Sardinia was beautiful and relaxing.
If you’ve just starting planning for your holiday in Sardinia, check out our Sardinia planning and resources post.
Table of Contents
Sardinia Map with Points of Interest
This Sardinia map was created as a planning tool for our Sardinia holiday. The map highlights various points of interest and has a description and/or link associated with most points. Visualizing the location of these points of interest assisted us in deciding upon our final northern Sardinia loop itinerary based on our allotted time and our arrival/departure city.
TIP: However, you can use this Sardinia map to plan other itineraries too!
10 Day Northern Sardinia Itinerary Details
Our return flight from Olbia Costa Smeralda International Airport pushed us towards an itinerary consisting of a loop around Northern Sardinia. Ideally you might fly into one airport and out of another to maximize the area you can cover and minimize drive time. However, this northern loop worked great! We had multiple nights in each location and this provided ample variety as well as enough time to explore and relax.
TIP: Unfortunately, we saw a bit of rain during our Sardinia holiday (very uncommon!). Our Sardinia map contains additional activities that we didn’t have the opportunity to partake in!
Olbia area
I arrived prior to my friend and selected accommodation close to the Olbia airport but near a beach. I laid on the beach for a day eagerly anticipating her arrival and the start of our Sardinia holiday.
Activities
- Porto Istana beach
Accommodation
- Hotel Daniel, Olbia: Hotel Daniel was great. It’s a small hotel with friendly staff, free breakfast, and a pool! It is located close to the airport and close to the beach. I walked to the beach but shuttle service is available.
- other Olbia accommodation options
Cala Gonone area
After picking my friend up from the airport we headed straight to the Cala Gonone area for beaches and relaxation.
Activities
- Wander around the town of Cala Gonone and the beach
- Take a boat trip around Golfo di Orosei and visit Grotte del Bue Marino
- View sea life at Cala Gonone aquarium (not recommended but a rainy day activity)
- Explore the cave and see stalagmites and stalactites at Grotta di Ispinigoli
- Hike the canyon trails
- Visit archaeological ruins
Accommodation
- Rifugio Gorropu: Rifugio Gorropu is an agriturismo (farm stay) in Dorgali. We opted for full board and were fed a feast every night.
- other Cala Gonone, Dorgali accommodation options
TIP: The experience and food at Italian agriturismos are highly recommended. Often booking options exist for half board (breakfast) or full board (breakfast and dinner). Even if you opt for a hotel stay be sure to visit one of these properties for dinner. Reservations will likely be required. Meals often include: wine, meat and cheese course, pasta course, main entree course, and a dessert course.
Ogliastra area
Our next stop was the Ogliastra area for mountains and hiking.
Activities
- Partake in coastal walks and hikes, such as from Santa Maria de Navarra to Pedra Longa
- Hike the steep path to the beach at Cala Goloritze
- Soak in the sun at Spiaggia del Lido di Orrì
- Adventure sports such as rock climbing
Accommodation
- The Lemon House: The Lemon House is a a bed and breakfast, owned by a climber, with a focus on outdoor activities in Lotzorai. Enjoy a community vibe, great recommendations from the host, and a healthy breakfast.
- other Ogliastra accommodation options
Orgosolo
Definitely plan to make a stop in Orgosolo to view the street murals. This was a highlight of the trip!
Activities
- View street murals
Alghero/Bosa area
Next up was ‘city’ living in Bosa.
Activities
- Wander the cobblestone streets
- Explore the castle on the hill (Castello Malaspina)
- Visit the Bosa Marina
Accommodation
- B&B Torre di Alice: B&B Torre di Alice is a delightful bed and breakfast in an old stone tower in the historic city of Bosa.
- other Bosa accommodation options
Santa Teresa Gallura area
Our last stay was in Santa Teresa Gallura. We wanted to end our itinerary in a beach-town with a laid-back vibe.
Activities
- Explore the Arcipelago di La Maddalena National Park (drive to Palau and take the ferry to Isola La Maddalena)
- Alternate hiking and laying on the beach at nearby Capo Testa
- Enjoy the local restaurant scene (be sure to try mirto – sweet myrtle wine)
Accommodation
- B&B Domus de Janas: B&B Domus de Janas is an upscale bed and breakfast close to the beach but in the center of the quaint town of Santa Teresa Gallura. The host is delightful and the property beautifully maintained.
- other Santa Teresa Gallura accommodation options
Sardinia Summary
As our Sardinia Map with Points of Interest illustrates, there’s so much more to explore! Let us know your favorite Sardinian experiences!
TIP: AirBnB is growing in popularity in Sardinia. Use this link to get a $20 credit towards your first booking!
TIP: We use World Nomads for travel insurance when we travel internationally long-term. We believe they offer the best coverage for the money and they are super easy to work with! You can get a quote using the widget on our Resources page.
September 17 – 29, 2018