Sardinia in 14 Days – The Ultimate Road Trip Starting in Olbia

Sardinia is a world of its own – Caribbean-like beaches, dramatic mountain ranges, scenic coastal roads, ancient ruins, and hidden coves. If you’ve got two weeks to spare, there’s no better way to explore this Mediterranean gem than on a full island road trip. This 14-day itinerary begins and ends in Olbia, taking you counterclockwise around Sardinia’s diverse coastline – from stylish towns and rugged cliffs to quiet beaches and cultural treasures. Whether you’re arriving in Olbia by plane or ferry, this route is perfect for travelers who want to experience every side of Sardinia.

Itinerary Overview
Days 1–4: The North Coast – Style & Stunning Beaches
Days 5–7: The West Coast – Wild Beauty & Cultural Gems
Days 8–10: The South Coast – History & Flavors
Days 11–14: The East Coast – Adventure & Hidden Coves
Interactive Map of All Highlights
Practical Travel Tips

Itinerary Overview

Leg	Region	Days
Olbia → Stintino	North Coast	Days 1-4
Alghero → Costa Iglesiente	West Coast	Days 5-7
Portoscuso → Costa Rei	South Coast	Days 8–10
Tortolì → Olbia	East Coast	Days 11–14

Days 1–4: The North Coast – Style & Stunning Beaches

Starting Point: Olbia

Olbia is a well-connected harbor city and a great jumping-off point for your Sardinian journey. Begin your trip exploring the iconic Costa Smeralda – a glamorous stretch of coastline known for its crystal-clear waters, upscale hotspots like Porto Cervo, and hidden coves near the artsy village of San Pantaleo.

From there, head west to Santa Teresa Gallura and the rocky landscapes of Capo Testa, where wind-sculpted granite cliffs meet the sea. Follow the coastal road to the dramatic views of Costa Paradiso, and stop by the medieval town of Castelsardo, perched scenically on a hilltop. Cap off the northern leg at one of Sardinia’s most photogenic beaches: Spiaggia della Pelosa near Stintino.

Must-Sees: Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena Islands (boat trip from Palau), Capo Testa, Costa Paradiso, Castelsardo, Spiaggia della Pelosa
Where to Stay: 3–4 nights around Palau, Santa Teresa, or Isola Rossa

Days 5–7: The West Coast – Wild Beauty & Cultural Gems

Begin this leg in Alghero, a charming seaside town with Catalan roots, cobbled lanes, and golden beaches. Don’t miss a boat trip or hike to Grotta di Nettuno, an awe-inspiring sea cave.

Follow the coastal road to Bosa, one of Sardinia’s prettiest towns, painted in pastel colors and rich in history. Then continue south to the Sinis Peninsula, where quiet beaches like Is Arutas and ancient seaside ruins at Tharros await. Flamingos are a frequent sight in the nearby Cabras lagoons.

End this stage along the wild Costa Verde or the craggy Costa Iglesiente, home to abandoned mining towns, dramatic cliffs, and the remote dunes of Piscinas.

Must-Sees: Alghero, Grotta di Nettuno, Bosa, Sinis Peninsula, Tharros, Piscinas, Costa Iglesiente
Where to Stay: 1–2 nights in Alghero, 1–2 nights in Sinis or Oristano

Days 8–10: The South Coast – History & Flavors

Heading south, detour to the unspoiled beaches around Capo Spartivento, where crystal-clear waters meet secluded coves. Before reaching the capital, make a stop at the ancient ruins of Nora, beautifully set by the sea.

Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, deserves a full day. Explore the historic Castello quarter, spot flamingos in the Molentargius Park, and relax on the long city beaches.

Wrap up this leg with a couple of days on the island’s southeast coast. Between Mari Pintau and Costa Rei, you’ll find some of Sardinia’s most idyllic beaches – perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and simply unwinding.

Must-Sees: Capo Spartivento, Nora, Cagliari, Mari Pintau, Costa Rei
Where to Stay: 1–2 nights in Portoscuso/Capo Spartivento/Cagliari, 1–2 nights at Costa Rei

Days 11–14: The East Coast – Adventure & Hidden Coves

From the southern end of the east coast, drive north toward Tortolì, with scenic stops like the hilltop ruins of Castello di Quirra and beautiful beaches such as Cala Sa Figu or Spiaggia di Cea.

Use Tortolì or the mountain village of Baunei as your base for a few days of nature-packed adventure. Hike into the jaw-dropping Gola Gorropu, one of Europe’s deepest canyons, or explore the mystical Golgo Plateau. Craving more coast? Hike to the iconic Cala Goloritzé or take a boat trip to the surreal beaches of Cala Mariolu, Cala Luna, or Cala Sisine – each one more breathtaking than the last.

For a relaxed finale, spend your last nights in San Teodoro, where you can enjoy the sweeping sands of La Cinta Beach or hike through the fragrant forests of Monte Nieddu.

Must-Sees: Castello di Quirra, Cala Sa Figu, Gola Gorropu, Cala Goloritzé, Cala Luna, San Teodoro
Where to Stay: 1–2 nights in Tortolì or Baunei, 1–2 nights in San Teodoro

Interactive Map of All Highlights

To help plan your route, check out our interactive Sardinia map, featuring all major stops, scenic roads, and must-see attractions:

Practical Travel Tips

Bring your own car or rent one: Highly recommended for full flexibility and freedom
Roads: Coastal roads are winding but scenic – allow extra time
Best Travel Time: May–June or September–October for fewer crowds and mild weather
Accommodation: A mix of agriturismos, B&Bs, and boutique hotels adds variety
Navigation: Offline maps or Google Maps work well – some remote areas lack signal

Our conclusion: This 14-day road trip around Sardinia, starting from Olbia, takes you through the island’s most stunning and diverse landscapes – from glamorous northern beaches to the wild cliffs of the east. It’s a journey packed with culture, nature, adventure, and relaxation.

Pro tip: Prefer to start in Cagliari? No problem. Just reverse the loop and travel clockwise – the experience will be just as rich, just in a different order.

Additional reading suggestions for you:

Northern Sardinia: From Costa Smeralda to Costa Paradiso

Sardinia’s Wild West Coast: Highlights from Alghero to Costa Iglesiente

Best Time to Visit Sardinia: Weather, Culture & Seasons at a Glance