Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Arzachena
You'll land in Sardinia and pick up your rental car for the drive north to Arzachena on the Costa Smeralda. Once you've settled into your accommodation in this charming town, head down to nearby beaches like Cannigione or Baja Sardinia to get in the water and unwind after travel.
Optional Activities
- Visit Cannigione beach
- Visit Baja Sardinia beach
- Sunbathing and swimming
Landmarks/POIs Cannigione Beach Baja Sardinia Beach 
- Day 2
Capo Testa and Valle della Luna
Drive out to Capo Testa peninsula at the northern tip to see the rugged rock formations and turquoise waters. You'll hike through Valle della Luna, which has an otherworldly landscape filled with rock caves where you might catch sight of local wildlife. Stop by Groove on the Rocks later for casual food and nice views.
Optional Activities
- Valle della Luna hiking trail
- Rock cave exploration
- Wildlife spotting (turtles)
- Burger meal at Groove on the Rocks
Landmarks/POIs Capo Testa Valle della Luna - Day 3
Arzachena to Alghero
Head west across northern Sardinia toward Alghero, but first swing through Castelsardo, a medieval coastal town with an impressive castle overlooking everything. Watch for the distinctive 'elephant rock' formation as you drive. Once you reach Alghero, walk through the old town's winding alleyways, check out small shops, and grab dinner by the water.
Optional Activities
- Castelsardo sightseeing stop
- Medieval castle viewing
- Elephant rock viewing
- Alghero old town exploration
- Italian pizza dinner
Landmarks/POIs Castelsardo Medieval Castle Elephant Rock Alghero Old Town 
- Day 4
Stintino and La Pelosa Beach
Drive out to Stintino peninsula to visit La Pelosa beach with its crystal-clear waters and white sand. Swim in water so clear you'll see fish below the surface without diving. You can also take in the views of the historic La Pelosa fortress sitting right in the middle of the bay.
Optional Activities
- La Pelosa beach swimming and sunbathing
- La Pelosa fortress viewing
- Snorkeling
Landmarks/POIs La Pelosa Beach La Pelosa Fortress Stintino Peninsula - Day 5
Capo Caccia and Neptune Grotto
From Alghero, take a trip to Capo Caccia for dramatic clifftop views towering 200 meters above the sea. Head down over 650 limestone steps to reach Neptune Grotto's entrance, timing your visit with the waves for a dry walk in. Spend time exploring the cave's stalactite formations. Later, walk through town and have dinner at a local restaurant.
Optional Activities
- Capo Caccia viewpoint visit
- Neptune Grotto stalactite cave tour
Landmarks/POIs Capo Caccia Neptune Grotto - Day 6
Sanluri Free Day
You've got a flexible day in Sanluri to do what suits you. You could hike various trails throughout eastern Sardinia, ranging from easy to difficult routes. Or rent a bike and explore the area around town at a slower pace, stopping whenever something catches your interest.
Optional Activities
- Hiking excursions (easy, medium, or difficult trails)
- Mountain exploration
- Bike rental and cycling
- Day 7
Ferry to San Pietro Island
Drive your rental car onto a ferry for the crossing to San Pietro island and arrive in Carloforte. Spend the day exploring this lesser-known destination with its untouched nature and secluded beaches. Drive to the rocky northern coasts, check out mysterious caves, and find quiet beaches at your own pace. Try the fresh tuna dishes at local restaurants, a specialty here with deep fishing roots.
Included Activities
- Ferry crossing to San Pietro with rental car
Optional Activities
- Rocky coast exploration
- Cave visits
- Secluded beach discovery
- Tuna dish dining at local restaurants
Landmarks/POIs San Pietro Island Carloforte 
- Day 8
San Pietro Beach Relaxation
Take a relaxed beach day at Spiaggia La Bobba with minimal structure required. Find a shady spot, swim in the clear water, or nap on the fine sand. If you want something more active, walk along the coast to the 'Colonne' rock formation for photos and a bit of exploration.
Optional Activities
- Spiaggia La Bobba beach day
- Swimming and sunbathing
- Book reading and relaxation
- Colonne rock formation visit
Landmarks/POIs Spiaggia La Bobba Colonne Rock Formation - Day 9
San Pietro Island Exploration
Explore several highlights across San Pietro island. Visit Capo Sandalo in the west to see Italy's westernmost lighthouse, check out the impressive Cala Fico bay, and find the crescent-shaped bay of Cala Mezzaluna to the south. End at Girin Beach with its dramatic rocks and clear water to catch the sunset.
Optional Activities
- Capo Sandalo lighthouse visit
- Cala Fico bay viewing
- Cala Mezzaluna crescent bay visit
- Rock formation exploration
- Girin Beach sunset viewing
Landmarks/POIs Capo Sandalo Lighthouse Cala Fico Bay Cala Mezzaluna Bay Spiaggia della Conca Girin Beach - Day 10
Ferry Return to Cagliari
Take the ferry back to Sardinia with your rental car and drive to Cagliari, the island's colorful capital. Walk through vibrant neighborhoods filled with Mediterranean-style houses painted in bright colors. Wander the winding alleyways with shops and cafés, see landmarks like Castello and the Elephant Tower, then head to Sella del Diavolo rock on Poetto beach for sunset views.
Included Activities
- Ferry crossing return from San Pietro with rental car
Optional Activities
- Cagliari old town exploration
- Castello landmark visit
- Elephant Tower viewing
- Italian pizza in local trattoria
- Poetto beach visit
- Sella del Diavolo sunset viewing
Landmarks/POIs Cagliari Old Town Castello Elephant Tower Poetto Beach Sella del Diavolo 
- Day 11
Cagliari Exploration
Visit Molentargius-Saline Nature Park just a short drive from the city to watch for pink flamingos and other water birds in this important European nesting area. Back in the city center, shop along Via Manno, visit the Bastione di Saint Remy monument, and reach Piazza Yenne. Wrap up with refreshments at bars and restaurants along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
Optional Activities
- Molentargius-Saline Nature Park visit
- Pink flamingo spotting
- Via Manno shopping street
- Bastione di Saint Remy monument visit
- Piazza Yenne visit
- Corso Vittorio Emanuele II dining and drinks
Landmarks/POIs Molentargius-Saline Nature Park Bastione di Saint Remy Piazza Yenne Via Manno - Day 12
Departure from Cagliari
Spend your final morning at San Benedetto market browsing local delicacies like cheese, seafood, and fresh fruit. You might squeeze in one last beach visit to say goodbye to the Mediterranean before returning your rental car and heading to the airport based on your flight time.
Optional Activities
- San Benedetto market visit
- Local delicacy shopping (cheese, seafood, fruit)
- Final beach visit
Landmarks/POIs San Benedetto Market
