Sardinia Road Trip: from Olbia to beaches and seaside towns

Located on the eastern coast of Sardinia, the Gulf of Orosei is one of the most beautiful areas on the island. The coastline here is simply amazing and features dozens of hidden bays, caves with natural grottos, and incredible beaches that you can explore on your Sardinia itinerary.

Visit the towns of Orosei or Cala Gonone to join boat tours that offer daily cruises along the coastline and stop at rocky caves and secluded bays which are only accessible by sea or via trekking paths.

History buffs will definitely want to check out archaeological sites like Serra Orrios and Tiscali, mysterious Narughi complexes of which no one is quite sure what they were used for. Su Gorroppu, one of the deepest canyons in Europe is also a must on your Sardinia road trip. 

Then there are the famous Blue Marino Caves, which are made of stalagmites that shine in the water. To enjoy some quality beach time, which you’ll definitely want on the Gulf of Orosei, include to your itinerary places like:

• Cala Mariolu
• Cala Sisine
• Cala Goloritzè
• Cala Biriola
• Cala Fuili
• Cala Luna

Situated on the beautiful coastline of West Sardinia, Bosa is a fabulous town with a romantic charm. From imposing palazzos with large balconies and pastel houses stacked on cobbled streets to green valleys and rocky hills, Bosa is a peaceful place where time stands still.

The historic district is home to medieval streets with cute facades, stone staircases, and the famous Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Life here is slow-paced. Local fisherman can be seen next to the beautiful Temo River, while tourists are making their way to the stunning Malaspina castle and young families to the nearby Bosa Marina Beach. 

The small town of Bosa is also home to the historic Ponte Vecchio of Bosa Bridge, ranked as one of the most beautiful bridges in Italy. To make the most out your Sardinia road trip, visit the Capo Marrargiu Bio-marine Park and admire various species of birds.

Located on the north-west coast of the island and easily reachable from the village of Bosa with a campervan, Alghero is one of the most stunning medieval towns on the island. It’s a must on any Sardinia road trip.

The main draw here is the Gothic-style historic centre where travellers come to admire the beauty of historical landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the 14th-century Church of San Francesco, and the Guillot Palace.

Expect to find many cafe-lined piazzas, as well as dozens of restaurants like Ristorante Mabrouk and Al Vecchio Mulino where you can try authentic local specialities.

Below the historic centre, the modern marina welcomes tourists on yacht charter vacations. Take the long seaside staircase or a boat from the harbour to the fabulous Neptune’s Grotto, a large saltwater lake with stalactites and stalagmites.

Well known for its neo-Gothic Piazza d’Italia and the Baroque-fronted cathedral, Sassari is the second-largest city on the island of Sardinia. Wander down the charming Corso Vittorio Emanuele II street to admire some of the oldest houses on the island which date back to the 16th century. 

To discover impressive archaeological collections including Roman artefacts and Nuragic bronze, make your way to Museo Nazionale Sanna.

The nearby ghost town of Argentiera is just a short drive from Sassari, making it a great addition to your itinerary. This UNESCO-protected site is home to many abandoned mine buildings and a couple of secluded beaches can be found in the vicinity.

To end your Sardinia road trip with a blast, visit the picturesque town of Castelsardo.  Best known for its ancient castle, nice sandy beaches, and a couple of (really good) spa hotels, this place also houses one of the most incredible rock formations on the island called Roccia dell’ Elefante.