This 7 day route in Sardinia links Olbia, La Maddalena, Costa Smeralda, and the Gulf of Orosei with short drives and island time.
Seven days in Sardinia give you space for glossy beaches, small towns, and a slice of mountain scenery without spending the whole trip in the car. This plan builds a realistic loop from Olbia with two island days, time on Costa Smeralda and the east coast, one inland village day, and a relaxed finish near the airport.
You can follow the 7 day sardinia itinerary exactly or tweak bases and drive lengths to match your style. The aim is simple: fewer hotel moves, more swims, and just enough structure that you can land, pick up a car, and go.
7 Days In Sardinia Itinerary At A Glance
This seven day Sardinia itinerary stays in the north and east, where ferries, bays, and cliff lined coves sit within easy reach of each other. The table below shows where you sleep each night and the main feel of each day.
| Day | Overnight Base | Main Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | La Maddalena Town | Arrive in Olbia, drive to Palau, ferry crossing, evening stroll around the harbour |
| Day 2 | La Maddalena Town | Boat trip through the La Maddalena archipelago, swimming stops, ring road viewpoints |
| Day 3 | Costa Smeralda Area | Drive back to the mainland, beach hopping on Costa Smeralda, evening in Porto Cervo or Baja Sardinia |
| Day 4 | Cala Gonone Or Orosei | Scenic drive along the SS125 towards the Gulf of Orosei, short stops in villages and at viewpoints |
| Day 5 | Cala Gonone Or Orosei | Boat day to Cala Luna and nearby coves, option to hike a stretch of the coastal path |
| Day 6 | Gulf Of Orosei Base | Inland loop to Orgosolo or Nuoro, murals, hill views, agriturismo style lunch |
| Day 7 | Olbia (Departure) | Drive north with a last swim near San Teodoro or Porto Istana before your flight |
If you prefer a slower pace, you can drop the Costa Smeralda overnight and stay one extra night on La Maddalena or in the Gulf of Orosei. That way you keep the shape of the trip but cut one unpack and repack.
Practical Tips For Seven Days In Sardinia
A little planning around airports, driving, and bases makes a big difference to how smooth this week feels. Sort these pieces out before you commit to stays and ferries.
Where To Start And End Your Week
Olbia suits this loop because the airport and ferry ports sit close to each other and to main roads. Many summer flights land here, ferries from mainland ports arrive in Olbia or Golfo Aranci, and you can reach Palau in about an hour, which keeps day one light.
Do You Need A Car For This Trip?
A car gives you the most flexible 7 day sardinia itinerary because beaches and trailheads often sit far from village centres. The regional tourism board outlines main options on its How to get around Sardinia page, where you can see how trains and buses link larger towns.
Public transport can work if you base in cities and pick a few anchor beaches, yet for small bays, agriturismi, and inland viewpoints, driving keeps your days simple. Roads on this route are mostly single carriageway, and drive times in this plan stay under two and a half hours.
How Many Bases To Choose
Three bases suit a week: La Maddalena, a night on Costa Smeralda, and three or four nights around the Gulf of Orosei. That mix balances island life, a taste of glitzy marinas, and time near cliffs and coves. If you travel with younger children or just hate packing, keep two bases instead and treat Costa Smeralda as a beach day on the way back to Olbia.
7 Day Sardinia Itinerary Day-By-Day Route
Here is how the week breaks down in practice, with simple drive notes and ideas for food and photo stops along the way.
Day 1: Arrive In Olbia And Ferry To La Maddalena
Land in Olbia, collect your rental car, and drive north to Palau along a road that already hints at granite hills and blue water views. In Palau, board the frequent car ferry to La Maddalena town, roll to your guesthouse, then spend the rest of the day strolling the seafront, narrow lanes, and harbourfront bars.
Day 2: Island Hopping In The Maddalena Archipelago
Book a small group boat tour that visits islands such as Spargi and Budelli, with several swimming stops and plenty of time on deck. Many tours include simple lunch on board, so you mainly need water, reef safe sunscreen, and a thin light wrap, then you can finish the day with the short ring road drive and gelato on the main square.
Day 3: Drive To Costa Smeralda For Beach Time
Take the morning ferry back to Palau and follow the coastal road south towards Porto Cervo. Pause at beaches such as Capriccioli, Liscia Ruja, or Spiaggia del Principe, where shallow water and pale sand invite long swims, then head into Porto Cervo or nearby Baja Sardinia for a wander around the marina and a simple aperitivo.
Day 4: Cross The Island To The Gulf Of Orosei
Leave Costa Smeralda after breakfast and head inland on the SS125 towards Dorgali and Cala Gonone. The route winds through hills and plateaus, with lay-bys for leg stretches and photos, and a café stop in a town such as San Teodoro breaks the drive before you reach your Gulf of Orosei base for a first swim and waterfront walk.
Day 5: Boat Day To Cala Luna And Coves
Dedicate this day to the sea. From Cala Gonone, buy tickets for a scheduled boat that calls at Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and other coves, or join a smaller tour if you prefer fewer people on board. Clear water, caves, and pale sand fill the day, so pack swim gear and a dry bag, and add a short section of coastal path if you also enjoy hiking.
Day 6: Inland Villages, Murals, And Agriturismo Lunch
On day six, point the car inland towards Orgosolo or Nuoro, where small roads climb through oak woods and open onto broad views. Orgosolo is known for wall paintings that tell stories from local life and history, while Nuoro offers museums, churches, and hill views; in both areas agriturismi serve generous fixed menus with homemade pasta and roasted meats before you drive back to the coast for a last swim.
Day 7: Last Swim And Return To Olbia
Pack up and drive north towards Olbia, allowing time for a final beach stop near San Teodoro, Lu Impostu, or Porto Istana. Shallow water and soft sand make these spots ideal for a last dip before you return your car at the airport or slip into Olbia's compact old town for a short walk if your flight leaves later.
Sample Budget For One Week In Sardinia
Prices vary by month and by how close you stay to headline beaches, yet you can still sketch a range. The figures below give rough daily costs in euros for two people outside peak August, before flights or long ferry crossings.
| Expense | Budget Range (Per Day For Two) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €80 – €180 | Guesthouses and mid range hotels, highest around Costa Smeralda in peak season |
| Car Hire And Fuel | €40 – €80 | Small rental car with basic insurance, plus fuel for short daily drives |
| Food And Drink | €60 – €120 | Café breakfasts, casual lunches, and one sit down dinner with wine |
| Boat Trips | €70 – €150 | Not every day; factor in one La Maddalena tour and one Gulf of Orosei boat trip |
| Local Transport And Parking | €10 – €25 | Ferry to La Maddalena, beach parking, and occasional bus or taxi rides |
| Activities And Entrance Fees | €10 – €30 | Caves, small museums, and scenic sites that charge a small fee |
| Total Estimated Daily Spend | €270 – €585 | Multiply by seven for a loose weekly estimate for two travelers |
Planning Variations And Extra Tips
These ideas help you adapt the week to your style.
If You Land In Cagliari Or Alghero
Flights into Cagliari work well if you swap La Maddalena for the south coast and spend the first days near Villasimius or Chia before driving north to the Gulf of Orosei. Alghero suits a start on the north west coast before you cross the island mid trip.
Before you choose, glance at regional public transport pages such as the Sardegna Turismo section on getting around with public transport. These pages outline how buses and trains link main towns and can help you decide when a car is worth the extra cost.
When To Travel For Calmer Beaches
Late May, June, September, and early October tend to bring warm water, long days, and fewer crowds than the height of summer. Local school holidays and Italian bank holidays push up demand, so if you can, dodge main holiday weeks.
Packing Tips For A Week In Sardinia
For this itinerary, think light layers and sun protection. Pack a hat, reef safe sunscreen, sturdy sandals or trainers, and a dry bag for boats, then add a thin scarf for breezy evenings and closed shoes with grip for inland walks on stony paths.
Mistakes To Avoid On A 7 Day Trip
Common slip ups include booking four or five different bases, trying to squeeze both the far south and the north into one week, and misjudging how slow winding roads can feel. This weeklong Sardinia plan also keeps changes low so you can stretch out evenings instead of watching the clock.