Sardinia

Airport transfer and hotel check-in(30 minutes)

Train from airport to Cagliari station (1.30 EUR, 7 min) or taxi (~15 EUR). Stay in the Marina district for walkability or up in Castello for views

Castello old quarter walk(2 hours)

Climb to the hilltop Castello — Cagliari's medieval heart. The Bastione di Saint Remy terrace has panoramic views over the city, port, and lagoon. The 13th-century cathedral (free, Romanesque-Pisan facade) and narrow lanes are atmospheric

Lunch at Mercato di San Benedetto(1 hour)

Sardinia's largest covered market — two floors of fresh fish, cheese, charcuterie, and produce. The upper floor food court serves market-fresh dishes (pasta 8-10 EUR, seafood 12-15 EUR). Try bottarga (cured mullet roe) — Sardinia's caviar

Poetto Beach sunset(2 hours)

Cagliari's 8-km urban beach starts just 15 minutes from center (bus PF/PQ, 1.30 EUR). Free sandy beach with cafes. Watch flamingos in the Molentargius lagoon at the east end. Aperitivo at Lido beach club (spritz 7 EUR)

Pick up rental car at Cagliari(30 minutes)

From ~30 EUR/day. Essential for exploring beyond Cagliari. Book ahead for July-August

Su Nuraxi di Barumini(1.5 hours)

Entry: 14 EUR with mandatory guided tour (45 min, English available). UNESCO World Heritage Bronze Age fortress from 1500 BC. Sardinia's most important archaeological site — the central tower and surrounding village complex are unique. 60 km north of Cagliari

Lunch at an agriturismo(1.5 hours)

Stop at an interior agriturismo near Barumini (look for signs on the road). Expect porceddu (suckling pig, 25-35 EUR for a full meal including antipasti, pasta, wine). These farm-stay restaurants are the heart of Sardinian cuisine

Drive to Costa Smeralda via mountain roads(3 hours)

Take the SS131 north through the Gennargentu mountains. The landscape shifts from rolling farmland to dramatic gorges and cork oak forests. Stop in Orgosolo to see the famous murales (political murals covering every building). Check into accommodation in the Olbia or Arzachena area

Spiaggia del Principe morning(2.5 hours)

Often called Italy's most beautiful beach — a crescent of white sand and turquoise water backed by granite rocks. Free entry, no facilities (bring water and snacks). 15-minute walk from the car park near Romazzino. Arrive by 9AM in summer

Capriccioli Beach(2 hours)

Twin coves with shallow turquoise water and pink granite. Free. Less crowded than Liscia Ruja. Good snorkeling around the rocks. Small parking area fills early

Lunch at Porto Cervo marina(1.5 hours)

Walk the superyacht-lined marina and designer boutiques. Lunch at Spinnaker (seafood pasta 18-25 EUR) or grab focaccia at a bakery (3-5 EUR) and eat by the harbor. Porto Cervo is eye-wateringly expensive for dinner — lunch is the budget-friendly window

Liscia Ruja sunset(2 hours)

The longest beach on Costa Smeralda — 500m of pink sand. Beach club section (sunbed 30-50 EUR) and free public section at the far end. The west-facing position catches beautiful sunset light

Drive to Palau and ferry to La Maddalena(1 hour)

30 minutes from Costa Smeralda to Palau port. Frequent ferries (~5 EUR per person, 20 minutes). Cars allowed on La Maddalena island but not necessary

Boat tour of the archipelago(5 hours)

Full-day boat tour from La Maddalena harbor (~35-50 EUR) visiting Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli (viewable from boat, no landing), Spargi island, and swimming stops in impossibly clear water. Bring snorkel gear. Lunch typically included

La Maddalena town walk(1 hour)

Colorful waterfront town with gelaterias and cafes. Piazza Umberto I is the main square. The island has its own small beaches — Bassa Trinita and Spalmatore are quiet alternatives

Return ferry and dinner(1.5 hours)

Last ferries run until 11PM. Dinner in Palau or back at your Costa Smeralda base. Try pane frattau (moistened pane carasau with tomato sauce, egg, and pecorino, 10-12 EUR)

Late morning at Cala Brandinchi(2.5 hours)

Called 'Little Tahiti' — shallow turquoise water over white sand near San Teodoro. Parking 2-4 EUR. Sunbed rental available. Less exclusive than Costa Smeralda but equally beautiful. 30 minutes south of Olbia

Lunch at San Teodoro(1.5 hours)

Charming small town inland from the beach. L'Esagonale on Via Catalone — culurgiones (Sardinian stuffed pasta, 12 EUR) and grilled calamari. Good value compared to Costa Smeralda

Free afternoon(3 hours)

Pool time, read a book, or try another beach. Lu Impostu near Cala Brandinchi is quieter. Or visit the Tavolara marine park for snorkeling — the limestone island rising from the sea is dramatic

Drive to Alghero via Tempio Pausania(2.5 hours)

Take the scenic route through the Gallura cork oak forests. Tempio Pausania is the granite-built capital of the Gallura region — worth a quick stop for the piazza

Neptune's Grotto (Grotta di Nettuno)(2 hours)

Boat from Alghero port (~16 EUR return, 40 min) or descend 654 steps of the Escala del Cabirol staircase. Cave entry: 14 EUR. Dramatic stalactites reflected in an underground lake. Open March-October. Go by boat for the coastal cliff views

Alghero old town and lunch(2.5 hours)

Catalan-influenced walled town with coral-colored buildings. Walk the sea bastions, browse coral jewelry shops (Alghero is 'Coral City'). Lunch at Il Pavone in the old town — lobster alla catalana (grilled with onion and tomato, 25-30 EUR) or simpler pasta (12 EUR)

Dinner on the bastions(1.5 hours)

Sunset from the sea walls is beautiful. Dinner at Mabrouk on Bastioni Marco Polo — terrace overlooking the sea. Fresh catch and Vermentino wine (dinner for two ~50-60 EUR). Stay overnight in Alghero

La Pelosa Beach, Stintino(2.5 hours)

40 minutes north of Alghero. Shallow Caribbean-like water with the Aragonese tower backdrop. Since 2019: limited to 1,500 people/day in summer — reservation required at lapelosastintino.com (1 EUR). Bring a mat (towels directly on sand are banned to protect it). Arrive before 10AM

Drive to airport (CAG or OLB)(2-3 hours)

OLB (Olbia) is 2.5 hours east, CAG (Cagliari) is 3 hours south. Choose based on your flight. The SS131 'Carlo Felice' highway connects north to south

Return rental car and departure(45 minutes)

Return car at the airport. Allow 2 hours before international flights. Pick up last-minute pecorino, mirto liqueur, or pane carasau at airport shops

Airport transfer and hotel check-in(30 minutes)

Train (1.30 EUR, 7 min) or taxi (~15 EUR). Stay in Marina or Castello

Castello old quarter and Bastione di Saint Remy(2 hours)

Hilltop medieval heart. Panoramic terrace, 13th-century cathedral (free), narrow lanes with artisan shops

Mercato di San Benedetto lunch(1 hour)

Sardinia's largest market. Upper-floor food court: pasta 8-10 EUR, seafood 12-15 EUR. Try bottarga

Poetto Beach sunset and flamingos(2 hours)

8-km urban beach, bus PF/PQ (1.30 EUR). Watch flamingos at Molentargius lagoon. Aperitivo at Lido (spritz 7 EUR)

Pick up rental car(30 minutes)

From ~30 EUR/day. Essential for Sardinia. Book ahead for peak season

Nora archaeological site(1.5 hours)

Entry: 8 EUR. Phoenician-Roman city on a dramatic peninsula 40 km southwest of Cagliari. Mosaics, theatre, and temple ruins with sea on three sides. Guided tours recommended

Spiaggia di Tuerredda(2.5 hours)

One of Sardinia's most beautiful beaches — turquoise lagoon-like water between two headlands. 80 km from Cagliari on the SS195. Free section or sunbed rental (15 EUR). Arrive early

Dinner in Chia(1.5 hours)

Seaside village nearby. Ristorante Sa Cardiga e Su Schironi — fresh catch and fregola (Sardinian couscous) with clams (14 EUR). Return to Cagliari

Drive to Su Nuraxi di Barumini(1 hour)

60 km north of Cagliari on the SS131 and SS197

Su Nuraxi guided tour(1.5 hours)

Entry: 14 EUR with mandatory guided tour (45 min). UNESCO Bronze Age fortress from 1500 BC, unique to Sardinia. English tours available

Agriturismo lunch(1.5 hours)

Stop at a farm-stay restaurant near Barumini. Porceddu (suckling pig), culurgiones, pane frattau — full meal with wine 25-35 EUR. The heart of Sardinian cuisine

Giara di Gesturi plateau(2 hours)

Entry: 5 EUR. A basalt plateau 20 minutes from Barumini where wild miniature horses (cavallini) roam among cork oaks and seasonal ponds. Guided walks available. An unexpected gem in Sardinia's interior. Return to Cagliari

Drive Cagliari to Cala Gonone(2.5 hours)

SS131 north then east through the mountains. The last stretch descends dramatically through tunnels to the sea

Boat to Cala Luna(4 hours)

Round trip ~15-20 EUR from Cala Gonone harbor, 30 minutes each way. Limestone cliffs with cave arches behind a white sand beach. Bring food and water — minimal facilities. Snorkeling in the caves is extraordinary. Return boat mid-afternoon

Cala Gonone waterfront lunch(1 hour)

Il Pescatore on the harbor — fresh catch and Vernaccia di Oristano wine (mains 14-18 EUR). The small town is pleasantly uncommercialized

Evening walk along the coast(1 hour)

Walk south from Cala Gonone to the tiny beach of Cala Fuili (20 min). The trailhead for the hiking route to Cala Luna starts here. Stay overnight in Cala Gonone area

Gola di Gorropu hike(4 hours)

Entry: 5 EUR. Europe's Grand Canyon — walls rising 500m with a river corridor barely 4m wide at points. The hike from the SS125 bridge is moderate (1.5 hours each way). Bring water, sturdy shoes. Guided options available (~25 EUR)

Lunch in Urzulei or Dorgali(1 hour)

Mountain village trattoria — roast lamb, wild boar ragu with malloreddus (gnocchetti sardi, 10-12 EUR). These inland villages feel centuries removed from the coast

Tiscali nuragic village hike (optional)(3 hours)

A hidden nuragic village inside a collapsed cave on a mountaintop. 2-hour hike from Dorgali (guide recommended, ~20 EUR). Not for the unfit but extraordinary — the ruins are concealed inside the mountain. Alternative: rest afternoon at Cala Gonone beaches

Dinner in Cala Gonone(1.5 hours)

Acquarius on Via Vasco de Gama — grilled fish and fregola ai frutti di mare (14 EUR). Early night after a hiking day

Drive Cala Gonone north along the coast(3 hours)

SS125 through Dorgali and the Ogliastra — one of Italy's most scenic drives. Stop at viewpoints above Cala Goloritzè (visible from the road, beach accessible only by boat or 1.5-hour hike)

Spiaggia del Principe afternoon(2.5 hours)

Costa Smeralda's finest beach — white sand, turquoise water, granite rocks. Free, no facilities. 15-min walk from car park near Romazzino. Arrive by early afternoon

Porto Cervo marina walk(1 hour)

Browse the superyacht-lined harbor and designer boutiques. Window shopping is free; buying is not. Get gelato at Gelateria Porto Cervo (4 EUR)

Dinner at a countryside agriturismo(1.5 hours)

Agriturismo Saltara near Arzachena — Sardinian tasting menu with porceddu, culurgiones, and mirto (30 EUR including wine). Better value and atmosphere than coastal restaurants. Book ahead

Drive to Palau and ferry(45 minutes)

From Costa Smeralda. Ferry ~5 EUR per person, 20 min. Cars allowed but unnecessary

Full-day boat tour(5 hours)

~35-50 EUR including lunch and swimming stops. Visit Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli (viewable from boat), Spargi island, and crystal-clear swimming spots. Bring snorkel gear

La Maddalena town(1 hour)

Colorful waterfront, gelaterias, Piazza Umberto I. Small local beaches: Bassa Trinita and Spalmatore

Return and dinner(1.5 hours)

Dinner back on the mainland. Try pane frattau (pane carasau with tomato, egg, pecorino, 10-12 EUR)

Late morning at Capriccioli Beach(2.5 hours)

Twin coves with shallow turquoise water and pink granite. Good snorkeling. Less crowded than Liscia Ruja

Lunch at Spinnaker, Porto Cervo(1.5 hours)

Seafood pasta (18-25 EUR). Porto Cervo lunch is the budget window — dinner prices double

Free afternoon(3 hours)

Pool, beach, or explore the bear-shaped rock of Capo d'Orso near Palau (entry: 4 EUR, 20-min walk) for panoramic views

Drive to Alghero(2.5 hours)

Through Gallura cork oak forests. The SS127 is scenic

Neptune's Grotto boat trip(2 hours)

Boat from Alghero port (~16 EUR return, 40 min) or 654 steps down. Cave entry: 14 EUR. Stalactites reflected in underground lake. Go by boat for cliff views

Alghero old town and coral shopping(2 hours)

Catalan-influenced walls, sea bastions, coral jewelry (Alghero = 'Coral City'). Walk Via Principe Umberto for boutiques

Dinner on the bastions(1.5 hours)

Mabrouk on Bastioni Marco Polo — seafood terrace over the sea. Lobster alla catalana (25-30 EUR) or pasta (12 EUR). Stay overnight in Alghero

Drive Alghero to Bosa coastal road(1.5 hours)

The SP105 coastal road south of Alghero is one of Sardinia's most dramatic drives — 45 km of hairpins above deserted coves. Stop at any pullover for photos

Bosa old town(2.5 hours)

A pastel-colored town along the Temo river, dominated by the Malaspina Castle (free exterior, climb for views). The tannery quarter (Sas Conzas) has colorful former leather workshops along the riverbank. Far fewer tourists than the coast

Lunch at Sa Pischedda, Bosa(1 hour)

Historic restaurant on Via Roma. Try malloreddus alla campidanese (Sardinian gnocchi with sausage and saffron, 10 EUR) and Malvasia di Bosa dessert wine (sweet and amber, 4 EUR/glass)

Tinnura murales village(45 minutes)

Tiny inland village (pop. 250) where nearly every building is covered in murals depicting rural Sardinian life. Free to wander — 15 minutes from Bosa. Return to Alghero for the night

La Pelosa Beach, Stintino(2.5 hours)

40 min north of Alghero. Caribbean-like shallow water with Aragonese tower. Limited to 1,500 people/day in summer — reserve at lapelosastintino.com (1 EUR). Mat required (no towels on sand)

Boat to Asinara National Park(4 hours)

Day trips from Stintino (~35-45 EUR). A wild former prison island now national park with white donkeys, wild boar, and deserted beaches. The abandoned prison buildings are haunting. Bring lunch — facilities minimal

Dinner in Stintino(1.5 hours)

Da Antonio on Via Sassari — lobster stew (30 EUR) or simpler grilled fish (15-18 EUR) with Vermentino. Return to Alghero

Drive Alghero to Cabras(1.5 hours)

SS291 south to Oristano region. The landscape shifts to flat wetlands and lagoons

Museo Civico Giovanni Marongiu, Cabras(1.5 hours)

Entry: 10 EUR. Houses the Giants of Mont'e Prama — 2.5-meter-tall Nuragic stone warriors discovered in 1974 and reassembled from 5,000 fragments. Dating to 800-600 BC, they're the earliest large-scale stone sculptures in the Mediterranean. A major recent discovery

Tharros archaeological site(1.5 hours)

Entry: 5 EUR. Phoenician-Roman city on the San Marco peninsula with columns and mosaics overlooking the sea. Combined with Cabras museum makes a full archaeological day

Lunch and Is Arutas beach(3 hours)

Lunch in Cabras — bottarga is the local specialty (spaghetti alla bottarga 12 EUR at S'Hostera). Then drive to Is Arutas — a beach of tiny quartz grain 'rice' sand. Free. Do not take sand (heavy fines). Stay overnight near Oristano

Drive to Porto Flavia(2 hours)

SS126 south through the former mining district. Dramatic Mediterranean maquis landscape

Porto Flavia mine(1.5 hours)

Entry: 10 EUR guided tour. A spectacular clifftop mine carved into sea cliffs in 1924, where mineral ore was loaded directly onto ships below. The views from the tunnels are extraordinary. Book ahead at igeaspa.it

Masua beach and Pan di Zucchero(1.5 hours)

Small beach below Porto Flavia facing Pan di Zucchero — a 133-meter limestone sea stack. Dramatic scenery, free, rarely crowded

Drive to Cagliari and farewell dinner(2.5 hours)

SS130 east to Cagliari. Final dinner at Dal Corsaro in the Marina — Sardinia's most acclaimed restaurant (tasting menu ~80 EUR) or nearby Antica Cagliari for excellent pasta (12-15 EUR)

Morning at Mercato di San Benedetto(1 hour)

Final market visit. Pick up vacuum-packed bottarga (20-30 EUR), pecorino sardo (from 8 EUR), pane carasau, and mirto liqueur as gifts

Cagliari National Archaeological Museum(1 hour)

Entry: 5 EUR. In the Castello quarter. Bronze figurines from nuragic civilization, Phoenician jewelry, and Roman artifacts. Quick but worthwhile if not yet visited

Airport transfer and departure(30 minutes)

Train to airport (1.30 EUR, 7 min) or taxi (~15 EUR). Return rental car at CAG. Allow 2 hours for international flights

Airport transfer and check-in(30 minutes)

Train (1.30 EUR, 7 min) or taxi (~15 EUR). Stay in Marina or Castello

Castello quarter and Bastione di Saint Remy(2 hours)

Medieval hilltop heart. Panoramic terrace, cathedral (free), artisan shops

Mercato di San Benedetto lunch(1 hour)

Sardinia's largest market. Food court: pasta 8-10 EUR, bottarga tasting

Poetto Beach sunset(2 hours)

8-km urban beach, flamingos at Molentargius lagoon. Aperitivo at Lido (spritz 7 EUR)

Pick up rental car(30 minutes)

From ~30 EUR/day

Nora archaeological site(1.5 hours)

Entry: 8 EUR. Phoenician-Roman city on a dramatic peninsula 40 km SW of Cagliari

Spiaggia di Tuerredda(2.5 hours)

Turquoise lagoon between headlands. Free section or sunbed 15 EUR

Dinner in Chia(1.5 hours)

Sa Cardiga e Su Schironi — fregola with clams (14 EUR). Return to Cagliari

Drive to Su Nuraxi di Barumini(1 hour)

60 km north on SS131/SS197

Su Nuraxi guided tour(1.5 hours)

Entry: 14 EUR. UNESCO fortress from 1500 BC. Mandatory guided tour, English available

Agriturismo lunch(1.5 hours)

Farm-stay near Barumini: porceddu, culurgiones, pane frattau. Full meal 25-35 EUR with wine

Giara di Gesturi wild horses(2 hours)

Entry: 5 EUR. Basalt plateau with wild miniature horses among cork oaks. Guided walks available

Drive Cagliari to Porto Flavia(1.5 hours)

SS130 west through the Sulcis-Iglesiente mining district

Porto Flavia mine tour(1.5 hours)

Entry: 10 EUR. Clifftop mine from 1924 with tunnels opening over the sea. Views are extraordinary. Book at igeaspa.it

Masua beach and Pan di Zucchero(1.5 hours)

Beach below Porto Flavia facing 133m limestone sea stack. Dramatic, free, rarely crowded

Iglesias old town and dinner(2 hours)

Medieval mining town with Pisan-Gothic churches. Dinner at Gazebo Medioevale — local dishes in a courtyard setting (pasta 10-12 EUR). Stay overnight near Iglesias or return to Cagliari

Drive to Portoscuso and ferry to Carloforte(1.5 hours)

40-minute ferry from Portoscuso (~8 EUR return). Carloforte is the only town — Ligurian architecture, not Sardinian

Carloforte town walk(1.5 hours)

Pastel-colored waterfront, narrow alleyways, Ligurian dialect. The tonnara (tuna fishery) history is fascinating — annual mattanza ran for centuries. Museum at the old tonnara (5 EUR)

Coastal drive and beaches(2.5 hours)

Drive the island loop road past dramatic cliffs at Capo Sandalo and wild beaches at La Bobba and Girin. The west coast columnar basalt formations are geological wonders

Tuna dinner in Carloforte(1.5 hours)

Al Tonno di Corsa — tuna tartare, grilled tuna steak, and cascà (Carloforte's unique couscous, 15-18 EUR). Tuna is king here May-June. Return ferry evening

National Archaeological Museum(1.5 hours)

Entry: 5 EUR. Bronze figurines from nuragic civilization, Phoenician jewelry, Giants of Mont'e Prama reproductions

Lunch at street level(1 hour)

Sabores Sardos on Via Baylle — local specialties like fregola con arselle (clams, 12 EUR). Casual, authentic, good value

Free afternoon — Poetto or Villanova quarter(3 hours)

Beach at Poetto or wander the Villanova quarter's antique shops and craft studios. The botanical gardens (Orto Botanico, 4 EUR) are a peaceful retreat

Dinner at Marina neighborhood(1.5 hours)

Antica Cagliari on Via Sardegna — excellent pasta (12-15 EUR) and Cannonau wine in a vaulted stone interior

Drive Cagliari to Cala Gonone(2.5 hours)

SS131 north then east through mountains. Last stretch descends dramatically through tunnels to the sea

Boat to Cala Luna(4 hours)

~15-20 EUR return, 30 min each way. Limestone cliffs with cave arches, white sand. Bring food and water. Snorkeling in the caves is extraordinary

Cala Gonone waterfront(1.5 hours)

Il Pescatore on the harbor — fresh catch, Vernaccia wine (mains 14-18 EUR)

Evening coastal walk to Cala Fuili(1 hour)

20-min walk south. Tiny cove, trailhead for hiking to Cala Luna. Stay 3 nights

Gola di Gorropu hike(4 hours)

Entry: 5 EUR. Walls rising 500m, corridor 4m wide. Moderate hike (1.5 hours each way from SS125). Bring water, sturdy shoes

Lunch in Urzulei(1 hour)

Mountain trattoria — roast lamb, wild boar ragu with malloreddus (10-12 EUR). Authentic interior Sardinia

Tiscali nuragic village hike(3 hours)

Hidden village inside a collapsed cave on a mountaintop. 2-hour hike from Dorgali (guide ~20 EUR). Extraordinary — ruins concealed inside mountain

Full-day boat tour Gulf of Orosei(7 hours)

~35-45 EUR from Cala Gonone. Visits Cala Mariolu (voted Italy's most beautiful beach), Cala Goloritzè (limestone pinnacle and natural arch, UNESCO monument), and Cala Sisine. Swimming stops at each. Bring snorkel gear and lunch

Evening in Dorgali(2 hours)

Drive 10 minutes inland to Dorgali — a mountain town with artisan workshops (leather, ceramics, filigree jewelry). Dinner at Il Colibri (porceddu and sebadas dessert — fried cheese pastry with honey, 12-15 EUR for a full meal)

Morning at Cala Gonone beach(2.5 hours)

The town beach is pebbly but has clear water and easy access. Sunbed rental 8-10 EUR. Good snorkeling off the rocks to the south

Lunch at Ristorante Ispinigoli(1.5 hours)

Near the Ispinigoli cave entrance — Sardinian cuisine with grotto views. Culurgiones (12 EUR) and roast suckling pig

Grotta di Ispinigoli visit(1 hour)

Entry: 8 EUR. A cave containing a 38-meter stalagmite — one of the tallest in Europe. Guided tour descends into an ancient sinkhole. Fascinating geology, cool temperature welcome on hot days

Free evening(2 hours)

Read, rest, watch sunset from the Cala Gonone harbor wall

Drive north along SS125(3 hours)

One of Italy's most scenic drives through the Ogliastra coast. Stop at viewpoints above remote coves

Spiaggia del Principe afternoon(2.5 hours)

Costa Smeralda's finest. White sand, turquoise water, granite. Free, no facilities. 15-min walk from car park

Porto Cervo marina walk(1 hour)

Superyachts, designer boutiques. Gelato 4 EUR

Agriturismo dinner near Arzachena(1.5 hours)

Saltara — tasting menu with porceddu and mirto (30 EUR with wine). Stay in Costa Smeralda area 4 nights

Ferry from Palau(30 minutes)

~5 EUR per person

Full-day boat tour(5 hours)

~35-50 EUR with lunch. Spiaggia Rosa (from boat), Spargi, swimming stops. Bring snorkel gear

La Maddalena town(1 hour)

Colorful waterfront, gelato, Piazza Umberto I

Return and evening(1.5 hours)

Pane frattau dinner (10-12 EUR) at local restaurant

Morning at Capriccioli Beach(2.5 hours)

Twin coves, shallow turquoise water, granite boulders. Good snorkeling

Lunch at Porto Cervo(1.5 hours)

Spinnaker — seafood pasta (18-25 EUR). Lunch is the affordable window

Afternoon at Liscia Ruja(2.5 hours)

Longest Costa Smeralda beach — 500m pink sand. Free section at far end. West-facing sunset views

Tomba dei Giganti di Coddu Vecchiu(1 hour)

Entry: 3 EUR. A Bronze Age collective tomb with a 4-meter central stele — the entrance to the 'Tomb of Giants.' 10 minutes from Arzachena. Atmospheric and uncrowded

Nuraghe La Prisgiona(1 hour)

Entry: 5 EUR. Well-preserved nuraghe with a small village complex near Arzachena. Less famous than Su Nuraxi but with far fewer visitors

Lunch at Jaddhu Farm Resort(1.5 hours)

Agriturismo near Arzachena in the granite landscape. Sardinian tasting menu with local cheeses and wine (25-30 EUR)

Capo d'Orso bear rock hike(1.5 hours)

Entry: 4 EUR. Natural granite formation shaped like a bear near Palau. 20-minute walk to the top for panoramic views over La Maddalena archipelago

Drive to Santa Teresa Gallura(45 minutes)

Charming small town on Sardinia's northern tip, overlooking the strait to Corsica

Capo Testa granite wilderness(2.5 hours)

Free. A peninsula of bizarre wind-sculpted granite boulders and hidden coves. Walk the trails among formations that look like modern sculpture. Valle della Luna is a hippie settlement among the rocks. Swimming at Cala Spinosa or Cala Grande

Lunch at Porto Pozzo(1 hour)

Small coastal village between Santa Teresa and Palau. Agriturismo Li Mori — outdoor setting with roast meats and Vermentino (20-25 EUR)

Rena Bianca beach sunset(2 hours)

Santa Teresa's town beach — white sand facing Corsica. Watch the sunset with the Bonifacio cliffs visible across the strait. Dinner in Santa Teresa's piazza

Drive to Alghero(2.5 hours)

Through Gallura cork forests. SS127 scenic route

Neptune's Grotto boat trip(2 hours)

~16 EUR return boat, cave entry 14 EUR. Dramatic stalactites in underground lake

Alghero old town and bastions(2 hours)

Catalan walls, coral jewelry shops, sea bastion walk. Lunch at Il Pavone — lobster alla catalana (25-30 EUR) or pasta (12 EUR)

Dinner at Mabrouk(1.5 hours)

Bastioni Marco Polo terrace — seafood over the sea. Stay in Alghero 2 nights

Alghero to Bosa coastal road(1.5 hours)

SP105 — 45 km of hairpins above deserted coves. Stop at any pullover for photos

Bosa old town(2 hours)

Pastel town along Temo river. Malaspina Castle (free exterior, views). Sas Conzas tannery quarter

Lunch at Sa Pischedda(1 hour)

Via Roma. Malloreddus alla campidanese (10 EUR), Malvasia di Bosa wine (4 EUR/glass)

Tinnura murales village(45 minutes)

Pop. 250, every building covered in rural life murals. Free. Return to Alghero

La Pelosa Beach, Stintino(2.5 hours)

40 min from Alghero. Reserve at lapelosastintino.com (1 EUR). Mat required. Caribbean water, Aragonese tower

Boat to Asinara National Park(4 hours)

~35-45 EUR from Stintino. Wild donkeys, abandoned prison, deserted beaches. Bring lunch

Dinner in Stintino(1.5 hours)

Da Antonio — lobster stew (30 EUR) or grilled fish (15-18 EUR) with Vermentino

Drive Alghero to Cabras(1.5 hours)

SS291 south to Oristano wetlands

Giants of Mont'e Prama museum(1.5 hours)

Entry: 10 EUR. 2.5-meter nuragic stone warriors from 800-600 BC. Earliest large stone sculptures in the Mediterranean

Tharros archaeological site(1.5 hours)

Entry: 5 EUR. Phoenician-Roman city on a peninsula with columns and mosaics over the sea

Is Arutas quartz beach and lunch(2.5 hours)

Tiny quartz grain sand beach. Do not take sand (fines). Lunch at S'Hostera in Cabras — spaghetti alla bottarga (12 EUR). Stay overnight near Oristano

Fordongianus Roman thermal baths(1 hour)

Entry: 5 EUR. Roman thermal springs on the Tirso river, still flowing at 54°C. The original Roman pool house and medieval church are well-preserved. 30 km from Oristano

Sardinian cheese farm visit(1.5 hours)

Stop at a pecorino producer in the Campidano area (many welcome visitors). See the cheesemaking process, taste fresh ricotta and aged pecorino. Buy direct (from 8 EUR/kg). Check sardegnaturismo.it for agriturismo options

Arrive Cagliari and afternoon rest(2 hours)

Check into hotel. Rest before the final evening

Farewell dinner at Dal Corsaro(2 hours)

Marina district. Sardinia's most acclaimed restaurant. Tasting menu ~80 EUR or a la carte (pasta 16-20 EUR). Exceptional Sardinian wines

Morning at Mercato di San Benedetto(1 hour)

Last market visit. Bottarga (20-30 EUR), pecorino sardo (from 8 EUR), pane carasau, mirto liqueur

Final Castello walk and espresso(1 hour)

One last look from the Bastione di Saint Remy terrace. Espresso at a Castello bar (1.20 EUR) watching the city wake up

Airport transfer and departure(30 minutes)

Train (1.30 EUR) or taxi (~15 EUR) to CAG. Return rental car. Allow 2 hours for international flights