This trip is designed for those who want to see a lot without rushing: a few bases in residences (comfortable, with kitchen and parking) and short journeys, so each day has a relaxed pace. You will visit Stintino, Castelsardo, Santa Teresa Gallura, the La Maddalena archipelago, the Costa Smeralda and, finally, San Teodoro and Budoni. Each stage suggests where to stop, how much time to spend and how to alternate between the sea, walks and panoramic views.
Map & logistics (ports, airports, cars)
- Recommended arrivals: Alghero (AHO), Olbia (OLB), ports of Porto Torres and Olbia/Golfo Aranci.
- Ideal means of transport: car (own or hire). With a car, you can better manage beaches and timetables.
- Suggested bases:
- Stintino/Porto Torres (2 nights) – convenient for La Pelosa and the Gulf of Asinara
- Santa Teresa Gallura/Palau (2 nights) – perfect for Capo Testa and La Maddalena
- Gulf of Marinella/Baja Sardinia (1 night) – Costa Smeralda stopover
- San Teodoro/Budoni (2 nights) – ending with beaches and snorkelling
Tip: If you are arriving/departing from Olbia, you can reverse the itinerary by starting from San Teodoro.
Days 1–2: Stintino and the magic of La Pelosa
La Pelosa is iconic: pure white sand, unreal turquoise waters and shallow seabed. Access is regulated in summer, so check whether you need to book: arrive early, park calmly and walk towards the tower for the best views. When the wind changes or it gets crowded, move on to Saline or Ezzi Mannu, which are often less crowded and just as scenic.
In the evening, return to Stintino: the small harbour, the restaurants and the light that gilds the boats are the perfect way to end the day.
If you want to add a touch of wildness, consider an excursion to the Gulf of Asinara: incredible sea and protected nature.
Day 3: Castelsardo
Leaving Stintino, take the coastal road towards Castelsardo. The medieval village, perched on the rocks, offers stone alleyways, sudden glimpses of the sea and the silhouette of the Doria Castle dominating the landscape. Enter the cathedral, climb up to the viewpoints, then slowly make your way back down.
Just outside the town, along the SP90 road, a quick stop at Roccia dell’Elefante (Elephant Rock) always brings a smile to your face.
In the afternoon, set off again towards Santa Teresa Gallura: just under an hour’s drive along winding roads through Mediterranean scrubland will take you to your new base.
Day 4: Santa Teresa Gallura and Capo Testa
Here, stone takes centre stage. At Capo Testa, the granite rocks are natural sculptures shaped by the wind, with easy paths overlooking the Strait of Bonifacio. Walk without haste, stop at the sheltered coves, breathe in the salt air and the scent of juniper.
Returning to the village, Rena Bianca, the local beach, invites you to take a late afternoon dip. In the evening, between the square and the ice cream parlour, you will understand why so many travellers stay longer than planned.
Day 5: La Maddalena Archipelago
Spend a whole day exploring the archipelago. The easiest way is to take a boat or dinghy tour from Palau: you will visit the crystal clear waters of Spargi, the natural pools of Budelli (respecting the rules) and the bright white sand of Santa Maria. Alternatively, take the ferry with your car, drive around the main island and choose two or three stops between Bassa Trinità and Monti d’A Rena.
Whichever option you choose, bring a windproof jacket with you: even in summer, the breeze can take you by surprise. In the evening, you can return to Palau or head towards the Costa Smeralda to shorten your journey the following day.
Day 6: Palau, Baja Sardinia and the Gulf of Marinella
The Costa Smeralda should be enjoyed beyond stereotypes. Start in Baja Sardinia, large enough to find space even in high season; continue to Porto Cervo for a stroll among small squares and bridges over the sea; finish at the Gulf of Marinella or Ira Beach, where the water seems to be backlit.
If you love walking, there are easy trails between Palau and Baja Sardinia with wonderful views of the islands of the archipelago. For the night, stop in the Marinella or Baja area: you will already be heading towards the last stretch of the itinerary.
Day 7: San Teodoro and Budoni
The finale is all about relaxation. In San Teodoro, La Cinta is magnificent in the early morning or at sunset, when the colours turn pastel and the lagoon reflects the sky in silence. A short distance away, Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu are two picture-postcard locations; in summer, parking spaces are limited, so plan ahead. If you prefer more space, head down to Budoni: Li Cuppulati offers calm waters and a family atmosphere. With a final excursion to Tavolara from Porto San Paolo, you can bid farewell to your trip from above, looking out over the entire coastline from the island.
