Italy · Guide

Sardinia — a week on the Costa Smeralda

Updated July 2026

The brief

A group of six wanted beauty without the August circus — villas, a boat day, one proper dinner and enough space to actually rest. This is how I’d plan it again.


7-Day Luxury Sardinia Itinerary

Discover Alghero & Northern Sardinia Like a Travel Designer

Looking for a Sardinia itinerary that goes beyond the typical tourist route?

This is a sample itinerary I regularly build for clients wanting to experience the quieter, more authentic side of Sardinia. Based in the charming coastal town of Alghero, you’ll discover turquoise beaches, dramatic coastal drives, incredible seafood, boutique wineries, and one of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular island archipelagos.

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply want a beautifully curated escape, this itinerary offers a balance of relaxation, adventure, and authentic local experiences.

Forte Village Resort


Why I Recommend Alghero

While Costa Smeralda often steals the spotlight, I frequently recommend Alghero to clients looking for a more relaxed and authentic Sardinian experience. It is a rapidly developing part of  Sardinia which has a direct airport access making it easy to get to.

Why?

✔ Beautiful beaches without the same crowds

✔ Historic old town with Catalan influence

✔ Fantastic seafood restaurants

✔ Excellent wineries nearby

✔ Dramatic coastal scenery

✔ Easy access to northern Sardinia

✔ Better value luxury hotels

It’s the perfect base for a week-long holiday without constantly changing accommodation.


Sample 7-Day Itinerary

Day

Experience

Day 1

Arrive in Alghero & Sunset Walk

Day 2

Explore Alghero & Neptune’s Grotto

Day 3

Beach Clubs & Wine Tasting

Day 4

Private Boat Day

Day 5

Scenic Drive to Bosa

Day 6

Slow Luxury Day

Day 7

La Maddalena Archipelago Adventure


Day 1 – Welcome to Sardinia

Arrive at Alghero Airport

Collect your hire car and head to your hotel.

After checking in, spend the afternoon wandering through Alghero’s beautifully preserved historic centre.

Explore its cobbled streets, browse artisan boutiques, and enjoy your first aperitivo overlooking the marina.

Evening Recommendation

Finish your first day with fresh lobster Catalan-style—Alghero’s signature dish—paired with a chilled glass of local Vermentino.


Day 2 – Discover Historic Alghero

Spend the morning exploring one of Sardinia’s most charming old towns.

Highlights include:

  • Alghero Cathedral
  • Medieval city walls
  • Piazza Civica
  • Local artisan shops
  • Gelato stops along the waterfront

Afternoon: Neptune’s Grotto

One of Sardinia’s most famous natural attractions.

You can either:

  • Descend the spectacular Escala del Cabirol staircase
  • Arrive by boat from Alghero Harbour or your hotel

Inside you’ll discover enormous limestone chambers filled with stalactites and underground lakes.

Evening

Enjoy cocktails overlooking the harbour before dinner at one of the seafront restaurants.


Day 3 – Beach Day & Wine Tasting

Today’s pace slows down.

Morning

Choose one of the area’s beautiful beaches:

  • Le Bombarde
  • Lazzaretto Beach
  • Mugoni Beach

Crystal-clear water, white sand and excellent snorkelling make each a fantastic choice.

Afternoon

Visit one of northern Sardinia’s wineries.

This region is renowned for:

  • Vermentino
  • Cannonau
  • Torbato (unique to Alghero)

Enjoy a leisurely tasting followed by a vineyard lunch.


Day 4 – Experience Sardinia from the Sea

One of my favourite recommendations.

Hire a private boat—or join a small-group excursion—and spend the day exploring Sardinia’s spectacular coastline. We can access competitive rates with trusted suppliers locally. If you need ground transportation to the boat, this can also be arranged without any fuss.

Expect:

  • Hidden coves
  • Turquoise swimming spots
  • Sea caves
  • Paddleboarding
  • Snorkelling
  • Lunch on board

Watching the sunset as you return to Alghero is unforgettable.


Day 5 – Scenic Road Trip to Bosa

The coastal drive between Alghero and Bosa is considered one of Italy’s most beautiful roads.

Take your time.

Stop frequently to admire the dramatic cliffs and panoramic viewpoints before arriving in colourful Bosa.

Explore

  • Bosa Castle
  • Riverside cafés
  • Local artisan shops
  • Historic streets
  • Traditional bakeries

Return via the same spectacular coastal road.


Day 6 – A Slow Luxury Day

Luxury isn’t always about doing more.

Sometimes it’s about fully indulging into one pleasant activity and making the most of it.

Choose whatever suits your mood.

Ideas

  • Spa treatment
  • Couples massage
  • Cooking class
  • Horse riding
  • Wine tasting
  • Private chef dinner
  • Pool day with cocktails

This is your chance to simply enjoy Sardinia.


Day 7 – Bonus Adventure: La Maddalena Archipelago

If you’re happy with an early start, dedicate your final full day to one of Europe’s most spectacular island groups.

Drive across northern Sardinia before taking the short ferry to La Maddalena.

Spend the day discovering:

  • La Maddalena
  • Spargi
  • Budelli
  • Santa Maria
  • Caprera

The beaches here are often compared to the Caribbean thanks to their incredibly clear water.

For the best experience, I always recommend a private boat charter over larger group excursions.


Where I’d Stay

Luxury

  • Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa
  • Hotel El Faro
  • Hotel Punta Negra

Boutique

  • Smy Carlos V
  • Hotel Catalunya

Family-Friendly

  • Baia di Conte
  • Corte Rosada (By Melia- adults only)
  • Hotel Porto Conte (A next door family friendly hotel with activities on site, set in the setting of a picturesque national part Porto Conte)

Favourite Food Experiences

Instead of simply recommending restaurants, I like suggesting memorable dining experiences.

Seafood Dinner

Fresh lobster and locally caught fish overlooking Alghero’s harbour.

Agriturismo Lunch

Traditional Sardinian hospitality with homemade pasta, roasted meats and local cheeses.

Sunset Cocktails

Harbour-front aperitivo as the fishing boats return.

Fine Dining

Celebrate with a tasting menu showcasing modern Sardinian cuisine.


Local Specialities Worth Trying

  • Lobster Catalan-style
  • Bottarga
  • Malloreddus pasta
  • Sardinian Pecorino
  • Vermentino wine
  • Cannonau wine
  • Mirto liqueur
  • Seadas (traditional Sardinian dessert)

Best Time to Visit

Season

Why Visit

May

Warm weather, quiet beaches

June

Long sunny days and perfect swimming

September

Warm sea, fewer crowds

October

Mild temperatures and peaceful atmosphere

July and August offer the liveliest atmosphere but are also the busiest months.


Travel Tips

✔ Hire a car—it gives you complete freedom.
 – Alghero Airport has several Car Rentals and my clients often arrange car rental through me

✔ Reserve beach clubs well in advance during summer.
 – When booking the hotel, my clients received complimentary reserved day beds for their disposal, as part of their stay

✔ Pack water shoes for rocky coves.

✔ Always carry sunscreen and plenty of water.

✔ Leave room in your suitcase for local wine and delicacies.


Why Book Through a Travel Designer?

A holiday isn’t just about booking flights and hotels.

It’s about creating a journey that flows effortlessly—from choosing the right hotel for your style of travel to arranging private boat charters, hidden restaurant reservations, vineyard visits, and scenic routes that most visitors never discover.

Every itinerary I create is tailored to the individual traveller, ensuring each day feels relaxed, seamless, and genuinely memorable.


Ready to Plan Your Sardinia Escape?

If you’re dreaming of crystal-clear waters, incredible food, boutique hotels, and a slower pace of life, I’d love to help design a Sardinian itinerary that’s tailored specifically to you.

Get in touch to start planning your bespoke Sardinia journey.


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