Sardinia, Italy’s stunning second-largest island, is a treasure trove of turquoise waters, ancient history, and dramatic landscapes. From the moment we flew into Olbia and set off on our road trip, the adventure began. After a quick flight from Rome to Olbia, we picked up our rental car and hit the open road, ready to explore the island’s most captivating destinations. From lively port cities to hidden medieval villages, this journey takes you through Sardinia’s diverse beauty—where every turn reveals a new landscape, a rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences. Get ready for an adventure that will leave you in awe at every stop!

Olbia: Gateway to the Emerald Coast

Our Sardinian adventure kicked off in Olbia, a lively city where modern energy meets ancient charm. After picking up our Hertz rental car—worth the extra cost for peace of mind—and checking into a cozy Airbnb, we started the day with coffee and pastries at Latte e Miele Pasticceria.

We explored Olbia, enjoying its vibrant waterfront, picturesque piazzas, and bustling cafes. A highlight was visiting the Basilica of San Simplicio, one of Sardinia’s oldest Romanesque churches. Though we didn’t fully explore the Costa Smeralda, its beautiful beaches like Spiaggia del Principe and Liscia Ruja are on our list for next time.

Next, we visited the Giants’ Grave of Su Mont’e s’Abe, a Bronze Age burial site with a fascinating bull-shaped tomb, giving us insight into Sardinia’s ancient Nuragic civilization.

Capo Testa: A Natural Wonder

We also hoped to visit Capo Testa near Santa Teresa Gallura. Known for its dramatic granite formations and turquoise coves, we planned to hike to the Faro di Capo Testa lighthouse and swim at Spiaggia di Cala Spinosa. The area’s ancient Roman quarries add a historical twist to its stunning natural beauty, and we’ll definitely return to explore this captivating peninsula.

Castello dei Doria: A Historic Gem

Although we didn’t visit Castello dei Doria in Castelsardo, this 12th-century castle offers incredible views of the Gulf of Asinara and houses the Museum of Mediterranean Weaving. Strolling through its historic walls and the narrow streets of the charming old town is still on our list for next time.

Reflection

Olbia was the perfect starting point for our Sardinian adventure, offering a taste of history, culture, and coastal beauty. Looking back, we realized we may have tried to cover too much ground—perhaps focusing on the North or South of the island would’ve been a better approach. Still, with it being the off-season, the timing worked out fine as it wasn’t prime beach weather, and we didn’t miss out on any of Sardinia’s breathtaking landscapes. The island’s treasures are vast, and we’re already planning our return!

Alghero: A Catalan Jewel

As we drove westward, we arrived in Alghero, a charming coastal town rich in Catalan heritage. We began our walking tour at Porta Terra, the historic city gate, then wandered through narrow cobblestone streets to the Cathedral of Santa Maria, where Gothic and Catalan influences merge beautifully. From there, we strolled along the seafront bastions, pausing at Torre dell’Espero Rejal to take in sweeping views of the Mediterranean. We finished at Piazza Civica, a lively square filled with cafes and shops, where we enjoyed a glass of Sardinian Vermentino wine.

However, instead of staying in Alghero, we ended up in nearby Sassari. After a day of exploration, we dined at the fantastic La Roccia Pizzeria. As we sat down for dinner, we noticed our car’s tire pressure was low. Our helpful waiter went above and beyond, making multiple phone calls to try to assist us, but it was a Friday evening, and everything was shutting down for the weekend. With no quick fix available, we drove cautiously through the weekend, finally getting air in the tires on Monday. Despite the setback, our time in Alghero and Sassari was filled with charm and hospitality, making it a memorable stop on our Sardinian journey.

Bosa: A Riverside Fairy Tale

The pastel-colored town of Bosa, nestled along the Temo River, feels like stepping into a fairy tale. While charming, it’s a small town, and I wouldn’t recommend staying overnight as there isn’t much to see or do. However, it’s perfect for a leisurely visit. Wander through its narrow streets, dominated by the imposing Malaspina Castle, and admire the vibrant houses reflecting in the calm river.

During our visit, we had a delightful lunch at a quirky little cave restaurant called Il Scugia. The fish, fresh from the river, was brought to our table to choose from, making for a memorable, authentic dining experience. Bosa’s tranquil atmosphere makes it a lovely stop, even if just for a few hours.

Oristano is a peaceful town that offers a mix of historical charm and access to stunning beaches. While we only stayed for one night, we explored its lovely squares and visited the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. A short trip to the nearby Sinis Peninsula promises a glimpse of ancient Tharros, an archaeological site rich with history. Unfortunately, Tharros was closed the only day we had to visit, but its ruins, overlooking the sea, looked fascinating. Oristano may be quieter than some other Sardinian towns, but it’s a charming and peaceful place, larger than Bosa and perfect for a brief stop.

Chiesa Romanica di Santa Maria di Sibiola

On our drive from Oristano to Cagliari, we made a delightful stop at the Chiesa Romanica di Santa Maria di Sibiola. Nestled in the Sardinian countryside near Gonnostramatza, this 12th-century church is a perfect example of Romanesque architecture. With its beautiful stonework, simple yet elegant design, and characteristic bell tower, it offers a peaceful glimpse into Sardinia’s medieval past. Though it’s a bit off the beaten path—accessible via a dirt road—it’s a lovely spot to stretch your legs and appreciate the surrounding rural landscape. Just a heads-up: depending on your rental car, the dirt roads can be a bit tricky, so drive cautiously!

Cagliari: Sardinia’s Bustling Capital

We ended our Sardinian journey in Cagliari, the island’s vibrant capital, where urban energy meets historic charm. Parking in the city center can be tricky, but we found a great all-day parking lot for $10, centrally located to the sites we wanted to explore.

Our walking tour began in the Castello District, where we admired the historic Torre dell’Elefante and the stunning Cagliari Cathedral. Next, we visited the Bastione di Saint Remy, a large open area offering fantastic views of the city. Afterward, we treated ourselves to a gelato at Gelateria Peterpan—delicious, though not quite as exceptional as Kremat, where we had the best gelato of the trip.

For lunch, we dined at the nearby Whitestone, a fantastic spot with great food. As the largest town of our trip, Cagliari offered plenty of specialty shops and souvenir stores, making it the perfect place to pick up unique mementos before we wrapped up our Sardinian adventure.

Day Trip to Su Nuraxi Barumini

A visit to Su Nuraxi Barumini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must if you have an interest in Sardinia’s ancient history. However, I’ll be honest—it’s a bit of a drive, and it’s somewhat out of the way. While I’m glad we made the trip, it’s not essential for everyone, especially if you’re short on time or not keen on history. Located about an hour from Cagliari, this Bronze Age nuraghe complex offers a fascinating look into the island’s prehistoric culture. The ancient stone towers and village ruins stand in striking contrast to Sardinia’s modern-day beauty. A guided tour uncovers the ingenuity of this ancient civilization, leaving visitors in awe of its history and resilience.

Reflections on Our Sardinian Journey

Our route from Olbia to Cagliari took us through some of the island’s most scenic landscapes, showcasing its diverse cultures, charming small towns, and unique cuisine—an unforgettable escape.

Looking back, we may have tried to pack in too much for one trip. We started in the northeast and circled down to the southeast, ending in Cagliari. If you enjoy larger towns, I’d recommend spending more time in Cagliari and less in the small towns. The smaller villages were lovely, surrounded by pastoral landscapes and plenty of sheep.

I did skip the entire western side of the island, from Olbia to Cagliari, which looked incredible for those who enjoy beaches and hiking. Since we traveled in November, we passed on the beaches, but I hear they’re breathtaking year-round. Whether you’re after history, nature, or beaches, Sardinia has it all—it just depends on how much time you have to explore.