White-Sand Beaches and Hilltop Hamlets: A Coastal Road Trip Around Sardinia

Perched on a granite ridge, the village of Arzachena watches over a coastline lined with small golden-sand coves. Today you’ll be setting from here out to the seven idyllic islands that make up the Maddalena archipelago. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for swimming in the warm, turquoise waters of the sea and walking through beautiful countryside. The rest of the afternoon is yours to play with. You can kick back and relax in the hotel or use your hire car to continue exploring the north coast of the island. The nearby hilly, agricultural region of Gallura is home to numerous archaeological sites, including the famous Fungo, a mushroom-shaped rock. A collection of splendid human achievements have also stood the test of time here, including the Romanesque basilica of Saccargia and the granite town of Tempio.

After a hearty breakfast this morning, hop into your hire car and travel to your next destination: the charming coastal city of Alghero, a two-hour drive away. Settle in for two nights in a beautiful farmhouse surrounded by vineyards. The rest of today is yours to spend as you please. You can use your hire car to explore the beautiful nearby beaches or relax in your beautiful hotel. We could also arrange for you to spend the day sailing to Capo Caccia and then Porto Cont, off the coast of Alghero.

After two days of fun on the coast, it’s time for a bit of history and culture. Today you’ll be discovering Alghero with a knowledgeable local guide. Nicknamed the ‘Little Sardinian Barcelona’ because of its strong Catalan influence dating back to the 14th century, this charming town delights visitors with its narrow streets winding around a peninsula surrounded by fortifications. Discover the medieval roots of the city as well as the contemporary lives of its inhabitants. This is also a great opportunity to get some insider tips and recommendations from your guide for your onward travels.

It’s time to hop into your hire car and drive to your next destination: a charming country house in Riola Sardo, a small village just north of Oristano, about a two-hour drive away. The journey there is seriously beautiful, hugging the west coast of the island and offering plenty of breathtaking views out to sea. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in your new home before settling in for a delicious meal this evening.

Today is yours to spend at leisure discovering beautiful Riolo Sardo. Nestled on the western coast of Sardinia, between the ocean and the tranquil waters of Stagno di Cabras and Rio Foghe, this is a great place to enjoy some serious R&R with sunbathing and swimming on the beach. For a dose of culture, wander through the streets of the old town of nearby Oristano, admiring the majestic Tower of San Cristoforo. You can also easily reach the archaeological site of Tharros, which has preserved the remains of several Roman constructions, including a temple.

It’s time to get back on the road. Today you’ll be heading right down to Pula, on the southern tip of the island. The quickest route takes about an and hour and a half, and cuts across country, passing through traditional villages and plenty of verdant pastures. Your home for the next two nights is a classic Mediterranean property surrounded by nature.

While the Pula Lagoon is home to amazing biodiversity, made up of sea turtles, various cetaceans and other kingfishers, Pula is also home to an array of fascinating historic sites that speak to Sardinia’s long and tumultuous history. Take Nora, for example, the island’s most important archaeological site. The remains of this ancient Punic city, founded by the Phoenicians, testify to the splendour and importance of the city in the second and third centuries BC. Today, you’ll set off to the nearby coastal city of Cagliari with a local resident guide. In turn exploited by the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians and the Romans, before being devastated by the Vandals and then the Saracens, and finally rebuilt by the Pisans and the Aragonese, this city is a treasure trove of stories.

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel this morning it’s time to head to your next destination: Cala Gonone, a charming seaside town on the scenic Gulf of Orosei. The journey takes around three-and-a-half hours driving right up the east coast. Settle in for two nights is a charming hotel located near a beach and the foot of Mount Bardia. The rest of the day is yours to play with. You can head to the beach for a dip in the ocean or we can arrange for you to head out with a knowledgeable guide to explore the Lanaitto Valley in a 4x4.

Cala Gonone is adored by locals and travellers alike for its collection of hidden coves that can only be reached by hiking or by boat. Besides its coastline, this region is also home to a collection of charming villages. Orgosolo is something of an open-air museum, with beautiful frescoes on many of its facades. There is also Mamoiada, which is famous for producing the traditional masks work by Sardinians during carnivals. We recommend visiting the Museo Delle Maschere Mediterranee to learn more about this fascinating cultural history.