Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, attractive with its history, unique culture and breathtaking landscapes. These, along with so many other qualities, will turn your one week in Sardinia into an unforgettable journey!
The famous Italian island is situated south of Corsica (a French island) and to the north of Tunisia. The capital city of Sardinia, Cagliari, is located on the southern coast of the island. Putting Sardinia as your next destination means that you will enjoy stunning beaches, explore archaeological sites, culture and tradition, and taste the most delicious Italian cuisine.
Our full guide covers:
- Basic Introduction
- Where to stay in Sardinia
- How to get around
- What to see in Sardinia
- Things to do in Sardinia
- Tickets you have to buy before – must read
- Food and Restaurants
- Day Trips from Sardinia
- Itinerary for Sardinia
- Packing List
- City Map
In addition, during your Sardinia 7 day itinerary, you will marvel at the spectacular landscapes, get many adventure opportunities, and explore charming towns and villages, enjoying the locals’ hospitality.
Willing to make your one week In Sardinia a great and unforgettable experience, I’ve made this step-by-step planned itinerary. Hopefully, you will find this to be of great help and enjoy every single moment spent there.
1. Basic Introduction
I will give you a few more basic introductions before you start your Sardinia 7 day itinerary.
Currency: EUR (€)
Language Spoken: Italian
The locals speak Sardinian, which is a Roman language with several dialects spoken across the island.
Population: 1,628,3384 million (2020)
Known for: Stunning Beaches and the Emerald Coast
Accommodation: Accommodation varies from the most affordable to very luxurious. You can choose among hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, villas, guesthouses and boutique hotels.
Find more details in our where to stay in Sardinia section below.
Public Transport: Bus Services; Regional and Long Distance Buses; Urban Transport; Train Services
More under how to get around.
Safety: Sardinia is generally considered a safe destination, with low crime rates. But be mindful of pickpocketers and watch over your belongings in crowded spots. In case of an emergency, the number to call is 112.
Electricity: 230V/50Hz (European plug). Remember to pack your travel plug adapter.
2. Where to stay in Sardinia
Choosing where to stay in Sardinia in a week depends on your interests, the type of experience you’re seeking and the activities you want. The island offers a diverse range of regions, each with its own unique attractions.
I have made a list of suggestions based on different preferences:
These places would be the perfect choice no matter whether you are travelling alone, with your family or with friends. It is also irrelevant whether you are staying in the heart of these spots or a bit further, as the infrastructure and connection between Sardinia and other locations is excellent.
2.1 Where to stay in Costa Smeralda
Costa Smeralda, often referred to as the “Emerald Coast,” is a stunning region in northeastern Sardinia known for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and upscale lifestyle. Therefore, it makes the perfect destination for your one week in Sardinia itinerary.
Residence Bougainvillae, Porto Cervo
Residence Bougainvillae offers a swimming pool with a sun terrace and an excellent apartment. The hotel is very close to the harbor in Porto Cervo and surrounded by many nice restaurants and shops. The emerald beaches are also only 900 m away.
Porto Rotondo Central House, Porto Rotondo
Porto Rotondo Central House is great and includes a balcony with city views. It is very close to Olbia Harbor and several beach resorts. There is a minimarket at your disposal, within the apartment.
Residence Ea Bianca, Baja Sardinia
Residence Ea Bianca is equipped with a kitchenette, washing machine, shower or a bath, and a private car park. It’s close to the beach, as well as many supermarkets and bars. If you’re looking for a spot to unwind, know that there’s an outdoor swimming pool at the property.
2.2 Where to stay in Alghero
Located on the northwest coast of Sardinia, Alghero is a charming and historic town known for its Catalan influence, well-preserved mediaeval architecture and beautiful coastline.
The Old Town, Neptune’s Grotto, the beach of Maria Pia, Capo Falcone and the Coral Museum are some of the significant sports that will make a delightful stay during your one week in Sardinia.
Alghero, Old Town, Alghero Old Town
Why not stay just 1 km from Alghero Marina and only 200 m from the city centre in an air-conditioned apartment at Alghero, Old Town? Of course, it will be a great experience, since you will find a well-equipped and cosy spot with a private entrance.
Alghero Lido, Lido
Alghero Lido, a cosy property suitable for families and couples, offers a private beach and has direct access to a balcony with garden views. Everything you might like to visit is nearby, making it a nice and functional place for your 1 week in Sardinia.
Casa Vacancza a Maria Pia, Maria Pia
Casa Vacanza a Maria Pia has a great location. Two great beaches are very close, and the Alghero Marina as well. It is equipped with all the necessary things inside, making for a very convenient stay.
2.3 Where to stay in Cagliari
The capital town of Sardinia is famous for its historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Staying in Cagliari gives you an opportunity to visit the Roman Amphitheatre, Poetto Beach, and many more. On the other side, it is a modern city with diverse shops and restaurants, which is why it’s a must-visit spot during your 1 week in Sardinia.
Bianca Dimora, Castello
Bianca Dimora is a very modern and minimalist bed & breakfast place that offers a terrace with a great view and a close distance to Poetto Beach and the National Archeological Museum of Cagliari.
Piccola Casa di Sardegna, Villanova
Each of the apartments at Piccola Casa di Sardegna has a private entrance and shared seating area and kitchen. Some apartments have a terrace that leads to the outdoor dining area.
Sa Domu Cheta, Stampace
A nice family-run guest house in the centre of Cagliari, Sa Domu Cheta is close to almost anywhere because you can get a train and boat in just a 5-minute walk to the train station and harbour. The accommodation is located in a historic building and is recently renovated, welcoming guests in its stylish rooms.
2.4 Where to stay in Oristano
Oristano is a town located on the west coast of Sardinia. Offering visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich past and cultural heritage, it is a very pleasant place, a bit quieter than the rest locations you have to choose from for your one week in Sardinia. It is well-known for the Carnival called Sartiglia and the Lagoon Maristanis Pond.
Monastero Santa Chiara Guest House, Oristano Old Town
Monastero Santa Chiara Guest House is such an authentic guest house for the surrounding area. Each room has a private bathroom, making couples especially fond of the place. One thing to keep in mind is that you should consider renting a car to get to other locations.
Windsurf Beach Front, Torregrande
Windsurf Beach Front is the perfect place for you, offering nice rooms with a balcony, right by the patio and the garden. The terrace with sea views, a seating area, and the rest of the necessary conveniences make you feel relaxed. Yoga classes are offered in-house, while the rest activities are up to your interests.
B&B Su Fassoi, Santa Giusta
You will have the most beautiful view of the lake and a room with a private bathroom at B&B Su Fassoi. The bus stops just 150 m from the accommodation, and in a minute, you will enjoy the town centre.
2.5 Where to stay in Orosei
Orosei is an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of historical charm, natural beauty and a more relaxed atmosphere. It is a charming town located on the eastern coast of Sardinia. Situated in the province of Nuoro it is known for its beautiful beaches and close distance to the stunning Gulf of Orosei.
Dommos – Andria Apartments, Orosei Old Town
If you are on a family one-week holiday in Sardinia and have decided to take your pet with you, Dommos – Andria Apartments is perfect for you. Not too far from the beaches with a BBQ facility, it is a nice relaxing spot.
Luxury Stunning Seaview Villa by SardiniaGem, Marina di Orosei
Luxury Stunning Seaview Villa by SardiniaGem has a stunning sea view from the ground floor and everything you should ask for, including the outdoor dining area. It is a real gem where you can enjoy your one week in Sardinia.
Appartamento da Manzela 2, Cala Gonone
Appartamento da Manzela 2 is a comfortable apartment, well-equipped, and appropriate for those who like hiking. Consider a car rental if you plan on staying in this spot.
2.6 Where to stay in Olbia
Olbia serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the northeastern part of Sardinia. It is a major port and gateway to Costa Smeralda, rich with historical sites and a vibrant atmosphere.
Double A Luxury Room, Olbia City Center
Located in the centre of Olbia and offering spa facilities, Double A Luxury Room provides nice rooms, a garden, and a sun terrace. You feel close to other places, making it convenient to explore the area on foot.
Casa Poentia MareVista, Olbia City Center
Casa Poentia MareVista has an outdoor dining area, 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom. It is close to a few interesting spots, such as Spiaggia del Pellicano and Spiaggia Mare e Rocce, the two most fascinating beaches in the area.
Locanda Tartarughino – Luxury Suites in Porto Rotondo, Porto Rotondo
Locanda Tartarughino – Luxury Suites in Porto Rotondo is in the very town’s centre, only 2 km away from a sandy beach.
3. How to get around
After your one week stay in Sardinia is all set, let’s move to exploring the island.
When planning your transportation in Sardinia, consider the areas you want to visit and the activities you plan to engage in. For flexibility and access to more distant locations, renting a car is the best choice. But if you decide not to drive, there are also other ways to get around:
Car Rental: The most convenient way to visit many places and feel flexible while travelling. There are few international and local car rental companies, so it will not be a problem.
Public Buses: ARST is the main transportation company in Sardinia and it offers a network of bus services covering different parts of the island. They connect major towns and cities, and rural areas and reach popular tourist destinations.
Train Services: The train network is more limited compared to mainland Italy, but the routes connect major cities and towns on the island.
Ferries: Ferry services play a crucial role in connecting Sardinia with mainland Italy and other nearby islands. The main ferry ports are Cagliari, Olbia, Porto Torres and Arbatax.
Taxis: Taxis can be found in major cities and tourist areas such as Cagliari, Sassari, Olbia, and Alghero. In these locations, you can typically find taxi stands at key points such as airports, train stations and city centres.
4. What to see in Sardinia- The Must-Do’s
What to see in Sardinia? A very good question!
If you are thinking of places worth seeing during your 1 week in Sardinia, here are some suggestions
The Must-Do’s:
- Costa Smeralda
- Nuraghe Complexes
- Gulf of Orosei
More great sights in Sardinia to see are:
- Cagliari Old Town
- La Maddalena Archipelago
5. Things to do in Sardinia
Beach hopping
Beach hopping is a fantastic way to explore the island’s stunning coastline and enjoy its beautiful sandy shores and water sports during your one week in Sardinia. It is significant for its pristine waters, picturesque coves and diverse beaches.
Some popular beaches are Spiaggia della Pelosa in Stintino, Cala Luna in the Golfo di Orosei, Spiaggia del Principe in the Costa Smeralda and Poetto Beach in Cagliari.
Nuragic Sites
Sardinia is home to a unique and fascinating archaeological heritage known as Nuraghi, which are ancient distinctive conical stone structures built by the Nuragic civilization.
Some impressive nuragic sites are Su Nuraxi di Barumini which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, Nuraghe Santu Antine in Torralba and Nuralghe Losa in Abbasanta.
Water Sports
Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, Sardinia is an ideal playground for water sports enthusiasts. Scuba Diving and Snorkelling, great for exploring the underwater caves, sea life and corals are very popular at the Maddalena Archipelago and the Gulf of Orosei.
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing are characteristic of the Porto Polo area, because of the windy weather. Sailing is popular around Costa Smeralda, while Jet Skiing and Stand-Up Pedaling are almost everywhere on the island.
Festivals and Events
There are many occasions to celebrate throughout Sardinia. Rich cultural heritage offers a great chance to experience the local music, dance and cuisine.
I will mention the Time in Jazz (Berchidda), the international jazz festival and the Sa Sartiglia carnival in Oristano.
Gennargentu National Park
The Gennargentu National Park is the largest national park in Sardinia, covering a vast and diverse area in the central-eastern part of the island. It was established in 1998 and named after the Gennargentu mountain area, which is the highest there. It is significant because of its rugged mountains, deep valleys and big forests.
There is an abundance of flora and fauna to explore. The park is famous for Gorropu Gorge, the deepest gorge in Europe. With its mesmerising nature and pure wilderness and tranquillity, it is a paradise for hikers wondering how to plan their Sardinina 7 day itinerary.
6. Tickets you have to buy before (Must Read)
- Nuragic Sites: A day trip from Cagliari
- Neptune’s Grotto: Boat trip from Alghero to Neptune’s Grotto
- Guided Tours: Especially in the Summer season
- Special Events and Festivals: Especially in Summer months
- Boat Tours: you can find the ideal one here.
7. Food & Restaurants
These will be my suggestions for traditional dishes to try while in Sardinia
- Culugiones
- Porceddu
- Pane Carasau
- Malloreddus
- Culurzzones
My recommendations for restaurants to visit:
- La Pergola Ristorante – Porto Cervo
- Agriturismo Sa Mandra – Alghero
- Su Gologone – Oliena (Nuoro)
- La Colti Agriturismo – Arzachena
8. Day Trips from Sardinia
How to do the day trips? There are 3 options:
- Rent a car on your own and hit the road
- take public transport
- join a tour
Here are the list of sights that you might want to check out for your day trips:
- Costa Smeralda: Spiaggia del Principe; Capriccioli Beach
- Alghero: Alghero Old Town; Alghero City Walls, Neptune’s Grotto
- Cagliari: Cagliari Old Town, Cagliari Cathedral, Bastione di Saint Remy
- Oristano: Piazza Eleonora d’Arborea, Cathedral of Oristano, Tower of Mariano II
9. Itinerary for 7 days
To explore charming Sardinia in a week, breathing in its amazing contrasts, beautiful landscapes, stunning views of pristine waters historical views and breathtaking mountain regions, I was very carefully preparing this itinerary for you.
Day 1: Castello District
After you arrive in Cagliari you can explore the historic Castello district, visit the Cathedral and indulge in the view from Bastione di Saint Remi. In the evening you can relax and dine in the traditional restaurants.
Day 2: Poetto Beach
You can enjoy the day at the popular Poetto beach in the Gulf of Angels in Cagliari. There are lots of restaurants and cafes along the 8 km long beach, so you will feel the sea vibes.
In the afternoon you can visit the Molentargius Park located between Cagliari and Quartu Sant’Elena towns. The large lagoon and the presence of Flamingos will fascinate you.
Day 3: Chia Beach
On the third day of your one week in Sardinia, you can enjoy the stunning beaches once again. This time, you should visit Chia Beach, which is 57 km away from Cagliari. Here, you can enjoy the fascinating coastline and turquoise waters.
Or, you can visit the Nora Archeological Site, near the town of Pula, and feel the atmosphere of ancient Roman times.
Day 4: Oristano
Stay in the history-exploring mood and drive to the charming Oristano to walk its narrow cobbled streets visit the Cathedral and a few other significant spots and have a relaxing dinner in an authentic Sardinian restaurant.
Day 5: Sinis Peninsula
The Sinis Peninsula on the west coral coast is a memory to make, because of its stunning landscapes. There is a famous archaeological site of Tharos, which is definitely worth visiting so you can see the evolution of Phoenician and Roman cultures over centuries.
Day 6: Alghero
Before you finish your 1week holiday in Sardinia it is time to visit magical Alghero and see the Catalan influence in language, traditions and architecture. While it is a must to visit, the cave known as Neptune’s Grotto, famous for its stalactite and stalagmite formations is a great experience to step in, if you have time.
Day 7: Costa Smeralda
I have left the best for the last day. Costa Smeralda (the “Emerald Coast”) is an upscale coastal area, perfect for a sophisticated getaway and a very popular destination. Step at the most luxurious resort in the heart of Costa Smeralda called Porto Cervo. The exact allure of the Sardinian coastline. Many designer boutiques, and luxurious hotels spiced with great nightlife are what attract tourists.
10. Packing List
There are a few things we recommend for your packing list Sardinia.
- Travel plug adapter
- Lightweight clothing
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Medications
- Driving licence
- Conversation guide in Sardinia
Optional but always useful:
11. Printed Guides & Map
These guides are best for the ones looking for a printed version.
Once you come to Sardinia, you will also receive a paper map of the city.
- Lonely Planet Sardinia (Travel Guide)
- DK Eyewitness Sardinia (Travel Guide)
Here is again our map of Sardinia with the recommended hotels and neighborhoods.
Questions? Contact us
I tried to make this guide as useful and complete as possible. However, chances are you still have questions left.
Therefore, any questions? Anything not clear?
Please get in touch with us, I would be very happy to help. I want to make this guide as useful as possible for you.
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