Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Arzachen - Alghero - Riola Sardo - Pula - Cala Gonone
100% customisable for you
Your 11-day Sardinian adventure begins today. Head to the airport, glide through security and unwind in the airport lounge with nibbles and refreshments before boarding your flight. Olbia is only two-and-a-half hours away – giving you just enough time to switch into holiday mode.
On arrival, collect your hire car and set off on the easy 30-minute drive to the small town of Arzachena on the island’s north-east tip. Your countryside hotel for the next two nights is a traditionally restored farmhouse backed by the Supramonte mountains.
Try to arrive hungry, because this afternoon you’ll dive into Sardinia’s flavours with a tasting of seasonal specialities and regional wines. The island’s rich, varied cuisine has been shaped over centuries by its layered history and dramatic landscapes. With succulent roast meats, artisan cheeses, paper-thin flatbreads and exceptional wines just some of the signature treats, you’d best bring your appetite.
Perched on a granite ridge, Arzachena gazes out over a sparkling coastline laced with small, golden coves. Today you’ll set sail from here to explore the idyllic Maddalena archipelago’s seven main islands. A protected national park, Maddalena’s crystalline waters and dazzling white beaches feel more Maldives than Mediterranean. With lazy snorkel stops, sandy-toed wanders, and oodles of “oh my” moments, this is your chance to soak up some of Sardinia’s most spellbinding scenery.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Lounge by the pool, sink into a Sardinian-style siesta, or drive out to discover more. The surrounding hilly, rural region of Gallura is dotted with archaeological sites, including the famous Fungo, a mushroom-shaped rock carved by the passage of time. Human history has left its mark here, too, from the Romanesque Basilica of Saccargia to the ludicrously pretty granite town of Tempio Pausania. A real head-turner, it officially ranks among Italy’s most beautiful towns.
Breakfast behind you, hop into your hire car and travel to your next destination: the charming coastal city of Alghero, around two hours away. Your base for the next two nights is a beautifully converted farmhouse set amid rolling vineyards.
The rest of today is yours to spend as you please. Stay close to home and unwind by the pool or drive out to discover the area’s pristine beaches and hidden coves.
Rather someone else takes the helm? No problem. We can also arrange a day’s private sailing trip, cruising around Capo Caccia’s dramatic cliffs and the marine reserve of Porto Conte.
After two days of coastal frolics, it’s time for a splash of history and culture. Today you’ll explore the seafront stunner that is Alghero, accompanied by an expert local guide. Shaped by nearly 400 years of Catalan rule, the town still pulses with Spanish spirit centuries on –?so much so that it’s nicknamed Barceloneta (Little Barcelona).
An absolute gem, the historic town is a beguiling blend of winding alleyways, sun-warmed piazzas and golden fortifications. As you wander, you’ll dip into its medieval roots, decode its linguistic quirks (many residents still speak Algherese Catalan) and uncover the traditions that continue to colour daily life. A goldmine of island-wide info, your guide is a maestro at bringing the city’s past and present to vivid life – so be sure to ask them for insider tips. Top of the list? Where to try aragosta alla catalana, Alghero’s signature Catalan-style lobster and still the pride of the town.
It’s time to get back into your car and strike out for your next stop: a charming country house in Riola Sardo, a sleepy village just north of Oristano, around two hours away. Hugging Sardinia’s wild west coast, the drive is seriously scenic: all big skies and breathtaking sea views, it will be over before you know it.
Once you’ve unpacked, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Settle into your new home-from-home, wander the grounds or simply relax with a book in the shade. Later, enjoy a delicious dinner showcasing the region’s rustic flavours.
Set an alarm, don’t set an alarm... your call – you’re on Riola Sardo time now. Wedged between the open sea and the flamingo-flecked waters of the Stagno di Cabras and Rio Foghe, this peaceful pocket of western Sardinia is perfect for lazy beach hours, sea swims and doing gloriously little.
Still, if culture calls, you’re within a half-hour drive of the clifftop archaeological site of Tharros. A bustling trade hub during Phoenician-Roman times, the sprawling ruins – remarkably well-preserved in parts – unfurl dramatically across a natural breakwater. In spring, when the peninsula erupts in wildflowers, the site’s a glorious coastal ramble for history buffs and horticulturalists alike.
You can loop back to the hotel via the nearby old town of Oristano: home to the majestic Tower of San Cristoforo... and Vernaccia di Oristano, Sardinia’s first DOC wine. Amber-gold with a hint of almonds, it’s traditionally served in small shot glasses and makes an excellent aperitif. Just remember, sip it, don’t slam it!
Time to hit the road again. Today you’ll cruise all the way down to Pula, on Sardinia’s sun-drenched southern tip. The quickest route takes around an hour and a half, and cuts straight across country, through traditional villages and wide stetches of verdant pastures. Your sanctuary for the next two nights is a classic Mediterranean hideaway surrounded by nature – the kind of place where time stretches and golden days melt into starlit nights. Just sit back, relax and enjoy.
Whether you’re into past lives or wildlife, Pula ticks all the boxes. The surrounding region boasts an array of fascinating historic sites, including the island’s most important archaeological site: Nora. Founded by the Phoenicians, this ancient Punic city later flourished under Roman rule, and the remains of elaborate mosaic floors, temples and thermal baths still hint at that original splendour. Meanwhile, the nearby Nora lagoon – with its abundant birdlife and sea turtle/cetacean rescue centre – is a biodiverse no-brainer for nature lovers.
Come afternoon, travel to the nearby coastal capital of Cagliari with a knowledgeable local guide. Few places wear their past as vividly as this city. Ruled in turn by Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans, later ravaged by Vandals and Saracens, then rebuilt by Pisans and the Aragonese, Cagliari is a treasure trove of stories – layered, lively and best unlocked in the company of a local.
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel this morning it’s time to head to your next destination: Oliena, a charming village located in the Barbagia region – often referred to as the Sardinian Dolomites. The journey takes around three-and-a-half hours driving right up the east coast.
When you arrive, settle in for two nights in your tranquil countryside retreat outside the village. The rest of the day is yours to play with. You could head to a nearby 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.
Loved by locals and travellers alike, the coastline here hides a string of jaw-droppingly beautiful coves that can only be reached by boat or on foot. Sure, some are a bit of a schlep to get to, but trust us – they’re worth it. (Remember water, sunscreen, a hat and the mantra ‘the tougher the trek, the better the beach’, and you’ll be fine.) If you need help choosing the right cove for you or detailed route info, reach out to your Concierge for advice.
Still, if you’re beached out by this point, don’t panic. Secret sands aside, this region also delivers a cluster of characterful villages, each with its own distinct personality. Splashed with bold murals and political frescoes, the hillside commune of Orgosolo feels like an open-air museum. Nearby Mamoiada is famed for its traditional carnival masks, carved and painted by local artisans. You can go behind the masks’ history at the fascinating Museo delle Maschere Mediterranee or sample the town’s winemaking heritage at one of the local wineries. Mamoiada’s exceptional Cannonau and Granazza wines rank among Sardinia’s finest – and make excellent souvenirs.
All good things must end, and sadly it’s time to bid farewell to this island you now know so well. Enjoy one last Italian breakfast – strong coffee and something sweet – before heading north to Olbia airport, a one-hour-and-15-minute drive away. Drop off your hire car, pick up a few last-minute souvenirs in the departure lounge (Amaretti Sardi, anyone?) before boarding your two-and-a-half-hour flight back to the UK. Wheels up, memories packed – Sardinia has done its job well. The only question still unanswered: how soon can you return?
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
