Reviews Sardinia round trips

Sardinia rewards slow travel. The island is large enough that a single base rarely does it justice, and the differences between north and south are pronounced enough to justify two separate itineraries. A round trip by car remains the most practical way to see the coast, the interior and the archaeological sites in one visit, and there are established routes of eight, ten, twelve and fifteen days to suit different appetites.

Round trips at a glance

The shorter options concentrate on either the north or the south. Longer itineraries link the two, adding the mountainous interior and the wine and food traditions that go with it. Self-drive tours are the norm, with accommodation booked in advance and a hire car collected on arrival.

• North Sardinia — available as an 8, 10 or 12-day round trip
• South Sardinia — an 8-day round trip
• Explore Sardinia — an 8-day tour by car
• Experience Sardinia — a 10-day tour
• Charming Sardinia — an 11-day tour
• Discover Sardinia — a 12-day car tour
• Sardinia in Agriturismo — a 12-day tour staying on working farms
• Luxury and Culinary Sardinia — a 10-day round trip
• Special Sardinia — a 15-day tour

Northern Sardinia

The north takes in the Costa Smeralda and its polished resorts, the granite islands of the Maddalena archipelago, and the wind-shaped landscapes of Gallura. Inland, the cork woods and vineyards around Arzachena and Luogosanto offer a quieter counterpoint, with prehistoric tombs and nuraghe towers scattered across the countryside. The coast around Santa Teresa di Gallura and Palau is the natural base for boat trips to Caprera and La Maddalena.

Southern Sardinia

The south pairs the capital, Cagliari, with long sandy beaches and a hinterland of vineyards and salt flats. The Costa Rei and Villasimius stretches are the best known for swimming, while the interior towards Barumini holds some of the island’s most important archaeological remains. Boat excursions and diving are widely available along this coast.

The interior

Away from the sea, Sardinia rises into the Gennargentu massif and the Supramonte, where limestone gorges such as Su Gorropu cut deep into the plateau. Walking and 4x4 excursions run from spring through autumn, often combined with visits to the prehistoric village of Tiscali. This is also where the island’s agriturismo tradition is strongest, with farm stays offering home cooking and local wine.

Practical notes

Round trips are typically priced to include accommodation, car hire and a route plan, with ferries and flights arranged separately. Independent travellers can assemble similar itineraries using the hotels, residences, agriturismi and campsites listed across the island, or book excursions individually. Boat trips, snorkelling, diving, hiking and guided city tours are all available as add-ons.

Questions about routes, timing or which itinerary suits a particular group are best directed to the operator before booking.