Northern Sardinia Itinerary: 5 Days of Beaches, Hilltop Towns & Island Escapes 🏝️

If you dream of turquoise bays, pastel harbour towns, and roads that wind through wild granite hills, this Northern Sardinia itinerary is for you.

This part of the island feels both glamorous and grounded – a place where you can swim in sparkling coves one minute, then be sipping wine in a medieval village the next.

I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger. I road-tripped through northern Sardinia and fell for its easy rhythm, island warmth, and scenery that never stops showing off.

Here’s how to spend five unforgettable days exploring the best of Northern Sardinia: from Alghero’s old town to La Maddalena’s crystal coves and the glitzy beaches of the Costa Smeralda.

Day 1: Alghero & Capo Caccia 🌅

Start your trip in Alghero, a coastal town with a Catalan soul. Wander through narrow cobbled lanes, admire the ochre buildings, and pop into a gelateria or two along the sea walls.

🍋 Morning: Explore Alghero’s old town – don’t miss the Cattedrale di Santa Maria and the views from Piazza Bastioni.

🌊 Afternoon: Drive 30 minutes to Capo Caccia, where steep limestone cliffs plunge into the sea.

Visit Neptune’s Grotto, a vast sea cave with turquoise pools and stalactites straight out of a fantasy novel.

🌅 Evening: Stay in Alghero for dinner – try local seafood pasta with bottarga and a glass of chilled Vermentino.

End your first day watching the sunset at Capo Caccia. It’s one of the most dramatic views on the island (I’ve written more about it in my Things to Do in North Sardinia post).

Day 2: Castelsardo & Roccia dell’Elefante 🏰

Leave Alghero behind and follow the scenic coastal road east towards Castelsardo, one of Sardinia’s prettiest hilltop towns.

The drive itself is worth the trip – twisting roads, sea views, and flashes of countryside dotted with olive groves.

🐘 Stop en route at Roccia dell’Elefante, a huge granite rock shaped uncannily like an elephant (it’s practically begging for a photo).

🏰 In Castelsardo, wander the cobbled streets, browse traditional basket-weaving shops, and climb up to the Doria Castle for sweeping views over the Gulf of Asinara.

It’s also one of the highlights in my Prettiest Towns in Sardinia guide – the pastel views here are unreal.

🍝 Have lunch overlooking the sea, then continue towards Santa Teresa Gallura or stay overnight in Castelsardo for a slower pace.

👉 Hungry? Read more about Sardinian Cuisine: 11 Traditional Dishes You Have to Try.

Day 3: Santa Teresa Gallura & Capo Testa 🏖️

At Sardinia’s northern tip, Santa Teresa Gallura is a charming seaside town and the perfect base for exploring nearby Capo Testa.

🌿 Morning: Drive out to Capo Testa’s wild peninsula, where the rocks look like they’ve melted into surreal shapes. Wander down to hidden coves for a dip in crystal-clear water.

🍷 Lunch: Back in Santa Teresa, grab a table in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and enjoy fresh seafood or a plate of culurgiones (Sardinian ravioli).

💡 Optional: Take a short ferry ride to Bonifacio, Corsica – it’s just across the water and makes an exciting day trip if you have extra time.

🏡 Evening: Stay overnight in Santa Teresa Gallura or nearby Palau.

Day 4: La Maddalena & Caprera Islands 🛥️

No Northern Sardinia itinerary is complete without visiting La Maddalena, a dreamy island linked to the mainland by ferry. It could well be the highlight of your trip (it was mine!)

👉 I’ve written a full La Maddalena Sardinia guide if you’d like more detail on beaches, ferries, and where to eat.

⛴️ Morning: Catch the ferry from Palau (it runs every 20-30 minutes and takes about 20 minutes). Once on the island, drive the scenic loop road and stop at beaches like Bassa Trinità and Spalmatore – both picture-perfect.

🌲 Afternoon: Cross the bridge to Caprera Island, where Garibaldi’s old house sits among pine forests and walking trails lead to hidden bays like Cala Napoletana and Cala Coticcio.

🍝 Evening: Dine by the harbour in La Maddalena town – pastel buildings, a marina view, and seafood so fresh it barely left the sea.

If you can, spend the night here – the island is especially peaceful once the day-trippers leave.

Day 5: Costa Smeralda & La Pelosa Beach 💎

💫 Morning: Costa Smeralda

After the ferry back to Palau, head south into the Costa Smeralda, Sardinia’s most famous stretch of coast. It’s known for its emerald bays, glamorous resorts, and designer boutiques – but it’s also genuinely beautiful.

🏝️ Porto Cervo – glossy yachts, chic cafés, and people-watching galore.

🌊 Liscia Ruia and Capriccioli Beaches – long sweeps of golden sand and unreal turquoise water.

🍹 Aperitivo stop – grab a spritz overlooking the marina and enjoy the coastal views before heading west.

Even if you’re not here for the glitz, the beaches alone are worth the stop.

🌅 Afternoon: La Pelosa Beach (Stintino)

Drive west to end your trip at La Pelosa Beach, famous for its white sand, shallow turquoise water, and strict sand-protection rules.

You’ll need to book ahead online and bring a bamboo mat for your towel (or might be able to buy one there) – it’s one of the most beautiful and unusual beach experiences in Italy.

👉 I’ve shared all the booking info and insider tips from my visit in this La Pelosa Beach guide.

It’s a fitting finale to your Sardinia adventure: calm, colourful, and completely unforgettable.

Practical Tips for Northern Sardinia ✨

🚗 Getting Around – You’ll need a car to explore freely. Roads are well-maintained but can be narrow and winding in parts. Try Discover Cars for car rentals.

🕶️ When to Visit – May to October is ideal. June and September offer warm weather without the crowds.

🧭 Car Hire – I recommend booking early with Discover Cars or a trusted local company.

💳 Payments – Most places take cards, but keep cash for smaller cafés and parking.

📱 Offline Maps – Signal can fade in rural or coastal areas, so download Google Maps before you go.

Northern Sardinia Itinerary FAQs ❓

Is Northern Sardinia worth visiting?

Absolutely. It’s home to some of the island’s best beaches, charming hill towns, and the stunning La Maddalena Archipelago. It’s less crowded than the south and perfect for a mix of road trips and relaxation.

How many days do you need in Northern Sardinia?

Five days is ideal for this route, but even three gives you a great taste. With a week, you can add wine-tasting in Gallura or a few lazy beach days on La Maddalena.

Do you need a car to explore Northern Sardinia?

Yes – a car is essential for freedom and flexibility. Public transport is limited outside main towns. Discover Cars is the best car comparison website.

Can you visit La Maddalena without a car?

Yes. You can explore La Maddalena town itself on foot and book local boat tours to the islands, though having a car makes it easier to reach beaches around the island.

When’s the best time to visit Sardinia?

Late May to early October. June and September are the sweet spots: warm seas, fewer crowds, and slightly lower prices. See my Sardinia Travel Guide for more details.

Is Costa Smeralda expensive?

It can be, especially in peak summer, but you can still enjoy its beaches and views without spending much.

Final Thoughts ✨

This Northern Sardinia itinerary captures everything that makes this part of the island so special – glittering beaches, wild landscapes, and towns full of charm and history. From the pink granite cliffs of Capo Testa to the aquamarine coves of La Maddalena, every stop feels like a highlight.

If you have extra time, don’t miss a side trip to Bosa, a riverside town south of Alghero that looks like a painting come to life (you’ll find it in my Prettiest Towns in Sardinia post).

Related Reading for Sardinia 📚

🏖️ Things to Do in North Sardinia.
🛥️ La Maddalena Sardinia: Best Beaches & Things to Do.
🍝 Food in Sardinia: 11 Traditional Dishes & Drinks You Have to Try.
🌊 Sardinia Travel Guide: Turquoise Bays, Hilltop Towns & La Dolce Vita.
🏘️ The Prettiest Towns in Sardinia: From Bosa to Castelsardo.

Pin This Post for Later 📌

Planning your trip? Save this Northern Sardinia itinerary to your Italy travel board for later – and get ready for turquoise seas, island drives, and a touch of dolce vita.