Sardinia is often mistaken for just beaches, but it is MUCH more than that! In fact, it’s a destination that blends rugged nature, ancient culture, unforgettable food, and, yes, the dazzling beaches. This 2 week Sardinia itinerary allows you to fully discover the best that Northern Sardinia has to offer.
Oh, and you won’t just skim the surface with this Sardinia guide – you can soak up the glamorous Costa Smeralda, dive into the waters along the wild Baunei Coast, stroll Alghero’s old town streets, and round out your trip island-hopping in La Maddalena. There is balance of luxury with adventure and city charm with off-the-beaten-path expeditions.
If you have less days in Sardinia, you can still follow this itinerary and cut out any of the days or cities that may not fit or make sense for you.
Please note: this Sardinia itinerary is best done with a car. Trains and public transport do not easily connect the these cities. You’ll cover the island in a logical loop (starting and finishing near Olbia). I recommend renting or bringing the car over via ferry. And don’t worry, this itinerary won’t require you going down any dodgy, overly tiny streets!
Days 1–5: Costa Smeralda (Capriccioli & surroundings)
Don’t miss my in-depth guide on How to Spend 5 days in Costa Smeralda.
Best Things to do in Costa Smeralda:
- Go beach-hopping between coves each day.
- Spend time exploring the famous port towns: Porto Cervo, Porto Rafael, Porto Rotonda, Poltu Quato
- Immerse yourself in Sardinian history and culture and plan a trip to see a Nuraghe
- Enjoy an incredible, traditional meal at a fun agriturismo
- Let loose for a night out on the town at Phi Beach
Where to stay: Costa Smeralda has everything from luxury resorts to boutique villas. For a quieter base, Capriccioli is perfect given it is close to beaches but away from the flashiest crowds.
Days 6–8: Su Gologone (Baunei Coast, Cala Gonone)
Don’t miss my in-depth guide on 3 Days at the Su Gologone Experience Hotel.
From the coast, you’ll head south and a bit inland to Su Gologone Experience Hotel, a boutique hotel that feels like stepping into an artist’s retreat. Nestled in the mountains, it’s the perfect base for exploring Sardinia’s wilder side or just getting some well-deserved R&R.
Best Things to do at Su Gologone Hotel:
- The main highlight is the hotel itself! Su Gologone is colorful, authentic, full of Sardinian art and food experiences. You can spend a couple days lounging and enjoying the property, which is like an interactive experience!
- Rent a boat and explore the Baunei coastline (from Cala Goloritzé, one of Sardinia’s most famous beaches, to Cala Luna)
- Explore the local, inland towns like Oliena
This stretch of your Sardinia trip offers adventure: hiking, boat rides, and hidden coves that feel completely different from the polished Costa Smeralda.
Days 9–11: Alghero
Don’t miss my in-depth guide on How to Spend 3 Days in Alghero, Sardinia.
On the northwest coast, Alghero blends Catalan heritage with Mediterranean charm. Its cobblestone streets, sea views, and sunset promenades make it one of Sardinia’s most romantic towns.
On the drive over, don’t forget to make a pitstop in Bosa. This colorful town is the perfect place to take a stroll and explore a cute village before finishing this part of the road trip.
Best Things to do in Alghero:
- Wander the old town, with Spanish-style architecture and lively piazzas.
- Visit Neptune’s Grotto, an impressive sea cave at Capo Caccia.
- Embark on a wine tour of Sella & Mosca
- Relax at at Cala Dragunara, a hidden cove near Capo Caccia.
- Explore the nearby area with an ATV tour – perfect for nature lovers seeking a thrill
Where to stay: Choose a boutique hotel inside or near the old town to fully enjoy the atmosphere.
Days 12–14: La Maddalena
Don’t miss my in-depth guide on How to Spend 3 Days on La Maddalena, Sardinia: The Perfect Itinerary.
We’re wrapping up this 2 week Sardinia itinerary with three days in La Maddalena, a cluster of islands off Sardinia’s northern tip. Accessible by a short ferry from Palau, it’s the ultimate finale – turquoise lagoons, secret beaches, and wild island landscapes.
Best Things to do in La Maddalena:
- Drive around the nearby island of Caprera and visit the Giuseppe Garibaldi museum
- Book a sailboat tour around the islands for swimming and snorkeling stops that you can’t reach by land.
- Enjoy slow evenings and romantic sunsets in the small town of La Maddalena
Where to stay: Cozy boutique hotels and holiday apartments are plentiful. Stay near the port for convenience and the widest variety of dining options (if you plan to eat at restaurants).
Practical Travel Tips
- Getting Around Sardinia: A car is nearly essential for a Sardinia road trip. Roads are (mostly) good, but be prepared for winding mountain drives and narrow lanes. Public transport is not very reliable and costs of cabs add up quickly.
- Best Time to Visit Sardinia: Late May/June and September are perfect for warm sea, sunny days, and fewer crowds. July and August are also fantastic, but prepare yourself that it will be hot, busy, and expensive. (Keep in mind, I have been here multiple times during August and if you follow my lead, you won’t feel overwhelmed!)
- Budget Tips for Sardinia: Costa Smeralda is the most pricey part of this trip. Try to balance it out by opting to stay at a residence and cook some meals at home. Booking ferries and hotels in advance saves money. Always book restaurants ahead to be safe.
Make sure to check out each of my in-depth guides linked under each location for a full recap of what to do, where to book, and so on! If you missed them you can find them here.
Otherwise, you may be interested in these Italy posts: