4 Days in Sardinia: The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

33

Sardinia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, with crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, secluded coves, and spectacular coastal scenery. Whether you’re looking to relax on pristine beaches, explore the coastline by boat, or sample local wines, Sardinia has something for everyone. If you only have 4 days in Sardinia, you won’t be able to explore the entire island, but you can still experience some of its most breathtaking destinations. This 4-day Sardinia itinerary takes you along the eastern and northeastern coast of the island, from Santa Maria Navarrese and the dramatic Baunei Coast to the beautiful beaches of Costa Smeralda and the La Maddalena Archipelago. Along the way, you’ll enjoy two unforgettable boat excursions, visit some of Sardinia’s prettiest beaches, sample local wines, and experience the island’s excellent food scene.

Note – This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, I get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Day 1: Explore the Beaches and Coastal Scenery of Eastern Sardinia

Start your 4 days in Sardinia by exploring the beautiful coastline around Santa Maria Navarrese, Tortolì, and Arbatax.

This part of Sardinia is known for its rugged coastal landscapes, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s also a great place to experience some of the island’s local wineries.

You can either have a beach focused day or a wine focused day. Or you can select one from each and create your own adventure!

Things to Do on Day 1

Beach and Views Focused

• Spiaggia di Santa Maria Navarrese: Start your day at this lovely beach in the seaside village of Santa Maria Navarrese. The beach has clear water and beautiful mountain views, making it a great place for a morning stroll or a quick swim.
• Pedra Longa: One of the most impressive natural landmarks along Sardinia’s eastern coastline, Pedra Longa is a massive limestone rock formation rising dramatically from the Mediterranean Sea. The views from the surrounding coastline are spectacular, so it’s worth stopping here even if you don’t plan to spend much time.
• Spiaggia di Cea: This beautiful sandy beach is known for its shallow turquoise water and distinctive red rock formations rising from the sea. It’s an excellent option if you want to spend some time swimming or relaxing on the beach.
• Lido di Orrì: Another gorgeous beach near Tortolì, Lido di Orrì features a long stretch of sand, clear water, and a scenic coastline. If you’re short on time, you can visit either Lido di Orrì or Spiaggia di Cea rather than both.

Winery Focused

• Cantina Sa Pruna: If you enjoy wine tasting, consider visiting this local winery to sample Sardinian wines. Check opening hours and tasting availability in advance.
• Tenute Gebelias: Another winery in the area worth considering. If you have limited time, I recommend selecting one winery rather than trying to fit in all 3.
• Oleificio Pelau & Cantina Mura: This place was a delight! Especially good for olive oil tasting and a really great cheese, bread, and charcuterie lunch!

Evening: Cocktails and Dinner in Arbatax

After a day exploring the coastline, head to Arbatax for cocktails and dinner. But first stop at Rocce Rosse before the sun goes down.

Bar La Rosa dei Venti: Stop here for an evening drink before dinner.

Ristorante La Bitta: Enjoy dinner at this seaside restaurant, where you can relax and take in the coastal setting. Reservations are recommended during the summer months.

Where to Stay

Stay in Santa Maria Navarrese or Arbatax for the first two nights of your Sardinia road trip. Also, Santa Maria Navarrese is particularly convenient if your Baunei Coast boat excursion departs from the local marina.

I stayed at Hotel Nicoletta and it was a convenient base for exploring the Baunei Coast. The hotel is just a steps away from the beach, restaurants, and marina, making it particularly convenient if you’re planning a boat excursion. Its central location also makes it easy to explore the village on foot. See HERE for more.

Day 2: Take a Boat Tour Along the Baunei Coast

One of the absolute highlights of spending 4 days in Sardinia is taking a boat excursion along the spectacular Baunei Coast. Located along the Gulf of Orosei, this stretch of coastline is famous for towering limestone cliffs, secluded beaches, sea caves, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. Many of the beaches are inaccessible by road, making a boat tour the easiest way to explore this beautiful coastline.

I recommend dedicating an entire day to this experience, as most boat excursions last approximately 6–8 hours.

What to See on a Baunei Coast Boat Tour

Depending on the excursion you select, you may visit several of the following beaches:

• Cala Goloritzé: One of Sardinia’s most recognizable beaches, famous for its turquoise water and dramatic limestone pinnacle. Boat tours can admire the beach from offshore, but boats are not permitted to land directly on the protected beach.
• Cala Mariolu: Known for its tiny white pebbles, exceptionally clear water, and dramatic cliffs. This is one of the most beautiful swimming spots along the Baunei Coast.
• Cala Biriala: A small, picturesque beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear water.
• Cala dei Gabbiani: Another stunning beach with turquoise water, white pebbles, and a beautiful natural setting.
• Cala Luna: Famous for its crescent-shaped shoreline and large caves along the beach. Some excursions include a stop here, although not all tours travel this far north.

Which Baunei Coast Boat Tour Should You Book?

There are several ways to explore the Baunei Coast, including larger shared boats, small-group excursions, and private boat charters. If your budget allows, I recommend a small-group boat excursion. These tours often provide a more personal experience and may include additional swimming stops in smaller coves.

When comparing tours, pay attention to the beaches included, the number of swimming stops, and the total duration. Most importantly, remember that boat excursions are weather-dependent. Strong winds and rough seas can lead to itinerary changes or cancellations, so it’s worth keeping some flexibility in your plans.

I can recommend 2 tours. One is on a rubber dingy and the other is a bigger boat that is covered. Both have a maximum of 12 passengers which I highly recommend over the bigger tours.

• Fuorirotta Charter (Motor Yacht Mariner III) – This is a boat and they provide lunch as well. See HERE
• Tortuga Escursioni Baunei – This is a rubber dingy and they don’t provide lunch but they go to lots of stops and can get in very close to the caves and coves. It’s also cheaper. See HERE

Tortuga is more adventurous, while the Fuorirotta Charter option is more relaxing. Both Operators are excellent!

Evening: Cocktails and Dinner

After returning from your boat excursion, spend the evening relaxing in Santa Maria Navarrese.

• Hen Bar: A spot to enjoy cocktails after a full day on the water.
• MeC Puddu’s: Head here for dinner and enjoy a relaxed evening before continuing your Sardinia road trip.

Stay a second night in Santa Maria Navarrese or Arbatax.

Day 3: Discover Costa Smeralda’s Beaches and Wineries

On Day 3 of your 4 days in Sardinia, head north toward Costa Smeralda, one of the island’s most famous coastal destinations.

Known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, stylish beach clubs, and upscale restaurants, Costa Smeralda offers a completely different atmosphere from the rugged Baunei Coast. The drive from Santa Maria Navarrese or Arbatax to Costa Smeralda takes approximately 2.5–3 hours, depending on your exact destination.

I recommend leaving early so you have enough time to visit a winery and explore some of the area’s beautiful beaches before sunset.

Visit a Winery in Northern Sardinia

Sardinia produces some excellent wines, particularly Vermentino, a refreshing white wine that pairs perfectly with the island’s coastal cuisine.

If you enjoy wine tasting, consider visiting one of these wineries:

• Tenute Olbios: Located near Olbia, Tenute Olbios is known for its Vermentino wines. It’s a convenient stop when driving north toward Costa Smeralda.
• Capichera: Located near Arzachena, Capichera is one of Sardinia’s best-known wineries, particularly recognized for its premium Vermentino wines. It’s an excellent option if you’re interested in experiencing some of the island’s more prestigious wines.

Both wineries are worth considering, but I recommend visiting just one if you also want to spend time at the beaches.

Tip – Make reservations in advance, as tasting experiences and availability vary.

Explore the Beautiful Beaches of Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, with powdery sand, granite rock formations, and incredibly clear turquoise water.

With only one afternoon, I recommend prioritizing one or two beaches rather than trying to visit all three.

• Spiaggia del Principe: One of the most picturesque beaches in Costa Smeralda, with fine white sand, crystal-clear water, and granite rocks framing the shoreline. This would be my top priority if you only have time for one beach.
• Capriccioli Beach: A beautiful beach made up of several small coves separated by granite rocks. Its shallow, clear water makes it an excellent place for swimming.
• Rena Bianca (near Portisco): A lovely sandy beach with clear water and scenic surroundings. Be sure to use the Rena Bianca near Portisco in your navigation, not the similarly named beach in Santa Teresa Gallura, which is farther north.

If you’re mainly interested in sightseeing and photography, you can stop at multiple beaches. However, if you want time to swim and relax, choose one or two and enjoy them properly.

Evening: Sunset Cocktails at Phi Beach

After exploring Costa Smeralda, head to Phi Beach, one of the area’s most famous sunset destinations. Located near Baja Sardinia, Phi Beach is a stylish beach club set among granite rocks overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It’s particularly known for its spectacular sunset views, cocktails, and lively atmosphere.

Arrive before sunset to enjoy the beautiful coastal setting as the sky changes color. It is cheaper to buy entrance tickets prior online. It also includes an adult beverage. See HERE for more.

Dinner: Ristorante Lu Stazzu dal 1960

For dinner, head to Ristorante Lu Stazzu dal 1960 to experience traditional Sardinian cuisine in a farm house setting. It’s a great way to end your day after exploring Costa Smeralda’s beaches and wineries. You need to make a reservation by calling them ahead.

Where to Stay

Spend the night in Costa Smeralda, or Baja Sardinia. We stayed a little North of Porto Cervo in Costa Smeralda.

We stayed at Bagaglino I Giardini di Porto Cervo: Located in the Costa Smeralda region near Porto Cervo, this beachfront property offers spacious apartment-style accommodations surrounded by Mediterranean gardens. The property has direct access to Cala Pitrizza Beach, with some apartments offering beautiful sea views. It’s a convenient base for exploring Costa Smeralda’s beaches and restaurants, as well as taking a day trip to the La Maddalena Archipelago. The staff were super friendly and the apartment style room was massive! See HERE for more.

Day 4: Explore the La Maddalena Archipelago by Boat

Finish your 4 days in Sardinia with a full-day boat excursion through the spectacular La Maddalena Archipelago.Located off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, this group of islands is famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons, and crystal-clear water. While the Baunei Coast is characterized by towering limestone cliffs and dramatic coastal scenery, La Maddalena is known for its granite islands, shallow turquoise water, and beautiful sandy beaches. The scenery is completely different, which is why I recommend experiencing both boat excursions if your schedule allows.

What to See on a La Maddalena Boat Tour

Depending on your boat excursion, you may visit several of the following islands and beaches:

• Spargi Island: One of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago, known for its secluded beaches and exceptionally clear water. Cala Corsara is among its most famous beaches.
• Budelli Island: Famous for Spiaggia Rosa, the protected Pink Beach. Landing and swimming at Spiaggia Rosa are prohibited, but some boat excursions pass offshore so you can admire it from a distance.
• Santa Maria Island: Known for its sandy beaches, shallow turquoise water, and peaceful natural setting.
• La Maddalena Island: The largest island in the archipelago, with a charming town featuring colorful buildings, waterfront restaurants, shops, and narrow streets.
• Caprera Island: A beautiful island known for its rugged landscapes, secluded coves, and scenic coastline.

Not every tour visits all these locations, so compare itineraries carefully before booking.

Choosing a La Maddalena Boat Excursion

Most full-day La Maddalena boat excursions depart from Palau or La Maddalena and last approximately 6–8 hours. You can select a larger group boat, a small-group excursion, or a private charter. I recommend looking for a tour that includes swimming stops around Spargi, Santa Maria, and Budelli, as these are among the most scenic areas of the archipelago. As with the Baunei Coast, boat excursions depend on weather and sea conditions, so check the forecast and cancellation policies before booking.

I celebrated by 40th birthday in La Maddalena on a small group sail boat and it was a day to remember! First of all I loved that it was a small group of people. They had coffee with cookies, 2 massive cheese boards, lovely pasta and fresh cut fruits for dessert and the prosecco was free flowing! Below is the exact tour.

Evening: Return to Costa Smeralda or Olbia

After your boat excursion, return to your accommodation in Costa Smeralda and have drinks and dinner in Porto Cervo.

Baunei Coast vs. La Maddalena: Which Boat Tour Is Better?

If you’re spending 4 days in Sardinia, I highly recommend taking both the Baunei Coast and La Maddalena boat excursions.

However, if you have limited time or only want to book one boat tour, here’s how they compare.

	Baunei Coast	La Maddalena
Scenery	Towering limestone cliffs, caves, secluded coves	Granite islands, white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons
Best for	Dramatic scenery and photography	Swimming, beaches, and island scenery
Highlights	Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu, Cala Biriala	Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria
Departure area	Santa Maria Navarrese, Arbatax, or Cala Gonone	Palau or La Maddalena
Typical duration	6–8 hours	6–8 hours

Which would I recommend?

If you love dramatic landscapes and spectacular coastal scenery, prioritize the Baunei Coast. Its towering cliffs, hidden beaches, and rugged coastline make it particularly impressive. If you prefer beautiful sandy beaches, shallow turquoise water, and swimming between picturesque islands, La Maddalena may be the better option.

Personally, I think the two experiences complement each other beautifully, and including both is one of the best parts of this 4 days in Sardinia itinerary.

Where to Stay for 4 Days in Sardinia

Since this itinerary covers two different regions of Sardinia, I recommend splitting your accommodation between two bases. Staying in one location for all four nights would mean spending too much time driving between attractions.

Nights 1–2: Santa Maria Navarrese or Arbatax

Santa Maria Navarrese is a charming seaside village with a beautiful beach, restaurants, and a marina offering boat excursions along the Baunei Coast. Arbatax is another good option, particularly if you prefer staying in a larger hotel or resort.

Both locations are convenient for exploring the eastern coastline.

Nights 3–4: Costa Smeralda, Baja Sardinia, or Palau

For the second half of your trip, stay in northeastern Sardinia.

• Costa Smeralda: Best for luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and upscale restaurants.
• Baja Sardinia: A good option for sunset cocktails, beach clubs, and exploring Costa Smeralda.
• Palau: Particularly convenient for La Maddalena boat excursions and generally a practical base for exploring the archipelago.

Practical Tips for Planning 4 Days in Sardinia

• Rent a car. A rental car is essential for this itinerary. Sardinia’s beaches, wineries, and coastal attractions are spread out, and public transportation is limited in many areas.
• Book boat excursions in advance. The Baunei Coast and La Maddalena are among Sardinia’s most popular experiences, especially during the summer months. Small-group excursions can sell out.
• Be flexible with the weather. Strong winds and rough seas can affect boat excursions. If you have flexibility in your itinerary, consider switching your boat day with a beach or winery day if the forecast looks unfavorable.
• Make winery reservations. Many wineries require advance bookings for tastings, so check availability before arriving.
• Allow extra time for parking. Popular beaches in Costa Smeralda can get crowded during peak season, and some require a short walk from the parking area.
• Don’t try to see the entire island. Sardinia is much larger than it looks on a map. With only 4 days in Sardinia, focusing on the eastern and northeastern coastline allows you to see some of its most spectacular destinations without spending all your time driving.
• Plan your arrival and departure carefully. This itinerary assumes you have four full days in Sardinia. Ideally, arrive the evening before Day 1 and depart the morning after Day 4.

You can also start in Costa Smeralda and finish in Santa Maria Navarrese but I did Costa Smeralda last to be closer to Olbia for our flight out.

Is 4 Days in Sardinia Enough?

Four days in Sardinia is enough to experience some of the island’s most beautiful beaches and coastal scenery, provided you focus on one region rather than trying to explore the entire island. This 4 days in Sardinia itinerary combines two of the island’s most spectacular boat excursions with beach hopping, wine tasting, and excellent dining experiences. If you have additional time, consider spending an extra day exploring the Gulf of Orosei, relaxing on Costa Smeralda’s beaches, or discovering more of the island’s charming towns.

However, even with just 4 days in Sardinia, you can experience many of the highlights that make this Italian island so special.

Final Thoughts on 4 Days in Sardinia

I totally get the hype about Sardinia and visiting in September was the perfect time as the crowds were not too crazy. It was the perfect place to celebrate a milestone birthday! I will definitely visit again and explore the north and west of the island next tome.

If you’re visiting Sardinia for the first time and want to experience some of the island’s most beautiful destinations, this 4 days in Sardinia itinerary is a great way to do it.

See all my posts on Italy HERE.

Did you find this 4 days in Sardinia post useful? Please let me know by liking/commenting below or sharing this post on social media! Thank you!!

Pin this post for later!