Quick summary: Discover Sardinia’s best beaches, charming towns, and secret coves on this 7-day family-friendly road trip. Enjoy a mix of scenic drives, cultural sites, and relaxing beach days with a mid-range budget.
Route map + stops
- Olbia (Olbia)
Nearest station: Olbia Train Station — Line: N/A — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Palau (Palau)
Nearest station: Palau Ferry Terminal — Line: N/A — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - La Maddalena (La Maddalena)
Nearest station: La Maddalena Ferry Terminal — Line: N/A — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Caprera Island (Isola di Caprera)
Nearest station: La Maddalena Ferry Terminal — Line: N/A — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Alghero (Alghero)
Nearest station: Alghero Train Station — Line: N/A — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Stintino (Stintino)
Nearest station: Stintino Bus Stop — Line: N/A — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Bosa (Bosa)
Nearest station: Bosa Train Station — Line: N/A — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - San Teodoro (San Teodoro)
Nearest station: San Teodoro Bus Stop — Line: N/A — Exit: Best exit: check station signage
Timeline (hour-by-hour)
Day 1
Olbia arrival and exploration. Visit San Simplicio Basilica and stroll the historic center. Enjoy dinner at Ristorante Da Paolo.
09:00 — Arrive in Olbia and explore
Why go: Olbia is the gateway to Sardinia with rich history and charming streets.
Do:
- Visit San Simplicio Basilica
- Walk the historic center
- Dine at a local restaurant
How to get there: Arrive at Olbia Airport or train station
Cost / tickets: Free to explore; meals mid-range
Time needed: 4 hours
Day 2
Drive to La Maddalena Archipelago. Take a ferry from Palau. Explore La Maddalena town and relax at Spalmatore Beach.
08:00 — Drive to Palau and ferry to La Maddalena
Why go: Access to the beautiful Maddalena Archipelago with pristine beaches.
Do:
- Take ferry to La Maddalena
- Explore town
- Relax at Spalmatore Beach
How to get there: Drive from Olbia to Palau (approx 1 hour), then ferry
Cost / tickets: Ferry approx 20 euros round trip
Time needed: 6 hours
Day 3
Head to Caprera Island. Visit Garibaldi Museum and hike to hidden coves like Cala Coticcio.
09:00 — Explore Caprera Island
Why go: Known for natural beauty and Garibaldi’s historic home.
Do:
- Visit Garibaldi Museum
- Hike to Cala Coticcio
- Swim in hidden coves
How to get there: Ferry from La Maddalena to Caprera
Cost / tickets: Ferry approx 10 euros
Time needed: 5 hours
Day 4
Drive south to Alghero. Walk the old town walls and visit Neptune’s Grotto. Dinner at Trattoria Maristella.
10:00 — Drive to Alghero and sightseeing
Why go: Alghero offers Catalan heritage and stunning sea views.
Do:
- Walk old town walls
- Visit Neptune’s Grotto
- Enjoy seafood dinner
How to get there: Drive from Palau to Alghero (approx 2 hours)
Cost / tickets: Entry to grotto approx 13 euros
Time needed: 6 hours
Day 5
Explore Stintino and the famous La Pelosa Beach. Afternoon boat tour to nearby coves.
09:00 — Visit Stintino and La Pelosa Beach
Why go: Famous for crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches.
Do:
- Relax on La Pelosa Beach
- Take boat tour to coves
How to get there: Drive from Alghero to Stintino (approx 1 hour)
Cost / tickets: Beach access free; boat tour approx 30 euros
Time needed: 5 hours
Day 6
Visit Bosa, a colorful riverside town. Explore the castle and old town.
10:00 — Explore Bosa town
Why go: Colorful riverside town with medieval charm.
Do:
- Visit Malaspina Castle
- Stroll old town
- Try local cuisine
How to get there: Drive from Stintino to Bosa (approx 1 hour)
Cost / tickets: Castle entry approx 5 euros
Time needed: 4 hours
Day 7
Return to Olbia via San Teodoro. Enjoy La Cinta Beach and local markets before departure.
09:00 — Return to Olbia via San Teodoro
Why go: San Teodoro offers beautiful beaches and local markets.
Do:
- Relax at La Cinta Beach
- Shop at local markets
- Prepare for departure
How to get there: Drive from Bosa to San Teodoro then to Olbia (approx 2 hours total)
Cost / tickets: Beach free; shopping varies
Time needed: 4 hours
Logistics (read this first)
- Rent a car in Olbia for flexibility
- Book ferries in advance during high season
- Accommodation options range from mid-range hotels to guesthouses
- Carry cash for small purchases in towns
- Pack beachwear and comfortable walking shoes
- Check local ferry schedules for Caprera and Maddalena
Local tips and guide
Olbia: Start your trip exploring the historic center and basilica.
Palau: Ferry gateway to La Maddalena islands.
La Maddalena: Charming island town with beautiful beaches.
Caprera: Natural island with hiking and Garibaldi Museum.
Alghero: Catalan heritage town with sea views.
Stintino: Famous for La Pelosa Beach and boat tours.
Bosa: Colorful riverside town with medieval castle.
San Teodoro: Beach town with markets and La Cinta Beach.
If it rains (2 alternatives)
If something is closed (2 alternatives)
FAQ
Is Sardinia family-friendly?
Yes, Sardinia offers safe beaches and activities suitable for families.
Do I need a car?
A car is recommended for flexibility, especially to reach hidden coves and towns.
Are ferries frequent?
Ferries run regularly but check schedules in advance, especially off-season.
What is the best time to visit?
Late spring to early autumn offers the best weather and beach conditions.
Is English widely spoken?
Basic English is common in tourist areas, but learning some Italian helps.
How we planned this route
Byline: Expert travel planner with extensive knowledge of Sardinia
Itinerary based on local insights, family-friendly preferences, and mid-range budget
Last updated: 2024-06-01