Sardinian Splendor: 14-Day Road Trip

Suggestion for the day: Ancient Tombs & Wine Tasting

• While the main focus of visiting Alghero is the charming medieval city, there are a few sites nearby that are without doubt worth a half-day excursion. Start today with a trip to Nuraghe Palmavera, just a 20-minute drive around the bay from Alghero. This relatively compact, but very well-maintained site is focused on a large central tower surrounded by a courtyard and several huts, showcasing the intricate design and layout of this 1,500 BC Nuragic settlement. Another site to visit is the Necropoli du Anghelu Ruju. There are 38 tombs, known as domus de janas (fairy houses), carved into the landscape here. While most have been stripped bare or collapsed over time, some still retain faint ritual carvings in the stone, such as the famous bull horns in one of the tombs. Just a couple of minutes from Anghelu Ruju, you can find Sardinia’s top wine producer, Sella e Mosca. Book a wine-tasting experience ahead of time. Take a stroll down the Lungomare into Alghero’s historic center. There are plenty of spots along the way for a late lunch or drink. In the evening return to Alghero.

Suggestion for the day: Coastal Adventure at Capo Caccia

• Whether you’re into exploring caves, hiking coastal trails, or simply absorbing rugged natural beauty, a visit to Capo Caccia is an absolute must when exploring the north of Sardinia. If you are an early bird and want to walk the spectacular 654-step trail down to Grotta di Nettuno, arrive early to find parking near the staircase. Visit Porto Conte Nature Park and hike to Grotta delle Brocche Rotte.  After, return to Alghero and explore more of the hidden corners of the town.

Suggestion for the day:  Castelsardo, Santa Teresa Gallure, and Capo Testa

• Today’s drive will take you through the captivating landscapes of northern Sardinia with its olive groves, vineyards, traditional villages, and exceptional coastal scenery. After less than an hour on the road, stop in the colorful medieval town of Castelsardo. A must-see there is also Castello dei Doria perched above the city and the museum within. Continue your journey to Palau - your home for the next three nights. The drive will take you approximately 1 hour. Drop your luggage at the hotel and consider driving a bit further to explore Santa Teresa Gallure and Capo Testa. Only half an hour from Capo Testa, on the way back to Palau is La Fortezza di Monte Altura, a late 1800s fortress. 

Suggestion for the day: Beach Bliss on the Costa Smeralda

• No Sardinia visit would be complete without at least one beach day, and the beaches of the famed Costa Smeralda are among the very best beaches in Sardinia, if not Italy. Some of the best are Capriccioli and Spiaggia del Principa, but there are also Spiaggia del Grande Pevero, Liscia Ruja, Cala di Volpe, Romazzino and Cala Granu. The choice is yours!! Return to Palau for the night. 

Suggestion for the day: Island Paradise (La Maddalena)

• Today we suggest you visit La Maddalena. The national park there is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, granite cliffs, diverse marine life, stunning beaches and fascinating history. You can book one of the day trips with a boat from Palau. You will get the opportunity to snorkel, relax in the sun, and drink some beer. 

Suggestion for the day: Olbia and the Journey to Cala Gonone

• Day 10 will take you to Cala Gonone (from Palau 2h drive). On the way, you can stop in the beautiful town of Olbia (a 45-minute drive from Palau). There you can check out Museo Archeologico di Olbia. If you are a fan of the Roman Empire you will be amazed by the impressive wrecks of wooden Roman cargo ships. Continuing your journey to Cala Gonone you may take the less direct route along the coast. Breathtaking beaches will make a beautiful stop along the way. 

Suggestion for the day: Seaside Splendor of the Gulf of Orosei

• On day 11 we suggest you book (in advance) one of the boat trip experiences along the mesmerizing Gulf of Orosei. High cliffs, turquoise waters, and sea caves will simply take your breath away! You can choose from many different tour options - from crowded motor cruises to luxury sailing boats and inflatable boats. You will stop at one of the best beaches in Sardinia - most likely Cala Luna, Cala Sisine, Cala Mariolu, Cala Biriola, Cala Gabbiani and Cala Goloritzé. Many trips also offer an excursion to Grotte del Bue Marino. Return to Cala Gonone for the night. 

Suggestion for the day: Hiking Adventures in Cala Gonone

• If you are an adventurous person and like hiking then today we suggest you try one of the wonderful hikes around Cala Gonone. Hikes to Cala Luna and Cala Golritze showcase some of Sardinia’s best coastal views. One of the favorites is the hike to Gola Su Gorropu. The trail follows the Rio Flumineddu through dense forest with wonderful glimpses of the spectacular Supramonte massif all around. As you arrive to the starting point, there’s a very small kiosk at the entry to the canyon where you pay a €5 entry fee, after which there’s a quick briefing before you’re free to explore. There are three sections of the canyon to hike, separated by difficulty level. It’s worth noting that even the easy sections require a bit of scrambling over large boulders and rough ground. 

If you are not up for a hike, you can enjoy another beach day.

Suggestion for the day: Explore Cala Gonone and the Area 

• Today is your last day in Cala Gonone and it is time to see some of the best things left to explore in the area. Start with just a few minutes drive to Nuraghe Mannu, set high on the volcanic rock slope overlooking Cala Gonone and the Gulf of Orosei. There you will also find some of Nuragic and Roman remains. The second tallest stalagmite in the world awaits you at Grotta di Ispinigoli, located around a 30-minute drive from Nuraghe Mannu. Join one of the guided tours. Another site worth visiting is the Giant’s Tomb of S’Ena e Thomes. It is dating back almost 4000 years. If you are feeling the need to relax Su Gologone Spring awaits. This is the point where water from the Supramonte’s underground river system rushes through a limestone fissure into a stunning emerald pool before joining the Cedrino River. Less than half an hour's drive from Su Gologone Spring, you can find yourself in the Valley of Oddoene, encircled by the Supramonte mountains and surrounded by lush vegetation, olive groves, and small, family-owned vineyards. What better way to end your day of sightseeing than with a guided tasting of incredible local Cannonau accompanied by local cheese, cured meat, bread, and views to die for? 

Depending on when your flight back is, as you drive back to Cagliari, before flying home, you can still squeeze in some sightseeing. From Cala Gonone to Cagliari, 3-hour (200km/125mil) drive awaits, so take that into consideration. While it’s not necessarily a place you’d make a special trip for, Arbatax is a good spot to break the journey to Cagliari. The main attraction here is the famous Red Rocks Beach, with its red porphyry rocks backed by a (sometimes) turquoise bay. With a bit more time, it’s possible to head out to Cagliari’s peaceful Botanical Garden or take a stroll up to nearby Monte Urpinu Park for a bit of greenery and panoramic views of the city. Then return your car and we wish you a safe flight home!