Sardinia Itinerary: 7 Unforgettable Days Of Beaches, Boating And Adventure
Looking for Italy’s best-kept secret?
This 7-day Sardinia itinerary takes you beyond the mainland crowds to Italy’s second-largest island, filled with hidden coves, cliffside hikes, and wild, untouched beauty.
My boyfriend and I spent a week exploring this sun-drenched island, where we sailed through the dreamy La Maddalena archipelago, hiked Baunei’s untamed coastline, and relaxed in the laid-back beach town of San Teodoro.
If you’re looking for a blend of thrilling outdoor adventures and time to unwind and you only have one week, then this Sardinia itinerary is your perfect starting point.
Who this is for: Active couples and adventurous travelers
What you’ll get: A plan for one week in Sardinia with boat days and iconic hikes without tour-bus crowds.
Quick Answers:
Best month for this route: September (warm sea, fewer crowds).
Airports: OLB, CAG, AHO (connect via EU hubs).
Must-do: Rent your own boat in La Maddalena & Baunei (~€200/day + fuel).
Key reservations: Cala Goloritzé — reserve via Heart of Sardinia app
Essential gear: Water shoes, dry bag (swim to shore after anchoring boat, many beaches are rocky).
Car needed? Yes, to reach trailheads and lesser-known coves.
Where is Sardinia and why choose it over mainland Italy?
Sardinia vs mainland Italy
Sardinia is much less touristy than mainland Italy, but beloved by Europeans seeking pristine beaches and outdoor adventures. Sardinia is perfect if you’re looking for a more authentic and unique experience.
Where is Sardinia?
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, located just south of Corsica and west of mainland Italy.
While technically part of Italy, Sardinia is an autonomous region with a fiercely independent identity, traditions, and even language, Sardu, which is still spoken among locals.
How do you get to Sardinia?
Since Sardinia is still refreshingly under-the-radar for Americans, there aren’t many options for direct flights from the U.S.
Most travelers fly into a major European hub before connecting to one of Sardinia’s main airports: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB), Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG), or and Alghero Fertilia Airport (AHO).
It’s also possible to take a ferry ride from Rome, but it will take anywhere from 5.5 to 8 hours.
When is the best time to visit Sardinia?
The best time to visit Sardinia for this particular itinerary is late spring through early fall, when the weather is ideal for beaches, hiking, and boating.
- Peak season – July and August. Great weather, but more crowds and higher prices
- Best balance – September. Warm sea, fewer crowds, more serene atmosphere
Yes, there are crowds in Sardinia. While it might seem like a hidden gem to Americans, many Europeans specifically choose this island to escape the tourist-heavy hotspots of the mainland.
We visited Sardinia in early September and thought it was perfect. The sea was at its warmest, and the peak-season crowds had begun to taper off.
Planning Note: Keep in mind that some restaurants, accommodations, and tourist services operate exclusively during the high season, typically closing in October and remaining shuttered until May.
7-Day Sardinia Itinerary
Here’s a high-level overview before jumping into the details of each day.
| Day | Area | Activities |
| 1-2 | La Maddalena | •Arrive at Olbia Airport, drive to Palau |
| 3-5 | Baunei | •Ferry back to Palau |
| 6-7 | San Teodoro | •Drive from Baunei to San Teodoro |
Planning Note: This itinerary covers 7 full days exploring Sardinia. If you’re coming from the U.S. you’ll likely need to account for at least one full travel day on each end.
Days 1-2: La Maddalena Archipelago
Arriving in La Maddalena felt like stepping into a Mediterranean dream. These initial 2 days perfectly balanced beach hopping, boat cruising, and wandering through the narrow streets of this gorgeous, pastel-colored town.
Day 1: Arrival + Easy Hike to Cala Napoletana Beach
After touching down in Olbia, we picked up our rental car and drove 45 minutes north toward Palau, the gateway to La Maddalena.
Due to our late arrival, we did an overnight in Palau and caught the first ferry to La Maddalena the next morning.
If your schedule allows though, I would recommend skipping Palau and heading straight to La Maddalena. There’s much more to see and do there, so I’d suggest maximizing your time on the archipelago.
Hike to Cala Napoletana
Eager to start soaking in Sardinia’s natural beauty, we opted for an easy hike to a secluded beach: Cala Napoletana.
The path goes through Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di La Maddalena, a protected area known for its rugged, coastal trails and pristine beaches. It’s about 1.4 miles each way and took us about 20-30 minutes of easy walking.
We passed the historic ruins, fascinating rock formations, and quintessential Mediterranean foliage on our way to the famed beach. The journey was almost as good as the destination.
Cala Napoletana provided my first glimpse of Sardinia’s legendary beaches, and it did not disappoint.
My jaw dropped as I took in the striking granite boulders enclosing the cove, their diagonal fractures slashing down toward the sand. The water was so clear, I could see the individual grains of sand in vivid detail. And despite a handful of other beachgoers, the energy remained peaceful and atmospheric.
In this moment, I felt like I had finally arrived.
Day 2: Island Hopping Through the Archipelago
One of the best things about Sardinia is that you can rent your own boat without a license!
Several of Sardinia’s stunning beaches are only accessible by boat or would require a long hike to reach them.
While you can certainly join a boat tour, renting and captaining our own boat allowed us to explore independently – free from other tourists, rigid schedules, and expensive charter fees.
It cost us about 200 euros to rent our own boat for the full day (plus gas) and it was worth every cent.
We loved cruising through open water, anchoring wherever we wanted, and swimming ashore to explore the beaches on our own terms.
This was hands down the best way to explore and it was a highlight of the trip. We loved it so much, we ended up renting a boat again in Baunei!
Tips for your boat day
1. Bring water shoes
Many of the beaches have pebbles and rocky trails leading up to viewpoints. Trust me when I say water shoes are a must!
These shoes are my all-time favorite. They’re lightweight, pack flat, and dry quickly. Plus, they’re cute enough to wear around like regular shoes if needed. I’m not even getting paid to promote these either — I genuinely just love these shoes!
2. Bring a dry bag
To access the beaches, you will need to anchor the boat and then swim to shore. You’ll want to take pictures from the beach, so a dry bag is essential to safely transport your phone.
These ones are a total game changer. They’re more packable than vinyl dry bags, and they float!
Days 3-5: Baunei Region
For the next leg of our trip, we traded the pastel villages, sleek yachts, and serene beaches of La Maddalena for Baunei’s towering cliffs, rugged hiking trails, and wild, untamed coastline.
Day 3: Road trip to Baunei
We caught the ferry back to Palau and drove 3 hours south to Baunei, with views getting more dramatic the further we went – steep cliffs, deep valleys, and untouched forest.
We actually stayed in Santa Maria Navarrese to be closer to the beach and boat rentals, but made a stop in Baunei village before checking in.
Fun Fact
Baunei is one of the world’s five Blue Zones, a geographic area with an unusually high concentration of centenarians (people who are over the age of 100) and remarkably low rates of chronic illness.
Baunei embodies small town Italian charm. It’s quiet, peaceful, and enchanting, especially in the golden hour light before sunset. A tangible sense of timelessness permeates the atmosphere here.
We treated ourselves to some incredible gelato from Timasù Gelateria Artigianale and wandered the photogenic streets, capturing endless photos of the aged stone houses with their gorgeous wooden doors, the picturesque town square, and a stunning sunset over the valley below.
Baunei is a community that’s decidedly unhurried and deeply connected. It’s so different from our plugged in, hectic lives back home.
It’s no wonder how this tranquil village got its reputation for longevity and well-being.
Day 4: Hike to Cala Goloritze
This day was an epic adventure. We hiked part of the famed Selvaggio Blu trail to reach Cala Goloritzé, one of Sardinia’s most iconic beaches.
The complete Selvaggio Blu route spans 25 rugged miles, combining hiking, rock climbing, and abseiling along Sardinia’s wild eastern coast.
Due to the technical skill, physical fitness, and navigation expertise required, some consider the Selvaggio Blu to be the toughest trek in the world.
The segment we did, however, was a manageable 6.7 mile loop with a beach intermission halfway through. No rock climbing or abseiling required!
The first section ascends to the Punta Salinas summit, where the views defy description.
Standing at the edge of the cliff, I felt a sudden wave of vertigo as I gazed down the 1,529-foot drop, overlooking the Monte Caroddi pinnacle and the endless blue expanse of the Baunei coast.
Next, we descended to Cala Goloritze, the very beach we had been admiring from above.
The perspective shift felt surreal, now viewing the same pinnacle from below. We were even able to spot some rock climbers making their way up its face!
Cala Goloritze is impossibly beautiful – almost otherworldly, like something out of Lord of the Rings. It’s etched itself permanently into my memory and remains one of the most glorious beaches I’ve ever seen.
Finally, we made our way from the beach back to our starting point. This was actually the most strenuous portion of the hike, as it required a grueling uphill climb from sea level back to basecamp located at 9,600 feet.
I’m not going to sugarcoat it… This part was challenging. We were dehydrated from swimming in the saltwater and my skin was chafing from the sand, sunscreen, salt, and sweat.
My best advice is to is to visualize the ice-cold beer waiting for you back at the top, and to remind yourself that those views, that swim, and this entire experience makes this tough ascent totally worth it.
Know before you go:
1. You need a reservation
Cala Goloritze requires a small entrance fee and limits visitors to 250 guests per day. You can make reservations through the Heart of Sardinia app starting 72 hours in advance. Set multiple reminders – missing the opportunity to visit this beach would be tragic.
2. Cala Goloritze closes at 5pm
Don’t expect to watch the sunset at this beach. All visitors are required to leave Cala Goloritze at 5pm to ensure you are off the trail before dark. Start your day early to avoid feeling rushed while take your time admiring the views from the summit and enjoying the beach.
3. Conserve water for the return journey
There are no facilities at the beach, so you won’t have an opportunity to refill your water. Just remember that the way back is the most demanding, so try to resist drinking all your water in the first half of the day.
Day 5: Baunei Coast by Boat
Yes. Another boat day. Because one simply was not enough, and because Baunei offers an entirely different experience.
While La Maddalena was a more luxurious and relaxing vibe, our second boat trip in Baunei on the other hand, was wild, exhilarating, and adventurous.
The Baunei coast is a dramatic stretch of towering limestone cliffs that plunge deep into turquoise waters. It is dotted with hidden coves, beach caves, and pristine pebbly shores.
Renting our own boat made exploring this slice of Sardinia feel like we were entering unchartered territory. While there were certainly some popular beaches with many visitors, we also swam up to several that were entirely uninhabited.
That’s the untamed magic of Baunei.
It’s impossible to choose a favorite day from this itinerary, but if I absolutely had to… this might be it. Our self guided tour was wild, spontaneous, and truly unforgettable.
Pro Tip: Start far and work your way back
Most visitors and tour groups begin with the closest beaches. Reverse this strategy. Head to the farthest destinations first to beat the crowds.
Days 6-7: San Teodoro
After the raw beauty of Baunei, we returned to laid-back beach town vibes in San Teodoro. We spent these last two days unwinding and soaking up the sun before saying goodbye to Sardinia.
Day 6: Relaxing at “Little Tahiti” Beach
After several days of adventure, we were ready to slow down. And “Little Tahiti” beach, consistently ranked one of Italy’s best beaches, was the perfect place to do it.
Officially known as Cala Brandinchi, this stunning beach lived up to its nickname with its powdery white sand, shallow, crystal-clear water, and brilliant shades of turquoise.
It certainly felt more like we were in the South Pacific than the middle of the Mediterranean.
Visiting this slice of paradise, however, does require a bit of planning, and a few euros.
Planning your visit to Cala Brandinchi
Parking
There’s a large parking lot that charges a small daily fee. We had no trouble finding a spot.
Advance reservations
Due to daily visitor limits, you must make your reservation 2 days in advance through the official website.
Pricing
General access costs just a few euros, or you can upgrade to include chairs and an umbrella for anywhere between 35-60 euros depending on the seating area.
To our embarrassment, we arrived without knowing about the reservation requirement. Fortunately, some beach chairs were still available, and we gladly paid a premium to make up for our oversight.
Bring lunch
I suggest bringing your own food and drinks. While a small beach bar exists, it offers limited pre-packaged selections. Our leftover pizza and cold drinks were perfect!
Day 7: Final Adventure – Easy Hike to Spiaggia del Vacche
We ended our incredible trip with one final easy hike to a secluded beach.
Spiaggia del Vacche, aka “Cow Beach,” is another jewel in the Gallura region. And getting there was part of the adventure!
We drove to Cala Girgolu, where parking for the day cost us around 8 euros.
From there, we followed the scenic path toward Spiaggia della Tartaruga. The easy, flat trail wound its way along the coast and through a peaceful juniper forest.
On the way, we passed dozens of enticing little bays, many of which were empty. It was very tempting to stop and claim a private beach for ourselves, but we were glad we kept going. Spiaggia del Vacche was worth it.
Finally, the iconic, crescent shaped boulder greeted us on the left — our landmark letting us know we had arrived.
We spent all day on this enchanting little beach, sunbathing, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and scrambling over granite boulders to enjoy panoramic views of the nearby islands.
It was the perfect conclusion to our adventure-filled trip.
FAQs
Do you need a car in Sardinia?
Yes. Renting a car is essential for exploring Sardinia, particularly for this itinerary. Public transportation is limited, and does not reach many of the beaches and trailheads featured here.
Is 7 days in Sardinia enough?
Yes, if you focus on one or two regions like La Maddalenda or Baunei. But Sardinia is huge! We felt like we barely scratched the surface and can’t wait to go back to explore other parts of the island.
Where else is worth visiting in Sardinia?
If you have more time, consider a day trip to Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda, a popular destination known for luxury yachts and designer shops. Or, visit Santa Teresa di Gallura, a great spot for exploring Sardinia’s north coast and even catching a ferry to Corsica.
You could also add a visit to the Bronze Age nuraghi stone towers (a fascinating archealogical site), or the Grotta di Nettuno, a spectacular sea cave and natural wonder near Alghero.
Is Sardinia expensive to visit?
Sardinia can be moderately expensive, especially during peak summer months. You can save money by traveling in the shoulder season, staying in guesthouses or agriturismos, and avoiding tourist-heavy restaurants.
Do they speak English in Sardinia?
While Italian is the main language, many people in tourist areas speak some English, especially in hotels and restaurants. Learning a few basic Italian phrases can be helpful, and polite. In the areas we visited in this itinerary, we never ran into language barrier issues.
Is Sardinia safe for tourists?
Sardinia is exceptionally safe for tourists. It enjoys low crime rates and geopolitically stable conditions. We never felt insecure, even walking around at night. But as always, use your best judgement and be street smart.
Kait’s Take
As our week in Sardinia came to a close, we carried home more than just sun-kissed skin… we left with a profound adoration for this place that seamlessly blends wild beauty with quiet, understated elegance.
Since returning, Sardinia has regularly reappeared in my daydreams.
While I typically prioritize visiting new places over returning to destinations I’ve already been to, Sardinia is an exception. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
The most difficult decision would be choosing between repeating this exact itinerary, or uncovering more of the secrets this remarkable island keeps quietly hidden.