3-Week Sardinia Itinerary: The Best Things to do + Where to Stay

You’re planning to spend 3 weeks in Sardinia and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you this 3 weeks itinerary in Sardinia.

During your 20-21 days trip, you will discover the best places to visit of the island such as Cagliari, Sant’Antioco, Alghero, Asinara island, La Maddalena Archipelago or even the Costa Smeralda and the Gulf of Orosei.

In addition to the must-see attractions for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, how to spend three weeks in Sardinia?

Let’s find out!

1) Cagliari (1 day)

For this 3 weeks itinerary, you will need to land at Cagliari airport, in the Southern part of the island.

To explore Sardinia, you’ll also need to rent a car. It’s the only way to make the most of your trip!

When I need to rent a car in Europe (Spain, Sicily etc.) or even elsewhere, I always use Booking.com Cars.

It’s simply the best website to compare car rental agencies prices and customer reviews! I will tell you more about it at the end of this article in the “renting a car in Sardinia” section.

Once you got your rental car, you can start your journey in Sardinia!

So first, let’s go to Cagliari city center to drop your baggage at your hotel and start exploring the city on foot.

Depending on when you land, here is a list of the best things to do in Cagliari:

• The Castello neighborhood, the historical center, where most places to visit in Cagliari are located
• The Bastion of Saint Remy and Umberto I terrace, to enjoy a beautiful view over the city
• Cagliari Cathedral
• The palazzo di Città, a small museum with paintings and Sardinian textiles
• The National Archaeological Museum, to learn more about the history of Sardinia
• Poetto beach, the largest beach in Cagliari, easily accessible by bus or by car. Perfect to take the first dip of your stay!

Spend the night in Cagliari.

You will find every information you need to visit Cagliari in my article: The 10 best things to do in Cagliari.

Where to stay in Cagliari

• Birkin Castello: Located in the Castello district and 50 meters away from the Cathedral. A very cozy and comfortable double room from 60 € per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the location, the rich breakfast, the helpful staff.
• Budget Rooms Cagliari: Located in the old town. A well decorated and warm double room from 85 € per night. Pros: the location to visit Cagliari on foot, the friendly staff.
• Hotel Villa Fanny: Located 1 km from the centre of Cagliari, 15 minutes walk away from the harbour. A double room with refined and luxurious decoration from 130 € per night, breakfast included. Pros: the kindness of the staff, the calm, the perfect bedding, the excellent and varied breakfast. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Cagliari!

2) Teulada (1 day)

The next day, you will officially start your 3 weeks road trip in Sardinia: Let’s go along the Southeastern coast!

You will drive on the SP 71 or Strada Panoramica della Costa del Sud, one of the most beautiful scenic roads of Sardinia. It starts from Chia (about 1h away from Cagliari) and goes along the sea until Teulada, 25km away.

On the way, you will discover stunning landscapes and, of course, be able to stop at any beach you want to take a dip!

My favorite cove in this area is Cala Cipolla. With its crystal clear shallow water, it’s like you’re in a dream! You will need to leave you car at the paid parking lot and walk 5 minutes to reach the beach.

I also strongly recommend you to continue on the path after Cala Cipolla, at least up to Capo Spartivento lighthouse. It’s one of the best viewpoints over the coast of the whole island!

Spend the night in Teulada.

Where to stay in Teulada

• B&B Su Tostainu: Located in Teulada. Clean and spacious double room starting from 60€, breakfast included. Strong points: lovely hotel, good breakfast.
• Hotel Jasmine: Located 600m away from the city center of Teulada. Spacious double room with balcony starting from 70€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: friendly welcome, high quality bedding, good value for money.
• Agriturismo S’Arxola: Located in Teulada. Comfortable double room starting from 95€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: its location between countryside and sea, excellent traditional homemade breakfast, friendly and helpful owner.

 

3) Sant’Antioco island (1 day)

The next stop of your 3 weeks itinerary in Sardinia will be Sant’Antioco island, only 40 min driving from Teulada.

After crossing the bridge connecting the island to the “mainland”, you’ll arrive in Sant’Antioco, the main city of the island. You should park your car at the city entrance, close to the port and tourist office.

Then, you can go for a walk by the seaside, see Sant’Antioco basilica or visit the archeological museum.

Afterwards, get back to your car and go for a ride around the island to discover the best beaches.

Here are the most famous ones:

• Maladroxia beach
• Coa Quaddus beach
• Cala Sapone
• Cala Lunga.

In my opinion, Cala Lunga is the most beautiful one. With crystal clear shallow water and white sand, this wild cove is the perfect place to spend the afternoon!

Spend the night in Sant’Antioco.

Where to stay in Sant’Antioco

• B&B LA VELA: Located in the city of Sant’Antioco. Double room with balcony and sea view starting from 60€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: Calm, great view, very friendly owner.
• Complesso Residenziale Isola dei Mori: Located 10min walking from Cala Sapone. Fully equipped studio apartment with kitchenette starting from 85€ per night. What I loved: being able to cook your own food, calm, close to the beach.
• Mercury Boutique Hotel: Located between Cala Sapone and Cala Lunga. Bright and spacious double room with balcony and sea view starting fro 100€ per night. Strong points: 2 swimming pools, very generous buffet style breakfast, good atmosphere and nice view. It’s simply the most beautiful hotel on Sant’Antioco island!

4) Iglesiente Coast (1 day)

Let’s continue your 3 weeks road trip in Sardinia and head to the Iglesiente Coast, a former mining region.

Here are the best things to do on the Iglesiente Coast:

• Fontana Mare beach, and its breathtaking view over the surrounding mountains.
• Nebida and Masua, to see the famous Pan di Zuchero, the tallest faraglioni of Sardinia.
• Porto Flavia mine, where the cliff was dug in for almost 600m. It’s the most famous mine of the region. To visit Porto Flavia, you will need to book a guided your in advance at the tourist office or online.
• Cala Domestica, a great spot to spend the afternoon and take a dip in the sea.

You should spend the night around Portixeddu, Fluminimaggiore and Buggerru.

Where to stay on the Iglesiente coast

• B&B Raggio di Sole: Located in Fluminimaggiore. Comfortable and bright double room starting from 60€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: very relaxing place, great welcome, stunning view. It’s my favorite accommodation for its great value for money!
• Agriturismo Fighezia: Located in Fluminimaggiore. Double room with mountain and sea view starting from 85€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the view from the rooms, extremely calm, high quality meals.
• La Rosa Dei Venti: Located in Buggerru. Very spacious and warm double room starting from 115€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: the breakfast on the roof with a view, the calm, the friendly welcome.

5) Oristano (2 days)

It’s now time to go discover Oristano.

In the morning, go to Spiaggia di Piscinas, about 1h drive from Fluminimaggiore. As the last part of the road to get there is a dirt track, you should drive carefully.

Spiagga di Piscinas is a large sand beach, especially known for the dunes and pine forest surrounding it. This wild beach is one of the most popular in Sardinia!

But don’t worry, the beach is so big that it never feels crowded. And if you want to have lunch, you can grab something at one of the snack bars located at the beach entrance.

After a few hours at the beach, it will be time to head to Oristano, about 1h30 away by car.

Once in the city, you can spend the end of the afternoon to visit the historical center, including:

• The traditional piazza del Duomo
• The cathedral
• La Chiesa di San Francesco
• Piazza Eleonara d’Arborea
• La Piazza Roma.

It’s a lovely place to take a stroll, and a great opportunity to decide in which restaurant you want to have dinner!

Spend the night in Oristano.

The next day, you will visit the Sinis Peninsula, located west of Oristano.

You’ll find there one of the main archaeological of Sardinia: Tharros. There is honestly not much to see, but you can visit this former Phoenician trading outpost (5€ entrance fee).

Next to the site, you can go on a beautiful walk along the peninsula, towards Capo San Marco. On the way back, go up the small hill where San Giovanni Tower is located and enjoy the amazing view!

In Sinis Peninsula, there are also very beautiful coves. So don’t hesitate to go take a dip! It’s really the perfect place to enjoy the beach without the crowds, in a wild environment.

Spend another night in Oristano.

Where to stay in Oristano

• Sa Domu e Crakeras: Located in the center of Oristano. Basic but very clean double room starting from 45€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: free private parking, excellent service.
• Hotel Il Duomo: Located in the heart of Oristano’s historical center. This hotel used to be a mansion and offers spacious, pleasant rooms in a very elegant style. Starting from 80€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: great location in the center, calm, nice common spaces, great breakfasts with many different dishes. It’s my favorite hotel for its great value for money!
• Hotel Raffael: Located in the Sinis peninsula, in Putzu Idu, 5min walking from the beach. Bright and spacious double rooms, most of them with their private fully equipped terrace and view on the garden. Starting from 140€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: calm, big garden with a swimming pool, the terrace, excellent and generous breakfast, very friendly staff. It’s the best hotel for a romantic stay around Oristano!
  

6) Alghero (3 days)

Let’s continue your 3 weeks trip to Sardinia and go to Bosa, about 1h drive from Oristano.

With its castle located on the top of a hill and colorful houses by the river, Bosa is considered as one of the best places to visit in Sardinia.

In Bosa, you will see:

• The ponte Vecchio, crossing the river
  
• The Corso Vittorio Emanuel, with its many gift shops, cafés terraces and restaurants
• Bosa Cathedral
• The Museum Casa Deriu, featuring lace and embroidery artwork, the local craft in Bosa
• The Castle of Serravalle: you should go there on foot from the old city to enjoy the scenic view

And for the rest of the day, there are many beaches between Bosa and Alghero to stop at and enjoy the sun. Compultittu beach and S’Abba Drucche are the most beautiful ones!

Spend the night in Alghero.

The day after, you should start by visiting Alghero’s historical center. It’s a beautiful medieval village by the sea, with narrow paved streets and many small shops.

Don’t miss Alghero cathedral, Saint Michael church and Santa Barbara church. 

In town, you will for sure notice the many coral jewelry shops: it’s the traditional craft in this region. And if you want to learn more about it, you can visit the Coral Museum.

In the afternoon, you should take a stroll along the lungomare up to Lido San Giovanni beach and take a dip there. If you are motivated to go further, you can walk until Maria Pia beach. As it’s further from the city, it’s usually a bit less crowded in summer.

To end the day, you should go watch the sunset from Alghero’s ramparts. 

Spend another night in Alghero.

On your third and last day in Alghero, you should go to Neptune caves. When you visit Sardinia in 3 weeks, you have to visit the best Sardinian attractions, including the caves!

There are daily boat tours departing from the port (15€, not including the entrance fee to the caves), but I recommend going there by car. It will a lot easier for the rest of the day.

From Alghero, it will take you about 35 minutes to reach the cave’s parking lot.

Once you get there, you’ll have to go down 654 steps carved into the cliff to reach to entrance. It’s super impressive!

The Neptune caves are open every day, with guided tours every hour (09:00, 10:00, 11:00 etc.). Make sure you arrive at a good time to avoid waiting too long for the next visit to start.

After the visit… You’ll have to go back up the stairs!

In the afternoon, you should go for a small hike close to the caves. There are several marked paths in the area. You can hike to Capo Caccia and/or explore Porto Conte Natural park. 

And to end this great day, you should go to Porto Ferro, the wildest and most beautiful beach in the area!

Go back to Alghero for another night.

For more information about Alghero, you should read my detailed article: The Best things to do in Alghero.

Where to stay in Alghero

• B&B Summertime: Located 10 min walking from the old city. New and modern double room starting from 60€/night, breakfast included. Strong points: friendly hosts, great homemade breakfast, very clean.
• Hotel Sa Cheya Relais & Spa: Located 5km away from Alghero. Comfortable and spacious double room starting from 120€/night, breakfast for an additional 15€. What I loved: the swimming pool, the tennis courts, very quiet and pleasant atmosphere, high quality breakfast. That’s my favorite hotel for its great value for money!
• Villa Las Tronas Hotel & SPA: Located 10min walking from Alghero’s historical center. This luxurious hotel offers antique style double room starting from 250€/night, breakfast included. Strong points: the swimming pool and its view, the ideal location and overall atmosphere of the place, super staff. The best choice for a luxury stay in Alghero!

7) Stintino (2 days)

Today, let’s relax a bit! You’ll spend the day at Pelosa beach. 

Located only 1h away from Alghero, La Pelosa is considered by many as the most beautiful beach of Sardinia. You’ve probably seen pictures or postcards of it, it’s a real must-see in Sardinia!

However, don’t expect to be alone there.

From June 1st to September 30th, access to the beach is strictly regulated. You have to book your entrance ticket (3.50€ per person / free for children under 12) in advance on the official website: La Pelosa Stintino.

You should plan to get there in the early morning, as it will be easier to park your car and find the perfect spot on the beach.

Before laying on the sand, make sure to put a mat under your towel: it’s mandatory and security guards are here to ensure everyone is following the rules!

If you prefer, you can also rent a sun bed and a parasol for a more comfortable setup.

Once you’re fully set up, enjoy the turquoise water and the idyllic setting for the day!

Spend the night in Stintino area.

The next day, you should go visit Asinara island. It’s a protected area where you can see the famous Sardinian albino donkeys.

The island is only accessible by boat, with only 1 departure every morning at 9h from Stintino port. It’s better to book your day trip to the Asinara 1 day in advance (before or after going to Pelosa beach for example).

There are 3 ways to explore the island once you get there: with the touristic train, with a guided tour (4wd vehicle) or by bike.

On the island, you will see a former jail, have a picnic by the sea and observe the wildlife. You can also take a dip at some of the beaches (but not everywhere, some of them are protected and thus forbidden).

At the end of the day, take the boat back (don’t miss it!) and spend another night in Stintino.

Where to stay in Stintino

• Hotel Cala Reale: Located in the Asinara bay, next to the pier. Clean and comfortable double room starting from 65€/night, breakfast included. What I loved: the large swimming pool, very nice staff, close to Pelosa beach.
• Hotel Silvestrino: Located 5min driving from Pelosa beach. Bright and spacious double room starting from 90€/night, breakfast included. Strong points: quiet, great location, friendly staff, good restaurant with tasty Sardinian dishes.
• Park Hotel Asinara: Located 10min walking from the Stintino city center. Double room with a terrace overlooking the garden and the sea, starting from 100€/night, breakfast included. What I loved: excellent breakfast overlooking the sea, free shuttle to Pelosa beach, welcoming staff. It’s my favorite hotel for its great value for money!

8) Capo Testa / Santa Teresa di Gallura (1 day)

Your 20 or 21 days trip to Sardinia continue in Castelsardo, one hour driving away.

Like Alghero and Bosa, Castelsardo is a lovely medieval village with a few places to visit: churches, a cathedral and a castle. You’ll also find gift shops selling, among other things, woven baskets. Basketry is the traditional local craft of Castelsardo. 

When you will leave Castelsardo, don’t forget to pass by the Elephant Rock, to take a picture! It’s quite famous in Sardinia.

After this short break, head to Capo Testa (1h20 by car). This former granite located by the seaside features giant rock formations with surprising shapes! It’s really a beautiful place to go for a short hike.

Then, you can relax on Spiagga Zia Culumba, located at the entrance of the peninsula. It’s an amazing beach with crystal clear water.

Capo Testa and its surroundings were one of my favorites places to visit during my 3 weeks itinerary in Sardinia!

Spend the night in Santa Tereas di Gallura, a charming seaside town with a main square filled with cafés terraces and restaurants.

Where to stay in Capo Testa / Santa Teresa di Gallura

• La Reggia Di Nausicaa: Located 10 min walking from Santa Teresa port. One bedroom apartment with a kitchenette starting from 55€ per night. Strong points: the swimming pool and friendly staff.
• Villa Gandamar: Located 2km from the city center. Big and comfortable double room starting from 80€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: great breakfast, lovely atmosphere, very quiet. It’s my favorite hotel for its amazing value for money!
  
• Hotel Corallaro: Located in Santa Teresa’s historical center, 2min from the beach. Modern double room starting from 140€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the swimming pool, close to the beach, very helpful staff. It’s the best choice for a romantic stay in Sardinia!
  

9) Maddalena archipelago (2 days)

New day, new places to visit!

Your 3 weeks trips to Sardinia will now take you to the Maddalena archipelago for 2 days.

As the islands are only accessible by boat, you will first need to go to Palau, the ferries departure point, located 30 minutes drive from Santa Teresa.

Let’s start with some practical information about the ferry: there is a departure every 30min, the trip takes 20 minutes and costs 40€ roundtrip for 2 people and one car. You will arrive in the city of Maddalena, on Maddalena island (the main island of the archipelago).

Once you arrive, take the scenic road and spend the day exploring the island. Of course, you can stop along the way to enjoy the beaches such as Bassa Trinita beach, Monti d’Arena and Spalmatore.

You should then end the day at the most beautiful beach of the island: Capoccia du Purpu. It’s by far my favorite!

Spend the night in La Maddalena.

On the day after, go explore La Maddelena’s little sister: Caprera island, only 5 min driving away. Wilder and more authentic, most of the beaches and coves are only accessible after a short hike. 

My favorite beaches on Caprera island are: Cala Serena, Cala Caprarese, Cala Coticcio and Cala Brigantina.

Don’t forget to stop by two lookout points offering stunning views over the archipelago: the Teialone tower viewpoint and the Batteria Poggio Rasu Superiore.

Go back to La Maddalena for the night.

For more information about the Maddalena archipelago, you should read my detailed article: How to visit Maddalena islands?

Where to stay in Maddalena

• AHR Residence Leonis La Maddalena: Located in the center of La Maddalena. Fully furnished spacious studio starting from 70€ per night. Strong points: the location (very close to the port and restaurants), fully equipped kitchen, high quality bedding.
• Residenza Mordini: Located only 100 metes way from the Maddalena port. Comfortable and spacious double room starting from 110€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: warm welcome, quiet atmosphere, close to the city center, homemade breakfast. It’s my favorite place in Maddalena for its great value for money!
  
• Residenza Marginetto: Located on the Northern part of the island, and just one minute walking from the beach. Holiday home with kitchen, living room, patio and barbecue starting from 110€ per night. Strong points: the very quiet location at the edge of the island, stunning surroundings, direct access to the beach. This is the best choice for relaxing holidays!
  
• Grand Hotel Ma&Ma Resort: Located 100 meters away from the Punta Tegge beach. This luxury hotel, the only 5 stars of the island, offers splendid double rooms starting from 250€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: the pool, the spa, the very attentive staff, the proximity to the beach. It’s the best hotel for a luxury stay in the Maddalena archipelago!
  

10) Costa Smeralda / Porto Cervo (1 day)

During your 3 weeks road trip in Sardinia, you will also explore the Costa Smeralda, the fanciest part of the island.

To get there, just take the ferry back to Palau, then head south along the coast.

Get ready to see yachts, luxury villas, hotels and boutiques everywhere! The jet set from all over the world meets on the Costa Smeralda during summer. The most famous place in the area is for sure Porto Cervo, the capital of Costa Smeralda.

You will also find there some of the most beautiful beaches of Sardinia: Liscia Ruja beach, Caprioccioli, Romazzino and Principe beach.

Spend the night in the Costa Smeralda.

If you want more details about the best things to do in Costa Smeralda, you should read my article: How to visit the Costa Smeralda?

Where to stay on Costa Smeralda

You get it, the Costa Smeralda is the most touristic and expensive place of Sardinia. There are many luxury hotels, so it’s really perfect if you’re looking for an upscale experience!

However, the best hotels are fully booked months in advance, so you should really book your accommodation as early as possible.

• Residenza Capriccioli: Located just 3min walking from Cappricioli beach and 8km away from Porto Cervo. Studio and apartment with kitchenette and balcony/terrace starting from 100€ per night. Considering the area, it’s one of the cheapest accommodations available so book ahead of time! Strong points: walking distance to the beach, the swimming pools, great location. The best choice on the Costa Smeralda if you’re traveling on a budget!
• Grand Hôtel Poltu Quatu: Located in Poltu Quatu, 12min away from the beach. Very spacious and bright double room, with traditional Sardinian furniture, starting from 190€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: the location, excellent breakfast, friendly staff. It’s my favorite on the Costa Smeralda for its amazing value for money!
  
• Cervo Hotel,Costa Smeralda Resort: Located in Porto Cervo, 15min walking from the beach. This 5* hotel offers comfortable and warm double rooms, starting from 280€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: exceptional setting, staff always available, calm, nicely decorated. It’s my recommendation for a romantic stay on the Costa Smeralda!
• Cala Di Volpe, a Luxury Collection Hotel: Located in a natural setting, only 6 min walking from the beach. This luxury hotel on Costa Smeralda offers splendid double rooms with a view on the gardens or on Cala di Volpe bay, starting from 400€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: 5 stars service, the private beach, stunning setting, friendly staff. It’s the best choice for a luxury stay on the Costa Smeralda!

11) Gulf of Orosei (3 days)

During the next days, you will visit the Gulf of Orosei and the Supramonte.

On the first day, go to Nuoro and Monte Ortobene, 1h40 away from Porto Cervo.

Drive up the hill to reach Monte Ortobene lookout point and enjoy the view over the surrounding mountains. You’ll also find there the Sardinian version of Christ the Redeemer! 

Afterwards, you should go to Orgosolo, the most famous mountain village of Sardinia.

Orgosolo is especially known for its hundreds of “murales”, directly painted on the houses’ walls. Most of them can be found along the Corso Repubblica. If you want to learn more about their meanings, you can rent an audioguide and a map for 5€ at the tourist info kiosk.

Then head to Cala Gonome, the departure point for the Gulf of Orosei cruises.

Once there, you should first go to the port to book your boat excursion in the Gulf of Orosei for the next day. It’s a very popular trip, so it’s really better to book it in advance!

You can choose between different types of excursions:

• A sailboat excursion, for 90€ per person
• A zodiac excursion with a skipper starting at 40€ per person
• Renting a zodiac: you will drive it yourself (no boat license needed), starting from 120€ for the whole group (up to 6 people).

At the end of the day, you can go take a dip at Cala Fuili, the most beautiful beach in the area, located 10 min drive from Cala Gonone.

Spend the night in Cala Gonone.

The day after, you will do the boat trip and discover all the coves of the Gulf of Orosei:

• Cala Luna
• Cala Sisine
• Cala Biriola
• Cala Mariolu
• Cala Gabbiani
• Cala Goloritzé

In my opinion, these coves are the most beautiful of Sardinia!

Spend another night in Cala Gonone.

For your last day in the Gulf of Orosei, you can go hiking in the Gorropu gorge (Supramonte region). It’s considered one of the best hikes in Sardinia.

There are 2 trails to reach the entrance of the Gorge, both are about 4-5 hours hikes from the departure points (either Silana Hotel or from Barva bridge) to the Gorge.

Once you will arrive at Gorropu Gorge, you’ll have to pay a 5€ entrance fee. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring enough water with you.

There is also a Jeep shuttle service (both ways) for 15€ per person per trip. If you choose this option, you will have to walk about 1h instead of 4-5 to reach the entrance of the Gorge.

Spend one last night in Cala Gonone.

To know everything about the Gulf of Orosei, you should read my detailed article: How to visit the Gulf of Orosei?

Where to stay in the Gulf of Orosei area?

• Hotel Bue Marino: Located just in front of Cala Gonone port. Bright and spacious double room with a garden/sea view starting from 65€ per night, breakfast for an additional 10€. Strong points: ideal location to go on a boat trip, the rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi, good breakfast.
• Hotel la Playa: Located 5 min walk from the port and beach in Cala Gonone. Comfortable double room starting from 80€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: very friendly staff, generous breakfast, nice swimming pool.
• Cala Luna: Located on the beach front, just a minute away from the sea. Bright and modern double room starting from 100€ per night. Strong points: nice overall atmosphere, stunning view from the terrace, warm welcome. It’s my favorite accommodation in Cala Gonone for its amazing value for money!
  

12) Arbatax (2 days)

The next stop of  your 3 weeks trip to Sardinia will be Arbatax. 

From Dorgali, take the SS125 scenic road, going through the mountains. As it’s a “scenic road”, get ready to discover stunning landscapes and take great pictures along the way!

In the afternoon, head to the beaches around Arbatax, such as Santa Maria di Navarrese or Lotzorai beach. You can also go see Red Rocks beach (Rocce Rosse in Italian), it’s famous for its rock formations shaped by erosion.

Spend the night in Arbatax/Tortoli area.

On the morning after, you should visit Su Marmuri caves, located in Ulassai, 45 minutes drive from Tortoli. The 1h30 guided tour of the cave costs 12€ per person.

You will visit several large halls with stalactites and stalagmites. It’s really beautiful and the tour guide is super interesting!

Then, you can stop by Scala San Giorgio (20 min away) and enjoy the 360° view over the valley and the sea (it costs 1€ per person to go up).

End the day at Lequarci waterfall (30 min by car from the Scala San Giorgio) and enjoy a refreshing stroll in the forest.

Spend another night near Arbatax/Tortoli.

Where to stay in Arbatax / Tortoli

• La Tortorella: Located in Tortoli. Large and modern double room starting from 55€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: free private parking, the location, very calm.
• Hotel Poseidonia: Located in Arbatax. Bright and spacious double room with a balcony starting from 75€, breakfast for an additional 9€. What I loved: traditional Sardinian atmosphere, helpful staff, good breakfast. That’s my favorite option for its great value for money!
• Hôtel Arbatasar: Located in Arbatax. Traditional Sardinian style double room starting from 100€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: beautiful swimming pool, nice atmosphere, comfortable rooms, good restaurant inside in the hotel.

13) Villasimius (1 day)

For this last destination of your 20-21 days itinerary in Sardinia, head south along the coast to reach Villasimius. 

Spend the day at the various beautiful beaches you’ll find along the way:

• Su Sirboni beach or Cala Francese beach: beautiful wild beach, not crowded, a great spot to take a dip
• Portu S’Ilixi beach (South of Spiaggia di Ferraxi): accessible via a dirt road. A pretty large beach divided in 2 smaller beaches. Not too crowded, a very pleasant beach!
• Costa Rei: a big and trendy seaside resort with a big sandy beach, a private beach and various bars. It’s usually very crowded because it’s close to many holiday villages.
• Cala Sinzias: another trendy seaside resort with a high end private beach, similar to Costa Rei.
• Cala Pira: a lovely small beach, less crowded than the two previous ones. Fine sand beach with turquoise water.
• Simius beach: large beach with usually a lot of people.
• Cala Giunco, similar to Simius beach
• Spiaggia del Riso, next to the port
• Spiaggia di Campulongu

Spend the night in Villasimius.

Depending on your return flight time, go back to Cagliari and the airport, located 1h10 away from Villasimius.

Where to stay in Villasimius

• Hotel Stella D’Oro: Located in Villasimius. Traditional double room with air conditioner starting from 90€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the location, free parking lot, good breakfast.
• Domu Simius Hotel&Guest House: Located in Villasimius, 5 minutes walking from the commercial street and restaurants. Bright, spacious and modern double room starting from 180€ per night. Most of the rooms have a balcony with a stunning sea view. The amenities include a swimming pool, a hot tub and a large terrace. What I loved: comfortable rooms, good location, quiet, delicious breakfast, friendly staff. It’s my favorite hotel for a romantic stay in Villasimius!
• Falkensteiner Resort Capo Boi: Located 7km from Villasimius, close to Capo Carbona. Double room beautifully decorated in a Mediterranean style starting from 480€ per night, breakfast and dinner included. What I loved: located next to the sea with access to a private beach, the swimming pools, great design, amazing environment. It’s the best luxury hotel around Villasimius!
  

Renting a car in Sardinia

To visit Sardinia in 3 weeks, you will need to rend a car.

Personally, I always use Booking.com Cars website, it makes car rental very simple:

• You can easily compare prices between different car rental agencies and read customer’s reviews
• You can get a full protection insurance and will get quickly refunded in case of any damage, accident or if the car is stolen. Tested and approved, they refunded me more than 1200 euros to date!
• You can modify or cancel for free: you change your travel dates? No problem!

Other actvities for 3 weeks in Sardinia

You want to do more activities during your 3 weeks trip to Sardinia?

No problem!

I have created for you a list of the best activities you can do on the island.

Simply click on the links below for more information and to book:

• 3-hour kayak tour with a guide in Cagliari
• Kitesurfing lessons near Cagliari
• From Palau: Full day boat trip + snorkeling in Spargi and Budelli islands + lunch included
• From Porto Cervo or from Baia Sardinia: boat trip + snorkeling in Cala Coticcio, on the island of Caprera
• From Porto Cervo or from Baia Sardinia boat tour + visit to the beaches and bays of the island of Caprera, with swimming stops
• From Porto Cervo: Day trip – Dolphin and whale watching + Snorkeling around the Maddalena Islands – A half day trip is also possible.
• Jet-ski tour around Caprera island from Baia Sardinia
• Jet Ski Tour around Spargi island from Baia Sardinia.
• Cruise around the Costa Smeralda to discover its most beautiful beaches
• Windsurfing course at Porto Pollo
• Diving session near the Maddalena archipelago
• Via Ferrata (hiking) or climbing at the Pan di Zucchero (on the coast of Iglesiente)
• Boat trip to the Lavezzi islands (Corsica) – departure from Santa Teresa di Gallura (north of Sardinia)
• Kitesurfing lessons (Island of Sant’Antioco)
• Stand Up paddle tour (between Stintino and Castelsardo).

Renting a boat in Sardinia

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your itinerary in Sardinia, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental.

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Sardinia? 😊

Sardinia travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Sardinia guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Sardinia guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling in Sardinia? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Sardinia: All Voyage Tips articles about Sardinia are listed here.

• The 25 Best Things to do in Sardinia

• Itinerary: 2, 3, 4, or 5 days in Sardinia – With all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (North + South)
• Itinerary: 1 week in Sardinia – How to visit Sardinia in 6, 7 or 8 days (North or South)
• Itinerary: 10 days in Sardinia – The definitive guide to visit Northern Sardinia in 10 days!
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Sardinia – The perfect 14, 15 or 16 days itinerary in Northern Sardinia
• Itinerary: 14, 15 or 16 days in Sardinia – The perfect 2 weeks itinerary in Southern Sardinia
• Itinerary: North West of Sardinia (1 week) – How to visit Sardinia in 6, 7 or 8 days from Alghero

• Alghero: The 6 best places to visit
• Cagliari: The 10 best things to do in and around the city
• Costa Smeralda: The definitive guide to plan your stay
• Gulf of Orosei & Supramonte: The 10 best things to do
• La Maddalena: All my best tips to visit the islands

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