7-Day Sardinia Road Trip & Hidden Gems Guide

Have a dream of blue eyes, rocky shore, and Italian small towns? Now you will have to start planning your adventure trip to Sardinia itinerary 7 days, a great mix of beaches, history, culture, and off-the-beaten-path. In this guide, Voyagefox will bring you through the beautiful coastal highways, the local lifestyle, and the Sardinia secrets, which most tourists do not get a chance to discover.

Why Sardinia Deserves a Week of Your Life

The second largest Island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia, is not only a beach destination. It is a country of contrasts, rugged mountains, crystal-clear bays, prehistoric ruins, and time-frozen towns. One week is enough to discover the glamorous and the hidden side of the island - the glamorous Costa Smeralda and the isolated coves which can be approached only by winding roads or boat.

Be it the sunsets, local wines, or ancient history, any Sardinia itinerary 7 days can provide the experience of any type of traveler.

Day 1: Arrival in Cagliari – Discover the Capital’s Charm

Start your adventure in Sardinia in the dynamic and old capital of the island, Cagliari. The Castello district is a great place to explore with its paving stone streets, pastel houses, cheerful cafes, and viewpoints unrevealed all over, with the magnificent Mediterranean. Explore the amazing Cattedrali di Santa Maria and the ancient Roman Amphitheater, and enjoy Sardinian foods in one of the local trattorias.

Hint: Finish your day at Bastione di Saint Remy with a cool aperitivo as the sun sets and bathes the city rooftops in gold, and what a wonderful and memorable beginning to your tour.

Day 2: Beaches and History in Chia & Nora

Go to the south and get to Chia beach, which is among the best places to visit in Sardinia because of its golden sand dunes and crystal-clear waters. Relax in the morning or paddleboard in its turquoise lagoons.

During the afternoon, go to the old ruins of Nora, which are one of the oldest settlements in Sardinia. These are Roman ruins in a dramatic location by the sea that cannot be found elsewhere, with a mix of history and views.

Dining: Have dinner in the beautiful town of Pula, full of local allure and traditional food.

Day 3: The West Coast – Oristano and Sinis Peninsula

On the 3rd day of your Sardinia Itinerary 7 days, drive towards the wild west coast of the island. Stop in a small town, Oristano, known as a cultural town with medieval streets. Go on to the Sinis Peninsula with its white quartz beaches and pink flamingos.

Don't forget Is Arutas Beach, also referred to as rice beach due to its small and rounded grains of quartz. It is one of the real Sardinia secrets - bright, empty, and all breathtaking.

Day 4: Bosa and Alghero – Colorful Towns and Coastal Magic

Head northwards on one of the prettiest drives in Italy, to the pastel-colored town of Bosa, on the river Temo. Explore its cobblestone streets and to the Malaspina Castle to see the city in its entirety.

Keep on to Alghero, a Catalanized city having a lovely old town and vibrant waterfront. Shop down its small streets, have fresh seafood, and stroll along the old city walls as the sun goes down.

When you have time, you can go on a boat tour of Neptune Grotto; it is a spectacular sea cave that is among the best sites to be seen in Sardinia.

Day 5: Castelsardo and La Maddalena Archipelago

Get up early to the town of Castelsardo, which is one of the most photogenic towns on the island. Located on a scenic hilltop, it is a medieval venue with breathtaking scenery and numerous crafted stores that deal with handcrafted baskets and ceramics.

In the afternoon, go to Palau and take the ferry to La Maddalena Archipelago--a group of islands within one of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean.

You can spend your evening exploring the main island of La Maddalena, where there are quaint streets and restaurants that face the sea.

Day 6: Island-Hopping in La Maddalena

Spend a day exploring Sardinia's secrets in the midst of this amazing archipelago. Call on board a boat and visit the islands of Spargi, Budelli, and Santa Maria.

One of the most photographed places in Italy is Budelli and its Pink Beach(Spiaggia Rosa), though it is a protected place, even with its only view, one cannot forget it. Snorkel in crystal clear lagoons, have a picnic on an empty beach, and feel that you have discovered your own heaven.

Go back to La Maddalena to spend your free time in a glass of local wine, Vermentino.

Day 7: Costa Smeralda – Glamour and Scenic Drives

Complete your Sardinia tour in 7 days, adding some luxury to it on the Costa Smeralda, the most upscale coastline of the island. Cruise to Porto Cervo, where mega yachts and designer boutiques are the order of the day.

However, there are more secluded coves, such as Spiaggia del Principe and Cala Brandinchi: two of the most suitable spots to explore in the Sardinia peninsula, with its Caribbean-like water and white sand.

Spend your final evening in Sardinia in a beach picnic or a seaside aperitivo and think of the wild beauty of the island and its unforgettable beauty.

Hidden Gems You Shouldn’t Miss in Sardinia

To make your trip extra special, here are a few more Sardinia hidden gems worth detouring for:

• Gorropu Gorge – One of Europe’s deepest canyons, perfect for hikers.

• Cala Goloritzé – A UNESCO-listed beach accessible only by hike or boat.

• Orgosolo – Known for its political murals and strong Sardinian identity.

• Su Nuraxi di Barumini – A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient nuraghe towers.

• San Pietro Island – A quiet island escape with fishing villages and volcanic cliffs.

These spots will give your Sardinia itinerary 7 days an authentic twist, far from the crowds.

Travel Tips for Your Sardinia Itinerary 7 Days

• Best time to visit: May to early October, when the weather is warm and the sea is calm.

• Getting around: Renting a car is essential to exploring Sardinia's hidden gems. Roads are scenic but winding — take your time.

• Currency: Euro (€).

• Language: Italian, but many locals speak English in tourist areas.

• Food to try: Porceddu (roast piglet), culurgiones (stuffed pasta), and seadas (cheese pastry with honey).

Voyagefox recommends booking accommodation early, especially in summer, as Sardinia is a favorite among European travelers.

Why Sardinia Belongs on Every Travel Bucket List

Why You Should Add Sardinia to Your Bucket List Sardinia is more than just another Mediterranean destination — it is an island full of pleasant surprises around every corner. The juxtaposition of luxury resorts and untamed lands or lively towns and quiet beaches makes for endless exploration.

 In this 7-day Sardinia itinerary, you will witness the very best places to see in Sardinia and discover hidden Sardinia gems that will never leave you. First time visiting Sardinia or returning? This island will always call you back with its charm and authenticity. So pack your bags, rent that car, and get ready to fall in love with Sardinia again: an adventure in the true spirit of Italy. Your adventure starts here, with Voyagefox for travel inspiration.