10 Days in Sardinia: The Best East Coast Itinerary

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How to Spend 10 Days in Sardinia

If you’re planning a trip to Sardinia, the east coast is well worth visiting. Many visitors head north for luxury marinas and villas, or south for calm, Caribbean-like beaches, but having grown up in Sardinia, I feel the East is the most authentic. It’s the island’s true wild soul, which has kept its authenticity throughout the centuries—home to some of the oldest people in the world and some of the best beaches, including the number one voted by World’s 50 Best Beaches, Cala Goloritzé, as well as some of the best sagre (food festivals), if you can catch one over the weekend.

The east is where many of Sardinia’s still-undiscovered parts are found. Towns like Tertenia and Bari Sardo are simple, quiet hideaways, and, aside from the Golfo di Orosei, most of the area remains under the radar.

The only downside is that reaching these mountainous areas and coves takes effort, involving drives along winding roads and boat trips to the most hidden yet buzzing spots. The area can be busy too during the summer, with a constant sea of traffic from curious travellers rushing to admire this wonderful coastline.

This 10 days Sardinia itinerary gives you plenty of time to explore the east coast’s beaches, mountains, and villages, combining sea, culture, and adventure. It’s the perfect road trip to experience the diversity of the island. The buzzing town of San Teodoro will surprise you with stunning views of its vast beaches overlooking Tavolara Island. Then, Orosei is a charming historical town where you’ll find peaceful corners and jaw-dropping, award-winning coves of the Golfo di Orosei. The journey ends in the lovely town of Villasimius, on the southernmost tip of Sardinia. Here, beaches are shallow with white, powdery sand, nothing to envy from the Maldives or Thailand in terms of beauty.

Is this itinerary right for you?

• First time → yes
• Want authentic Sardinia → yes
• Want luxury Costa Smeralda → no

Sardinia 10 Day Itinerary Overview (Olbia to Cagliari)

• Day 1: Arrive in Olbia
• Days 1–4: San Teodoro
• Days 4–8: Orosei
• Days 8–10: Villasimius
• Day 10: Leave from Cagliari (Elmas) Airport

Check the Full itinerary on Google Maps

Days 1 – 3: Olbia to San Teodoro (Best Beaches in North East Sardinia)

Where to stay in San Teodoro

For beachfront luxury: Baglioni Hotel — One of Sardinia’s best hotels, the Baglioni group never leaves anything to chance. Superb on-site dining, awarded a Michelin star in 2026, and an outstanding location just minutes from Lu Impostu. It doesn’t come at a cheap price, but it’s one to consider if you’re splashing out.

Affordable: Hotel San Teodoro has a minimalistic white Mediterranean design, is comfortable, and is based just out of town. It’s more affordable, and you’ll get peaceful countryside views, a good-sized pool and restaurant on site.

Day 1: Arrival in Olbia & Chill in San Teodoro

Coming from Olbia, head for a short drive to San Teodoro. Its beaches are gentle and perfect for a first dip: La Cinta, Cala Brandinchi, and Lu Impostu are soft, shallow, and scenic and the town vibes are lively and perfect for a holiday destination. San Teodoro is a nice small town and ideal for a first easy stop. Just a short drive from Olbia’s airport, San Teodoro has good beach access and a lively centre with nice restaurants and bars in the evening. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the protected marine area of Tavolara–Punta Coda Cavallo by boat too. Many of the nearby beaches have wonderful lagoons that attract birdlife, such as the wonderful flamingos.

Morning / Afternoon: Start at La Cinta beach. Long, shallow, and easy for a first swim. Walk north if you want quieter sections.

Evening: Enjoy an aperitivo (Spritz, Campari soda, Ichnusa beer, or a chilled local white wine such as Vermentino) at one of the beach bars or in town before heading out for dinner.

Enjoy a fantastic dinner at Li Mori or Da Nardino. Li Mori is based out of town and serves a fixed traditional Sardinian menu, with dishes such as tender roasted piglet, seafood fregola, malloreddus, and more. Reservations are often required.

If you fancy seafood and want to experience the movida of San Teodoro, head to Da Nardino in town. If you want something more inventive, there is the one Michelin-starred Gusto by Sadler within the Baglioni Hotel.

Day 2: La Cinta / Cala Brandinchi / Lu Impostu

Morning: Cala Brandinchi is a relatively small cove with soft sand, clear, endlessly shallow water, and epic views of Tavolara Island in the background. In high season, you must pre-book your spot.

Afternoon: Move to Lu Impostu if you like, it has similar colours, and it is usually a little bit calmer.

If you want a short walk, head to the viewpoint at Capo Coda Cavallo.

Day 3: Tavolara Island Boat Trip

Tavolara Island Snorkelling & Boat Trip: This highly rated guided tour is a good introduction to the island of Tavolara. There are few things as relaxing as being out at sea, a boat trip is a perfect way to escape the crowds and live that Mediterranean lifestyle, savour the gentle salted breeze and let the sound of the waves lull you. Alternatively ask your hotel to organise a trip for you.

Days 4 – 8: Orosei & Gulf of Orosei (Beaches, Culture & Mountains)

Where to stay in Orosei

For beachfront: Sentido Orosei Beach — rustic charm slightly out of town with beachfront access, private beach area, and pool.

For relaxation: Sisula Country Hotel & Spa — the perfect setting for relaxation, with an outdoor pool, spa, and wellness packages.

For town charm: Albergo diffuso Mannois — a very charming rustic stone-built hotel without a pool.

Day 4: Capo Comino / Berchida Beach + Drive to Orosei

On day 4 head to the lovely town of Orosei further south. It is a short 1-hour drive. We recommend Orosei as your next base because it’s a charming town and a hidden treasure of Sardinia, perfectly located to explore both the central east coast and the north. There are few luxury options here, so if you’re looking for luxury try San Teodoro or Costa Smeralda instead.

Overall, around Orosei we recommend exploring Marina di Orosei and nearby beaches like Cala Liberotto, Spiaggia Sa Curcuriga, Oasi di Bidderosa, Berchida Beach, and Capo Comino. Bidderosa is a peaceful oasis with migratory birds next to a dreamy beach, with limited daily access, perfect for photographers, birdwatching, or sunbathing.

Inland excursions are very impressive in this area but are best attempted on cooler days, early in the summer season. Hike to the stunning Gorropu Gorge or visit the mysterious village of Tiscali in the Supramonte mountains, and if you have time, visit the picturesque village of Posada.

Morning: Start driving to Orosei where you will stay for the next 4 nights. If you fancy it, stop at Capo Comino and/or Berchida beach.

• Berchida, one of the most pristine beaches in Sardinia, is a long stretch of powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and Mediterranean shrubs.
• Capo Comino is famous for its white sand dunes and the lighthouse on the cape. It is slightly livelier than Berchida, so it’s good to mix the two, or visit them on separate days, which also works well.

Afternoon: Head to your Hotel for check-in and relax by the pool.

Day 5: Oasi Bidderosa (One of the Best Beaches in Sardinia)

Make sure you book your entry on the official website in advance, as only a limited number of people are allowed in per day.

Inside the oasis, there is a lake where you can rent kayaks or SUPs to explore. Drive there and explore the area at your own pace. If you fancy it, rent a kayak or SUP to explore the wonderful Stagno Sa Curcuriga, with its turquoise waters adjoining the beach of the same name.

Alternatively, this 4X4 Guided Tour combines Oasi Bidderosa with Capo Comino.

Day 6: Golfo di Orosei Boat Tour (Must-Do in Any Sardinia Itinerary)

Head to Cala Gonone for this breathtaking boat tour of the Golfo di Orosei. You will see one award wining beach after another and relax out at sea. Take a private boat if you can (for the best experience), or a shared ferry from Cala Gonone’s harbour.

In the evening, stroll through the pretty streets of Cala Gonone and dine in one of the local trattorias.

Day 7: Gorropu Canyon, Tiscali & Oliena (Inland Sardinia Experience)

We’ve given three options for inland exploration here, you may want to do just one, or combine one of the hikes with a visit to Oliena. Doing all three in one day is challenging but possible with a very early start and plenty of energy.

• Gorropu Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in Europe. The hikes are challenging, with sections requiring ropes, but it is absolutely fascinating.
• If you want to get closer to Sardinia’s culture, head to Oliena after the hike to explore this amazing village, famous for its olive oil and Cannonau red wine (especially Nepente) production.
• Tiscali village is a mysterious prehistoric settlement inside a cave.

You can do this on your own or with this guided tour that tackles both Tiscali and Oliena or this Gorroppu canyon tour.

Days 8 – 10: Villasimius & South Sardinia Beaches

Where to stay in Villasimius

Best for entertainment: Pullman Timi Ama, a 5-star resort with pools, a spa, a private beach, and lagoon views.

Family-friendly beachfront: Falkensteiner Capo Boi, a beachfront resort slightly out of town, with family-friendly amenities.

Romantic stay: Hotel Cala Caterina, a charming and romantic four-star hideaway.

Day 8: Drive to Villasimius + Porto Giunco Beach

Morning / Afternoon: Relax at Porto Giunco Beach, one of the most famous in Villasimius. Expect white sand, calm waters, and beautiful views of the Giunco tower, which you could also see up close if you fancy a walk up the hill.

Evening: Stroll into town for an aperitivo, dinner and gelato.

Day 9: Punta Molentis Beach

Morning: Visit Punta Molentis, a scenic double-crescent beach with shallow waters, great for families and photography. Access is limited, so plan ahead.

Day 10: Villasimius to Cagliari (Departure Day)

Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final swim at Porto Sa Ruxi or Mari Pintau, both close to Cagliari or simply relax by the pool before you say your goodbyes to this wonderful stretch of the island and head to Cagliari’s (Elmas) Airport.

Sardinia Travel Tips

How to get around Sardinia

We absolutely recommend renting a car in Olbia’s airport. Public transportation is not the best in Sardinia, you can travel around but consider longer travel times.

How Many Days Do You Need in Sardinia?

Are wondering how many days you need in Sardinia? 5 days is the absolute minimum to see at least one area in Sardinia, 7 days will be a good amount to see a couple of areas, 10 days will allow you to move from North to South, 14 days or more is the best if you want to see most of the highlights. It is also recommended to dedicate at least 3 consecutive nights in the same hotel to avoid burnout.

Best Time to Visit Sardinia

June and September are our favourite months, the weather is good and warm with little rain and fewer crowd. July and August are considered peak season with crowded beaches and lots of activities and events.

Arrive early or late in the afternoon at popular beaches during July and August to secure parking and space.

Final thoughts: 10 days in Sardinia

Spending 10 days in Sardinia like this gives you a real feel for the island, not just the polished side you often see online, but the quieter, more authentic version that makes it so special. By focusing on the east coast, you get a mix that’s hard to beat: wild beaches, mountain landscapes, small villages, and just enough liveliness in places like San Teodoro and Villasimius to keep things balanced.

What I like about this route is that it doesn’t try to rush everything. You’re not constantly packing and unpacking or driving for hours every day. Instead, you settle into a few key bases and explore properly, which is, in my opinion, the best way to experience Sardinia.

Of course, 10 days in Sardinia is never quite enough. There’s a whole other side to the island, from the rugged west coast to the more polished Costa Smeralda, but for a first trip, this itinerary gives you a very complete picture without feeling overwhelming.

If anything, this is the kind of trip that leaves you wanting to come back, maybe next time to explore further south around Chia, or head inland even more and dive deeper into Sardinian culture, food, and traditions.

However you choose to follow it, this 10 day Sardinia itinerary is designed to give you a balance of sea, nature, and local life, with a few hidden corners along the way that you might not find otherwise.

We hope you enjoyed reading this free guide. If you have any feedback or questions please email us at info@pocketsardinia.com