North Sardinia: 7-Day Itinerary

Seven days in northern Sardinia are enough to combine Gallura, islands, historic towns and the north-west coast. This itinerary starts around Olbia and ends in Alghero, following a linear route designed to avoid repeatedly driving the same roads while still covering some of the region's most popular destinations without turning the holiday into a marathon.

The itinerary crosses northern Sardinia from east to west. It is especially convenient if you arrive in Olbia and leave from Alghero or Porto Torres, but it can also be followed in reverse. A car is strongly recommended.

• Day 1: Olbia and Golfo Aranci.
• Day 2: Arzachena and Costa Smeralda.
• Day 3: Palau, La Maddalena and Caprera.
• Day 4: Santa Teresa Gallura and Capo Testa.
• Day 5: Castelsardo and the Asinara coast.
• Day 6: Stintino and Asinara, or La Pelosa.
• Day 7: Alghero and Capo Caccia.

Use your arrival day to explore the Olbia area rather than immediately driving to the most distant destinations. Walk through the centre, then head towards Golfo Aranci if you want to begin the trip with beaches and coastal scenery. Our Golfo Aranci guide can help you choose between the seafront, beaches and Capo Figari.

On the second day, explore the territory of Arzachena. This area makes it easy to combine archaeology and coast: the La Prisgiona Nuragic complex is one of Gallura's most interesting cultural sites, while Cannigione, Porto Cervo and the bays of Costa Smeralda reveal its seaside character.

Do not try to see every beach in a single day. Choose one or two and leave time for the inland landscapes as well: it is the best way to understand Gallura beyond its glamorous image.

From Palau, cross to the archipelago and devote the whole day to La Maddalena and Caprera. You can travel between the main islands or choose a boat excursion. Cala Coticcio is one of the best-known spots, but because it lies within a protected area, access rules should always be checked before visiting.

The archipelago deserves a full day. Reducing it to a brief stop means missing much of its atmosphere.

Continue towards the island's northern tip. Santa Teresa Gallura is a good base for the stretch of coast facing Bonifacio, while Capo Testa offers granite formations, small coves and panoramic trails. This is a day best enjoyed at a slower pace, especially when the Mistral makes some beaches less inviting.

Heading west, reach Castelsardo, a fortified town built on a headland overlooking the Gulf of Asinara. Spend time in the old centre, visit the castle and wander the steep streets, then continue along the north coast towards Porto Torres or Stintino for the night.

This stop marks the transition from Gallura to north-west Sardinia: the landscape, architecture and pace of the journey all begin to change.

In Stintino, choose between a beach day and an excursion to Asinara National Park. They are two very different experiences: La Pelosa is one of Sardinia's most sought-after beaches and may have seasonal access rules, while Asinara requires more planning and deserves a full day.

If you are travelling in high season, check bookings and access arrangements well in advance. Do not force Asinara and La Pelosa into two compulsory half-days; choose according to your interests.

Finish in Alghero. Walk through the old town and along the sea walls, then head to Capo Caccia. If timing and conditions allow, add Neptune's Grotto; otherwise spend more time in the city and on the beaches of the Riviera del Corallo.

To reduce driving, a practical option is to change base three times: two nights around Olbia/Arzachena, two nights around Palau/Santa Teresa, one night around Castelsardo/Stintino and two nights in Alghero. Travellers who prefer fewer hotel changes can simplify this to two bases, but should expect more daily driving.

May, June, September and early October are excellent months for combining beaches with sightseeing. July and August bring the full summer atmosphere but require more planning for traffic, parking and places with regulated access. In spring and autumn, the route can focus more heavily on historic towns, archaeology and hiking.

If the sea is your main priority, spend more time around La Maddalena and Stintino. If you prefer culture and landscapes, add Tempio Pausania, Sassari and the archaeological sites around Alghero. With two or three extra days, northern Sardinia can be explored at a much more relaxed pace.