7-Day Sardinia Tour Packages
Sardinia's not just another Italian island. Head to Cagliari's neighborhoods with true history, Bosa's murals, and food worth stopping for. Alghero shows Catalan influence, Costa Smeralda's truly glittering, and Stintino's beaches are glittering white. Don’t miss Castelsardo, Tempio Pausania, and Oristano from medieval times. Sardinia does its own thing separate from mainland Italy and it works.
Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Sardinia tour itineraries
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MelissaSardinia travel expert at TourRadar
7 Day Sardinia Itinerary, incl. Cagliari and Costa Smeralda
This comprehensive 7-day tour visits 12 distinctive cities, from Cagliari's Bastion of Saint-Remy to Costa Smeralda's Porto Cervo. Rich archaeological wonders await at Tharros, while medieval charm pervades Castelsardo, and the ancient Nuragic Complex of Palmavera beckons. Features three authentic Sardinian gastronomic experiences and comfortable hotel stays for approx. $300 per day.
- Day 1
Cagliari
Arrive at Cagliari-Elmas Airport and take a quick 15-minute taxi ride to the city center. Plan to get in by early afternoon to check out the Marina district. Head to Piazza Yenne where you'll find locals enjoying their aperitivo. The area really comes alive after 6 PM as people gather for pre-dinner drinks.
- Day 2
Cagliari
Get up early for Mercato di San Benedetto, the city's main food market that opens at 7 AM. This is where you'll find Sardinia's best seafood on display. Take a guided walk through the medieval Castello quarter and walk up the limestone steps to see the 13th-century Cathedral. Want great sunset views? Visit the Bastione di Saint Remy before 7 PM to beat the tour groups.
- Day 3
Cagliari to Alghero
Plan for 4 hours of coastal driving with important stops along the way. Start at the ancient ruins of Tharros early - get there by 9 AM before it gets too hot. Next up is medieval Bosa with its colorful pastel streets. Stop here for lunch and try the local Malvasia wine. The road to Alghero offers stunning coastal views perfect for photos.
- Day 4
Alghero
Spend your morning exploring Alghero's old town and its massive sea walls. Visit the Catalan Gothic churches that show off the city's Spanish influence. Head to the Nuragic ruins at Palmavera in the afternoon but bring plenty of water and sun protection. Watch the sunset at Capo Caccia over the Mediterranean.
- Day 5
Alghero to Palau
The 2.5-hour drive to Palau takes you through the Gallura region. Stop at Castelsardo to visit the medieval castle with its amazing coastal views. Visit Tempio Pausania to shop for local cork products. Get to Palau by late afternoon to see the granite rocks lit up in golden light.
- Day 6
Costa Smeralda
Today is for exploring Sardinia's exclusive coast. Visit Porto Cervo's marina in the morning when it's quiet. Book lunch ahead in Porto Rotondo as restaurants get busy. The beaches here are some of Sardinia's best but parking fills up fast. Arrive before 10 AM to find a spot.
- Day 7
Palau to Olbia
On your last morning, plan about an hour to reach Olbia airport. Add extra time in summer when roads get crowded. If you have a later flight, try lunch at a countryside agriturismo for one last authentic Sardinian meal.
7 Days in Sardinia, incl. Cagliari and Costa Smeralda
A 7-day route through Sardinia winds through 9 distinct locations from Cagliari to Palau. Visitors marvel at the Tharros archaeological site, stroll through Alghero's Catalan quarter, and admire Costa Smeralda's exclusive ports, while resting at premium hotels including La Vecchia Fonte.
- Day 1
Cagliari Arrival
Fly into Cagliari Airport and take a quick 15-minute taxi to the city center. Plan to arrive after 2 PM to avoid the strongest heat of the day, particularly in summer. Stay near the T Hotel area for easy walking access to major attractions and the historic center.
- Day 2
Exploring Cagliari
Start your walking tour at 8:30 AM before the heat kicks in. The walk up to the Castello quarter involves some steep climbs, so wear shoes with good grip on the old limestone streets. Later, join the locals at Poetto Beach for evening drinks. Looking for dinner? Book a table at a Marina district restaurant after 8 PM when the atmosphere really picks up.
- Day 3
Cagliari to Alghero
The westward journey takes about 3.5 hours with stops. Visit Tharros archaeological site but pack a hat and water since there's minimal shade. Stop in Bosa to sample local Malvasia wine and take the 2 PM Serravalle Castle tour for incredible coastal views. The coastal drive to Alghero has lots of curves, so if you get motion sickness, grab a front seat.
- Day 4
Alghero & Surrounds
Start early in Alghero's Catalan Gothic old town to beat the tour groups. Bring a light jacket for the windy Nuragic Complex. Want to see Neptune's Grotto? Take on the 656 steps before 11 AM to avoid the cruise ship crowds.
- Day 5
Northern Coast to Palau
The scenic drive through Castelsardo and Tempio Pausania takes about 4 hours. Time your Castelsardo stop around 11 AM to watch local artisans weave baskets. Visit Tempio Pausania in the afternoon light to see its granite buildings at their best.
- Day 6
Costa Smeralda
Visit glamorous Porto Cervo in late afternoon to watch luxury yachts return to harbor. Try the local "zuppa gallurese" for lunch, a hearty Sardinian dish of layered bread and cheese.
- Day 7
Departure from Olbia
Allow 45 minutes to drive from Palau to Olbia airport. Book flights after 10 AM to avoid potential morning fog issues.
Best Journey of Sardinia - 7 Days
Sardinia unfolds over a week-long tour covering 8 cities from Cagliari to Palau. Ancient ruins captivate at Tharros, while Bosa's Castle of Serravalle and Porto Cervo's luxury marina showcase island diversity. Features stays at 4-star hotels like UNAHOTELS T Hotel and three traditional Sardinian feasts.
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