7-Day North East Sardinia Itinerary: Orosei to Capo Testa
Complete 7-day north east Sardinia itinerary: Orosei, Golfo di Orosei boat trip, Costa Smeralda, and Santa Teresa. Tips from a decade of visits.
"Almost a decade ago, this was Mike's first trip in Sardinia. Some places get under your skin. This one did."
East Coast Highlights
Golfo di Orosei Magic
Exploring hidden coves only accessible by boat
Cala Luna Paradise
The highlight boat trip to Sardinia's most famous pristine beach
Orgosolo Street Art
Discover 150+ powerful murals that tell Sardinia's story
Capo Testa Sunset
End perfect days with spectacular sunsets from the lighthouse
- Stay in Orosei rather than Cala Gonone — you'll pay less and eat far better
- The drive south on the SS131 DCN is genuinely scenic, so don't rush it
- Pick up water and supplies at a supermarket before you head to the coast
Collect at Olbia Airport
Our car hire guide gets you started with everything you need to know to secure the best prices
- Book a small gommone (8 people max) rather than the big tourist boats — more flexibility, better access, and worth the extra cost
- This sells out weeks ahead in summer, so don't leave booking until you arrive
- Water shoes are worth it — the beaches here are beautiful but pebbly
Golfo di Orosei full-day small-boat tour
€45pp and worth every cent. Includes Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu, and Cala Goloritzé. Small boats (max 8) are better than the big ferries.
Want our detailed PDF guide?
This itinerary gives you the basics. Our 13-page detailed PDF guide includes: exact hotel recommendations, restaurant bookings, beach access tips, and everything else you need to actually plan your trip.
- 3 accommodation options per night (budget to mid-range)
- Nightly cost breakdown (low/high season)
- What to book first, and how far ahead
- Restaurant picks with price range
No spam. One email with your PDF, then occasional Sardinia updates.
- The inland route via Orgosolo is the better choice — the murals are extraordinary and the mountain scenery through Barbagia is unlike anywhere else on the island
- Cala Brandinchi requires advance booking; La Cinta is free but packed in July and August
- Book somewhere for dinner before you arrive in San Teodoro in peak season
- Treat the stops as a menu, not a checklist — Porto Cervo and San Pantaleo are the highlights worth prioritising
- Get to beaches by 8am before crowds arrive — after 10am parking becomes a battle
- Eat lunch in Cannigione rather than the marina — same quality, half the price
- Capo Testa is the standout — a peninsula with beaches on both sides, so one is always sheltered from the wind
- Rena Bianca needs to be booked in advance; arrive early even with a booking
- The sunset walk to the Capo Testa lighthouse is genuinely one of the best things you'll do all week
- La Maddalena is the recommended call — the archipelago boat trips include Budelli (the famous pink beach) and the water is extraordinary
- Bonifacio is only 50 minutes by ferry and feels like a completely different world
- This is your no-packing day, so make the most of it
La Maddalena archipelago full-day boat tour
Island hopping to Spargi, Budelli (the pink beach), and La Maddalena. Turquoise bays with time to swim at each stop.
- If your flight's late afternoon, Pittulongu beach is 10 minutes from the airport — drop your bags at car hire and have one last swim
- Factor in time for the car return process — allow at least an hour before departure
Final Thoughts
This itinerary gives you the perfect mix of Sardinia's highlights — authentic local culture in Orosei, world-class beaches in the Golfo di Orosei, dramatic mountain scenery via Orgosolo, Costa Smeralda glamour, and the relaxed perfection of Santa Teresa.
The key is flexibility — treat the stops as suggestions rather than rigid requirements. Sardinia rewards slow travel — the kind where you have time for that extra gelato, that sunset drink, that conversation with locals who'll tell you about the hidden beach only they know about.
Keep exploring Sardinia
Everything you need to know about renting a car - essential for this itinerary.
Choose the perfect season for your trip based on weather, crowds, and activities.
Flights, ferries, and everything you need to plan your journey to the island.