Highlights of Sardinia

Exploring sun-soaked Sardinia, this itinerary will take you through its most captivating highlights, from Alghero’s Catalan charm and Cagliari’s historic streets to Porto Cervo’s glamour and Olbia’s coastal beauty. With a hire car at your disposal — or private transfers if you prefer — you can enjoy the freedom to discover the island at your own pace, with scenic drives, cultural stops and plenty of time to relax along the way.

Get a Quote

Discover Sardinia’s highlights combining Alghero, Cagliari, Porto Cervo and Olbia. Enjoy as a self-drive or with private transfers.

2 Nights – Alghero
3 Nights – Cagliari
3 Nights – Porto Cervo
2 Nights – Olbia

✈️ UK – Alghero (2 nights): Your adventure begins in Alghero on the northwest coast of Sardinia, Italy’s second largest island after Sicily. This seaside city has a strong Catalan influence evident in both its streets and architecture. Begin your exploration at Torre di Porta Terra, the old city gateway, where an interactive display brings Alghero’s history to life. Follow the ancient walls to Torre di Sulis, the tallest tower, overlooking lively Piazza Sulis, the city’s nightlife hub, and then stroll to Piazza Civica, surrounded by Gothic palaces. For sweeping sea views, wander along the Bastioni Cristoforo Colombo and Bastioni Marco Polo, lined with cafés and restaurants perfect for a relaxed drink. If you want to venture beyond the city, explore Porto Conte Natural Park, the dramatic Capo Caccia cliffs, or the Grotta Verde, with its green-lit stalagmites and prehistoric cave paintings. Back in town, the evening is a great time to stroll around the ancient ramparts for sunset views, followed by a seafood dinner in the old town.

🚗 Alghero – Cagliari (3 nights): From Alghero, you’ll drive south to Cagliari, Sardinia’s historic capital, set among seven hills with spectacular sea views. The Castello area is perched on top of one of the hills and is the historic heart of Cagliari. Wander its cobbled streets and squares, visit the Bastione di Saint Remy for breathtaking rooftop views, and discover treasures such as Gothic palaces, the Palazzo Regio, and the Cathedral of Saint Mary. The Archaeological Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the Punic necropolis of Tuvixeddu with artefacts from the 2000-year-old burial ground where pre-Roman settlers carved hundreds of tombs into the hillside. Afterwards, enjoy an aperitif in Piazza Palazzo, where the 14th-century Palazzo di Città sits at the heart of the square. For some beach time, head to Poetto Beach, an 8km stretch of sand ideal for swimming, or visit the Molentargius and Santa Gilla lagoons, home to pink flamingos and other birdlife. For a panoramic view of the city, climb Sella del Diavolo, a striking headland overlooking the coastline.

🚗 Cagliari – Porto Cervo (3 nights): From Cagliari, you’ll drive north through the rugged granite landscape of northern Sardinia, to reach the exclusive seaside destination of Costa Smeralda. A wonderful combination of luxury and stunning scenery, the marina is full of enormous yachts moored in impossibly blue waters, while the Piazzetta is lined with designer boutiques and is a great spot for people-watching. The town itself was developed in the 1960s by the Aga Khan, blending traditional Sardinian style and eco-tourism with a glamorous, modern twist against the backdrop of pink granite cliffs. Despite its reputation, Porto Cervo isn’t just for the super wealthy. The beaches here are absolutely spectacular and free to enjoy. Spiaggia del Principe and Liscia Ruja boast soft white sand and turquoise waters that are picture-perfect, and coastal walks around Capo Ferro lighthouse offer beautiful views. Whether you’re looking for high-end at exclusive restaurants and chic beach clubs, or something a little more simple such as a sunset drink on the marina, watching the yachts bob gently in the water, it’s a great place for some proper R&R.

🚗 Porto Cervo – Olbia (2 nights): Your final stop is in Olbia, just along the coast . This sun-drenched town is the perfect finale for your holiday to Sardinia, offering a mix of turquoise waters, charming streets, and a touch of history. In the centre, explore the Museo Archeologico di Olbia, which showcases Roman, Nuragic, and medieval artefacts, and visit the Basilica of San Simplicio, an 11th-century granite church and one of the island’s oldest religious sites. Don’t miss the nearby Chiesa di San Paolo, with its colourful tiled dome and Baroque interior. Afterwards, wander to Piazza Regina Margherita or Piazza Matteotti, grab an espresso, and enjoy a spot of people-watching in the lively squares. A short drive from the town centre brings you to stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters, including Porto Istana and Bados, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, or simply soaking up the sun.

✈️ Olbia to UK: Time for your Sardinian adventure to come to an end as you fly back to the UK.