10‑Day Sardinia Road Trip: Beaches, Easy Hikes, Culture & Cuisine

Day 1: Arrival & Cagliari Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Cagliari Elmas Airport, pick up your rental car, and check into a boutique hotel in the historic center. Stroll through the vibrant **Piazza Yenne** and sip a coffee at a local café.

Afternoon: Explore the **Bastione di Saint Remy** for panoramic city views and visit the **Archaeological Museum** to discover Roman artifacts. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the **Marina di Cagliari** promenade.

Evening: Dine at **Ristorante Dal Corsaro**, a Michelin‑starred restaurant serving fresh seafood and Sardinian wines. End the night with a stroll through the illuminated **Castello district**.

Day 2: Southern Beaches – Chia & Tuerredda

Morning: Drive to **Chia Beach** and take a short hike along the **Cala Cipolla** trail for spectacular cliff views. Relax on the white sands and swim in crystal‑clear waters.

Afternoon: Head to **Tuerredda** for a beach picnic, trying local **fregola** salad at a beachfront kiosk. Spend time snorkeling near the rocky coves.

Evening: Check into a seaside agriturismo near **Pula**, then savor dinner at **Ristorante S'Abbottu**, known for its grilled fish and **pecorino** cheese.

Day 3: West Coast – Oristano & Sinis Peninsula

Morning: Drive north to **Oristano**, stopping at the **S'Archittu** natural arch for photo opportunities. Wander the medieval **Centro Storico** and visit the **Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta**.

Afternoon: Visit the **Mare e Monti** park for an easy hike to the **Monte Arci** viewpoint, enjoying views of the **Sinis Peninsula**.

Evening: Dinner at **Il Girasole**, serving traditional Sardinian dishes like **malloreddus** with rabbit sauce.

Day 4: Southwest Coast – Bosa & Alghero

Morning: Drive along the scenic coastal road to **Bosa**, explore the colorful **Piazza del Popolo** and the **Malaspina Castle** perched above the river.

Afternoon: Continue to **Alghero**, walk along the **Aurelia** and visit the **Cathedral of Santa Maria**. Enjoy a short walk to **Capo Caccia** for a gentle hike to the **Nave d'Isola** sea arch.

Evening: Feast at **Ristorante Da Maria**, known for its **sea urchin pasta** and local **Cannonau** wine.

Day 5: Northern Coast – Stintino & La Pelosa

Morning: Drive to the **Stintino** peninsula, relax on **La Pelosa** beach, famous for its turquoise waters and fine sand.

Afternoon: Take an easy hike along the **Cala Brandinchi** trail to spot **Mare di Sardegna** wildlife and enjoy a picnic.

Evening: Dine at **Ristorante Pizzeria La Randa**, offering fresh **lobster** and **Sardinian pizza** with local ingredients.

Day 6: Inland – Orosei & Gulf of Orosei

Morning: Drive to the **Gulf of Orosei**, explore the **Cala Gonone** bay, and take a boat excursion to **Cala Luna** for a short hike to the beach.

Afternoon: Hike the **Cala Mariolu** trail, admiring turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs.

Evening: Stay at an agriturismo in **Gavoi** and enjoy dinner at **Ristorante La Casa del Pescatore**, featuring **sardine** dishes and **vermentino**.

Day 7: Central Highlands – Barolo & Sorgono

Morning: Drive to the **Barolo** area, hike the **Supramonte** trail for panoramic views and discover ancient **nuragic** sites.

Afternoon: Visit the **Sorgono** historic village, explore **Santa Maria di Sorgono** and enjoy a tasting of **Sardinian honey** and **cheese**.

Evening: Dine at **Trattoria del Monte**, specializing in **roasted lamb** and **mirto** liqueur.

Day 8: Eastern Coast – Oltano & Nuoro

Morning: Drive to **Oltano** beach, enjoy a quiet morning swim and a light hike to **Monte Oltano**, offering vistas of the **Tyrrhenian Sea**.

Afternoon: Visit **Nuoro**, explore the **Museo del Costume** for Sardinian cultural heritage, and stroll through **Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II**.

Evening: Dinner at **Café S'Incontu**, serving traditional **sardine** grilled on an **open fire** and local wines.

Day 9: Northeast – Olbia & Costa Smeralda

Morning: Drive to **Olivia** and the famous **Costa Smeralda**. Spend the morning at **Spiaggia del Principe** with easy beach walks.

Afternoon: Visit the **archaeological site of **Nuraghe La Prisgiona** and learn about the ancient **nuragic** civilization.

Evening: Dine at **Ristorante Il Gambero**, renowned for its **spaghetti ai ricci di mare** and **vermentino**.

Day 10: Departure – Cagliari

Morning: Return to Cagliari via the scenic coastal route, stopping at **Porto Giunco** for a final swim.

Afternoon: Explore **Museo Archeologico Nazionale** for a final cultural immersion.

Evening: Return rental car, have a farewell dinner at **Ristorante Sardegna**, savoring the best of Sardinian cuisine before your flight.

Time and Cost Estimates

• **Cagliari City Tour** – 3 hours – €15 (museum entry) & €30 (dinner)
• **Chia Beach** – 2 hours – Free – €0 (beach) – €20 (lunch)
• **Tuerredda Beach** – 3 hours – Free – €0 (beach) – €20 (snacks)
• **S’Archittu Natural Arch** – 1 hour – Free – €0
• **Oristano** – 4 hours – €10 (museum) – €25 ( dinner )
• **Mare e Monti Park** – 2 hours – Free – €0
• **Bosa & Malaspina Castle** – 3 hours – €8 (castle entry) – €30 (dinner)
• **Alghero & Capo Caccia** – 4 hours – €12 (cable car) – €35 ( dinner )
• **La Pelosa Beach** – 3 hours – Free – €0
• **Cala Luna Boat & Hike** – 5 hours – €40 (boat) – €30 ( lunch )
• **Barolo & Supramate** – 4 hours – €10 (park) – €30 ( dinner )
• **Sorgono & cheese tasting** – 2 hours – €5 (tasting) – €20 (lunch)
• **Oltano & Monte Oltano** – 3 hours – Free – €0
• **Nuoro Museum & Dinner** – 4 hours – €12 (museum) – €30 (dinner)
• **Costa Smeralda & Beach** – 3 hours – €0 – €30 (lunch)
• **Nuraghe La Prisgiona** – 2 hours – €8 (entry) – €0
• **Olivia & Dinner** – 4 hours – €15 (seafood) – €0
• **Porto Giunco Beach** – 2 hours – Free – €0
• **Archaeological Museum** – 2 hours – €10 (entry) – €0
• **Farewell Dinner** – 2 hours – €40 (full meal) – €0
• Total Estimated Cost: €426

Tips

To extend the trip, add a day in the **Barbagia** region for more challenging hikes and to visit the **Gennargentu** National Park, which offers spectacular alpine scenery. If you need to reduce the itinerary, consider skipping the northern **Stintino** and **La Pelosa** days and combine those beach experiences with the southern beaches of Chia and Tuerredda. This adjustment still provides a balanced mix of beach, culture, and culinary experiences while cutting travel time and cost.