A road trip from Olbia to Cagliari is an effective way to experience several sides of Sardinia without returning to the same airport. The challenge is distance: Sardinia is larger and slower to cross than many first-time visitors expect, so the route should favor a few strong stops rather than constant driving.
Days 1–2: Olbia and Gallura. Use Olbia as the arrival point, then explore the north-east coast, choosing between Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro or a boat day depending on your interests and the weather.
Continue west or through the centre
Days 3–4: Move toward north-western Sardinia. Alghero is an excellent two-night base because it combines a historic centre with beaches, Porto Conte and Capo Caccia.
If you have only seven days, begin heading south after Alghero. With ten days, add more time for Gallura, a village stop or an archaeological detour.
Bosa, Sinis and the west coast
Days 5–6: Drive the scenic road from Alghero to Bosa, then continue toward the Oristano and Sinis area. Tharros, wetlands and the west-coast landscape provide a strong contrast with the north-east.
In a ten-day itinerary, spending an extra night here prevents the trip from feeling rushed.
Finish in Cagliari
Days 7–10: Cagliari makes a natural final base. Explore Castello and Marina, visit Poetto and Molentargius, and use any extra days for the south coast, archaeological sites or a trip toward Villasimius or Chia.
Seven days gives you the outline of the island; ten days gives you room to breathe. In both cases, avoid planning every day around a long drive. Sardinia is at its best when there is time to stop.
