📍 Italy

SARDINIA COMPLETE TOUR: TWELVE CITIES AND ISLAND SOUL

Baroque cities gleaming gold under coastal sun, medieval fortresses perched on cliffs, inland traditions preserved. Sardinia's twelve cities.

≈ 13
Days
635
Km
12
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Discover Cagliari between baroque bastions and sea horizons, then reach Oristano and its medieval heart. In Sassari, feel the northern culture vibrate in the streets, before following the river to Bosa and its colorful facades. Castelsardo dominates the sea from its fortress, while Nuoro reveals a more inland Sardinia, proud and mountainous.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Cagliari

baroque capital southern coast grandeur

🔍

Discover

1
Historic Castello district - narrow alleyways perched above the Mediterranean with ancient palaces
2
Santa Maria Cathedral - religious building in the heart of the historic district
3
Terrazza Umberto I - panoramic viewpoint with stunning views over the bay and the city
🎯

Activities

Walk in Parco di Monte Urpinu - green escape in the heart of the capital
Relaxation on Poetto beach - long stretch of sand facing the Mediterranean Sea
Discovery of Sardinian festivals and cultural traditions in the lively alleyways
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 92 km
Travel time: 1h51
2
Day

Carloforte

fishing island carloforte colony

🔍

Discover

1
Carloforte - fishing village with Genoese influences on the island of San Pietro accessible by ferry
2
Historic center - narrow alleyways and lively squares with authentic Ligurian atmosphere
🎯

Activities

Ferry crossing to the island of San Pietro from the southwest coast
Swimming at Spiaggia della Bobba - cove with crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling
Tasting of bluefin tuna specialties according to local culinary tradition
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 115 km
Travel time: 2h18
3
Day

Oristano

medieval city inland treasure

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Discover

1
Torre di San Cristoforo - medieval tower symbol of the city dominating the historic center
2
Museo Archeologico Antiquarium Arborense - treasures from the Phoenician era to the medieval period
🎯

Activities

Stroll through the historic center with streets filled with Sardinian legends
Excursion to the crystal-clear beaches of the Sinis peninsula
Discovery of surrounding archaeological sites witnessing the Phoenician past
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Next stop
Distance: 57 km
Travel time: 1h09
4
Day

Bosa

river mouth clifftop castle

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Discover

1
Bosa - multicolored houses reflecting in the Temo river, the only navigable river in Sardinia
2
Castello Malaspina - fortress dominating the town with panoramic view over the river and sea
🎯

Activities

Strolling through narrow alleyways lined with historic buildings and artisan shops
Malvasia tasting - local wine with enchanting aromas produced in the region
Walk along the Temo to admire the colorful reflections of the houses
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 43 km
Travel time: 51min
5
Day

Alghero

catalonian coast medieval gothic

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Discover

1
Alghero ramparts - fortifications offering breathtaking panoramas over the Mediterranean at sunset
2
Santa Maria Cathedral - Catalan Gothic architecture in the heart of the historic center
3
Centro storico - cobbled alleyways steeped in Catalan heritage, nicknamed the Barceloneta of Sardinia
🎯

Activities

Boat excursion to the Grotta di Nettuno - spectacular marine cave with limestone concretions
Descent via the Escala del Cabirol - steep staircase of more than 600 steps to the cave
Lobster tasting Algherese style - local culinary specialty with marine flavors
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 36 km
Travel time: 43min
6
Day

Sassari

northern city cultural pulse

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Discover

1
Piazza d'Italia - monumental square bordered by elegant palaces, heart of Sardinia's second city
2
San Nicola Cathedral - imposing church at the heart of the historic center with cobblestone streets
🎯

Activities

Walk through the historic center with its ancient palaces and imposing churches
Visit to Parco di Monserrato - haven of peace with splendid views over the city
Discovery of equestrian traditions during the Cavalcata Sarda festival
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Next stop
Distance: 32 km
Travel time: 38min
7
Day

Castelsardo

medieval fortress clifftop dragon

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Discover

1
Castelsardo - 12th-century medieval fortress perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Gulf of Asinara
2
Castello dei Doria - castle at the summit housing a museum on history and basket weaving
3
Sant'Antonio Abate Cathedral - church with impressive domed bell tower
🎯

Activities

Exploration of the labyrinth of cobblestone streets, steep stairs and colorful houses
Shopping in local craft shops specializing in traditional basketry
Swimming at Lu Bagnu beach near the medieval city
+1 Optional activities
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Next stop
Distance: 70 km
Travel time: 1h24
8
Day

Santa Teresa Gallura

cape town windswept northern

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Discover

1
Santa Teresa Gallura - town at the extreme north of Sardinia with panoramic views of the Strait of Bonifacio and Corsica
2
Emblematic lighthouse - guides the gaze toward the horizon where sea and sky merge
3
Archaeological site of Lu Brandali - remnants of the thousand-year-old Nuragic civilization
🎯

Activities

Relaxation on Rena Bianca beach - fine sand and crystal-clear waters facing Corsica
Stroll on Piazza San Vittorio - lively heart lined with cafes and shops
Ferry excursion to nearby Corsica for a day trip
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Next stop
Distance: 24 km
Travel time: 29min
9
Day

La Maddalena

maritime archipelago granite islands

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Discover

1
La Maddalena - jewel of the archipelago with turquoise waters and fine sand beaches worthy of the most beautiful postcards
2
Historic center - narrow streets and colorful houses with authentic charm
3
La Maddalena Archipelago National Park - ecological sanctuary protecting unique biodiversity
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Activities

Ferry crossing to the archipelago from Palau
Excursion to Caprera island - visit to the house of Giuseppe Garibaldi, hero of Italian unity
Tour of the wild islands and islets of the archipelago by boat
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 43 km
Travel time: 51min
10
Day

Olbia

east coast emerald gateway

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Discover

1
San Simplicio Basilica - 11th century Romanesque church, one of the oldest in Sardinia
2
Old center of Olbia - shopping streets and lively squares blending old and modern
🎯

Activities

Discovery of archaeological remains witnessing the millennial history of the city
Swimming at Porto Istana and Pittulongu beaches - turquoise waters of the Costa Smeralda
Stroll through the alleys of the historic center among shops and trattorias
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 82 km
Travel time: 1h38
11
Day

Orosei

coastal village marine sanctuary

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Discover

1
Historic center of Orosei - preserved historic center with traditional houses and picturesque squares
2
Orosei Coast - wild coastline with pristine beaches and hidden coves
🎯

Activities

Boat excursion to Cala Gonone - coves accessible only by sea with spectacular landscapes
Hiking to the Gorges of Su Gorropu - nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Europe with dizzying walls
Strolling through narrow streets lined with traditional Sardinian houses
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 41 km
Travel time: 49min
12
Day

Nuoro

mountain town granite traditions

🔍

Discover

1
Museum of Sardinian Life and Popular Traditions - museum showcasing costumes, everyday objects and traditional crafts
2
Historic center of Nuoro - authentic alleyways telling the story of inland Sardinia
🎯

Activities

Climb to Monte Ortobene - panoramic summit over the Barbagia mountains inviting hiking
Immersion in authentic Sardinian culture away from seaside clichés
Discovery of local crafts and preserved traditions of the mountainous region

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, ideal touring conditions.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere, beach season, festival time.

Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, harvest season, wine tourism, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful colors, culinary focus.

Winter (November-March): Mild southern weather, Christmas markets, lowest prices, minimal crowds, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 10 and 16 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Italy?

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