7 Days in Sardinia Itinerary: For First Timers

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How to Spend 7 Days in Sardinia

If you’re planning your itinerary for 7 days in Sardinia you might be tempted to plan a road trip across the island in just a week. The island might seem small at first glance, but do not underestimate it. It can take about 4.5 hours to drive from Cagliari to the northernmost tip of La Maddalena, or around 3 hours from Cagliari to Stintino on the north-west tip, and about 3 hours 40 minutes from Chia to Stintino. So if you are attempting a full loop, make sure you have at least two weeks available.

With just 7 days to relax, we recommend focusing on one region, or two at most. The three main entry points by air are Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero, so deciding where to start will pretty much dictate where you’ll be going, or at least point you in the right general direction. This curated 7 days tour will take you along the most famous area of Sardinia, the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast), which should be on your bucket list for its wonderful turquoise sea, dreamy coves and pretty towns full of entertainment.

The main reason why the majority of people visit Sardinia is to enjoy a wonderful, relaxing holiday by the sea and admire the stunning coastal landscapes. With the intense heat in summer, temperatures can reach the high 30s and even 40°C, it’s no surprise that people spend most of their days soaking by a pool or by the sea. If you are a beach maniac, this is the place for you.

Many of the beaches on this beautiful Italian island often rank among the best in the world, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery soft sand, comparable to the Maldives, but without the reefs. The only disclaimer: if you’re looking to have those beaches all to yourself, then travel in June or September, because during the busy summer months you will likely have to go the extra mile to find space on many beaches in both the north and the south.

We also recommend trying to connect with the local culture if you can, explore the local cuisine, attend any available festivals, visit agriturismi, museums, and archaeological sites scattered around the region. These are best experienced early in the morning or in the evening, when temperatures are a bit cooler.

7-Day Sardinia Itinerary

This 7 days Sardinia itinerary keeps things simple, focusing on the North-East coast of Sardinia, combining two major stops, San Teodoro, a lovely local town, and Costa Smeralda, into an easy, realistic route with minimal driving, stunning beaches and optional boat experiences.

Costa Smeralda is where Sardinia does luxury best. If you’re after glamorous hotels, watching mega-yachts speeding across the sea, mixing with celebs, and enjoying that classic Costa Smeralda glamour, this is where actors, sportsmen, politicians, and the ultra-rich come to play. But beyond the glossy marinas and Prince Aga Khan’s famous transformation of the coastline, you’ll also find some of the island’s most beautiful beaches and pretty resort towns with real character.

Who is this Itinerary Best for?

• First time visitors
• Travellers driving a car or motorbike
• Beach lovers
• Luxury travellers and couples
• All travelling into Olbia

North Sardinia 7 day Itinerary Route

Check the itinerary on Google Maps

North Sardinia Itinerary 7 days overview

• Day 1 — Arrive in Olbia → San Teodoro
• Day 2 — Cala Brandinchi & Lu Impostu
• Day 3 — Tavolara Island Boat trip or Beach hopping
• Day 4 — San Teodoro → Costa Smeralda
• Day 5 — Costa Smeralda Beaches and Kayak Tour
• Day 6 — La Maddalena Archipelago
• Day 7 — Relax → Return to Olbia

Day 1 — Arrive in Olbia → to San Teodoro (30 min drive)

About San Teodoro: San Teodoro is a nice small town and perfect for a first easy stop. Just a short drive from Olbia’s airport, good beach access, and a lively centre with restaurants and bars in the evenings. 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.

Hotels in San Teodoro: Luxury: Baglioni Resort Sardinia – modern, quiet, seaside hotel with a wonderful set over Lu Impostu beach. Budget: Hotel San Teodoro – modern, minimalistic in decor, good value, large pool.

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” (party vibes) 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 — 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 or Costa Smeralda

This highly rated GetYourGuide tour is one of the best ways to experience Tavolara from the water. Cruise along the coastline, snorkel in crystal clear emerald seas, and soak up the laid back Mediterranean atmosphere far from the busy beaches. There is something incredibly relaxing about being out at sea with the salty breeze, gentle waves, and dramatic limestone cliffs of Tavolara rising out of the water.

Tavolara Island Snorkelling & Boat Trip

Option B: If boats aren’t your thing, stay local and explore more beaches, no need to switch hotels.

Beaches to target:

• Spiaggia delle Vacche — if you’re up for a 30–45 min hike (1.5 hours round trip). Start early, as the summer heat can be intense. Bring water, suitable trainers, and food.
• Porto Istana — a sequence of four cute, powdery coves with azure shallow water.
• Capriccioli — sheltered coves, family-friendly, great for swimming.
• Spiaggia del Principe — one of the coast’s icons with a short scenic walk in.

Late afternoon: Wander Porto Cervo’s marina for an aperitivo.

Return to San Teodoro for dinner.

Day 4 — San Teodoro → Costa Smeralda (45 min drive)

Hotels in Costa Smeralda: 7Pines Resort Sardinia (Luxury)— contemporary, relaxed, excellent Michelin starred fine dining, private beach.

Hotel Luci di la Muntagna (Mid-range) — marina views, stylish rustic design and pool.

Hotel Cala di Volpe or Hotel Pitrizza (Classic Luxury) — for a more traditional experience.

Petra Segreta Resort & Spa (Boutique Hotel and Foodies retreat)- for a cosier and relaxed stay with superb dining on site

TIP. If you want a taste of luxury without breaking the bank book a stay early in the season for reduced rates!

With its luminous coastline, pristine coves, and wonderful day trips to La Maddalena and Santa Teresa, the Costa Smeralda captivates with its timeless natural beauty.

Morning: Relax at Pittulongu Beach or Capriccioli Beach for a gentle first swim.

Afternoon: Check in into your hotel and enjoy the surroundings.

Evening: There are plenty of dining options in Costa Smeralda, from chic restaurants to casual trattorias. Among the standouts for excellence and inventiveness are the one Michelin-starred Il Fuoco Sacro at Petra Segreta, Capogiro at 7Pines Resort, and Italo Bassi Confusion in Porto Cervo.

If you prefer traditional cuisine, try Agriturismo Tenuta Pilastru in Arzachena, La Tavernetta in Porto San Paolo, Lu Stazzu in Porto Rotondo, or Da Giovannino in Porto Rotondo.

Day 5 — Beaches of Costa Smeralda and Kayak Tour

Morning / Afternoon: Spend the day exploring the many incredible beaches of Costa Smeralda, you can try to see a few in a day or just crash at one of our favourites below:

• Spiaggia del Principe — postcard-perfect
• Capriccioli East/West — choose depending on the wind
• Poltu di Li Cogghi, Romazzino, or Liscia Ruja — one of the longest beaches on the coast

If you feel active in the late afternoon or evening, go for a Kayaking tour with dolphins. This dreamy experience is one of the top activities in Sardinia in our opinion, a great way to get closer to wildlife. It lasts around 3 hours, either in the morning or at sunset, although sightings are not guaranteed.

Evening: Relax at your hotel or head to Poltu Quatu for a quieter dinner by the marina.

Day 6 — La Maddalena Archipelago (Boat Day Trip)

La Maddalena is a beautiful archipelago of islands. If you take the ferry from Palau and drive around, it can be challenging at times due to narrow and crowded summer roads, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning coves and a colourful, buzzy main town with great food.

If you’d rather not deal with driving, many of the best beaches are easily reached by boat, with tours departing from mainland Sardinia, generally from Palau. Whatever tour you choose, try to include Budelli Island and/or Cala Coticcio.

Departure point from Palau (35–45 min drive from Costa Smeralda).

Choose a small-group or private boat for a calmer experience.

Typical stops:

• Spargi — soft sand, clear bays
• Budelli (Pink Beach viewpoint)
• Santa Maria — calm, shallow, turquoise waters

Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago Boat Tour with 4 Stops

From Palau: La Maddalena Archipelago 4 Stops Boat Tour

Return to your hotel for a relaxed evening.

Day 7 — Explore Nearby → Return to Olbia

Stay local: Keep it easy with:

• Pevero Beach
• Capriccioli

Or a lazy morning at your hotel

Drive 30–40 minutes back to Olbia Airport and fly home.

Things to Know

Best time to visit Sardinia: June and September are ideal for this specific 7 days itinerary, the weather is warm and there are fewer crowds compared to July and August.

How to get around Sardinia? Do you need a car in Sardinia? Renting a car or bike is essential. Public transportation is available although limited and not very efficient to connect many of the coastal areas. Check car prices

Booking: Popular hotels book up early in July/August

Beach access: Several beaches now require mandatory booking during peak season especially around San Teodoro. Book your spot before you head there.

Alternative 7 Day Sardinia Itineraries

7 days in South Sardinia

7 days in West Sardinia

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