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Sardinian Splendor: 11-Day Road Trip

For 10-Nights: Discover the Wonders of Sardinia by Car - From Vibrant Cities to Hidden Beaches, Rugged Cliffs & Picturesque Villages: Cagliari, Alghero & Cala Gonone.

Road Trip

Trip Code: #5078

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Deposit option available

All Flights

Hotels

Rental Car

Flexibility Policy

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All taxes & fees

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(857) 214-2664

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Road TripBeachIslandsTrip Code: #5078

Best Price Guarantee

Customize and Book with an Expert

(857) 214-2664

Offline

Dates and Prices

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Day By Day Itinerary

11-days itinerary trip visiting 1 country and 4 cities

Day 1Welcome to Sardinia, Italy!
Arrive at Cagliari Airport, pick up your rental car, and drive to your hotel. Check in and take some time to relax and settle in.

Suggestion For The Day:

Begin your adventure with a visit to Poetto Beach for a stroll and coffee at one of the kiosks.

Cross the road to the Molentargius Nature Reserve where you may spot flamingos.

Head into the historic citadel Il Castello, where most of Cagliari’s main attractions are located.

Don’t miss the Bastione di Saint Remy, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale with the bronze figurines and Giganti di Monte Prama statues, the Roman Amphitheatre, Villa di Tigellio, and churches such as San Michele and Sant’Anna.

End the day with a drink at Caffè Libarium Nostrum overlooking the port and dinner along lively Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
Day 2Coastal Charms of Capo Carbonara
Suggestion For The Day:

Today, take a scenic drive (approx. 1 hour east) to the stunning Capo Carbonara near Villasimius.

Relax on the white sands of Spiaggia di Porto Giunco and admire the turquoise waters.

Hike up to Torre di Porto Giunco for breathtaking coastal views.

Explore Stagno Notteri, home to graceful flamingos.

Return to Cagliari in the evening for dinner in the old town.
Day 3Ancient Ruins & Coastal Wonders
Suggestion For The Day:

Drive 40 minutes to the ancient ruins of Nora, where you can wander Roman streets, see mosaic floors, temples, baths, and the impressive Roman Theatre.

Snorkel around Punta del Coltellazzo, where ruins lie beneath the sea.

Continue to the Bay of Chia and discover beaches such as Su Giudeu, Cala Cipolla, Sa Colonia, and Monte Cogoni.

Return to Cagliari for your last evening in the city. Enjoy a craft beer at Dry Hop before dinner.
Day 4Drive to Alghero via Barumini & Bosa
Today you’ll make your way north to Alghero (approx. 3 hours) with memorable stops along the way. You’ll be spending three nights here.

Suggestion For The Day:

Arrive early at Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage Nuragic site.

Continue to the Nuraghe di Santa Cristina, with its unique well temple and early Christian settlement.

Stop in Bosa, famous for its colorful hillside houses and Malaspina Castle.

Arrive in Alghero and enjoy a first evening stroll through the historic center, soaking up the Catalan-Gothic charm before dinner.
Day 5Ancient Tombs & Wine Tasting
Suggestion For The Day:

Explore some of the fascinating Nuragic and prehistoric sites around Alghero.

Visit the Nuraghe Palmavera, a well-preserved settlement dating to 1500 BC.

Continue to the Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju, with 38 rock-cut tombs known as fairy houses.

Book a wine-tasting experience at Sella e Mosca Winery, one of Sardinia’s best.

In the evening, stroll along the Lungomare into Alghero’s charming historic center for dinner.
Day 6Coastal Adventure at Capo Caccia
Suggestion For The Day:

Drive to Capo Caccia, a rugged promontory with breathtaking views.

Descend the 654 steps of Escala del Cabirol to the Grotta di Nettuno (arrive early for parking).

Explore Porto Conte Nature Park and hike to Grotta delle Brocche Rotte.

Return to Alghero for a relaxed evening in the old town.
Day 7Drive to Cala Gonone via Olbia
Today, leave Alghero behind as you cross the island to the east coast, with a stop in Olbia along the way before reaching Cala Gonone (approx. 3 hours). You’ll be spending three nights here.

Suggestion For The Day:

Stop in Olbia to visit the Museo Archeologico, featuring ancient Roman shipwrecks.

Take the coastal road south toward Cala Gonone, stopping at scenic beaches along the way.

Arrive in Cala Gonone and settle into your hotel.
Day 8Seaside Splendor of the Gulf of Orosei
Suggestion For The Day:

Join a boat tour of the Gulf of Orosei (book in advance).

Discover stunning beaches such as Cala Luna, Cala Sisine, Cala Mariolu, Cala Goloritzé, and Cala Biriola.

Explore Grotte del Bue Marino, a spectacular sea cave.

Return to Cala Gonone for dinner overlooking the sea.
Day 9Hiking Adventures
Suggestion For The Day:

Today is all about nature and adventure.

Hike to Cala Luna or Cala Goloritzé for unforgettable coastal views.

Alternatively, tackle Gola Su Gorropu, Sardinia’s Grand Canyon, with trails ranging from moderate to challenging.

If you prefer a slower pace, enjoy a relaxed beach day.
Day 10Explore the Area & Drive Back to Cagliari
Your last day combines history, nature, and relaxation before heading back south.

Suggestion For The Day:

Visit Nuraghe Mannu, overlooking the Gulf of Orosei.

Explore Grotta di Ispinigoli, home to one of the tallest stalagmites in the world.

Stop at the Giant’s Tomb of S’Ena e Thomes, dating back 4000 years.

Relax at Su Gologone Spring, then enjoy a wine tasting in the Valley of Oddoene.

In the evening, drive back to Cagliari (approx. 3 hours) for your final night before catching your flight the next day.
Day 11Return Flight Home
Suggestion For The Day:

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and take some time for any last-minute sightseeing or shopping.

Afterward, drive to Cagliari Airport, return your rental car, and check in for your flight.

We hope you had an unforgettable time in Sardinia - safe travels and until next time!

Itinerary presented is a suggestion and the length of stay may vary. All tours are suggestions unless clearly stated.

Why We Love This Deal

A Perfect Blend of Coast, Culture & Charm:
This 11-day Sardinia road trip captures the island’s stunning diversity - from Cagliari’s vibrant streets to Alghero’s historic charm, and the turquoise waters surrounding Cala Gonone. You’ll explore pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, ancient ruins, and picturesque villages - all connected by a scenic, coastal drive.

Freedom to Explore at Your Own Pace:
With your rental car and an easy-to-follow itinerary, you’re free to discover Sardinia on your own terms - stop for a swim on a secluded beach, linger over seafood in a seaside village, or take a detour to a panoramic cliffside viewpoint.

Authentic Local Highlights:
This journey invites you to experience Sardinia beyond the usual tourist spots - from wandering the cobbled streets of Alghero’s old town and soaking up the local history in Cagliari, to uncovering hidden coves near Cala Gonone. Along the way, you’ll discover charming cafés, artisan shops, vineyards, and scenic natural landscapes that give a true taste of Sardinian life.

Effortless Planning, Maximum Enjoyment:
We’ve taken care of the logistics - comfortable hotels, suggested routes, scenic drives, and key sightseeing highlights - so you can focus entirely on enjoying the journey and the island’s natural beauty.

Ideal for First-Time Visitors or Repeat Explorers:
Whether it’s your first time in Sardinia or you’re returning to explore more of the island, this route offers a perfect mix of iconic sights and hidden gems, making it a rewarding and unforgettable Mediterranean escape.

Available Hotels

Cagliari

3 nights

Regina Margherita Hotel

Cagliari

3 nights

Hotel Residence Ulivi e Palme

Cagliari

3 nights

Palazzo Tirso Cagliari Mgallery

Cagliari

3 nights

La Peonia Boutique B&B

Cagliari

3 nights

UNA HOTELS T Hotel Cagliari

Cagliari

3 nights

Holiday Inn Cagliari by IHG

Cagliari

3 nights

Caesar's Hotel

Cagliari

3 nights

Miramare Cagliari Hotel Museo

Cagliari

3 nights

Sardegna Hotel, Suites & Restaurant

Cagliari

3 nights

La Villa del Mare

Cagliari

3 nights

Hotel Due Colonne

Cagliari

3 nights

Hotel Italia

Roses

3 nights

Hotel Nautilus

Things to Know

About the Destinations

Important Information

Flexibility Policy

Travel Support Anytime Anywhere

When booking a trip with us, you don’t just get our local experts' support and a superb travel experience, you also get the guarantee of full flexibility on our end. We know plans can change, and when that’s the case, we’re here to help!

Protect Your Trip

Get reimbursed up to 100% for covered trip cancellation and interruption, including covered illness or injury of you, a family member, or travel companion. And more!

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Sardinian Splendor: 11-Day Road Trip

Trip Code: #5078

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What's Included

Dates and Prices

Itinerary

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