How to spend 3 days in Sardinia

Planning a long weekend in Sardinia? You’re in for a treat. From turquoise coves that rival the Caribbean to charming towns and mouth-watering cuisine, Sardinia has so much to offer.

Despite being the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, you can still experience the highlights and get a real taste of Sardinia in just a few days - it’s all about choosing the right itinerary.

Whether you fancy exploring the north or the south, we’ve put together two different itineraries to help you make the most of your time on the island.

Option 1: Northern Sardinia

Glamorous resorts, dramatic coastlines, and unforgettable boat trips make northern Sardinia a popular choice for travellers. Here’s how we’d recommend spending 3 days exploring the north of the island:

Day 1: Olbia/Costa Smeralda

Most travellers start their journey in Olbia which, thanks to its port and airport, acts as a gateway to northern Sardinia with direct flights from cities such as London and Manchester. It’s a good place to get a feel for authentic Sardinia, combining history and culture with beautiful beaches right on its doorstep.

Its historic centre is a highlight, with colourful streets lined with shops, bars and restaurants – grab a gelato and have a wander or sip an espresso in a cafe and soak up the lively atmosphere before continuing your journey.

After, head to Costa Smeralda, Sardinia’s most famous and glamorous stretch of coastline. Start in Porto Cervo, the heart of Costa Smeralda, where you can wander around the marina, browse designer boutiques, and watch the huge yachts bobbing on the marina. 

Then, it's time to relax on one of Costa Smeralda's best beaches - our favourites include Spiaggia del Principe, Capriccioli Beach and Liscia Ruja. Think fine white sands and glistening turquoise waters. At the end the day, head back to Porto Cervo for a sunset dinner and drinks.

Day 2: La Maddalena Archipelago

On your second day, take a boat trip to see some of the clearest waters in the whole of Europe. Part of a protected national park, the La Maddalena Archipelago is made up of a set of islands just off the northeast coast of Sardinia, known for their stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Start your day with a cappuccino and cornetto in Palau before catching the ferry to La Maddalena, the main island in the archipelago. Stroll through the charming streets and tuck into a seafood lunch at one of the local trattorias.

After lunch, take a boat tour around the island, discovering secluded beaches and amazing snorkelling spots. Make sure to visit Cala Corsara on the island of Spargi, a beautiful bay with crystal-clear waters, along with Budelli, home to the famous pink beach of Spiaggia Rosa. If you have time, the more rugged Caprera Island is also worth visiting, especially if you fancy hiking or snorkelling.

Getting from Palau to La Maddalena

Regular ferries operated by Maddalena Lines run between Palau and La Maddalena, making it easy to explore the archipelago on a day trip.

Day 3: Santa Teresa Gallura + Capo Testa OR Corsica

On your final day, head to Santa Teresa Gallura, which is located around 30 minutes from Palau. It’s a popular seaside town on the Strait of Bonifacio, so you can enjoy beautiful views across to Corsica. Once you’re here, there are a couple of options:

Option 1: explore Santa Teresa Gallura and visit Capo Testa

Spend your morning exploring Santa Teresa Gallura's beautiful coastline. Rena Bianca is the town’s main beach, a Blue Flag beach with powdery white sands and clear, shallow waters. After, wander through the town which is equally picturesque with colourful streets packed with restaurants and a lively atmosphere, especially around Piazza Vittorio Emanuele I, the perfect place to people watch! Don’t forget to visit Torre di Longonsardo, a 16th century watch tower where you can soak up stunning panoramas.

From here, you can then drive 10 minutes west to Capo Testa, a small peninsula known for its impressive wind-carved rock formations. Explore natural pools and hike through the rugged trails. Don't miss Cala Spinosa, a stunning secluded cove with crystal-clear waters that’s popular for snorkelling.

Option 2: take a day trip to Corsica

From Santa Teresa Gallura, you can also take a ferry to Bonifacio on the very southern tip of Corsica. The journey takes around 1 hour or less, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a taste of Corsica and returning to Sardinia in time for dinner.

Bonifacio is a charming medieval town perched on limestone cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. There’s plenty to see and do here – get lost in the winding streets of the Old Town, stopping by at the shops and cafes or take a boat tour to see the cliffs and sea caves. 

If you have time, try and visit nearby beaches like Rondinara Beach or Plage du Petit Sperone or if you fancy an adventure, Escalier du Roi d'Aragon, a staircase made up of 187 steps carved into the cliffs, offers beautiful views.

Getting from Santa Teresa di Gallura to Bonifacio

Northern Sardinia is best for: beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, fun boat trips, trips to Corsica

Option 2: Southern Sardinia

Unspoilt beaches, rich history and a slower-pace of life make southern Sardinia a more authentic alternative to the glamorous north. Here’s how we’d recommend spending 3 days in the south:

Day 1: Cagliari and Poetta Beach

Just like Olbia does to the north, Cagliari often acts as a gateway to the south, with direct flights available from London. With its rich history and culture, the capital of the island gives you a real taste of authentic Sardinia.

Start your day by exploring the Castello district, the city's old town. Wander through the picturesque narrow streets and stumble across watchtowers, cathedrals and museums. Make sure you head to Bastione di Saint Remy, one of the city’s most important monuments. Walk to the top of the grand staircase and soak up the beautiful views from Terrazza Umberto I.

Other must-visit attractions in Cagliari include San Benedetto Market, one of the largest indoor markets in Italy where you can sample local Sardinian delicacies, and Molentargius-Saline Regional Park, a protected wetland famous for its pink flamingos.

After you’ve explored the town, spend the rest of the day relaxing along the coast. The city’s main beach, Poetta Beach is located about 10-15 minutes east of Cagliari. It’s a lively 8km stretch with soft sands, clear waters and plenty of beach bars for relaxing in after a refreshing dip.

Day 2: Villasimius

Over the next couple of days, it’s time to really delve into southern Sardinia’s postcard-perfect coastline, starting with a trip to Villasimius, a town on the island's southeast coast. Located around a hour away from Cagliari, this former fishing village has transformed into a buzzing tourist destination thanks to its stunning beaches.

Days in Villasimius are all about relaxing on sugar-white sands and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Some of the best beaches in Villasimius include Punta Molentis, Spiaggia di Porto Giunco and Spiaggia di Campulongu, although you can’t really go wrong with any beach along the coast. In Villasimius, you’ll also find the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, a marine reserve known for its amazing snorkelling.

After a day of sun-soaked bliss, retreat back to the lively town of Villasimius and explore its shops, restaurants and bars.

Day 3: Chia

On day 3, it’s time to discover yet more beautiful beaches! After all, that is what Sardinia is so famous for. This time, head to Chia, located around 1 hour west of Cagliari. The village lacks a centre as such, with just a few shops and restaurants dotted around, making the area’s coastline it’s main draw. 

The area feels a lot more untouched and quieter, unlike the luxurious resorts of Costa Smeralda in the north. Here you’ll find pristine beaches with sand dunes and clear waters. 

A day in Chia is best spent beach hopping from one idyllic white sandy stretch to another. Some of the most stunning beaches in Chia include Tuerredda, Su Giudeu, Monte Cogoni, Sa Colonia and Cala Cipolla.
Don’t forget to look out for pink flamingos too – behind some of the beaches in Chia, you’ll find lagoons filled with them!

Southern Sardinia is best for: stunning undeveloped beaches, an authentic local atmosphere, a slower pace of life

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Whether you fancy exploring glitz and glamour of Costa Smeralda or relaxing along Chia’s untouched coastline, you can get a real feel for Sardinia in just 3 days. So, take your pick between north and south and book your trip to Sardinia today.