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Most people land in Sardinia, pick one beach, and stay there for a week. That works if you just want sun. It doesn’t work if you want to actually see the island, because Sardinia’s coastline changes completely every hour or two of driving. The south looks nothing like the east. The east looks nothing like the north. A full loop is the only way to get all of it, and it fits comfortably into a week with a rental car.
Here’s the route, coast to coast.
Day 1 — Cagliari & Villasimius Start in Cagliari, the capital, with its hilltop old town and a harbor that still feels working rather than staged for tourists. From there it’s a short drive east to Villasimius, where the water turns an almost unreal turquoise against white sand. Spend the afternoon at Spiaggia del Riso or Porto Giunco, both within a few minutes of each other.
Day 2 — Cala Gonone & the Gulf of Orosei Drive north along the east coast to Cala Gonone, the gateway to the Gulf of Orosei. This stretch has no coastal road, which is exactly why it’s stayed wild. Take a boat out to see the limestone cliffs from the water, or hike in from Baunei if you want to earn the view.
Day 3 — Cala Goloritzé Still in the Gulf of Orosei, but this day belongs to one place: Cala Goloritzé, a cove framed by a limestone spire that looks almost engineered. It’s a protected natural monument, reachable by boat or a moderate hike from the Golgo plateau. Either way, block out most of the day.
Day 4 — San Teodoro & Costa Smeralda Head north again toward San Teodoro, known for Cala Brandinchi, sometimes called “Little Tahiti” for its shallow, pale water. Continue up to Costa Smeralda in the afternoon, where the coastline shifts from wild to polished, all granite coves and yacht harbors.
Day 5 — La Maddalena Archipelago Take the short ferry from Palau to La Maddalena. The archipelago is a cluster of small islands with some of the clearest water on the entire trip. Rent a boat for the day if you can, since half the best spots aren’t reachable by car at all.
Day 6 — Castelsardo & Alghero Cross to the northwest coast. Castelsardo sits on a rocky headland with a medieval castle at the top and views that stretch along the whole coastline. From there, continue to Alghero, a town with a distinct Catalan influence in its architecture, language, and food.
Day 7 — Stintino, La Pelosa & Asinara Finish at Stintino, home to La Pelosa, arguably the most photographed beach in Sardinia, and for good reason. Across the water sits Asinara, a former prison island turned national park, reachable by boat if you have a few extra hours before heading back.
The whole loop covers both coasts, three national parks, and enough contrast that no two days feel repeated. A car is non-negotiable. Most of what makes this route worth doing sits between the towns, not inside them.
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