10 Day Guide to Sardinia - Olbia, Costa Smeralda & Cagliari


My family went to Sardinia for a 2 full weeks. We stayed in Olbia, Alghero, Cagliari, and visited everywhere in between. If you have 10 days to spend in Sardinia, here is what I would recommend. 


 Day 1:

  • Departure: Take a nonstop flight from EWR to MXP, these are usually evening flights and land in the morning of the next day. 

Day 2-6: Olbia & Costa Smeralda 

  • Transportation: I highly recommend renting a car. The roads are surprisingly easy to navigate, with smooth highways connecting the island's many treasures. Given Sardinia's size, driving is the most convenient and enjoyable way to travel.
  • Morning Arrival: Land in Milan, then catch a short flight to Olbia (OLB).
  • Where to stay:
    • Olbia: Staying in Olbia provides a more authentic Sardinian experience, with a bustling city center, local shops, and restaurants. 
    • Porto Cervo: In the heart of the Costa Smeralda, a luxurious and exclusive resort area. It's known for its high-end boutiques, designer shops, glamorous nightlife, and marina filled with yachts.
  • Hotels in Olbia: 
  • Hotels in Costa Smeralda:
  • Things to do: 
    • Costa Smeralda Exploration: Discover the legendary "Billionaires' Beach" and soak in the luxurious atmosphere.
  • Beaches: 
    • Porto Istana:
      • Known for its fine white sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters, it's a family-friendly beach with beautiful views of Tavolara Island.
    • Principe Beach (Spiaggia del Principe):
      • A secluded gem with fine, pinkish sand and emerald waters, it's considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa Smeralda.
    • Lu Impostu:
      • A long stretch of soft, white sand with shallow, turquoise waters, ideal for relaxing and swimming.
    • Cala Brandinchi:
      • Often referred to as "Little Tahiti," it boasts incredibly clear, shallow waters and fine white sand, creating a tropical paradise.
    • La Cinta:
      • A long, wide beach with fine white sand and shallow waters, popular for water sports like kite surfing.
    • Grande Pevero Beach:
      • A glamorous beach on the Costa Smeralda, known for its fine white sand, emerald waters, and upscale atmosphere.
    • Pittulongu:
      • A series of small, sandy coves with clear waters, offering a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.
    • Cala Capriccioli:
      • A picturesque cove with granite rocks, fine sand, and emerald waters, offering stunning scenery.
    • Le Saline:
      • A beach with white sand, and clear water, that is known to be a good location for windsurfing.
    • Doctors Beach (Spiaggia del Dottore):
      • A very beautiful beach with clear water, and fine white sand. It is known to be a very exclusive location.
    • Porto Taverna:
      • A beautiful beach with a fantastic view of the Tavolara island. It has shallow clear water, and fine sand.
    • Cala Moresca:
      • Characterized by its rugged coastline, red rocks, and clear waters, offering a more secluded and wild experience.
    • Spalmatore Beach:
      • Located on La Maddalena archipelago, this beach is best accessed by boat, offering pristine waters and a secluded atmosphere.
    • Cala Sabina:
      • Another beautiful beach located on the Maddalena archipelago. It has white sand, and clear turquoise water.
    • Porto San Paolo:
      • A coastal town with a nice beach, and also a location where you can catch ferries to the Tavolara island.
    • Spiaggia Delle Vacche:
      • A very secluded beach, with smooth granite rocks, and very clear water. It is known to be a very beautiful and quiet location.
    • Sports: Consider a tennis match at Hotel Don Diego.
    • Towns: Explore the luxurious town of Porto Cervo
  • Day Trip Options: 
    • La Maddalena Archipelago Boat Trip: Take a boat tour to the stunning Arcipelago di La Maddalena and Cala Coticcio.
    • Costa Baunei Day Trip: Explore Costa Baunei by boat for access to some of Sardinia's most stunning and secluded beaches. This full day trip will allow you to explore beaches such as Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna, and Cala Goloritze.

Day 6-9: Cagliari & Southern Sardinia

  • Things to do: 
    • Cagliari City Exploration: Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Cagliari, exploring its historical sites and charming streets.
    • Explore the Castello District:
      • Historic hilltop neighborhood with panoramic views and medieval architecture.
    • Visit the Cagliari Cathedral:
      • Beautiful cathedral with a rich history and intricate details.
    • Wander the Bastione di Saint Remy:
      • Iconic landmark offering breathtaking city and gulf views.
    • Stroll through the Civic Market of San Benedetto:
      • Bustling market for experiencing local atmosphere and sampling Sardinian produce and seafood.
    • Visit the Molentargius - Saline Regional Park:
      • Natural park known for pink flamingos and diverse birdlife.
    • Explore the Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari:
      • Ancient roman structure.
    • Take a underground tour:
      • Explore the underground tunnels and crypts.
    • Take a boat tour (coastal exploration):
      • Discover hidden coves and beaches accessible only by boat.
    • Visit Porto San Paolo:
      • A coastal town with a nice beach, and also a location where you can catch ferries to the Tavolara island.
  • Beaches:
    • Poetto Beach: Cagliari's main beach, known for its long stretch of sand, lively atmosphere, and variety of beach clubs and restaurants. Perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the vibrant beach scene.
    • Tuerredda Beach: A picturesque beach with shallow, turquoise waters and fine white sand, ideal for families and those seeking calm waters.
    • Santa Giusta Beach (Costa Rei): A long stretch of golden sand with clear waters, offering a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views.
    • Su Giudeu Beach: Known for its dunes, crystal-clear waters, and excellent windsurfing conditions.
    • Punta Molentis Beach (Villasimius): A stunning beach with fine white sand, turquoise waters, and a backdrop of granite cliffs.
    • Spiaggia Delle Saline: A beautiful beach with white sand and clear water, known for its calm and shallow waters, making it ideal for families with children.
    • Villasimius Beaches (including Spiaggia di Porto Giunco): Villasimius boasts a collection of stunning beaches, including the popular Spiaggia di Porto Giunco, known for its fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
    • Chia Beaches: Chia offers a variety of beaches, from long sandy stretches to smaller coves, all with clear waters and stunning scenery.
    • Southern Beach Relaxation: Unwind on the pristine sands of Tuerredda Beach, Santa Giusta Beach (Costa Rei), Su Giudeu Beach, Punta Molentis Beach (Villasimius), and Spiagga Delle Saline.

Day 10: Farewell Sardinia

  • Early Morning Flight: Catch a flight from Cagliari (CAG) to Milan Malpensa (MXP).
  • Connecting Flight: Connect to your United flight from MXP back to Newark (EWR).

Travel Tips: 

  • Book Ahead: Secure reservations for limited-access beaches like Cala Goloritze’ well in advance.
  • Embrace Boat Trips: Utilize boat tours to access secluded and stunning beaches.
  • Rental Car Essential: A rental car is crucial for exploring Sardinia's diverse landscapes.
  • Early Bird Catches the Flight: Be prepared for early morning flights.
  • Beach Research: Check each beach's website for parking and reservation details.
  • Alghero Alternative: By focusing on Olbia and Cagliari, you'll have more time to savor the beaches and surrounding areas.

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