Simply Wanderfull
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Dreaming of turquoise waters, mountain adventures, and authentic island flavours? This 10-day Sardinian itinerary is packed with simple pleasures and unforgettable experiences. Picture hiking rugged trails, kayaking in crystal-clear bays, boating to secret beaches, learning local recipes in a cooking class, and sampling Sardinia’s renowned wines—all while relaxing in some of the island’s finest hotels. Whether you crave action, relaxation, or a taste of real Sardinian life, this trip’s got something for everyone who loves mixing luxury with adventure and warm hospitality.
My girlfriends and I embarked on an unforgettable 10-day tour of Sardinia, where we experienced luxury accommodations, delicious food and refreshing spritz’s, cooking classes, wine tastings, and incredible adventures filled with hiking, kayaking, and boating. Yes we covered it all! Immersing ourselves in the rich and beautiful culture of Sardinia, we created memories that will last a lifetime.
Thankfully, my friend and I love to plan holidays. For months, we carefully researched Sardinia to create a luxurious and exciting itinerary for all. If you’re interested in exploring more of our planned trips, be sure to check out our adventures in Iceland, The Azores, the Canadian Maritimes, and Adventure Quebec and many more!
In preparation for our journey, we created a Essential Packing List and a colourful Tri-Folded Itinerary Brochure that includes all your travel details at your fingertips. For our trip this year, we added an extra special touch by creating a Wellness Travelling handbook. Together with my friend, an expert in lifestyle medicine, we designed stunning handbooks for our Sardinia girls trip that highlights wellness principles like stress management, healthy eating, physical activity, restorative sleep, and building positive social connections. Each page is filled with actionable travel tips and ideas for weaving these lifestyle medicine practices into every part of our journey, creating a memorable keepsake that inspires us to embrace health and well-being wherever our adventures take us.
I would also love to mention that if you are looking for a great resource for your planning I highly recommend listening to a podcast called Strictly Sardinia Podcast. Claudia Tavani, is Sardinian born and passionately proud of her country. She has great recommendations for planning your trip to Sardinia. We used her recommendation for our beautiful stay in Cagliari called Villa Fanny! We also used her advice for mapping out our journey.
You can also listen to her wonderful Spotify Playlist here: Strictly Sardinia Podcast.
Sardinia Overview
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, located to the west of mainland Italy and south of Corsica. Renowned for its rugged landscapes, stunning coastlines, and crystal-clear waters, Sardinia boasts over 1,800 kilometers of shoreline and some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Sardinia’s unique blend of history, nature, and vibrant local communities makes it a fascinating destination for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Our itinerary begins in the south of the island in Cagliari and ends in the north, Olbia with many stops along the way.
Getting To Sardinia
Getting to Sardinia is convenient by both air and ferry. The island is served by three major airports—Olbia, Cagliari, and Alghero—which connect to many Italian and European cities, often through direct flights from Rome, Milan, Amsterdam, London, Paris to name a few. Delta airlines, also just announced direct flights to Sardinia (Olbia) from New York starting May 2026. For our itinerary, we flew from Toronto to Rome on ITA airways then we switched in Rome direct to Cagliari on Aeroitlaia, and then from Olbia back to Rome we flew Volotea. I like to use Kayak for searching flights and car rental. I use it for reference then book direct with the airline.
For a scenic journey, ferries operate year-round from Italian ports such as Civitavecchia (Rome), Genoa, Livorno, Naples, and Palermo, and from Barcelona, Corsica, and southern France.
Our Sardinia itinerary
Days 1 & 2: Cagliari
Our 10-day Sardinian adventure starts in Cagliari and ends in Olbia with stops along the way. We spent 2 lovely nights in Cagliari, the capital and largest city in Sardinia. We begin our adventure with kayaking, hiking, an underground tour, happy hour Spritz’s and delicious dinners. We stayed in a beautiful boutique hotel called Hotel Villa Fanny which was close to everything and in a quiet neighbourhood. If you are looking for a couple restaurant recommendations, I would suggest Antica Cagliari Ristorante for a delicious meal and wonderful service. I can also recommend Sa Domu Sarda Ristorante for another great choice. If you are looking for a place to have an aperitivo (happy hour), I would suggest visiting Librarium Nostrum for delicious handmade Campari Spritz (made with local Campari) and stunning views.
Day 3: Castiadas
Our journey then moves on to the southeast corner of Sardinia in the Castiadas municipality and near Villasumisus. Our luxury stay for one night took us to the beautiful welcoming resort called Cala Sinzias. The manicured grounds, comfortable vistas, and then the crystal clear waters on the quiet pebbled beach – we could have stayed here for a week. During our stay, we spent time on the beach, indulged in a wonderful wine tasting with Ricardo, our sommelier, who was absolutely “The Best”. We concluded our day with a delicious dinner—making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Day 4 & 5: Baunei Coast
Continuing our journey about an hour and a half north, we arrive at the stunning Baunei coast and the charming seaside village of Santa Maria Navarrese. We chose Santa Maria Navarrese for its convenient location near the marina, where all the boating excursions begin. This makes it an ideal base for those planning boat cruises along the breathtaking Baunei coastline or hikes through its dramatic landscapes. We chose two wonderful places to stay in Santa Maria Navarrese, with two of us enjoying the comforts of Lanthia Resort—known for its beautiful grounds, private beach access, and excellent service—while the other two stayed at the charming B&B Antico Telaio.
Our two-night stay in Santa Maria Navarrese was truly unforgettable. We spent a full day rocketing around on a zodiac boat tour along the Baunei coast, exploring hidden coves and crystal-clear waters. This was one of the most memorable day on our trip. We also hiked the scenic Pedra Longa trail, enjoyed live music at a beach bar, and savoured delicious dinners at local restaurants, fully immersing ourselves in the vibrant coastal atmosphere. For the restaurant recommendations we enjoyed a dinner at Delizie Santa Maria Ristorante (pizza was delicious) and the Nascar Ristorante.
Day 6: San Pantaleo
Our adventure then led us away from the Baunei coast and more north to the Gallura region to the luxurious Petra Segreta Resort for a one-night stay. We enjoyed a serene and relaxing afternoon by the pool. In the evening, we savoured a delicious dinner on the rooftop, taking in the stunning views. I had the most amazing and memorable dinner, it was a handmade pasta with chunks of lobster in a silky tomato sauce. Oh my gosh it was so good. I also have to mention about the music playlist from Petra Segreta. It is a loungy relaxing playlist perfect to have on in the background when you are entertaining. Here is the Spotify link for the music playlist: Petra Segreta.
The following day, we explored the nearby quaint village of San Pantaleo, enjoying some leisurely shopping in its charming boutiques.
Days 7 & 8: Cannigione
Our next destination took us to the picturesque village of Cannigione, where we stayed for two nights split between two lovely resorts. Two of us enjoyed the comforts of Li Finnistreddi, while the other two chose the charming Sandalia Boutique Hotel. During these days, we indulged in a delightful wine tasting at Lu Beddu winery, and took part in a hands-on Sardinian cooking class at Eco Cascione with Chef Elly, where we made traditional homemade Sardinian pasta — a truly memorable day. If you want to read more about our authentic Sardinian cooking class read my latest article: Learning to make Malloredus My Sardinian Cooking Class Experience.
I would highly recommend Li Finnistreddi. The resort is quaint, the food was incredible and the service was outstanding. The views from the hilltop were beautiful. They also offer guests a spa experience that has water features, a steam room and sauna. You can book a time and have the whole spa to yourself! It was spectacular!
Day 9: Olbia
For our final day in the stunning Sardinia, we traveled to Palau for a half-day zodiac boat tour around the picturesque La Maddalena. Afterwards, we drove to Olbia, where we spent our last night at the charming Kemani Villa Sara boutique hotel. We enjoyed exploring the beautiful town, shopping leisurely, and savoured our final dinner on the island at the elegant Sa Carera restaurant.
Day 10: Rome
As we say good bye to Sardinia, we flew back to Rome for one final night. While in Rome, we took a fun food tour around Trastevere. The Twilight Trastevere Rome Food Tour is an unforgettable culinary journey through one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Our guide, Toni who loves food and in fact just finished writing a cookbook called: An Italian Kitchen: A Seasonal and Traditional Italian Cuisine. took us to a variety of foodie stops. We were treated to exclusive tastings in hidden family-run trattorias, bustling markets, and beloved bakeries—sampling everything from crisp Roman pizza and handmade pastas to succulent porchetta, freshly baked cookies, and luscious gelato. This was a great way to spend our last night in Italy!
The Blue Zone & Wellness Connection
Sardinia, one of the only 5 Blue Zones in the world, an island paradise where people live long and live well. Their trick? No one knows for sure but they seem to follow the 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. So we figured this is the perfect opportunity to not only holiday and relax but also learn some fun tips to improve our well-being along the way. The 6-pillars of Lifestyle Medicine include: restorative sleep, whole food, plant predominant diet, physical activity, stress management, positive social connections, and avoiding risky substances. Here’s a chart that my friend created for our Wellness Travels Sardinian Edition handbook that we included in our vacation packages.
During our journey, we had the privilege of meeting many wonderful people from Sardinia. It was fascinating to hear their deep pride in their food and especially in their remarkable longevity. When we asked why they think Sardinians live so long, their answers were truly surprising.
One woman credited a spoonful of locally produced olive oil as a key to their health. Another friend, Ricardo, told us about his grandmother who is 100 years old, and still going strong and that she enjoys less food but more wine!
Chef Elly, from our cooking class, shared how she often looks at the birthday section of the local newspaper and sees many people living well past 100 years old and celebrating life.
This place is incredible! It seems they naturally embody the six pillars of lifestyle medicine (without even really knowing it)—engaging in daily social interactions, walking everywhere, gardening, consuming olive oil, avoiding processed foods, enjoying the sunshine, and maintaining a joyful, contented outlook.
There is so much wisdom to be gained from their way of life, and I feel deeply grateful—my perspective on how to live has profoundly shifted as a result.
Sardinian Food wine and drink
Sardinian food is incredibly fresh and wholesome, with locally produced olive oil, wine, honey, and cheeses that highlight the island’s natural bounty. This traditional diet, rich in whole foods and healthy fats, not only tastes delicious but also supports long-lasting health and vitality. Here is a checklist of foods to try when you are visiting Sardinia!
Cannonau Wine Health Benefits
Cannonau wine, a popular red from Sardinia, is known not just for its rich, fruity flavour but also for its health benefits. It’s high in antioxidants, which help protect the heart and reduce inflammation. Many believe moderate Cannonau consumption contributes to the island’s famous longevity, supporting better circulation and overall wellness when enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle. Salute!
Campari Spritz Recipe
Sardinian Campari Spritz
Ingredients
Method
- Fill a large stemmed wine glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in 3 parts well-chilled Prosecco.
- Add 2 parts Campari.
- Top off with 1 part soda water or sparkling mineral water.
- Stir gently until evenly mixed and the color is consistent.
- Garnish with a thin slice of orange on the rim or in the glass.
- Serve immediately, while cold and bubbly.
Our Sardinian Cooking Class
My favorite day in Sardinia was without a doubt our Sardinian cooking class at the beautiful Cascioni Eco Resort. Set in a lovely outdoor, window-filled workshop, Chef Elly guided us through making homemade Malloreddus pasta, fresh ravioli, and a classic Sardinian dessert called Seadas. After the class, we sat down together to enjoy everything we made, listening to stories about Sardinian food traditions and the secrets behind the island’s famously long lives. The whole experience felt magical and I couldn’t recommend this cooking class more if you’re visiting Sardinia. Find out more at: Cascione Eco Resort.
If you want to read more about our cooking experience in Sardinia, check out my article here: Learning To Make Mallorredus My Sardinian Cooking Class Experience.
Sardinia Outdoor adventures
The best part of visiting Sardinia is the stunning mix of mountains and crystal-clear blue waters, making it a dream destination for outdoor lovers. We were able to kayak along the coast, hike scenic trails, boat to secluded beaches, swim in pristine waters, and enjoy wine tastings in beautiful outdoor settings. Below is a list of activities we took part in, and we highly recommend these companies for your tour—they were all outstanding.
Below is a list of activities we experienced and highly recommend—every company we toured with was exceptional.
Ole Kayak in Cagliari: Carlo, our guide, was outstanding and made the experience unforgettable. I highly recommend this tour. It is extra special!
Hike the Devil’s Saddle Trail in Cagliari: Use the All Trails app for detailed navigation and stunning views.
Golfo di Orosei: Baunei Coast Cruise with Swim Stops – a scenic boat trip with opportunities to swim in beautiful spots.
Hike the Pedra Longa Trail: Another great hike guided by the All Trails app This hike is located in Santa Maria Navaresse and it follows the coast from up high. The views are incredible and the trail is very nice.
Palau or La Maddalena: 4-hour RIB (rigid inflatable boat) tour of the archipelago, exploring secluded islands and crystal-clear waters.
Ole Kayak in Cagliari: Carlo, our guide, was outstanding and made the experience unforgettable. Kayaking in Jean Franco’s pool, swimming in the crystal clear waters and venturing into a cave-so peaceful. Carlo has written a book about his amazing kayaking journey around Sardinia. He is educated, kind and I highly recommend his kayaking tour. Carlo is the BEST! Book Your Kayaking Tour Here: Ole Kayak
The Devil’s Saddle hike in Cagliari says it is moderate, however we found it to be a bit challenging at times. We used the All Trails app but there are guided hikes that offer an experienced guide. The panoramic views are spectacular. The rewarding breathtaking 360-degree views of turquoise seas, coastline, and the city skyline below—making it a truly unforgettable experience.
The Golfo di Orosei: Baunei Coast Cruise with Swim Stops is a stunning boat trip along one of Sardinia’s most beautiful and untouched coastlines. This fun-filled day offers a chance to explore untouched beaches, swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters, a visit to the Worlds Best Beach in 2025 Cala Goloritze. Our guide Ricardo, or as we called him the “Rocket Man” because he would rocket off in our zodiac from one beach to the next. He shared some beautiful homemade apertivo and wine mid-day. What an Amazing Experience and a perfect day!
The Pedra Longa Trail is a beautiful coastal hike near Santa Maria Navarrese. The trail meanders along the coastline with breathtaking views of emerald-green sea and rocky cliffs.
The hike is easy in difficulty and the trail is nice and wide. If you have time, you could hike down to the secluded beaches along the way. I would highly recommend this hike if you are staying near Santa Maria Navaresse even if you can only go part of the way and don’t forget your camera!
The half-day RIB (rigid inflatable boat) tour from Palau to La Maddalena is an exciting way to explore the stunning archipelago. We had stops at pristine beaches and crystal-clear swimming spots along the way. You’ll have opportunities for snorkeling, relaxing on untouched shores, and enjoying spectacular coastal scenery. The tour combines adventure with comfort, making it a perfect quick escape.
Book Your Tour Here: Half day RIB tour la maddelena from Pala
Your Sardinian Adventure Awaits!
As we wrap up our incredible adventure in the Sardinia, filled with breathtaking landscapes, thrilling activities, and unforgettable moments shared with great friends, it’s hard not to feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences we’ve had.
Every moment here has been a celebration of nature and friendship—whether swimming in crystal-clear waters, hiking scenic coastal trails, mastering the secrets of authentic Sardinian cuisine, or savouring the island’s wholesome lifestyle and delicious food. The warmth of the Sardinian people, their culture and the beauty of its island has left a lasting impression on our hearts.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I would love to hear from you! Send me a comment below, or ask me a question. Thank you for your supporting my blog, cheers and happy travels!
let Us Plan Your Next Adventure
Looking for some help planning your next luxury travel getaway? Let us know! We would love to help. Our trip planning always consists of outdoor adventures, fine dining and luxury hotels! Happy Planning!
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Great stuff. This is a place we have talked about but have yet to visit. Saving and I hope get there soon!
Thank you Laureen! I hope that you can get there one day also! 😊
Sardinia has been on my list for awhile. I love the mix of amazing food, outdoor adventures, and the fact that it’s more off the beaten path than the rest of Italy.
Thank you! I hope you can visit there one day soon!
Sardinia has been on my list since I traveled to Sicily in 2023. I fell in love with the island. I will definitely save your article.
I can’t wait to visit Sicily one day also! I heard it’s incredible!
It looks so amazing! I was in Italy in May with my daughter, Rome and Amalfi, not here yet. Thanks for sharing your amazing trip. Wish I had this many gal pals to travel with at the same time…I ‘ve lived too many diff places so not many know each other..ha
Valerie
http://www.mapleleopard.com
Oh those are two great places to travel to! I hope that you can get to Sardinia one day! We all feel pretty lucky to be able to travel together once a year👏
Really liked your Sardinia itinerary. It’s got a nice mix of things to do and places to relax. Definitely adding Sardinia to my list after reading this!
Thank you so much!