r/Sardinia

We're considering half the stay in the north and half in Cagliari where the prices are much cheaper.

We want our days to mostly consist of driving to beaches where you park + walk ~10 minutes and you get a fairly empty beach with good swimming.

Has anyone had this experience in Cagliari, or is it mostly exclusive to the north?

Planning on going on all day boat tour off the coast in a skippered boat with 12 other people.
Do people typically tip the skippers at the end of the day? If yes, how much is reasonable?

Two weeks ago, I (F24) came back from a solo trip to Sardinia. I booked the trip on a whim, without really researching the feasibility of it without hiring a car. Everything I saw online said how it is not worth it to do it solely on public transport, that the transport is unreliable and I would miss all the good spots. This was entirely not the case, and I want other people in my position to know it was completely doable and manageable on public transport, I saw so many amazing things and I actually found the local buses to be super reliable (I never got one that didn't show up at the exact time google maps said it would be). I am going to leave my itinerary below, in case any one is interested in how I did it, and what I saw, as well as tips for the public transport in Sardinia.

Day One: Arrive to Olbia

I flew into Olbia and got in for around midday. I got the local bus (no 10) to the city centre (took 12 minutes) and then explored the city, ate lunch and checked into my airbnb. I got a ticket for the bus right as I was leaving the airport, there are two fairly hidden away booths where you can buy a ticket. I went out for dinner and drinks in Olbia for the evening, before heading to an Irish pub to watch the first England World Cup match.

Day Two: Olbia

I had a cappuccino in Olbia before getting the local bus (no 04) to Spiaggia Pittulongu to catch a tan before my afternoon plans. It's not the most beautiful beach, but I just wanted to lie on a beach that was near and easy to get to. The afternoon, I booked perhaps my favourite part of the trip, I went on a dolphin and snorkel trip. The tour I did was: https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g187879-d17402777-Dolphin_Watching_Tour_with_Snorkeling_from_Olbia-Sardinia.html This was amazing, as I got to experience the amazing waters of Olbia without needing a car, and it was a great way to meet people. Again, it was super easy to get there on public transport, taking the local bus (no 01).

Day Three: La Maddalena

When staying in the north of Sardinia, it seemed that La Maddalena was a pretty unmissable thing to do. This was one of the longer journeys, where I took the public bus (Linea 601) to Palau. This is a different bus to the local ones in Olbia, however was very accessible, take a book and the journey was lovely going through Sardinia. I did another boat tour: https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g612430-d15135674-La_Maddalena_Archipelago_Boat_Tour_from_Palau-La_Maddalena_Maddalena_Islands_Provi.html which was less intimate than the day's before, but it was still gorgeous and got to see some truly amazing and beautiful beaches in the La Maddalena archipelago.

Day Four: Olbia > Cagliari

I was flying out of Cagliari, so travelled down at this point. I got the train from Olbia to Cagliari, which involved a change of trains at Ozieri Chilivani. The train was really quick, probably quicker than driving, with the total journey being just over 3 hours. The train was really affordable, at a 16€ journey. I bought the ticket on Trainline the week before. The trains themselves were on time, spacious and air-conditioned.

Day Five: Villasimius

I really wanted to go to Villasimius as I heard such amazing things about the water there. I was so glad I went, taking the bus from the main bus station in Cagliari to the town on the Linea 135. Again the journey was a little longer, but nothing a book wouldn't solve and it was incredibly beautiful, especially on the way back as the sun was setting and was also the day of the summer solecist. I went to Spaggia Simius, which was about a 30 minute, relatively flat walk from the town. I got food and beers from the supermarket and rented a sun lounger and a parasol for 35€ for the day. It was absolutely gorgeous and my favourite day of the trip.

How to use public transport

I found all my routes on Google Maps, and as I mentioned, there was not one time in which the bus did not come at the exact minute Google Maps said it would take.

I bought tickets for the bus through apps, like Aspo Olbia for the local buses in Olbia and Drop Ticket for the buses that went out of the towns of Olbia and Cagliari (like the ones to La Maddalena and Villasimius). For local buses in Cagliari, I used CTM BusFinder. It works where you pay a small fee (like 1-2€) for the ticket, and then you had unlimited use for 90 mins, or a bit more (like 3-4€) and you could use it for the whole day.

I had the most amazing time, and I hope this inspires, even just one person, that public transport around Sardinia is not only possible, but really easy. Just plan exactly what you want to do, be prepared to pay for a boat trip and don't take everything so seriously!

Hi guys. I’ve decided to book a last minute trip cycling in Sardinia. I fly in/out of Olbia. I have a total of 9 days (7 full days) later in July. I’ll be flying in with my road bike so no need for gear rental.

I’ll plan to cycle 100-150km daily. Aiming to leave ~6am each day to avoid the worst of the heat.

My goal would be to spend 5 full days on the bike and then spend 2 days at a beach somewhere in the middle. I want to see a good chunk of the island. Hoping to keep costs minimal with hostels/cheap Airbnb where possible.

Level of experience on the road is good. Multiple Ironman/triathlons and I race regularly. Set up is a triathlon bike and I’ll take a backpack with my essentials.

Really looking forward to checking out Sardinia. Any advice is appreciated re itinerary!

Cheers

Hello!

Staying in Palau for a couple of days, and planning to visit La Maddalena one day and one of Baja Sardinia or Porto Cervo for a days visit, or both depending on time.

For the remaining 3-4 days, I’m thinking of staying in either Santa Teresa Gallura or Porto Rotondo. The most important thing for me are beautiful beaches followed by a variety of restaurants/bars and a town that doesn’t bore you after one evening. STG is quite small right, is there a risk of getting bored quickly? Porto Rotondo is obviously more fancy and likely have more options for dining and drinks, but the beaches from what I’ve heard might not be the best.

I should also add we will most likely not rent a car, but do busses or taxi occasionally.

Any input would be much appreciated!
Cheers

Hey guys, my girlfriend and I (M23) are staying in STG this August. I've been there in 2024 already and really enjoyed it; that's why I want to show it to her now. I went to Bonifacio, La Maddalena, Capo Testa, and the beaches around there, like Valle de la Lune and so on. Is there anything I may have missed around STG or the area that someone local could recommend as worth doing, like a hidden gem beach or anything like that? I'd really appreciate the help. Thank you in advance!

If you have any other suggestions, useful or important info, feel free to hit me up in DMs.

Hi everyone!

I’ll be available throughout Summer 2026 for private transfers in Olbia, Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo, Baja Sardinia, San Teodoro, Golfo Aranci and surrounding areas.

Airport transfers, hotels, beaches, restaurants, marinas and private destinations.

📍 Based in Olbia

Feel free to contact me for availability or any information.

I’m going to Sardinia for eight days with my family.
The accommodation is booked.
The rental car is booked… from some random guy I found on Facebook.
…and that’s it.
I haven’t spent weeks researching the perfect beaches.
I haven’t gone hunting for secret spots.
I haven’t built an itinerary.
I don’t have a spreadsheet.
I don’t have colour-coded maps.
The current plan is to wake up, have breakfast, see what the weather looks like, drive somewhere that seems interesting, eat too much, have a drink, maybe find a beach, maybe wander through a town, and repeat until it’s time to fly home.
I know. It sounds reckless.
Now I’m starting to worry that I may have completely misunderstood how holidays work in Sardinia.
Is it actually legal to arrive with a car, no itinerary, and no ambition to see the entire island in eight days?☹️

Just checking before I make a terrible mistake. 😉

P.S. The only actual plan so far is to sneak out early one morning, head to the Mercato Civico di Alghero, and eat some oysters for breakfest. Everyday. ;)

Do people drive tipsy? Or do they get taxis?? no one seems to talk about driving alcohol limits so what is the situation in Sardinia?

Salve!

I have never been in Sardinia or anywhere in Italy, but always wanted to visit, so I booked kind of last minute vacation to Cagliari.

I have been studying basic Italian sentences, but I have had only 2 days to do so. Should I try to learn some Sardinian too for restaurants? Or how well will I survive with English? I always want to learn some local language where ever I go, but havent had much time for this trip.

Work has been really busy this year, so I didnt want to have a strict plan / itinerary. I just want to wake up, explore, eat good local food, visit a beach (if they are not full) and maybe have a boat trip. I dont have many days in Sardinia, so I dont think I have time to visit many places in different parts of the island, but I dont mind.

Leaving tomorrow and Im really excited, so all tips are welcome!

Grazie.

OKAY

Im exaggerating a little (I hope) but I do not drive, nor am I the age to rent a car if I could. But I am coming for 9 Nights in a couple weeks.

I am landing in Olbia and staying there for my first night, then the next day I plan on going to my Hotel in Tempio Pausania for the next 8 nights potentially getting the bus to the east and west coast on a few days to check them out.

Which brings me on to the main point, I want to know how reliable the busses are and if they ever fill up, particularly from Olbia to Tempio Pausania and back. otherwise it looks like my best option is a very expensive taxi.

I have seen there’s like 5-7 busses a day and I would obviously play it safe with my travels and never aim to get the last bus home, just so there’s always a backup if I do miss one or it doesn’t come.

I might be particularly doubtful about busses as I’m British, but wondered if anyone could share some tips or advice with no car in Sardinia, beyond the advice I’ve seen so far which is simply, don’t do it.

Hi,

I am wondering about the trains on Sardinia. I’ll be visiting there soon (don’t worry I am not asking you to plan my trip)

I see loads of posts here about needing a car and you’re doomed without it. However, I have trains booked to get around to the different places on the island.

I haven’t seen anyone on here suggest getting a train? Why is this? And have I just sunk a couple hundred into train tickets for no reason.

Thank you

What do you guys think about this itinerary for 2–12 August? Does it look okay?
2 August: Fly to Cagliari
2–4 August: Stay in Cagliari
4–7 August: Stay in Baunei so we can visit the Calas, since they’re within hiking distance
7–11 August: Stay in Orosei
11–12 August: Stay in Cagliari
12 August: Fly from Cagliari

I am planning to go there but it’s hard to understand where to stay to enjoy the Calas but also stay in Orosei where beaches are available on foot.

What do you think? Thank you!

Quali i migliori Locali ed eventi a luglio?
Qualche local che mi sappia indirizzare e dire anche in che spiagge andare e quali assolutamente da evitare, siamo con la macchina!

Hi all -

My friend last night got a standard table at ritual club where the minimum spend was 1k. He bought a bottle of Dom P and a bottle of tequila I believe casamigos. They charged him around 4500 euros. We believe this must be a mistake. Is this normal for other people who have gotten tables there?
Wondering how we should proceed forward. There was no receipt provided.

Thank you for any advice

We’re planning a trip to Sardinia in early July this year. We’ll be flying into Cagliari, spending 7 days on the island, and then flying home from Cagliari as well.

We’re a couple in our early 30s and we’ll be renting a car.
We’re interested in: History and archaeology, hiking and nature (nothing too extreme for this trip), local food and a few nice dinners, relaxing, enjoying the beaches, and experiencing the island’s culture.

We’re trying to decide where to stay during the trip. Would you recommend splitting our time between different towns, or staying in one or two bases?

We’re looking for recommendations on where to stay, wich places to visit and where to go hiking.

Any itinerary suggestions or general travel tips would be greatly appreciated, grazie!