5-Day North Sardinia Adventure: Coastal Beauty and Historic Charm

Day 1: Arrival & Local Exploration

Olbia, Italy on April 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Novecento

Enjoy traditional Sardinian pastries and freshly brewed coffee to start your day like a local in Olbia’s cozy bakery.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Olbia Historic Center

Visit the Romanesque Basilica of San Simplicio and stroll through vibrant piazzas filled with cafes and shops to get a feel of local life.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Trattoria Luigi

Savor authentic Sardinian dishes like fregola with clams in this popular, family-run trattoria open until 3pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

1:00pm

Relax at Pittulongu Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon at this beautiful sandy beach just a short drive from Olbia, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at La Lanterna

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes and a great selection of local wines in a cozy seaside setting, open until 10pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 2: Luxury & Beaches

Costa Smeralda, Italy on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Pasticceria Ritz

Kick off your day with espresso and pastries at one of Costa Smeralda’s elegant cafés.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Porto Cervo

Explore the luxurious marina, designer boutiques, and stunning architecture famed for attracting celebrities and yacht enthusiasts.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Ristorante Da Giovannino

Dine at this acclaimed restaurant offering exquisite Sardinian seafood and Mediterranean dishes; recommended to book in advance.
EUR50, 1h30m

1:30pm

Beach Time at Spiaggia del Principe

Relax on one of the most celebrated beaches in Sardinia, known for crystal clear waters and fine sand.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return to Olbia

Drive back to your base in Olbia for a restful evening.
Fuel approx. EUR10, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cucu Trattoria

Cozy setting featuring traditional Sardinian cuisine with modern touches, perfect for winding down after a full day.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 3: Nature & Islands

Arzachena & La Maddalena Archipelago, Italy on April 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local bar

Early light breakfast to prepare for a day island hopping in the Maddalena Archipelago.
EUR8, 0h30m

8:00am

Ferry to La Maddalena

Take the short ferry ride from Palau to La Maddalena, starting island exploration of this stunning archipelago open all day.
EUR5, 0h30m

8:45am

Boat Tour of Islands

Join a guided 4-hour boat tour around La Maddalena and nearby islands such as Spargi and Budelli, highlighting pristine beaches and turquoise waters.
EUR60, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Il Rifugio

Serving fresh seafood and local specialties, this is a perfect spot to dine after your boat tour on the main island, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore La Maddalena Town

Stroll charming streets, visit local shops, and enjoy panoramic views from Belvedere Monte the Guardia.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Olbia

Ferry ride back to the mainland and drive to Olbia for overnight stay.
EUR5 + Fuel approx. EUR10, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria del Mare

End your day with fresh catch of the day and Sardinian wines at this seaside eatery, open until 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 4: Historic Castelsardo

Castelsardo, Italy on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Light breakfast in Olbia before heading west to Castelsardo.
EUR8, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Castelsardo

Scenic one and a half hour drive to the medieval town of Castelsardo on the northern coast of Sardinia.
Fuel approx. EUR15, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Castelsardo Castle and Historic Center

Explore the 12th-century Doria Castle perched above the sea and wander the narrow cobbled streets filled with artisan shops.
EUR5, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Lu Sitagliacciu

Taste authentic Sardinian dishes such as lamb and fresh seafood at this well-reviewed local restaurant, open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Elephant Rock (Roccia dell’Elefante)

Short drive to this natural rock formation shaped like an elephant, set against a beautiful landscape — great photo spot.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Olbia

Drive back to Olbia for your last night in northeastern Sardinia.
Fuel approx. EUR15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Blu Notte

Refined dining in Olbia featuring Mediterranean flavors, excellent wine list, and a cozy atmosphere.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 5: Alghero Culture & Coast

Alghero, Italy on April 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before the drive to Alghero on the northwestern coast of Sardinia.
EUR8, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Alghero

Approximate 2-hour drive to Alghero, known for its Catalan heritage and stunning coastline.
Fuel approx. EUR20, 2h0m

10:00am

Explore Alghero Old Town

Walk the medieval walls, visit the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria, and enjoy cafes in picturesque squares.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Maristella

Fresh seafood specialties with a lovely view of the marina, open lunchtimes until 3pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

1:30pm

Visit Neptune's Grotto

Take a boat or drive to the famous sea caves nearby for a guided tour, open 9am-6pm; the boat tours depart around 2pm best in spring for calm seas.
EUR18, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Alghero & Leisure

Return to town for a relaxing stroll along the Lungomare Barcellona promenade and some gelato.
EUR5, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mabrouk

Enjoy Mediterranean and Sardinian fusion cuisine with excellent seafood options in a lively atmosphere.
EUR40, 1h30m