Sardinia 7-Day Itinerary: How to Spend 7 EPIC Days in Northern Sardinia!

Looking for the perfect Sardinia 7-day itinerary? You’ve come to the right place! In this article I have outlined the exact North Sardinia itinerary you should follow if you only have seven days in Sardinia.

Including the best activities, where to stay, how to travel around, and logistical tips to make your Sardinia road trip amazing.

I have spent all my summers in Sardinia since I was 1 month old, and I’ve been lucky enough to travel extensively around this beautiful island, so I know what I’m talking about when it comes to Sardinia itineraries.

This North Sardinia itinerary includes all of my favourite beaches and activities! So what are you waiting for? Dive in, and discover how to spend seven days in Sardinia!

The Best North Sardinia 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Land In Olbia & Travel To Cala Gonone

Hop on a flight to Olbia, one of the bigger airports on this Italian island. From there, pick up your rental car and drive along the coast to the town of Cala Gonone. 

It takes just under an hour and a half to get there. If your flight arrives early in the morning, make a day of it and stop at some of the picturesque beaches along the way.

My favourites are Spiaggia la Cinta and Brandinchi Beach, two of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. Spiaggia la Cinta is near the town of San Teodoro. 

There is parking right by the beach, as well as beach sunbeds for rent and a bar! The sand is glistening white and the azure sea lures you in on a hot day. 

Brancinchi Beach is also in the San Teodoro area. It’s one of the most popular beaches on the island, with plenty of services like parking, beach umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, and even a restaurant at the beach.

Where To Stay In Cala Gonone

Budget: book to stay at Casa Marzane. They offer little apartments that have a kitchen, gardens with a barbecue, and terraces for very affordable prices.

Click here to book your stay at the Casa Marzane!

Mid-range: Hotel Nuraghe Arvu offers nice rooms, a beautiful pool you can cool down in, and breakfast! It’s also located just around the corner from the beach, so you won’t have to lug your big sun umbrellas very far.

The decor is a little old-fashioned, but the outside spaces make up for it!

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Nuraghe Arvu in Cala Gonone!

Luxury: are you in Sardinia for a special occasion? Then book at the Hotel Ristorante La Conchiglia that has modern and spacious rooms with spectacular views of the sea. 

Click here to see prices & availability for your stay at Hotel Ristorante La Conchiglia!

Day 2: Boat Trip In The Golfo di Orosei

No Sardinia itinerary would be complete without a boat tour in the Gulf of Orosei. Get up close to the gorgeous cliff lines and visit some of the nicest and most remote beaches on the shores of Sardinia. 

If you’re a fan of the sand and sea this will be one of your favourite days on the itinerary. Sadly, it’s not the best for anyone who gets seasick! 

Here are some tour options worth checking out. This tour will take you out in a rubber dingy that is small enough to travel into the hidden caves along the coast!

Click here to book your Golfo di Orosei dinghy tour from Cala Gonone!

Give up a little luxury and you’ll get to explore the island’s most hidden nooks. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it whilst you soak in the sun on a deserted beach. 

The tour stops at the famous Cala Luna beach and the epic Cala Goloritze nature reserve as well as some other popular beaches with facilities like restaurants and toilets. 

You’ll also head to the famous Venus Pools. Hop into the azure water and get up close with the local marine life. The tour takes around 7 hours and can fit up to 12 people on the boat.

If small boats aren’t your thing, book this comfortable cruiser boat tour. You’ll depart from Cala Gonone Beach and travel to Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu from there.

Then you’ll sail to the Goloritze nature park before heading to the Cala de Sisine beach. 

Next, your captain will navigate to the Pools of Venus and the Cave of the Cormorants – you can cool down with a fresh (and free!) beer along the way. 

The tour will take about 7 hours and is cheaper than the dinghy tour, but you’ll be packed onboard with lots more people. It can be a nice way to make new friends!

Click here to book your Golfo di Orosei boat tour!

Day 3: Travel to Palau

After spending two nights in Cala Canone it’s time to pack your bags and drive to Palau. It takes about 2 hours if you drive directly, but there are so many great places to stop along the way.

I suggest you visit these stops and make a day of it. 

Porto Cervo is the island’s most VIP area. It’s a glistening small town that hugs a bay where the fanciest yachts park up. Wander along the harbour and imagine you’re yacht window shopping for your next luxury cruiser.

Looking for some souvenirs to take home? The town is also home to boutique designer stores worth checking out if you’ve got some holiday money to spend.

Next up is Capriccioli Beach. This little white sand beach is one of the most picturesque of the Costa Smeralda beaches (and they’re all pretty idyllic).

One of my favourite things about the beach is the views of the little islands of Mortorio, Soffi, and Le Camere in the distance. 

You can just about make out each of the island’s little mountain peaks emerging from the blue water. The beach is bordered by great big granite boulders on one side and a cluster of Mediterranean trees on the other. 

Spiaggia le Piscine di Cannigione is another fantastic beach along your drive. It’s worth noting that since 2024 they’ve put in place an online parking reservation scheme, so you’ll need to book your parking in advance.

It’s a bit of a pain, but it does stop the beach from getting overcrowded.

Before you pull into Palau, stop off at the iconic Roccia dell’Orso. Climb to the top of the little hill where this weathered granite bear sculpture sits.

It’ll take you about 10 to 15 minutes to get there from the car park, and it can be a little difficult at points. But it’s worth it for the stunning views over Palau and the islands in the distance.

Definitely one of my favourite spots for taking holiday pictures!

Where to Stay in Palau

Budget: the homely rooms at CelesteDiMare’s bed and breakfast are the perfect option for budget travellers. There’s a gorgeous sun-drenched terrace you can relax on, and the two women who run the B&B are super friendly and welcoming.

Click here to book your stay at CelesteDiMare in Palau!

Mid-range: Tiffany Palau is the best place to stay in Palau, and I don’t say it just because my mum runs it. It’s centrally located, spacious, clean and has everything you need for a perfect stay.

Click here to see prices & availability at Tiffany Palau!

Luxury: the exquisite Hotel Palau offers luxury rooms that haven’t lost their traditional Italian feel. The restaurant has a large outdoor patio with sea views, and the pool area is a serene spot to spend the day at.

There’s a free shuttle to and from the beach and breakfast is included. 

Check out prices & availability for your stay at Hotel Palau here!

Day 4: Catamaran Tour To Maddalena National Park

My Sardinia 1 week itinerary just had to include a catamaran tour in the Maddalena National Park. It was without a doubt a highlight of my trip, and something I can see myself doing again and again.

The only drawback is that in summer the crowds can make the tour a bit stressful, and spoil the experience a little. If you’re visiting outside of peak season you’ll likely enjoy it more! June and September are the best months to come.

We opted for a catamaran tour with Sport Outdoor Viaggi. The boat set off at 9 AM and sailed straight to Cala Soraja, on the island of Spargi.

It’s one of my favourite beaches, so I was quite happy to spend an hour or so lounging on the beach, and even happier when we got back to our boat and found a salami aperitif had been prepared for us! 

Click here to book your catamaran tour to the islands of La Maddalena!

Next, we cruised past the island of Budelli and caught a glimpse of the Spiaggia Rosa, or Pink Beach.

Sadly, access to the beach has been closed after the sand that is tinted pink by corals was taken away as a souvenir by too many tourists and the beach completely lost its colour. Such a shame!

After that, we went swimming in the calm waters of the Manto della Madonna which is always sheltered from the coastal winds. It’s my favourite swimming spot and should be on everyone’s Italy bucket list.

We sailed on to the island of Razzoli where we ate the awesome pasta lunch they cooked for us. Check out my Maddalena National Park Sardinia travel blog for more details.

After a long day exploring, catch the sunset with a cocktail in hand at one of the coolest bars in Porto Pollo. There are endless bars to choose from, but personally I like Calaveras, Rupi’s, and Wind best.

They’ve got a great drinks selection, epic sunset views, and great vibes.

Click here to book your catamaran tour to the islands of La Maddalena!

Day 5: Travel to Stintino

No 7 days in Sardinia would be complete without a drive to Stintino, just 2 hours away from Palau. Along the way, stop for a chill at Spiaggia Rena Majori.

This vast white sand beach is great for beach walks if you need to stretch your legs (though it gets busy in the summer, so not so great then) or for stopping for a quick swim. 

I’d also really recommend stopping off at the quaint, colourful town of Castelsardo along the way.

It’s home to an ancient castle that sits at the top of the cliff the village is built on, as well as poky white sand beaches nestled into little coves on the outskirts of the town, like Spiaggia Lu Bagnu. 

Where To Stay In Stintino

Budget: Lina Hotel has traditional style, budget-friendly rooms that are perfect if you’re trying to cut your holiday costs.

The rooms come with lovely little balconies and there’s a restaurant that serves great breakfasts too. You’ll struggle to find a more affordable option!

Click here to book your stay at the Lina Hotel in Stintino!

Mid-range: although the rooms are a little outdated, the outdoor pool area and elegant restaurant at Hotel Cala Reale make up for it. There are lots of outdoor spaces and even some tennis courts!

Check out prices & availability at Hotel Cala Reale here!

Luxury: the spacious and elegant rooms at Park Hotel Asinara are the most luxurious in the area.

With quaint balconies boasting sea views, it’s the perfect spot to read a book over a morning coffee or soak in the sun in the outside gardens and pool.

Click here to book your stay at the Park Hotel Asinara in Stintino!

Day 6: Boat Tour To Asinara Island

On the sixth of your seven days in Sardinia take a tour to Asinara Island. You’ll need to choose between a boat tour or an off-road tour of the island. Here are some options to get you inspired! 

This off roading tour of the island whizzes you around the Asinara National Park in an old Jeep.

The tour also takes you to the island’s old prison, which hasn’t been in use for years but is an important part of the local history. 

You’ll drive through the island’s mainland where you’ll spot lots of local wildlife, like the wild horses and donkeys that call Asinara home.

The best bit? They even take you to a Sea Turtle Recovery Center! Before heading back you’ll get to cool off with a swim at the Cala Sabina Beach.

Click here to book your Asinara Island off road tour!

Fancy being out on the water? Then book this catamaran tour of the island.

You’ll get to stop off to swim in the most pristine turquoise waters surrounding the island before you head to the island’s animal rescue center to meet the local donkeys! 

The tour also includes a three-course seafood lunch with wine and coffee included – yum!

It’s a bit more expensive, but it’s a small group boat tour (there will be max 12 people on the boat), too you’re guaranteed a pretty magical experience! 

Click here to book your catamaran tour to Asinara Island!

As there’s already a catamaran tour on this Sardinia trip itinerary, I thought it was worth mentioning this sailboat tour of the island. 

Glide across the water and try your hands at some sailing knots whilst you explore the coastline of the Asinara National Park.

You won’t get to meet the island’s wildlife on this one, but it’s still great fun! The tour takes 8 hours overall and up to 10 people can fit on the boat.

Click here to book your sailing boat tour to Asinara Island from Stintino!

Day 7: Visit La Pelosa Beach & Fly Out From Alghero

We’ve arrived at the final day of this Sardinia in 7 days road trip. Make the most of your last day lazing on the beach in true Italian fashion. As locals like to say, ‘La vita lenta’, the slow life, is the best kind. 

I spent my last morning at La Pelosa Beach. Even though it’s a big beach, it can get busy. It’s a popular spot because of how white the sand is and how crystal-clear the sea is.

If you can’t get a spot on the sand, set your towel up on the rocks at the end of the beach.

There’s an imposing silhouette of a 16th-century lighthouse, the Tower of La Pelosa, that adds a historical charm to the place.

After a day soaking up the last rays of the Italian sun, book a flight off the island from Alghero Airport in the evening. Sadly, that brings us to the end of this Northern Sardinia itinerary! 

How To Travel Around Sardinia

Honestly, there’s no option but to rent a car for this Sardinia travel itinerary. The public transport on the island is pretty rubbish.

It’s infrequent and unreliable and would mean you’d miss out on a lot of the awesome hidden beaches and attractions that are in between the towns on this Sardinia 7 day itinerary. 

You can pick up your car at Olbia Airport and drop it off at Alghero Airport, so it’s a hassle-free process! 

Driving in Sardinia is relatively cheap, as there are no motorways and tolls to pay, but that means most of the roads are winding single-lane country roads.

Very scenic and beautiful to drive along, but they can get pretty busy in high season.

Best Time To Visit Sardinia

Wondering when the best time to visit Sardinia is? The best time to do this Sardinia road trip itinerary is from mid-May to early July, or from early September to mid-October when the sea is still warm. 

The reason I don’t recommend going in the height of Italian summer, despite the fact that it’s when there’s the best weather and the sea is the warmest (perfect for swimming!) is because there are just too many people on the island.

Italians from the mainland and international tourists flock in, making even the most remote beaches cramped and noisy.

Personally, I think the weather is too variable in spring and autumn, although I know people who don’t mind the sea being cooler and love the changing temperatures.

Italian winter is definitely too cold to make the most of one week in Sardinia!

What To Pack For This Sardinia Itinerary

Besides the usual travel essentials, your travel insurance for Italy, and whatever is already on your Italy packing list, you don’t really need anything specific for a Sardinia road trip.

That said, here are a couple of absolute must-haves you don’t want to forget.

International adaptor – It’s a bit more expensive than the country-specific adaptors, but I like using an international adapter so that I only need that I can take everywhere

Power bank – Whether it’s for Google Maps or taking photos of the beautiful beaches of Sardinia, you don’t want your phone dying on you!

Steel water bottle – If you want to cut down on your plastic consumption and save some cash in the process, don’t forget a water bottle that you can refill.

Fast drying towel – There’s a lot of beaches in this itinerary, so you’ll need one of these. I like these because they dry quickly and don’t take up a lot of space in your bag.

Sunblock / sunscreen – You could buy this in Italy, but rocking up on day one without having to buy overpriced suncream in Sardinia is much better! 

Sunglasses – Protects your eyes from the sun’s UV rays.

Final Thoughts On My Sardinia Itinerary

There you have it, the ultimate Sardinia 7-day itinerary! Have you been to Northern Sardinia before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Having spent such a big part of my life in Sardinia, I know the island and its beaches very well, and in this article, I wanted to share with you all of my top tips to ensure you also make the most of your time on this beautiful island.

From boat tours to the best snorkeling spots, from visits to old historical sites like the prison on the island of Asinara to fun sunset beach bars, this Sardinia 7-day itinerary has something for everybody.

Most people don’t include Sardinia on their first Italy trips, and I get it. 

If you only have one week in Italy or two weeks in Italy, you simply won’t have time to visit both Sardinia and the main cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice and Milan.

But if you’re looking for the best summer beaches you’ll ever see, then make sure to add Sardinia to your itinerary!

I hope this itinerary inspires you to travel to this incredible Italian island. Have you been to Sardinia before? Are you planning to go? Let me know in the comments below.

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