Smeralda guide for a more in-depth overview.

Visit Cala Brandinchi

Cala Brandinchi, located near San Teodoro, is absolutely worth a visit. Brandinchi is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. Famous for its crystal-clear water, fine white sand, and sheltered cove. The standout feature is how shallow the water is. You can walk nearly 100 yards before the water reaches waist-deep.

Because it’s so popular, access to the beach is managed through a reservation system to protect the area. You’ll need to book online, pay a small fee, and choose your date. The reservation also includes access to nearby Spiaggia di Lu Impostu, as the two beaches share the same shared parking lot.

Sample Itinerary for Costa Smeralda

• Day 1 — Arrive in Costa Smeralda, go for a stroll along the marina, and have dinner at Hivoa.
• Day 2 — Spend a day of beach hopping, starting with Spiaggia del Grande Pevero, then to Spiaggia di Capriccioli (nord), and then Spiaggia del Principe. I’d book in for dinner at Restaurant La Terrasse if you can.
• Day 3 — Let this be your full day out to the La Maddalena Archipelago. All boat rentals depart from Palau, so arrive early to grab some food, and don’t forget towels. For dinner, I’d go to Ristorante Pizzeria La Vecchia Costa on your way back.
• Day 4 — Spend the morning at one of the many beaches in Costa Smeralda that you haven’t done yet. For the afternoon, head to San Pantaleo. Along the way, you could stop at Nuraghe Albucciu if it interests you. Spend the late afternoon shopping and having an apero on the main square of San Pantaleo. And then reserve a late dinner at La Colti nearby!
• Day 5 — Depart for the Baunei Coast.

---

Stop 2: Baunei Coast
Cliffs, Calas, and the Gulf of Orosei

When I think about the most natural, breathtaking landscapes of Sardinia, the Baunei Coast is where my mind goes. It’s hard to express just how stunning the coastline in eastern Sardinia coastline along the Gulf of Orosei is.

What I loved about visiting this area is that you don’t necessarily need a ton of time. 2 to 3 nights is perfect. You’ll want to have a full day to spend out on the water, as most of those famous beaches are only accessible by boat departing from Cala Gonone. Your other time? Spend a bit more time inland at a unique hotel and drive through the mountain villages.

Recommended Time: 2 nights

Two nights is ideal here. Spend one full day on the water in the Gulf of Orosei and a second to slow down inland or continue onward at an unhurried pace.

Getting to Baunei from Costa Smeralda

About a 2-hour road trip, getting to Baunei is nearly a straight shot down the east coast of Sardinia. It is a pleasant drive. You can take the freeway or take the coastal route, depending on traffic and preference. I’d look to leave mid-morning. You could even consider stopping off at Cala Brandinchi along the way.

Where to Stay in Baunei

For me, the big draw of spending time in the Baunei area is the chance to stay at the remarkable Su Gologone Experience Hotel. It’s a stunning property about 20 or so minutes inland from Cala Gonone. It’s one of those “destination” hotels that feels authentically Sardinian and combines art and food into a singular experience. Here are my recommendations for where to stay:

• Su Gologone Experience Hotel ($$), for the best immersive hotel stay in Sardinia, plus an ideal base for Golfo di Orosei day trips
• Hotel L’Oasi ($), for the best budget hotel stay near Cala Gonone boat departures
• Hotel Barbagia ($), for the best countryside budget resort with a quieter inland setting
• 2 Bedroom Condo with Views ($$), for the best two-bedroom stay with views on the Baunei Coast

My Favorite Things to Do in Baunei

Spend a Day Exploring the Baunei Coast

The Baunei Coast is the main “attraction” of this area. The best way to experience it is by boat, since most beaches are reached by multi-hour hikes through steep terrain. When it comes to the boat, there are three popular options departing from Cala Gonone:

1. Join a small group boat tour
2. Hire your own dinghy (most don’t require a boat license)
3. Hire a boat/dinghy with a skipper (What I Did)

All three entirely depend on your budget. The boat tours are often $70-100 per person, whereas the private boat will be $250-300 for the day without a skipper and $600+ with one.

For myself, I decided to rent a dinghy with a skipper for the day with Cala Gonone Rental. A private rental with a skipper gave me full control without worrying about the boat itself or adhering to a schedule. I’d even consider booking this small group tour as another option. The two most popular big group tours are this 8-hour tour and this one.

If I had to prioritize which beaches and calas to see on the Gulf of Orosei:

• Cala Luna
• Cala Mariolu
• Cala Sisine
• Cala Goloritzè
• Cala Biriola

Visit the Villages of the Nuoro and Barbagia Region

There are a few hilltop villages to visit inland from Cala Gonone that are very authentically Sardinian. I’d look at Oliena, near Mount Tiscali, for its historic town center. Dorgali is another local gem. You’ll pass by it on the way to Cala Gonone. It’s close to Grotta di Ispinigoli, a famous network of caves and grottos with stalactites and stalagmites.

Sample Itinerary for Baunei / Cala Gonone

• Day 1 — Make the drive down from Costa Smeralda to the Baunei Coast area. I’d consider stopping off at Spiaggia di Lu Impostu or Cala Brandinchi (remember to reserve in high season). You’re also close to Punto Panoramico Stagno San Teodoro, where you can see the famous flamingos. After that, arrive at Su Gologne Hotel and settle into the property. I’d shop their boutique for local artisans and eat dinner at their restaurant (book in advance), and have sunset drinks at their famous Bar Magico Tablao.
• Day 2 — This is your full day out on the Gulf of Orosei, exploring all that the Baunei Coast has to offer. Whether hiring your own boat or joining a group tour, make sure to bring SPF sunscreen, towels, water, and your own food. Pasticceria Disizos in Cala Gonone is the best place to load up on pastries, coffee, and sandwiches. After your day on the boat, either get a quick bite in Cala Gonone or eat at Su Gologne.
• Day 3 — Wake up early, consider driving to see one of the Barbagia towns like Dorgali or Oliena on your way out of town to Alghero.

---

Stop 3: Alghero
Historic Streets, the West Coast, and La Pelosa

Alghero was one place in Sardinia that took me most by surprise in Sardinia. I had almost canceled our three nights there to do more time on the east side, and I’m so glad I didn’t. Encircled by ancient walls, Alghero is one of the best-preserved old towns in all of Sardinia.

I absolutely fell in love with its Catalan Gothic architecture, cobbled stones, and a lively old center. The citadel is bustling at night, restaurants spilling out into the streets, bars, shops, and plenty to do nearby. It’s even referred to as “Little Barcelona” because of the architectural similarities.

Beyond the town itself, the beauty of being in Alghero is that you’re able to day trip to a lot on the west coast. You’re close to Bosa, the peninsula, and the famous beach of La Pelosa in Stintino. I recommend Alghero over Bosa (an often tough choice for travelers), because Alghero has a bit more to do and is more centrally located on this part of the western coast.

Recommended Time: 3 nights

Three nights in Alghero balances time inside the historic citadel with flexibility for nearby beaches and day trips to places like Stintino or Bosa. It allows you to settle into the rhythm of the town without feeling like you’re constantly on the move.

Getting to Alghero from Baunei

From the Baunei Coast, driving across the island to Alghero will take about 3 hours. It’s one of the longer drives to take, but worth it to base in Alghero to see the northwestern area of Sardinia.

Where to Stay in Alghero

For Alghero, I recommend choosing somewhere near the citadel so you can walk into the town at night for meals. Consider whether or not your accommodation has parking as well!

• Villa Las Tronas ($$$), for the best luxury hotel close to Alghero’s historic center
• Hotel Domomea ($$), for the best boutique hotel near the citadel
• Hotel Catalunya ($), for the best modern design hotel, plus a central Alghero base
• 1 Bedroom Condo with Terrace & Parking ($$ / Where We Stayed), for the best practical stay with a terrace and parking near Alghero’s old town
• 2 Bedroom Modern Design Apartment in Citadel ($$), for the best modern design apartment inside the Alghero citadel

My Favorite Things to Do in Alghero

Here’s a few standout experiences from our time in Alghero. For my complete list, see my guide on the best things to do in Alghero.

• Visit the Old Town of Alghero — the main draw of Alghero is its fortified walls and the charming historic town. There are a handful of important sites to see while here. There are many churches to visit, like the 16th-century Catalan Gothic Santa Maria Cathedral, San Francesco, originally built in the 14th century, and the St. Barbara Church, the oldest in Alghero.
• Walk the Alghero Bastions at sunset — Come sunset, head to the outer walls or bastion built in the 16th century. It’s a wonderful seaview, where bars spill out onto the cobblestones. You’ll be able to see the Sulis Tower as you walk from Porta a Mare to Piazza Sulis. From the watchtowers, you’ll be able to see the cliffs of Capo Caccia rising in the distance.
• Stop by the Coral Museum — After an hour or two in Alghero, you’ll see how much coral there is to shop for in town. Head to the museum to understand more about Alghero’s coral production for the economy, how they protect coral, and how they grow it.
• Head to the Beaches — If you’re looking for time at the beach, Alghero has a handful of standouts. I’d look at Le Bombarde, Il Lazzaretto, Mugoni, and Lido San Giovanni for something close.
• Take a Boat Tour to Neptune’s Grotto — One of the most popular boat tours jets out to Neptune’s Grotto to see the cave and grotto.

The Best Restaurants in Alghero

• Al Vecchio Mulino — Probably the most popular restaurant in town, it’s a bit of an effort to eat here, but worth it. This was our favorite meal in Alghero; everything on the menu was fantastic, from the grilled squid to the culurgiones and housemade pizzas. They’re incredibly family-friendly and so kind!
• Trattoria Caragol — A very local, classic restaurant in Alghero for Sardinian dishes. We ate here for lunch and adored the fresh pasta and seafood.
• Món Bar Bistrot — A chic little wine bar and bistrot, good spot to get a drink and charcuterie.
• Ristorante Al Tuguri Alghero — Another lovely local restaurant, their cuisine has Catalan-inspired dishes and lots of Sardinian seafood.
• Gelateria Artigianale 9 3/4 — Our go-to gelato spot in Alghero, so many good flavors here!
• Bar Pasticceria Ciro — Favorite bakery and spot for espresso in town, came here multiple times for their baked goods.
• Trattoria Lo Romani — One of the more popular Sardinian restaurants in town, tried to get a reservation twice but weren’t able to. I’d book this in advance.

The Best Day Trips from Alghero

• Go to La Pelosa in Stintino — Probably the most famous beach of Sardinia, La Pelosa is an easy day trip. We spent a half-day enjoying the turquoise waters and white sand beaches of La Pelosa. You do need an advance, paid reservation as they limit entry into the beach (reserve your spot). I’d recommend an early start to beat the crowds. Be sure to bring a bamboo mat (no towels allowed on the beach to protect the sand).
• See Nuraghe Palmavera — If you haven’t seen any Nuraghe sites yet, Nuraghe Palmavera is a fine example of a historic village dating back to the Bronze Age. It’s small, you can see it in under an hour, and it’s well signed to help you understand what you’re visiting.
• Visit Bosa — A short drive down the coast is the port town of Bosa, a colorful seaside village with restaurants and lots of charm along the Temo River. It’s a great spot for a walk to see the historic village, have lunch, and see the medieval fortress.
• Drive up to the Regional Natural Park of Porto Conte — On one afternoon, we went for a drive up to Capo Caccia, a scenic natural park in Sardinia. There are multiple stop-off points, beaches, and historic sights along the way. It’s a great “putter around” kind of drive, stopping wherever may pique your interest.

Sample Itinerary for Alghero

• Day 1 — Leave from Baunei Coast and head to Bosa along the way. Stop for lunch in Bosa and then drive up to Alghero. Spend the afternoon exploring Alghero’s citadel and catch the sunset at the bastion. Eat dinner at Al Vecchio Mulino.
• Day 2 — Wake up early and head to La Pelosa in Stintino for a half-day at the beach. Afterward, return to Alghero for the rest of the afternoon in the citadel. Explore the churches, get a drink, and shop through the historic center. Eat dinner at Trattoria Lo Romani.
• Day 3 — Spend an early morning taking a tour out to Neptune’s Grotto to see the famous caves. Come back for a late lunch at Trattoria Caragol. For the afternoon, visit nearby beaches, explore Nuraghe sites, or consider a wine tasting tour.
• Day 4 — Depart from Alghero.

---

Sardinia Itinerary FAQ

Is 10 days enough for Sardinia?

Sardinia is a large island, and you’d need 2–3 weeks to see all of it. With 10 days, you can cover a lot of ground in northern Sardinia. I recommend focusing on Costa Smeralda, the Baunei Coast, and Alghero.

Do I need a car in Sardinia?

Yes. A rental car is the best way to get around Sardinia. Driving yourself is the only practical way to travel between regions on this itinerary. Public transportation between regions is limited and can be tedious.

Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

What is the best airport to fly into for this itinerary?

For this itinerary, I recommend flying into Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport to begin. You can fly out of Alghero Airport, or out of Cagliari Airport if you continue south afterward. Just remember to book a one-way rental car.

Do I need to reserve La Pelosa?

Yes, La Pelosa requires a paid advance reservation. Daily access is limited to protect the beach. You’ll need to book your spot online before visiting. Note that towels are not allowed on the sand. Visitors must bring a bamboo mat instead. Reservations are especially important in high season. I recommend arriving early to avoid peak crowds and to make finding street parking easier.

---

Save This Post for Later on Pinterest