7 day itinerary for North Sardinia
Your Sardinia adventure kicks off from London Stansted with a flight of around 2½ hours to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, making it an easy Mediterranean destination from the UK. This blog post gives you ideas of how to spend 7 days in Sardinia.
Sardinia is a big island, roughly the size of Wales, with a rugged interior and dramatic coastline. There are three main airports: Olbia in the northeast, Alghero in the northwest and Cagliari in the south. Olbia is the most convenient base for the Costa Smeralda and northern beaches.
Hiring a car is essential if you want to explore properly. We used Budget and paid around £200 for a week, but other reliable companies include Avis, Hertz, Sixt and Europcar. Prices are similar across providers, especially in shoulder season, and booking in advance is recommended. Flights in September were around £200 return with Ryanair including luggage. If you’re travelling for a shorter trip (no luggage needed) or catch a sale, flights can often be under £100, especially outside peak summer months.
Day 1 Arrival & Explore Porto Cervo
After landing in Olbia, it’s around a 40-minute drive to the Dolce Vita Boutique Hotel in Porto Cervo. Once checked in, we headed straight out for lunch at Pizzeria Spinnaker (5 min walk), which had lovely mountain views and served delicious pasta. The Braised Agnolotti in Walnut Sauce and Trio Tortelli Pumpkin were a great start to our first trip to Sardinia.
The afternoon was spent relaxing at the hotel in the pool and at the rooftop hot tub before heading into Porto Cervo marina in the evening. Porto Cervo is known as one of the most affluent areas in Sardinia, famous for luxury yachts, designer boutiques and glamorous restaurants. Prices here can be high, but it’s still worth exploring and is a good base for the Costa Smeralda. Parking was also free which was a bonus.
For dinner, we ate at Myrto Restaurant & Pizzaeria in the centre of town. The restaurant has a gorgeous fairy-lit terrace and, although prices are on the higher side, the Piccante pizza with salami, nduja and buffalo burrata was simply amazing – genuinely one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had.
Day 2 – Beaches & an evening in Porto Cervo
We started the morning at Spiaggia Piccolo Pevero, just a 10-minute drive from Porto Cervo. Parking is limited, so it’s best to arrive early. The beach itself is a beautiful crescent of soft sand with shallow, turquoise water, making it perfect for a relaxedswim.
Close by is Bar Baretto Cala di Volpe, an outdoor restaurant serving focaccias, pizza and pasta, with a small playground that’s ideal if you’re travelling with children.
From there, it’s a short five-minute drive to Spiaggia del Principe. Parking is available, followed by a scenic 15-minute walk along a path offering beautiful views as you approach the beach. This is one of the most stunning beaches in the area, with crystal-clear water and a peaceful atmosphere.
On many beaches in Sardinia, you’ll find sunbeds and umbrellas available to rent, usually starting from around 20–30 euros, but you’re also free to lay down a towel or beach mat if you prefer.
In the early evening, we returned to Porto Cervo and drove to Chiesa di Stella Maris for the incredible views overlooking the marina.
For drinks in Porto Cervo, Zamira Lounge is a great choice with gorgeous sunset views, though it’s important to arrive early to secure a table. Considering the location, drinks were reasonably priced.
We also eat at Elite Promenade Café, which had a queue when we arrived. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s one of the more reasonably priced restaurant options in Porto Cervo.
Day 3 – Day Trip to Maddalena Islands
Day 3 is all about getting out on the water and exploring the stunning La Maddalena archipelago, one of the most beautiful parts of northern Sardinia.
The boat trip we booked through Viator departed from Palau at around 10am, which is roughly a 40-minute drive from Porto Cervo. Palau is a small seaside town and parking gets very busy in the morning, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid the stress. Once parked, you head down to the harbour to board your boat for the day.
Full day boat trip La Maddalena
We booked a full-day boat trip that took us around several islands in the national park, combining swimming stops with time to relax onshore. One of the first stops was Isola di Spargi, where you have time to relax on the beach and take a short walk along the shoreline.
The boat then passes Isola Budelli, home to the famous Spiaggia Rosa, or pink beach. Access to the beach itself is restricted to protect it, but cruising past and seeing the blush-toned sand from the water is still a highlight of the trip.
Next is the island of Santa Maria for another beach stop. You can choose to sunbathe, swim or walk to the old lighthouse on the island.
Later in the day, the boat stops at La Maddalena town itself. This is a lovely place to wander, with colourful buildings, small shops and lively squares. We stopped at Art Café in the main square for a drink before heading back to the boat.
After returning to Palau in the late afternoon, we drove back towards Porto Cervo. Just 10 minutes away is Roccia di Capo dell’Orso, also known as Bear Rock. There is a small entrance fee of around 3 euros per person, and the viewpoint offers panoramic views over the coastline. We didn’t have time to do this ourselves, but it’s an easy addition if your schedule allows.
For dinner, we ate at La Bricola, a gorgeous restaurant close to our hotel and the perfect place to wind down after a long day out at sea.
If you’re looking for other dining options in Porto Cervo, Retro is a popular local spot, Captain Bell is good for casual drinks, and Churrascaria Porto Cervo 1865 offers a Brazilian buffet.
Day 4 – Travel to Castelsardo via Li Cossi Beach
Day 4 begins with a scenic drive from Porto Cervo towards Castelsardo, with a stop at one of Sardinia’s most breathtaking beaches, Li Cossi. Parking close to the beach is very limited, so arriving early is essential. If the small car park is full, you’ll need to continue up the road and park in an alternative car park around 15–20 minutes away on foot.
How to access Li Cossi Beach
Li Cossi beach is accessed via a coastal footpath that takes around 20 minutes to walk. The path is steep in places, but it’s an absolutely stunning route, with dramatic cliffs, Mediterranean greenery and flashes of turquoise sea along the way. Walking it in the heat with a three-year-old wasn’t exactly easy, but it was completely worth it!
Just before starting the walk, there’s a small café perched above the coastline with gorgeous views and a shaded seating area, perfect on hotter days. We stopped here for a charcuterie board and panini, which were very reasonably priced and ideal before the walk down.
Li Cossi itself is simply stunning. Tucked into a protected cove, the beach is known for its golden sand, calm emerald-green water and striking contrast between the sea and the surrounding red and orange cliffs. The water here is shallow and crystal clear, making it great for swimming, and the sheltered setting means it often feels peaceful despite its popularity.
You can hire sunbeds and umbrellas or simply grab a towel and find a spot on the sand. There’s a small kiosk on the beach selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, along with a few snacks. There is just one toilet on the beach, and you need to ask the kiosk staff for the key.
After soaking up the views and enjoying some time on the beach, we continued the drive towards Castelsardo, ready to explore one of Sardinia’s most charming historic towns next.
Day 5 – Stintino
Day 5 takes you further north to Stintino, with a couple of memorable stops along the way. As you drive, it’s worth detouring to see Elephant Rock, one of Sardinia’s most unusual natural landmarks. This large rock formation near Castelsardo has been shaped by wind and rain over thousands of years and resembles an elephant, complete with a trunk.
La Pelosa
From there, continue on to Stintino (around a hour), a small former fishing village best known for La Pelosa beach, often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Visiting La Pelosa requires a bit of planning, as access is limited to protect the beach. You must book in advance online, there is an entrance fee of around 3 euros per person, and visitors are required to bring a wicker beach mat to place under their towels to help preserve the sand.
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to hire and cost around 40 euros for the day, though you can also choose to lay your own mat and towel if you prefer. La Pelosa is famous for its incredibly shallow water, which stays knee-deep for a long way out, making it perfect for families with young children. The water here is a striking shade of turquoise, often compared to the Caribbean.
One of the most iconic sights at La Pelosa is the small stone tower, Torre della Pelosa, which sits in the middle of the sea just offshore and adds to the beach’s postcard-perfect setting.
Around the area, there’s plenty to do beyond swimming and sunbathing. You can take a scenic walk towards Torre del Falcone, which offers elevated views back over the coastline, or explore the nearby paths and viewpoints around Stintino itself.
There are several café kiosks and beachside restaurants close to La Pelosa, and prices are refreshingly reasonable for such a famous spot. Menus typically include sandwiches, pizza and pasta, as well as meat and fish dishes, making it easy to spend the whole day here without needing to rush off elsewhere.
Day 6 – Exploring Castelsardo
Day 6 is all about exploring Castelsardo, one of the most picturesque towns on Sardinia’s north coast. This historic seaside town is famous for its colourful houses stacked along the hillside, narrow cobbled streets, and sweeping views across the Mediterranean. The old town is built on a steep hill, so there are plenty of steps and sloping streets to navigate, but the effort is well worth it for the scenery and atmosphere. We stayed in a gorgeous 2 bedroom Air B&B in the centre with stunning views over Castelsardo.
In the centre of Castelsardo, there is a small beach that’s ideal for a quick swim or a peaceful break during your walk around town. For larger beaches, both Spiaggia Lu Bagnu and Baia Ostina are just a 10-minute drive away and offer clear water and beautiful coastal settings.
As you explore, walk uphill towards Doria Castle at the top of the town. Along the way, you’ll pass charming alleyways, local craft shops, and quiet viewpoints. Once near the castle, the views become truly spectacular, stretching across the sea and coastline and providing some of the best photo opportunities in the area.
Close to the historic centre, there is also a coastal path that runs right by the shoreline. This scenic trail is an easy walk and offers uninterrupted views across the sea, perfect for a relaxed stroll away from the busier streets.
Where to eat in Castelsardo
When it comes to eating out, Castelsardo has several excellent options, with the majority based in the historic centre.
- Trattoria Pizzeria Da Maria Giuseppe is very popular, so it’s best to book ahead, especially if you’d like a table on the terrace. Reasonably priced with pasta dishes from 12Euros.
- Ristorante Rocca Ja is located just outside the town and sits on a scenic cliff, offering great food alongside stunning views.
- Trattoria Da Toti is a well-loved local spot that was recommended but we didn’t visit.
- Ristorante Spaghetteria Arangona is known for its gorgeous hilltop views and seafood-focused menu.
- Trattoria Da Edoardo is another popular choice serving traditional Sardinian pasta specialties.
Day 7 – Golfo Arancini Boat Trip and Exploring Olbia
Day 7 begins with a drive from Castelsardo to Olbia, which takes around 1.5 hours. We stayed at Tramas Hotel and Spa, conveniently located right in the centre of Olbia, making it easy to explore the city on foot.
Golfo Aranci
Just 15 minutes from Olbia is Golfo Aranci for our eco-friendly dolphin-watching boat trip booked through Get Your Guide. The speedboat ride itself was bumpy, fun, and exciting. Unfortunately dolphins weren’t easily visible during our trip – we caught a fin or two but that was it. That may just have been down to timing or conditions, but it wasn’t quite what we expected.
Golfo Aranci is also worth visiting in its own right. There’s a lovely beach with clear water, as well as a coastal walking path that runs alongside the sea.
Where to eat in Olbia
Olbia itself is a lovely city to wander around – the historic centre has wide pedestrian streets and small squares with restaurants and cafes.
Just a five minute walk from our hotel is Parco Fausto Noce, a large park with a playground for children. Nearby, local pizzeria, Tierra La Rue, is recommended for lunch or dinner.
The Olbia ferris wheel rises above the harbour, offering views of the sea and the glowing city below. Nearby, the bright LOVE sign has become a favourite photo spot.
There are plenty of good places to eat in Olbia. Recommended restaurants include:
- Ristorante Il Gambero
- Ristorante Barbagia
- L’Officina del Gusto
- Rio Brazilian
- Tierra La Rue
You must try Gelateria Villi for the best pistachio gelato!
One of the big advantages of staying in Olbia is the convenience as the airport is only about a 15-minute drive away.
7 days in North Sardinia offered a balanced mix of coastline, culture and stunning landscape! Hope you have found these ideas useful for your trip.
East London Girl: How to spend 7 days in North Sardinia
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