A Week in North Sardinia

Welcome to Sardinia! We're going to start the trip by landing in Olibia, and heading north to a seaside town. I recommend Santa Teresa di Gallura or Porto Cervo. Regardless, spend the day exploring your charming town after settling in to your accomodations. Check out the local piazzas for a lively atmosphere and browse some local shops. For dinner, go classic Sardinian. In Santa Teresa di Gallura, try Ristorante Marlin—a local favorite offering fresh seafood and Sardinian classics like spaghetti with bottarga. Chose Porto Cervo? Head to Spinnaker—a stylish spot offering Mediterranean dishes and seafood with a modern twist, perfect for enjoying the coastal ambiance.

Time to explore the Maddalena Archipelago! Take a boat tour from Palau to the Maddalena Archipelago, a breathtaking cluster of islands with turquoise waters and secluded beaches. Once there, try Ristorante La Grotta—known for its fresh seafood dishes and friendly atmosphere. Return to Santa Teresa di Gallura for dinner at Il Grottino, a charming spot offering Sardinian specialties and a cozy ambiance.

Use today to explore Olbia. Olbia is the vibrant gateway to northern Sardinia, known for its ancient history and charming town center. Stroll through the historic center, visiting landmarks like the Basilica of San Simplicio and Corso Umberto for shopping and dining. A great way to explore Olbia and the surrounding area is with a tuk tuk! Finish the day with a cooking class, learning traditional Sardinian foods.

On your last full day in Olbia, head down to the famous and glamorous Costa Smeralda. Relax on iconic beaches such as Spiaggia del Principe or Capriccioli. Consider a tour that would allow you to kayak and snorkel. Visit Porto Cervo, known for its luxury boutiques, chic cafes and stunning marina.

In the evening, enjoy waterfront dining in Porto Cervo or return to Olbia for a quieter meal.

Drive or take a scenic transfer to Alghero. If you want to stop along the way, Castelsardo, a picturesque medieval town perched on a hill, is a great option. Explore the cobblestone streets, visit the Doria Castle, and enjoy lunch with stunning sea views.

Once you arrive in Alghero and settle in, you can explore its old town, known for Catalan-Gothic architecture. This is another great spot for a cooking class! If not, try dinner at Al Tuguri, a charming restaurant in the old town known for creative takes on Sardinian cuisine.

Day 6:

A great day to explore the Alghero coast. Many tour companies offer great bike tours that will take you to secret, secluded beaches.

Take a boat tour or drive to Neptune’s Grotto, a stunning sea cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Hike or enjoy the views from Capo Caccia, a dramatic limestone cliff offering panoramic vistas.

Spend the afternoon relaxing at a nearby beach, such as Spiaggia di Mugoni, before heading back to Alghero.

For eating, try Osteria Macchiavello—a seafront eatery serving traditional dishes like fregola with seafood and Sardinian cheeses. Or Mabrouk—a popular spot in the old town serving a fixed menu of freshly caught seafood prepared in traditional Sardinian style.

Day 7:

Venture into the surrounding countryside for a wine-tasting experience at a local vineyard, sampling Sardinian wines like Cannonau and Vermentino.

Azienda Agricola Leda’ d’Ittiri is a great spot to stop at lunchtime. Enjoy a wine-tasting experience paired with a light lunch featuring local products.

Alghero is famous for it’s saffron, and you can take this opportunity to visit a Saffron Laboratory.

The countryside is also a great spot to find and explore an olearia (or oleificio) is an olive oil mill, where olives are processed to produce olive oil. Accademia Olearia is a great choice

Return to Alghero for a farewell dinner, savoring traditional dishes and the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

For a grand farewell, dine at Ristorante Andreini, a Michelin-starred establishment offering an exquisite tasting menu inspired by Sardinian traditions.