Sardinia round trip

Sardinia rewards the traveller who is willing to move around. The island is large enough that a single base will only ever show you a fraction of it, and the contrasts between one region and the next are among the strongest reasons to visit. A round trip, whether it takes eight days or a fortnight, is the most satisfying way to see it.

Why tour the island rather than stay put

Sardinia sits in the Mediterranean west of the Italian mainland, and its interior is mountainous and sparsely populated, with a coastline that changes character every few dozen kilometres. The north-east has the polished resorts and granite coves of the Costa Smeralda. The south has long sandy beaches and the historic streets of Cagliari. The interior holds prehistoric stone towers, cork forests and villages where sheep farming still sets the rhythm of the day.

Travelling between these areas takes time, but the distances are manageable by car, and the rewards are considerable: landscapes, food and traditions that differ markedly from one province to the next.

Round trips by length

A number of organised itineraries cover the island in different depths, and they can be matched to the time you have available.

• An eight-day circuit of the north takes in the Gallura region, the Maddalena archipelago and the Costa Smeralda.
• An eight-day circuit of the south concentrates on Cagliari, the beaches of the south coast and the ancient sites of the interior.
• A ten-day tour offers a broader sweep of the island’s highlights.
• An eleven-day tour of the island’s more characterful places suits those who prefer smaller hotels and rural stays.
• A twelve-day car tour gives more time in each location, with the flexibility to stop where you like.
• A twelve-day itinerary built around agriturismo stays puts the emphasis on farm accommodation and local cooking.
• A fifteen-day tour is the most comprehensive option, covering both coasts and the mountainous interior at a relaxed pace.

Where to stay

Accommodation on the island ranges from resort hotels and self-catering residences to bed and breakfasts, country hotels and working farms that take guests. Agriturismo stays are particularly worth considering in the interior, where they often combine simple rooms with meals made from produce grown on the premises.

Along the coast, residences and apartment complexes suit families and longer stays, while the larger resorts concentrate around the Costa Smeralda and the main southern beaches.

Excursions and activities

Day trips can be built into any itinerary. Boat excursions run to the Maddalena archipelago and along the southern coast, and there are snorkelling and diving trips for those interested in the marine life. On land, guided walks and off-road tours reach the deep gorges and prehistoric sites of the interior, including the canyon country around Su Gorropu and the remains at Tiscali. City tours are available in Cagliari.

Getting around

A car is close to essential for a round trip. Roads are generally good, though mountain routes are slow and winding, and journey times should be planned generously. Ferries connect the island with the Italian mainland and with Corsica to the north.

When to go

Spring and early summer bring wild flowers and comfortable temperatures for walking. High summer is hot and busy, particularly on the coast. Autumn remains warm well into October and is a good time for the interior.