11-Day Round Trip Around Sardinia
If you want to see the whole island on one trip, a round trip is unavoidable. This route loops once clockwise around the island – coast, mountain villages, and the capital included, with no unnecessary backtracking.
Sardinia is bigger than many expect – for this route, a rental car is worthwhile (see our article on driving in Sardinia), since some legs run along winding mountain roads. The route moves consistently in one direction clockwise around the island, so no leg has to be driven twice.
The route
- Day 1 – Arrival in Olbia: Arrive by ferry or flight, first night in the northeast.
- Day 2 – La Maddalena & Isola dei Gabbiani: Head north first: island-hopping in the archipelago (boat tour) and a stop at the Isola dei Gabbiani kite spot near Palau.
- Day 3 – On to the northwest: Drive along the north coast to Stintino, afternoon at Spiaggia della Pelosa.
- Day 4 – Sinis Peninsula: Continue down the west coast, with a stop along the way at the Giants of Mont'e Prama and the quartz-sand beach Is Arutas.
- Day 5 – Cagliari: Explore the capital on foot, including the Castello district and the city beach Spiaggia del Poetto.
- Day 6 – Chia & a long drive: Morning at the beach of Chia in the south, then the route's longest leg toward Ogliastra/Golfo di Orosei in the east.
- Day 7 – Golfo di Orosei: The island's most spectacular coves: Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Luna, usually reachable by boat from Cala Gonone.
- Day 8 – Supramonte: Hike to the hidden mountain village of Tiscali, see also our hiking article.
- Day 9 – Barbagia: The murals of Orgosolo and the longevity region Blue Zone Barbagia, plus a Cantu a Tenore performance if the timing works out.
- Day 10 – Back toward Olbia: Return to the northeast, with a stop at the beaches near San Teodoro (La Cinta and Cala Brandinchi).
- Day 11 – Departure: Short drive back to Olbia's ferry port or airport (see Ferry Ports Compared).
This route shows why Sardinia is often described as "several islands in one": coast, high mountains, and a big city are only a few driving hours apart here.
Who this route suits
Ideal for anyone with enough time who doesn't want to stay in just one place. If you have less time, it's best to combine only two or three of the regions mentioned instead of the full route – see for example our more compact 7-day northeast route.
Practical tip: don't relocate every day – it's best to pick 4 to 5 fixed bases (e.g. northeast, Cagliari, Golfo di Orosei, Barbagia) and take day trips from there instead of repacking daily. Day 6, with its long drive east, can also be split into two days if needed.