10-Day Sardinia and Puglia Itinerary from Rome: Beaches, History, and Cuisine

Day 1: Arrival and Olbia

Olbia, Sardinia, Italy on April 24, 2025

9:00am

Flight from Rome to Olbia

Catch a direct morning flight from Rome Fiumicino Airport to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. This is the quickest way to reach Sardinia from Rome.
EUR80, 1h10m

11:00am

Check-in and Relax

Check into your hotel in Olbia and rest after your flight.
Varies, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pizzeria La Rustica

Enjoy authentic Sardinian pizza at this popular pizzeria known for fresh ingredients and cosy atmosphere. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Olbia Town Centre Walk

Explore Olbia’s historic centre including the Basilica of San Simplicio and the waterfront area, to get a feel of the city.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Pizzeria Da Tonino

Dine on traditional Sardinian dishes in a family-run trattoria offering fresh seafood and local wines. Open until 10pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Costa Smeralda Beaches

Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a typical Sardinian breakfast at your hotel with local pastries and coffee.
Usually included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Spiaggia del Principe

Relax on one of Costa Smeralda’s most famous beaches, known for clear turquoise waters and scenic surroundings. Best to go early to avoid crowds.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Phi Beach

Have lunch at this stylish beach club offering cocktails and Mediterranean cuisine with stunning sea views. Open 12pm-8pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Porto Cervo

Stroll through the luxury marina, boutiques, and cafes of Porto Cervo, the heart of Costa Smeralda.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Il Pescatore

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes with a view of the harbour in a romantic setting. Open from 7pm.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 3: La Maddalena Archipelago

La Maddalena, Sardinia, Italy on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast in Olbia before heading to the ferry.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Ferry to La Maddalena

Catch the ferry from Palau to La Maddalena island, approx 20-30 minutes crossing. Ferries run frequently from early morning.
EUR5, 30m

9:30am

Boat Tour of Archipelago

Take a half-day boat tour around La Maddalena archipelago to visit secluded beaches and crystal clear waters.
EUR50, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Il Canneto

Sample fresh seafood in a charming setting on La Maddalena island. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore La Maddalena Town

Wander the pretty streets, visit small museums, and enjoy coffee or gelato.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Return to Olbia

Catch the ferry back to mainland Sardinia and return to your hotel.
EUR5, 30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel or Local Trattoria

Relax with dinner near your hotel, sampling local specialties such as porcetto or culurgiones.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Nuoro Mountains & Culture

Nuoro, Sardinia, Italy on April 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and Check-out

Have breakfast then check out of your hotel in Olbia and prepare for transfer south to Nuoro.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Nuoro

Travel approximately 2 hours south to Nuoro, the cultural heart of Sardinia’s mountainous region.
Car rental cost approx EUR50/day, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Museo del Costume

Explore this fascinating museum focused on traditional Sardinian costumes and culture. Open 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm.
EUR7, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Monte Alma

Savour hearty Sardinian mountain cuisine featuring specialties like lamb and roasted vegetables.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Hike in Gennargentu National Park

Enjoy an afternoon hike in nearby Gennargentu mountains, offering stunning views and nature trails.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Agriturismo Su Massai

Experience traditional Sardinian home cooking in a rural setting near Nuoro. Book in advance. Open for dinner 7pm-10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 5: Oristano and Archeology

Oristano, Sardinia, Italy on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and Travel

Breakfast in Nuoro then drive approximately 1.5 hours southwest to Oristano.
Included + car rental, 1h30m

9:30am

Visit Tharros Archaeological Site

Explore the ancient Phoenician-Roman ruins by the sea, open daily 9am-6pm. A must-see for history lovers.
EUR6, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Bifora

Enjoy fresh seafood and local pasta dishes near the coast in Oristano. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Oristano Old Town

Stroll around the historic centre, visiting Cathedrals and quaint squares.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Osteria Sa Pintadera

Sample traditional Sardinian dishes in a cozy setting with excellent local wines. Open from 7pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Alghero Coastal Charm

Alghero, Sardinia, Italy on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and Drive to Alghero

Enjoy breakfast then drive about 1.5 hours northwest to Alghero, a beautiful Catalan-influenced coastal town.
Include car rental, 1h30m

9:30am

Walking Tour around Old Town

Explore cobbled streets, city walls and visit the impressive Cathedral of Santa Maria.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Maristella

Taste local lobster and other seafood delicacies. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Neptune’s Grotto

Take a boat or drive and descend to this stunning sea cave near Alghero, open daily 9am-6pm.
EUR15, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Mabrouk

Enjoy Mediterranean fusion cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients in a modern setting.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Cagliari City Exploration

Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Drive to Cagliari

Start early for the 2.5-hour drive south to Sardinia’s capital, Cagliari.
Car fuel approx EUR30, 2h30m

10:00am

Visit Castello District

Explore the historic hilltop district with ancient walls, museums, and panoramic views.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Antica Cagliari

Dine on traditional Sardinian cuisine including bottarga and fregola pasta. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at Poetto Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon on Cagliari’s long sandy beach with cafes and bars nearby.
Free, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Dal Corsaro

Experience Michelin-starred Sardinian cuisine for a special evening meal. Reservation needed.
EUR80, 2h0m
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Day 8: Chia Beach Day

Chia, Sardinia, Italy on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Drive to Chia

Enjoy breakfast then drive about 45 minutes from Cagliari to the famous beaches of Chia.
Included, 45m

9:00am

Relax at Spiaggia di Su Giudeu

Spend the morning on this stunning white sandy beach with crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Free, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Spiaggia

Dine with sea views on fresh fish and Mediterranean dishes. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hike to Torre di Chia

Take a scenic walk to the ancient watchtower overlooking the beach and sea.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return to Cagliari and Dinner

Return to Cagliari and enjoy a casual dinner at a local pizzeria such as Pizzeria Calabrese open till 11pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 9: Travel to Puglia

Bari, Puglia, Italy on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Cagliari to Bari

Catch a morning flight from Cagliari airport to Bari, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Flights are available with a stopover or direct.
EUR70, 1h15m

9:00am

Check-in and Rest

Check into your hotel in Bari and relax after travel.
Varies, 2h0m

11:00am

Explore Bari Vecchia

Wander Bari's old town, visiting the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and the seafront promenade.
Free, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Le Arpie

Sample regional dishes focusing on fresh Adriatic seafood and local produce. Open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Castello Svevo

Tour Bari’s historic fortress, open 9am-7pm. Offers insight into the city’s medieval history.
EUR5, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Al Pescatore

Enjoy a fine dining experience featuring fresh seafood and local wine. Open from 7pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Italy on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Travel

Have breakfast in Bari, then take a 35-minute train ride or drive to Polignano a Mare, famed for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear sea.
Train EUR3, Car rental included, 45m

9:00am

Explore Polignano a Mare Old Town

Wander the narrow streets, visit Lama Monachile beach, and enjoy cliffside views.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Grotta Palazzese Restaurant

Dine inside a stunning sea cave with exceptional views and fresh local fare, a unique experience. Booking in advance recommended.
EUR60, 1h30m

2:30pm

Boat Tour along the Coast

Take a 1.5-hour boat tour to see sea caves and hidden beaches around Polignano a Mare.
EUR25, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Bari

Head back to Bari for overnight stay.
Included, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Uascezze

Enjoy traditional Apulian dishes in a popular Bari restaurant. Open 7pm-11pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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