Looking for the perfect South Sardinia Itinerary? In this post, a Native Sardinian shares with us the most amazing South Sardinia 2 week itinerary. Enjoy!
If you are looking for a place to spend your next summer holidays, definitely keep Sardinia in mind. A great place to visit year round, this beautiful Mediterranean island inevitably gets lots of attention during the summer months, thanks to its beautiful beaches paired with the clearest waters you can hope for.
Sardinia is a large island. With more than 24000 square km, it’s the second biggest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily. Being so big, there is no way you can see it all in one go – not unless you spend the entire summer there. Add to this the fact that there is a large mountain chain in its center, and that even the coast tends to be mountainous, and you’ll realize that moving from one place to another may take longer than expected.
That’s why I recommend concentrating your exploration efforts to a selected area. Sure enough, you will fall in love with Sardinia and end up coming back again and again.
If you are looking for a good itinerary for your two weeks in Sardinia, you’ve come to the right place! Continue reading for a locally crafted South Sardinia itinerary.
A Great Itinerary For 2 Weeks In South Sardinia
The following itinerary is focused on South Sardinia and it will take you to the beautiful capital, Cagliari; to some of the best beaches in South Sardinia; to nearby archeological sites and to the stunning San Pietro Island.
You can definitely do it in 14 days, but – should you have more time on the island – you can easily add to it. Or simply enjoy it at a slow pace!
My recommendation is to rent a car for your time in Sardinia. You won’t really need it in Cagliari, your first stop, but once you get out of town it’s definitely best to have it.
First stop: Cagliari
GOOD TO KNOW: Cagliari historic center is best explored on foot, so you will hardly need to worry about public transportation.
The capital of Sardinia is one of the most beautiful – yet underrated – cities in Italy. A wonderful place for a long weekend or a city break, Cagliari is an excellent starting point to explore South Sardinia.
South Sardinia Itinerary DAY 1: Cagliari
Your first day should be all about the historic center. Cagliari has 4 historic quarters – Villanova, Castello, La Marina, Stampace. Each one of them is connected to the other.
Castello has the highest concentration of places to visit. Your first stop should be the Museum of Archeology is one of the best on the island, and a great place to get some background information on the many civilizations that have lived in Sardinia throughout history.
At the Museum of Archeology you can also admire Mont’e Prama Giants – massive statues that were first found in 1974 and which to date constitutes one of the most important archeological discoveries of the island (the main exhibit is in Cabras Civic Museum, at about 1.5 hours drive from Cagliari).
Not far from the museum, you will find San Pancrazio Tower. You can climb up to get splendid views of the city – though my advice is not to do it on a windy day, or if you aren’t comfortable with heights.
Castello is also where you will find the beautiful Cathedral with its bell tower – another great place to admire Cagliari, and not nearly as scary as the Tower.
Other great stops in Castello include: Bastione – a massive terrace from where you can see a 180 degrees view of Cagliari, and a popular nightlife hotspot; Elephant Tower – similar in shape to the San Pancrazio Tower and characterized by a small elephant statues; Via Santa Croce terrace.
SUNSET SPOT: Via Santa Croce terrace is by far the best sunset spot in town. From there you can admire the colorful roofs of Stampace and the Sette Fratelli mountains in the distance.
Located in Via Santa Croce there’s Libarium Nostrum, one of the best cocktail bars in town, so if you are looking for a good spot for a sunset drink, this is your best bet. Advanced bookings are recommended.
Where to stay in Cagliari
Cagliari has no shortage of excellent accommodation options. Villa Fanny is one of the best hotels in Cagliari – steps away from Stampace, tucked in a quiet corner. If you are looking for a more budget friendly option, consider sleeping at Hostel Marina, or renting an Airbnb such as this one.
Booking.comWhere to eat in Cagliari
The best pizza in town is by far that of Framento.
If you fancy trying local wines, as well as cheese and meats, Sabores is the best place.
Stella Marina di Montecristo is a classic trattoria with a heavy focus on seafood.
If you fancy fusion food, Kobuta is one of the best restaurants in Cagliari.
Finally, for a real treat opt for either Osmosis, a bit outside the historic center of town, or I Sarti del Gusto, in Villanova.
South Sardinia Itinerary DAY 2: Cagliari
On your second day in Cagliari, head to the Roman Amphitheater and from there continue to explore the Botanical Gardens, which are among the best kept and oldest in the country. From there, you can continue walking towards Stampace historic quarter, where you will find the beautiful S. Efisio Church and Santa Restituta Chapel; and then cross over to La Marina, home of Sant’Eulalia Church and a maze of colorful, narrow alleys.
La Marina is at a short walking distance from Villanova, which is one of the best kept and prettiest areas of Cagliari, still very local.
South Sardinia Itinerary DAY 3: Cagliari Natural Spots
Make sure to devote your third day in Cagliari to its top natural spots. Cagliari is a fantastic destination for bird watchers, so head to Molentargius Nature Reserve to admire pink flamingoes, and then cross over to Poetto, Cagliari’s main urban beach, for some relaxing time. It’s a fully equipped long beach so you won’t have trouble finding a perfect spot for your needs.
If you fancy a hike, head over to Calamosca beach instead. The trail that starts right behind it leads you all the way to Sella del Diavolo, a promontory overlooking Poetto Beach and Molentargius Nature Reserve. Make sure to wear appropriate shoes and bring enough water – it’s a short and easy hike, but there are no fountains on the way.
Alternatively you can also go to the Lazzaretto di Sant’Elia and from there walk up to Torre del Prezzemolo (one of the more than 100 watchtowers scattered around the coast of Sardinia and built in the 17th century) and from there head to Sant’Ignazio fortress for impressive sunset views.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION: To get to Poetto Beach, where you will find the entrance to Molentargius Nature Reserve, hop on bus P from Piazza Matteotti. From there, you can either walk to Calamosca if you fancy hiking Sella del Diavolo, or take bus P back and get off at Via S’Arrulloni and walk from there. The bus to get to Lazzaretto is n. 6. You can get it from the Giardini Pubblici if you are in town, or from Ponte Vittorio or San Bartolomeo parking lot, on the way to / back from Poetto Beach.
South Sardinia Itinerary DAY 4: Day Trip from Cagliari
It’s time to rent a car and start driving!
Get out of town and head south west to discover one (or more) of the best beaches in Sardinia.
Chia is at about one hour drive from Cagliari. I recommend Su Giudeu beach for its crystal clear, shallow waters and the fine golden sand. Behind the beach you’ll see some beautiful sand dunes, but walking on them is prohibited. At a short distance from the shore, you can also reach a small island (depending on the time of day you can literally walk there). If you decide to explore the island, take your flip flops with you as the terrain is very rocky!
Scattered along the beach you will find kiosks where you can rent anything you may need for the day (umbrellas, sun beds and more) and get food or drinks.
GOOD TO KNOW: Taking sand, shells or stones from Sardinian beaches is prohibited, and you may be subject to a fine if found.
Other beaches in the area you can drive to are:
Cala Antoniareddu – a tiny cove with the most incredible waters.
Tuerredda – a beautiful sandy beach with a small island in front of it.
On your way back to Cagliari, you may want to stop by Nora, a beautiful multi-layered archeological site right by the beach, close to Pula.
South Sardinia Itinerary DAY 5: Historical South Sardinia Road Trip
Your fifth day in Sardinia is all about discovering its unique past.
There are more than 7000 nuraghe in Sardinia – archeological sites that are unique to the island. Many have yet to be fully excavated, but some make for a beautiful visit.
Drive to Barumini to visit Su Nuraxi, one of the best preserved nuraghe. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fee to visit includes a one to two hours guided tour in your preferred language.
From Barumini, you can also visit the Giara, one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Sardinia, where you can admire the small Giara horses.
South Sardinia Itinerary DAY 6: Sardinian Wines
Sardinian wines are some of the best in Italy, and you shouldn’t miss the chance of trying some when on the island. Not far from Cagliari, the Parteolla region is known for its wine and olive oil production, and its bucolic countryside.
Serdiana, located at around 30 minutes north of Cagliari, counts no more than 3000 inhabitants and a whopping 5 wineries! The best wine tours are at Argiolas Winery. You will be taken around the winery, introduced to the family history and the wine making production, and then invited to a fantastic wine tasting experience.
Right outside the village, you can visit Santa Maria di Sibiola, a beautiful countryside Romanesque church built in the 10th century. Should you wish to observe the inside as well, make sure to get in touch with the local city hall as someone will have to bring the keys! This is a real hidden gem that not many tourists visit.
Not far from Santa Maria di Sibiola you will also find Su Stani Saliu, a salt lake where pink flamingoes live.
Second stop: Buggerru
At about 1.5 hours drive Buggerru is a lesser known spot in Southern Sardinia, in the region of Sulcis Iglesiente, and a great starting point to explore some of the best beaches in the region, and more.
South Sardinia Itinerary DAY 7: Buggerru – Masua Pan di Zucchero beach
Drive all the way to Masua Pan di Zucchero. There, you will find a small cove with incredibly clear waters and views of the Pan di Zucchero, a beautiful small island surrounded by blue waters and cliffs that call many a climber. You can rent a kayak and easily go there if you wish, or go on a boat tour that lasts abour 1 hour and takes you along the coast for the best views.
From Masua Pan di Zucchero you can also reach Porto Flavia, one of the most famous mines in Sardinia with direct access to the sea. Guided tours are offered.
On the beach you will find a great kiosk where you can also rent umbrellas and sun beds.
GOOD TO KNOW: On the way to Masua you will drive by Nebida, where you can visit the beautiful Laveria Lamarmora, another famous former mine with beautiful coastal views.
SUNSET SPOT: The sunset from Masua Pan di Zucchero beach is one of the best in Sardinia. Make sure to hang around long enough to enjoy it!
South Sardinia Itinerary DAY 8: Day Trip from Buggerru – Cala Domestica
Not far from Buggerru there’s one of the most unique beaches in Sardinia – Cala Domestica. This is a small fjord with clear waters and surrounded by beautiful cliffs surmounted by an Aragonese tower. At its back, you’ll be able to see more sand dunes. It’s a great place to spend another relaxing day.
GOOD TO KNOW: The beaches of Sulcis Iglesiente are very exposed to the mistral wind, and swimming may be dangerous. Should you be so unlucky to experience a windy day, opt to visit the local mines.
GOOD TO KNOW: This is one of the best areas in Sardinia for surfing.
Where to sleep and eat in Buggerru
B&B Casa di Chia Buggerru is one of the best-reviewed accommodation options in Buggerru.
Masua Pan di Zucchero is home to Warung, one of the best restaurants in South Sardinia. Food is delicious, and the views of the coast from there are stunning.
Third Stop: Carloforte and San Pietro Island
San Pietro Island is part of the Sulcis Archipelago, and home to the lovely Carloforte, a small town with a unique beaches, and of many beautiful beaches and scenic spots.
South Sardinia Itinerary DAY 9: Carloforte and San Pietro Island
Drive to Portoscuso, where you can catch the ferry to Carloforte. Make sure to check the website of Delcomar for the timetable. Advanced bookings aren’t necessary, unless you are traveling in the peak season (August).
The ferry ride won’t take more than 40 minutes. You will land right downtown. My advice is to drop your bags at the hotel, and then park the car in the free parking lot east to the harbor.
Once all practicalities are settled, you can set out to explore the town.
Carloforte was founded towards the end of the 18th century by Tabarkine (Tabarka is an island off the coast of Tunisia) families of Genoese origins. What’s peculiar about it is that the language spoken in town is still Tabarkine, which is completely different from Sardinian and also from Italian.
The village is a beautiful maze of cobbled alleys and colorful buildings, with many nice cafés, shops, and excellent restaurants. If you happen to go at the beginning of June, don’t miss Girotonno, a local festival that celebrates tuna fishing – in fact, high quality tuna is served in all the best local restaurants, but only when in season.
SUNSET SPOT: Head to the northern tip of the island to admire the ruins of the former tuna factory, then continue walking for a fantastic sunset.
Where to stay and eat in Carloforte
There are many holiday rentals in Carloforte on Booking.com and on Airbnb, but if you prefer to stay in a hotel, Nichotel is your best option. It’s located in the town center mere steps away from the harbor, and conveniently close to all the best restaurants.
Da Andrea is the best restaurant on the island, together with Da Nicolo. Their homemade pasta is definitely worth trying, and – if in season – the delicious tuna. Advanced bookings are recommended.
South Sardinia Itinerary DAY 10: Best Beaches in San Pietro island
Pick one of the many beaches in San Pietro island to chill for the day – you can even visit two in a day for a change of scenery.
La Caletta is one of the best beaches on the island. It’s a beautiful cove with incredibly clear, shallow waters. There is one kiosk where you can get freshly made sandwiches and light meals and even rent umbrellas and sub beds.
Another nice beach is La Bobba, which again is a fully serviced beach. Nearby Guidi and Genio are smaller rocky coves with clear waters.
SUNSET SPOT: Not far from the Lighthouse of Capo Sandalo there is a parking lot from where you can pick a trail that offers beautiful views of the cliffs and of the sunset.
If you prefer to stay in San Pietro Island to explore further, check here to compare the best hotel rates.
South Sardinia Itinerary DAY 11: San Pietro Island
San Pietro Island is an excellent diving destination – though mostly for experienced divers. If that’s you, definitely go for it – you will find several diving centers in town, so enquire at your hotel for the best one.
Alternatively, you can opt for a boat tour around the island, or find your way to the trail that goes to Piscine di Nasca, beautiful natural pools carved in the rocks that get filled with marine water. You will need a pair or either hiking shoes of good walking shoes to get there (no flip flops!).
Fourth Stop: Calasetta
South Sardinia Itinerary DAYS 12 and 13: Calasetta
On your way back to Cagliari, you can stop in Calasetta, on Sant’Antioco island (the main island of Sulcis Archipelago).
The ferry to Calasetta leaves right next to the one to Portoscuso. You can use the same round trip ticket you got on your way to Carloforte. It won’t take more than 30 minutes, and there are regular daily departures (again, make sure to check the ferry timetable on Delcomar website).
This is another lovely small town of Tabarkine origins, known for its white buildings and colorful doors, the Torre Sabauda (a tower that faces the sea) and its excellent Museum of Contemporary Art (MACC).
Calasetta also has some lovely beaches. The easiest one to reach from the village is Sottotorre Beach, which is located literally right below the Torre Sabauda, and which is fully serviced.
Other beautiful beaches are the blissfully isolated Cala Lunga; Spiaggia Grande, a popular windsurfing and kite surfing spot; and Calasetta to explore it more in-depth, and to enjoy the rest of Sant’Antioco Island. You will find there are many other beaches – Cala Lunga is definitely a hidden gem.
Make sure to also look for the local wineries as they make some of the best wines in Sardinia.
Where to stay and eat in Calasetta
There are plenty of good Airbnbs on the island. This one is a lovely modern apartment within easy distance of both the center of town and the beach.
If you prefer staying in a hotel, Cala di Seta is one of the best in the village.
La Perla is one of the best restaurants in the village. If you fancy something more easygoing, try Pasqualino – it makes great pizza and traditional local fare.
South Sardinia Itinerary DAY 14: Road Trip Back to Cagliari
From Calasetta, drive to Sant’Antioco town and from there cross the isthmus which connects the island to mainland Sardinia. Follow the directions to Carbonia first, and from there to Cagliari. It will be around one hour drive to Cagliari Airport.
MORE TIME?
You have plenty of options! Consider exploring the western coast of Sardinia and the beaches of Cabras (home of the Civic Museum where the Giants of Mont’e Prama are held) and the Sinis Peninsula – where you will also find Tharros, one of the best archeological sites on the island.
Among the best beaches in the area you’ll find Is Aruttas, famous for its tiny quartz pebbles; and the nearby and similar (though not nearly as crowded) Mari Ermi and Maimoni.
Mari Ermi is also the departure point for day trips to Mal di Ventre, a tiny uninhabited and highly protected island home to gorgeous beaches and unique vegetation.
SUNSET SPOT: The best sunset spot in the area is S’Archittu, a very scenic rock arch right on the beach where intrepid locals love jumping from.
How To Get To Sardinia
If you decide to follow this itinerary, you will have to fly in and out of Cagliari International Airport – locally known as Elmas. Cagliari is well connected to the rest of Europe via budget flights, and to the rest of Italy via budget as well as regular flights. Should you be flying from North America, you can get connecting flights via Rome Fiumicino Airport.
This is a post written by guest contributor Claudia Tavani.
Once a human rights lawyer, Claudia Tavani’s true passion has always been traveling. Born and raised in Sardinia, she launched Strictly Sardinia in May 2020 with the idea of sharing information about the islands, which she believes is the most beautiful in the world. You can also follow her on Instagram here.
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