Picture thuis ... azure waters, rugged mountains and ancient ruins all waiting to be explored... On this road trip, we delved into the heart and soul of this Mediterranean island, discovering hidden gems and having unforgettable experiences along the way. And that from the comfort of our own car, how wonderful! Below, we have described our trip day by day. Enjoy!

Sardinia - 'Sardegna' in Italian - is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, and one of the 20 regions of Italy. It is located west of the Italian Peninsula, north of Tunisia and immediately south of the French island of Corsica. We did a spectacular 9-days of blissful exploration on Sardinia's open roads.

Our highlights during the road-trip

Day 1: Cagliari 

Day 2: Villasimius & Costa Rei 

Our first stop took us to the charming town of Villasimius, located on the southeastern tip of the island. We parked the car and took a lovely walk through the hilly landscape with views over beautiful azure bays. 

Then we continued to Costa Rei. Along the way, we were treated to sweeping coastal vistas and lush scenery. Arriving at the beach of Costa Rei we took a dip in the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean Sea. As the day draws to a close, we find the perfect spot to watch the sunset, while toasting the beauty of Sardinia with the delicious taste of a local beer. Overnight in a nice family-run trattoria and hotel.

Day 3: Bari Sardo 

From Costa Rei, we went to Bari Sardo, a charming town on the east coast of Sardinia, Italy. It is located in the province of Ogliastra, known for its rugged landscapes, pristine beaches and traditional culture. One of the main attractions of Bari Sardo is its beautiful coastline, with the beaches of Torre di Bari and Cea. 

The town is also known for its rich history and culture of Sardinia. The city is littered with archaeological sites, including nuraghe (ancient stone structures), domus de janas (prehistoric burial chambers), and remains of ancient civilizations that once inhabited the area. Many local traditions are also maintained in Bari Sardo, such as Sardinian folklore festivals, religious processions and many restaurants and food stalls with Sardinian food.

At the end of the day we went to the beach to have a swim and sundowner. We had dinner and overnight in Bari Sardo.  

Day 4: Nuoro

Today we continued our trip to Nuoro, known as the cultural capital of Sardinia. From the striking architecture of the Museo MAN to the vibrant atmosphere of the local markets, there was plenty to see and do. After a stroll through the city, we drove on to our next destination Orosei, where we spent the night.

Traditional Sardinian cuisine

Day 5: Orosei & Olbia

We woke up in the idyllic town of Orosei, located on the east coast of the island. After breakfast we set out to explore the town, discovering hidden gems at every turn, from secluded beaches framed by towering limestone cliffs to ancient nuraghe atop windswept hills. For lunch, we treated ourselves to a fish meal at a local trattoria, featuring the morning's catch from the Mediterranean. So good!

After lunch, we drove to Olbia, a beautiful coastal city in the northeast of Sardinia. Along the way we stopped in Porto San Paolo, a very vibrant town with a marina, where we rented a motorboat and sailed along the coastline, marveling at the luxury yachts.

And on to Olbia, the gateway to the famous Costa Smeralda, a stretch of coastline lined with luxury resorts, high-end boutiques and marinas filled with yachts. That evening we stayed in Oblio and explored the town. Olbia boasts a charming historic center with narrow cobbled streets, quaint cafes and historic sites such as the Church of San Simplicio, which dates back to the 11th century.

Day 6: Sassari & Alghero

Another day of discovery was on the agenda and it took us to the bustling city of Sassari, where ancient history meets modern charm. From the grandeur of St Nicholas Cathedral to the lively atmosphere of Piazza Italia, there was plenty to see and do. After a few hours of city exploration we continued to Alghero.

Day 7&8: Oristano

Our road trip was almost coming to an end. Our last destination was Oristano, another city on the west coast of Sardinia. Like Olbia, it has a rich history, breathtaking landscapes and a unique cultural heritage.

One of the highlights of Oristano is its historic center, where we wandered through charming streets full of medieval buildings, elegant palaces and ancient churches. Particularly notable is the town's main square, Piazza Eleonora d'Arborea, named after the famous Sardinian judge who played an important role in the island's history.

Oristano is also known for the famous Sartiglia, a colorful event held during Carnival. It includes an equestrian competition, where riders try to pierce a star-shaped target with their swords while riding at full gallop - a spectacle that draws visitors from far and wide.

Furthermore, Oristano is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including pristine beaches, rugged coastlines and picturesque lagoons. We stayed 2 nights in this town to enjoy the beach.

The last evening in Sardinia, we toasted our unforgettable trip with a glass of mirto, and we are already homesick for the beautiful sun-drenched landscapes of Sardinia.

Day 9: Farewell, Sardinia

Early departure from Oristano and back to Cagliari to catch our plane back home. Now that our nine-day road trip has come to an end, we say goodbye to this enchanting island with nostalgia. From the rugged beauty of the landscape to the warmth of its people, Sardinia has captured our hearts in more ways than one. Hopefully see you again soon, Sardinia – grazie mille for this fun road trip!