The East Coast of Sardinia in 12 days | Tours of Italy

Route

Four carefully chosen bases take you from the south at Villasimius and Cagliari to Cardedu, the inland area around Oliena and finally the Costa Smeralda in the north.

Rhythm

Your days will alternate effortlessly between a morning in the Castello district of Cagliari, a boat trip along hidden coves in the Gulf of Orosei and a hike in the rugged Supramonte mountains, ending the evening with a glass of Cannonau by the sea.

Highlights

From Roman heritage and prehistoric nuraghe towers to the azure blue beaches of Cala Luna and Cala Goloritzè, the murals of Orgosolo and the contrast between the authentic inland and the sophisticated Porto Cervo with views of the Maddalena archipelago.

Accommodation

You will stay alternately on pearly white beaches, in a country hotel near Oliena where folklore and tradition are still alive, and close to, but deliberately not in the middle of, the Costa Smeralda, each time chosen to truly experience the surroundings.

Profile

For travellers who want to understand Sardinia in all its contrasts: from shepherd culture to jet set, from rugged mountains to turquoise sea, with as much attention to bottarga and suckling pig as to the beach.

Day 1: departure to Cagliari

Pick up your hire car at the airport and drive to your hotel. You will be staying near Villasimius, in the south-east, right by the sea and the beach. If you prefer, you can also choose a hotel west of the capital Cagliari, also located on the beach.

Day 2: exploring the area

If you are staying in the south-east, you can admire the pearly white beaches of Costa Rei and Villasimius. From the port of Villasimius, you can take a boat trip to discover the beautiful coastline of south-east Sardinia. Those travelling by car can discover the rugged and spectacular inland area, including the “Stagne di Colostrai”, basins with flamingos, and the medieval town of Muravera. Those staying west of Cagliari can visit the archaeological site of Nora, the spectacular beaches of San Pietro and Porto Pino, the island of Sant'Antocio, the caves of Is Zuddas and the former coal mine of Carbonia.

Day 3: Cagliari

You will visit the bustling capital Cagliari, with its Roman amphitheatre (2nd century) and its southern “Castello” district, surrounded by impressive fortified walls. Here you can stroll along narrow streets lined with tall patrician houses and past the cathedral, the town hall and the palace of the viceroys of Sardinia. One of the few entrances to this district is the Elephant Tower, which offers a magnificent view of the city. If you want to relax for a while, you can visit the botanical gardens, an oasis of tranquillity with exotic trees, cacti and splashing fountains.

Day 4: Bari Sardo and prehistory

Today you will head north towards Cardedu, where you will stay in a hotel located on a beautiful white sandy beach. Bari Sardo, with its rustic cottages and colonial villas, is 7 km away. The symbol of the town, which is known for its textiles, is the 16th-century Aragonese tower, located on a rock by the sea. There are numerous archaeological remains in the area, such as the prehistoric burial chambers “Domus de Janas” (= witches' houses) in Pizzu “e Monti and the 'nuraghe”, towers from the Bronze Age, of Sellersu.

Days 5 and 6: nature parks and azure blue bays

The town of Baunei is panoramically situated against the Monte Santo ridge. Surrounding the village is the “Supramonte” mountain range, a paradise for hikers and climbers. A gully leads to “Pedra Longa”, a high rock point, a natural monument by the sea. Eight kilometres of hairpin bends lead you to the Golgo plateau, with “Su Sterru”, the deepest vertical gorge in Europe (270 metres), and breathtaking views over the Gennargentu nature park and the Bay of Orosei. A little further on is Santa Maria Navarrese, with its 11th-century church and 17th-century watchtower. Here, you can take a boat trip from the harbour along beautiful azure bays with hidden caves and enchanting white beaches that can only be reached by boat or on foot. No wonder this coastline, with beaches such as “Cala Goloritzè” and “Cala Luna” and the beautiful “Grotta del Fico”, is one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.

Day 7: Dorgali - Oliena

On the way, you can stop off in the charming town of Dorgali, where some of the buildings and churches in the old town are made of volcanic rock. Northwest of the town lies “Serra Orios”, one of the best-preserved “nuraghe” villages on the island. Then continue towards Oliena, where you will stay in a country hotel near Oliena. Here you will be immersed in the real Sardinia of folklore and traditions, away from the beaten track.

Day 8: Orgosolo

From the hotel, you will take a walk to the Su Gologone spring, which rises from a deep gorge in the rocks. You will visit Orgosolo, a pleasant shepherding village known for its murales, murals often with revolutionary political messages and social themes that bear witness to a proud people.

Days 9, 10 and 11: La Costa Smeralda

From today, you will be staying near the exclusive “Costa Smeralda”, an enchanting 55 km coastline, which was purchased in 1960 by the wealthy Aga Khan Karim IV as a playground for the jet set. Be sure to take a stroll in Porto Cervo with its cobbled streets and colourful houses, which house expensive boutiques. The marina is home to the most beautiful and largest luxury yachts of the rich and famous, and on the horizon lies the enchanting Maddalena archipelago. The seven islands can be reached by boat from Cannigione or Palau and can also be admired from the more northerly Capo d'Orso. This “Bear Cape” is named after a jagged granite rock, sculpted by the wind into the shape of a bear. From here, you have a breathtaking view of the Strait of Bonifacio and the island of Corsica. The “Capo Testa” nature park near Santa Teresa di Gallura is also highly recommended. Inland lies the extremely charming mountain village of San Pantaleo, with its lively weekly market, and the smaller town of Arzachena, which is a wonderful place to shop!

Day 12: Return home

Unfortunately, your holiday has come to an end. You will drive back to Olbia Airport, where you will return your hire car and head home.

Frequently asked questions about travelling along the east coast of Sardinia

When is the best time to take this tour along the east coast of Sardinia?

May, June and September are ideal. Pleasant temperatures, warm sea and less crowds on the C

Is a hire car necessary for this tour of the east coast of Sardinia?

Yes. The most beautiful places are off the main roads: the Golgo plateau, Supramonte, small archaeological sites and secluded beaches. With your own car, you can decide where to stop and how long to stay.

What makes this Sardinia trip different from a standard beach holiday?

You combine four faces of Sardinia: the capital and beaches, prehistoric heritage, mountain villages with murals and the exclusive Costa Smeralda. This route allows you to understand the island through culture, nature and gastronomy, not just through sun loungers.