Sardinia 10 days coast to coast itinerary: an unmissable on-the-road adventure

10 days are not enough to uncover all the secrets of a magical land, but they are perfect to savor its soul: the one that reveals itself in clear beaches kissed by transparent waters, in the stone villages of the inland, in the silence of nuragic sites, along secondary roads winding through cork oak woods and scents of Mediterranean scrub.

Our Sardinia 10 days coast to coast itinerary crosses the northern part of the island from east to west, starting from Olbia and arriving in Alghero after 10 stages designed for those who want to explore Northern Sardinia with slowness and curiosity.

We move following the island’s rhythm, without hurry, guided by the changing landscapes, the shifting light, and the flavors we encounter along the way. Because in Sardinia, the journey is not just a destination, but a way to discover the charm of a unique and special land.

To experience an unforgettable 10-day coast-to-coast itinerary in Sardinia, a car is an essential companion: it allows us to discover hidden corners and move freely along a route of about 330 km, designed to enjoy each stop alternating sea, villages, nature, and local traditions, such as those celebrated by the Salude & Trigu events.

Olbia is the ideal starting point for an itinerary that unfolds entirely in Northern Sardinia. We chose this area mainly because of its convenient airport and because Northern Sardinia offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes and nuragic sites, in a territory rich with authentic experiences to enjoy, especially during the summer months.

The main stops include places like Olbia, the Costa Smeralda, Palau, La Maddalena, Tempio Pausania, Castelsardo, Sassari, Stintino, and finally Alghero, along a route that alternates splendid coastal views with inland panoramas.

What’s the best time to go? Spring and summer are perfect, especially May, June, and September, when the climate is ideal, the sea is clear, and the places are less crowded.

So, among spectacular landscapes and authentic flavors, we are ready to start a truly unforgettable experience.

Morning – We land in Olbia, eager to breathe in the air of northeastern Sardinia. The airport is well connected to the city center, which we reach in just a few minutes after picking up the rental car that will be our travel companion for the next 10 days in Sardinia.

Olbia is often seen merely as a gateway to the Costa Smeralda. But this city has much more to offer to those who take the time to explore it: Corso Umberto I, the pedestrian heart of the city, is lined with shops and lively cafés—an ideal starting point for our journey.

Afternoon – Our first stop is the Basilica of San Simplicio, just beyond the train station. It’s one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in northern Sardinia and offers a glimpse into Olbia’s long and layered history. From there, we make our way back through the center toward the port, where the Archaeological Museum awaits with its impressive Punic and Roman artifacts.

Evening – After the visit, we stay in this area for a sunset stroll along the waterfront, followed by dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the inner port. It’s the perfect time to raise a glass of Vermentino, the region’s signature white wine, and toast to the beginning of our Sardinia coast to coast journey!

Day 1 highlights:

- Corso Umberto I in central Olbia.

- Basilica of San Simplicio.

- Archaeological Museum.

- Waterfront walk and dinner.

Morning – We leave Olbia and head north. After about 20 minutes (18 km), we reach Golfo Aranci, a small and charming seaside village overlooking a stretch of coastline that’s less crowded than the more famous spots. It’s worth taking a walk up to Capo Figari, with its open view of the Tavolara archipelago, or relaxing at Cala Moresca, a beautiful beach nestled in the Mediterranean scrub.

Afternoon – We head back toward the northern outskirts of Olbia and take the SS125. Just before Arzachena, we turn right onto the SP13 to reach Palau along the coast in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Along the way, we can stop briefly at Capo d’Orso and walk up to the famous Bear Rock (Roccia dell’Orso), shaped by the wind, where the panorama opens onto the stunning scenery of the Maddalena Archipelago. Then, finally arriving in Palau, we admire this lively seaside village with its authentic atmosphere, departing ferries, boats moored along the docks, and streets that come alive at sunset.

Evening – We end our day strolling along the harbor, among the lights of the docks and restaurants where we can taste local specialties like porceddu (slow-roasted suckling pig) and carri e coggjiu, a traditional festive dish made with pork and savoy cabbage.

Day 2 highlights:

- Golfo Aranci

- Capo d'Orso.

- Palau.

- Typical dinner.

Morning – From the port of Palau, we set sail for the Maddalena Archipelago, with two options: explore independently the main islands, La Maddalena and Caprera, or join a boat excursion to the more remote spots.

If we choose to explore on our own, we can take the ferry with our car, giving us the freedom to discover at our own pace. After a 15–20 minute crossing, we arrive and stop at a café in the small town of La Maddalena to soak up the atmosphere and prepare for the rest of the day.

Afternoon – We admire the island’s landscapes by driving along the SS114 to Cala Spalmatore, then take the Panoramic Road back towards La Maddalena. Afterwards, let’s head to Caprera by crossing the bridge that connects the two islands.

Caprera is famous for its crystal-clear coves but also as the home of Giuseppe Garibaldi. We can visit his house-museum and the mausoleum where the Hero of the Two Worlds rests, discovering an important piece of Italian history framed by a unique natural setting.

Evening – In the late afternoon, we return to Palau: a stroll along the seafront allows us to relax and end the day peacefully, breathing in the sea air and watching the harbor come alive under the evening lights.

Day 4 highlights:

- Ferry trip to the island of La Maddalena.

- La Maddalena, town and island.

- Caprera, Garibaldi’s house-museum.

- Return to Palau.

Morning – We leave Palau and after about a half-hour drive (24 km) arrive in Santa Teresa di Gallura, a picturesque seaside village perfect for experiencing the authentic spirit of Gallura.

We stroll through the historic center, first reaching the enchanting Rena Bianca beach, and then the striking Longosardo Tower, perched on the Punta Falcone promontory: from here, the view opens up to the crystal-clear sea and the nearby coasts of Corsica—a perfect spot to soak in the true essence of Gallura.

Afternoon – We move on to Capo Testa, just a few kilometers from Santa Teresa di Gallura, where the magic of the Valle della Luna begins. The lunar landscape, with its wind- and time-smoothed rocks, unfolds before us as we hike along the main trail leading to Cala Grande, the valley’s only beach.

Here we can dive into the crystal-clear waters and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation while soaking in this truly magical setting. Those who wish can stay until sunset, when the sun slowly dips below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery shades.

Evening – Let's return to Palau for the night, so we’ll be well-positioned to set off the next day toward the nuragic sites around Arzachena.

Day 4 highlights:

- Santa Tereasa di Gallura: rena Bianca beach and Punta Falcone.


- Moon Valley, Cala Grande.

- Return to Palau.


Morning – Let’s leave Palau heading into the heart of Gallura, where the landscape takes on a completely different character. After about 15 km, we reach Arzachena, where just outside the town we can explore some of the most important Nuragic sites in the area, such as La Prisgiona and the Li Muri necropolis — fascinating places steeped in history and mystery.

Then, we continue toward the village of Luogosanto and take the SS133 in the direction of Aggius, a drive of about 40–45 minutes.

Afternoon – Aggius is a village that embodies Gallura’s traditions, with its granite houses and quiet, picturesque streets. We visit the MEOC, the ethnographic museum that tells the story of local pastoral and craft life, or the small but intriguing Museum of Banditry.

In the late afternoon, we make our way to nearby Tempio Pausania. Before reaching the town, we take the opportunity to visit the Nuraghe Majori, beautifully preserved and set within an enchanting cork oak forest.

Evening – We arrive in Tempio Pausania, where we’ll spend the night. A stroll through the pedestrian-friendly old town is a must, especially in the lovely Piazza Faber, dedicated to the beloved singer-songwriter Fabrizio De André, who lived here for many years.

Day 5 highlights:

- Archaeological area of Arzachena (La Prisgiona, Li Muri).

- Museums of Aggius.

- Nuraghe Majori.

- Piazza Faber, Tempio Pausania.

Morning – We continue our coast-to-coast journey through Sardinia, covering the 35 km from Tempio Pausania to Sedini, a small village nestled among the rocks. It’s worth stopping here to visit the unusual Domus de Janas, a prehistoric tomb carved directly into a tuff wall.

This ancient burial site, unique of its kind, is seamlessly integrated into the village and now houses a small ethnographic museum.

Afternoon – The road leads us to Castelsardo, a striking town on the northern coast. Perched on a promontory, its historic center is a maze of stone alleys, stairways, sea-view terraces, and traditional basket-weaving workshops. We walk up to the Doria Castle, which offers breathtaking views over the Gulf.

If we’re in the mood for a swim or a seaside stroll, we can make a quick stop at nearby Lu Bagnu before heading towards Sassari, about 40 minutes away.

Evening – Let’s enjoy the flavors of Sassari with dinner in one of the historic center’s restaurants. Local specialties include gnocchetti alla sassarese (small pasta with meat and tomato sauce) and fainè, a savory chickpea tart inherited from the Genoese influence.

Day 6 highlights:


– Domus de Janas, Sedini.

– Doria Castle, Castelsardo.


– Evening in Sassari.

Morning – After so many coastal landscapes, today we enjoy the more urban and less touristy side of Sardinia. We start the day with a walk through the center of Sassari, admiring the elegant buildings surrounding the beautiful Piazza d’Italia, the heart of the city. Then, let’s wander through the nearby streets as we make our way to the Cathedral of San Nicola, taking in the authentic local atmosphere.

Afternoon – The Cathedral of San Nicola is one of the most distinctive churches in Sardinia: its baroque limestone façade is a richly detailed masterpiece, while the more understated interior houses artworks and traces of the city’s long past.

From the cathedral, we head back toward Piazza d’Italia and follow Via Roma to reach the Sanna National Museum, where we can journey through the history of Sardinia, from the Nuragic civilization to the Roman era. After the visit, we can take a break in the quiet, shady public gardens next to the museum, perfect for a moment of relaxation.

Evening – A great way to end the day is with an aperitif in Piazza Tola, a historic meeting point for locals, lined with old cafés, bookshops, and outdoor tables. The atmosphere is relaxed and sociable, ideal for watching the city go by at its own pace.

Day 7 highlights:

- Piazza d’Italia.

- Cathedral of San Nicola.

- Sanna National Museum and gardens.

- Aperitif in Piazza Tola.

Morning – From Sassari we head northwest, covering about 45 km to reach Stintino, a small fishing village overlooking crystal-clear waters and beaches of rare beauty. Here begins one of the most spectacular stages of our 10-day Sardinian itinerary: a full-day excursion to the Asinara National Park.

Once a penal colony, the island is now a haven of unspoiled nature, reachable in about 30 minutes by ferry. Private vehicles are not allowed, but we can rent a bike to start exploring the Park. After cycling for around 15 km, we arrive at Cala Reale, home to the former quarantine station, now a visitor center, and the small Museo della Memoria Carceraria (Museum of Prison Memory).

Afternoon – Asinara is famous for its white donkeys, the island’s symbol, which we may encounter while cycling from south to north. The main path is wide and well-marked, winding through arid hills and panoramic stretches.

From Cala Reale, if we still have energy, we can continue another 9 km to Cala Sabina, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, or head to Cala d’Arena, 5 km further on. Be sure to leave enough time to return to the pier at Fornelli for the ferry back (last departure: 6:00 p.m. in high season).

Evening – After such an intense day, we stop in Stintino for a seaside dinner and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the village – perfect for relaxing and preparing for the penultimate stage of our Sardinia road trip.

Day 8 highlights:

- Arrival in Stintino.

- Ferry to Asinara.

- Cycling tour of Asinara National Park: Cala Reale, Cala Sabina, Cala d’Arena.

- Dinner by the sea in Stintino

Morning – Let’s leave Stintino heading north for about 3 km toward La Pelosa, a famous and stunning beach, with its fine white sand and beautiful turquoise shades of the sea. A short walk, some photos, or maybe a morning swim, if the season allows, are a must to say goodbye to one of the most spectacular stretches of coast on the trip.

Then we head south toward Alghero, just over 50 km from Stintino. Before reaching our destination, we make another stop at Capo Caccia, at the northwestern tip of Sardinia. It’s another enchanting area where cliffs dramatically overlook the sea.

Afternoon – We take on nearly 600 steps of the Escala del Cabirol, the staircase carved into the rock leading to Grotta di Nettuno, one of the most spectacular sea caves in the Mediterranean.

We’re inside the Porto Conte Regional Natural Park, surrounded by woods, quiet coves, caves, and breathtaking views. We can also visit Cala del Vino, a small inlet with clear waters and beautiful seabeds, perfect for a short hike or a relaxing break before continuing to Alghero in the late afternoon.

Evening – Alghero welcomes us with its cobblestone streets, sea-facing bastions, and bilingual signs reflecting the city’s long Catalan heritage. We end the day at sunset, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere of the old town alleys, framed by golden stone profiles and views over the harbor.

Day 9 highlights:

- La Pelosa Beach.

- Capo Caccia and Porto Conte Park.

- Gotta di Nettuno.

- Cala del Vino.

- Sunset in Alghero.

Morning – It's the last day of our Sardinia road trip, and we’re on the island’s west coast, in the beautiful city of Alghero. We begin exploring the old town, entering through the Torre del Portal, the historic tower guarding the city gate, and strolling along nearby Via Carlo Alberto, lined with coral shops and pastry stores filled with the scent of seadas.

We soon reach the Church of San Francesco, with its elegant Gothic cloister—a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city—and then the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, sober and austere, where we can climb the bell tower to enjoy sweeping views over the red-tiled rooftops and the sea beyond.

Afternoon – A visit to the Coral Museum is a must: among ancient jewels and tools of the trade, we’ll discover the secrets of a tradition that has made Alghero world-famous. Next, we take a leisurely walk along the Marco Polo and Magellano bastions, with views stretching from the boats moored in the harbor to the Capo Caccia promontory in the distance.

At the northern end of the city walls, we come across the impressive catapulte of the Muralla de l’Hospital: faithful medieval-style reconstructions that evoke Alghero’s historic defenses. A unique and scenic detail, perfect for ending the afternoon with a touch of history and sea views.

Evening – As the sun begins to set, we return to the bastions for an aperitivo at dusk, sipping a glass of Vermentino while the sea breeze carries the scent of salt air.

We wrap up the journey with dinner at a local restaurant in the old town, enjoying traditional dishes like aragosta alla catalana or fregula with seafood—raising a glass to this Sardinia coast-to-coast adventure, rich in landscapes, cultures, and unforgettable moments.

Day 10 highlights:

- Torre del Portal and Alghero’s historic center.

- Church of San Francesco.

- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

- Coral Museum.

- Marco Polo and Magellano bastions.

- Catapults at the Muralla de l’Hospital.

- Sunset aperitivo and traditional dinner.

It obviously depends on the type of trip and the route you plan to take. Generally speaking, Olbia, Cagliari, and Alghero are great bases with easy access to beaches and cultural sites.
For our 10-day coast-to-coast itinerary, Olbia was the perfect starting point, also thanks to its major airport.

10 days might be enough to see some of the island’s highlights, but not for visiting all of Sardinia in a relaxed way. In our itinerary, for example, we focused only on Northern Sardinia, and the timing was ideal to explore the most beautiful places without rushing.

In our 10-day itinerary across Northern Sardinia, we visited stunning spots like Palau and La Maddalena, the Moon Valley, Tempio Pausania and the nuraghi, Castelsardo, Sassari, Stintino and Asinara, Capo Caccia, and Alghero. These are just a few of the island’s wonders—there are many more, but these stops offer a great mix of sea, nature, and culture.

Driving is the best option if you want flexibility and the freedom to explore more remote, authentic parts of the island.

It depends on what you’re looking for: the east coast is known for its coves and dramatic cliffs, while the west coast offers wilder landscapes and spectacular sunsets. In our itinerary we explored both, and each has its own charm—there’s no clear winner!

It’s hard to give an exact number, as it depends on different factors, such as season, travel style, and accommodation. Here are two common options:

-
€1,000–1,500 per person for a budget/mid-range trip.


- €1,600–2,200 per person for a more comfortable and complete experience.