The east coast of Sardinia is a little paradise for beach and nature lovers with its rugged cliffs, crystal-clear water and small, hidden bays such as Cala Goloritzé – and a dream destination for a DIY boat tour.
Browsing: Sardinia
Sardinia is an excellent holiday destination, especially in spring and autumn, to avoid the summer heat and crowds.
Locals recommend July and September/October as the best travel times. We found late September/early October ideal for a two-week tour: affordable prices, uncrowded spots, and pleasant sea temperatures for swimming.
However, many hotels and restaurants close by the end of September or the first week of October, reopening in early May for the new season.
Our 2-Week Sardinia Itinerary
- Flight to Olbia in the evening
- 5 nights in the North at Costa Smeralda
- 2 nights in the East at Cala Gonone
- 2 nights in the Southeast at Costa Rei/Villasimius
- 4 nights in the Southeast at Chia, including a visit to Cagliari
- Morning return flight from Cagliari
Island Highlights
Northern Sardinia: Ideal for active travelers, with excursions and exploration. Famous for Jet-Set spots like Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo, and beautiful pebble beaches.
Eastern Sardinia: Known for spectacular sandy beaches, some accessible only by hiking or boat.
Southern Sardinia: Features long sandy beaches at Costa Rei and family-friendly beaches near Santa Margherita di Pula and Chia. Cagliari is also worth a visit.
Sardinia Travel Tips
Focus on specific regions or allow ample time for exploration.
We covered 1,600 kilometers in our rental car, visiting the North, East, and South.
Each region offers unique experiences, from Jet-Set locales in the North to serene beaches in the South.
Cagliari should not be left out: The hilly old town is very varied and offers shopping opportunities, restaurants as well as picturesque residential areas.
Eastern Sardinia offers picturesque little towns such as Orosei and the beaches between Cala Liberotto and Cala Goloritzé, interrupted by rugged rock formations. And then there are the motorized dinghies of Cala Gonone!
The luxurious jet-set hotspots Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo are located in the north of Sardinia on the Costa Smeralda. The prettiest boutique hotels in Sardinia are also located in the north. Here are my travel tips including excursion destinations for the rugged north coast.