Trip to Sardinia

Sardinia

by Matt Brenner

Mar 15 - Mar 19, 2026

2 travelers

moderate budget

Arrival in Cagliari & City Exploration

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Arrive in Cagliari, the vibrant capital of Sardinia. Check into your hotel and embark on a captivating walking tour to discover the city's historical heart, including the Castello district and the Elephant Tower. Indulge in a delightful Sardinian dinner at a traditional restaurant.

12:00 PMtransport

Arrive at Cagliari Airport (CAG) & Transfer to Hotel

Arrive at Cagliari Airport (CAG). Take a taxi or the train to your hotel in the city center. Check in and leave your luggage.

Cagliari Airport (CAG)

90 min

Consider purchasing a Cagliari Card for access to public transport and museums.

Action Items

Book flights to Cagliari (~$400 round trip)

Book train tickets from the airport to Cagliari city center (~$3)

2:00 PMsightseeing

Walking Tour of Cagliari's Historic Center

Explore the Castello district, including the Elephant Tower, Cagliari Cathedral, and the Bastione di Saint Remy. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sea.

Castello District, Cagliari

180 min

Wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking on cobblestone streets.

Action Items

Book a guided walking tour of Cagliari (~$30/person)

Purchase Cagliari Card for museum access

6:00 PMfood

Dinner at Ristorante Antica Hostaria

Enjoy a traditional Sardinian dinner at Ristorante Antica Hostaria. Try local specialties like malloreddus pasta and roasted suckling pig (porceddu).

Ristorante Antica Hostaria, Via Cavour, 60, Cagliari

120 min

Try the local Cannonau wine with your meal.

Action Items

Make a dinner reservation at Ristorante Antica Hostaria

Check the restaurant's menu online for seasonal specialties

Highlights

Arrive at Cagliari Airport (CAG) & Transfer to HotelWalking Tour of Cagliari's Historic CenterDinner at Ristorante Antica Hostaria

Nora Archaeological Site & Chia Beach

Monday, March 16, 2026

Embark on a journey to Nora, an ancient Phoenician and Roman city. Explore the well-preserved ruins and learn about the island's rich history. Afterwards, relax on the pristine Chia beach and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

9:00 AMsightseeing

Visit the Nora Archaeological Site

Explore the ruins of Nora, an ancient Phoenician and Roman city. See the Roman theater, thermal baths, and mosaics. Learn about the history of the site at the museum.

Nora Archaeological Site, Pula

180 min

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water as there is little shade at the site.

Action Items

Rent a car for the day trip (~$50/day)

Purchase tickets to the Nora Archaeological Site online (~$10/person)

1:00 PMfood

Lunch at Ristorante Mirage

Have lunch at Ristorante Mirage near Chia Beach. Enjoy fresh seafood with a view of the sea.

Ristorante Mirage, Località Chia, Domus de Maria

90 min

Try the Spaghetti alle Vongole (spaghetti with clams).

Action Items

Make a lunch reservation at Ristorante Mirage

Check the restaurant's menu online

2:30 PMactivity

Relax at Chia Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing at Chia Beach. Swim in the crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on the white sand, or take a walk along the coast.

Chia Beach, Domus de Maria

240 min

The beach can get crowded in the summer months, so arrive early to secure a good spot.

Action Items

Bring a beach towel and sunscreen

Rent beach umbrella and chairs (~$20)

Highlights

Visit the Nora Archaeological SiteLunch at Ristorante MirageRelax at Chia Beach

Barumini & Su Nuraxi

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Discover the Nuragic civilization by visiting Barumini and the Su Nuraxi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the impressive Nuragic complex, a testament to the island's ancient history. In the afternoon, enjoy the scenic drive back, passing through the rolling hills of Sardinia's interior.

9:00 AMsightseeing

Visit Su Nuraxi di Barumini

Explore Su Nuraxi, the most complete example of a Nuragic complex. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of the site.

Su Nuraxi di Barumini, Barumini

180 min

Wear comfortable shoes as there will be some walking on uneven ground.

Action Items

Purchase tickets to Su Nuraxi online (~$12/person)

Book a guided tour in English (~$10/person)

12:00 PMfood

Lunch at Ristorante Archeo

Enjoy lunch at Ristorante Archeo near Su Nuraxi. Try traditional Sardinian dishes made with local ingredients.

Ristorante Archeo, Barumini

90 min

Try the Culurgiones, a type of Sardinian ravioli.

Action Items

Make a lunch reservation at Ristorante Archeo

Check the restaurant's menu online

2:00 PMsightseeing

Explore the town of Barumini

Take a stroll through the charming town of Barumini. Visit the Casa Zapata museum to learn more about the history of the area.

Barumini

90 min

The museum is closed on Mondays.

Action Items

Purchase tickets to the Casa Zapata museum (~$5/person)

Highlights

Visit Su Nuraxi di BaruminiLunch at Ristorante ArcheoExplore the town of Barumini

Coastal Drive to Villasimius & Marine Protected Area

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Embark on a scenic coastal drive to Villasimius, a beautiful town known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Explore the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, a haven for marine life. Enjoy snorkeling or diving in the turquoise waters, or simply relax on the beach.

9:00 AMtransport

Drive to Villasimius

Take a scenic drive along the coast to Villasimius. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Coastal Road from Cagliari to Villasimius

90 min

Stop at viewpoints along the way to take photos.

Action Items

Confirm rental car reservation

Download offline map of the route

11:00 AMactivity

Explore Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area

Visit the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area. Go snorkeling or diving to see the diverse marine life, or take a boat tour of the area.

Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, Villasimius

180 min

Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it.

Action Items

Book a snorkeling or diving tour (~$40/person)

Reserve a boat tour of the marine area (~$35/person)

2:00 PMfood

Lunch at Ristorante La Lanterna

Enjoy lunch at Ristorante La Lanterna in Villasimius. Try fresh seafood with a view of the harbor.

Ristorante La Lanterna, Villasimius

90 min

Try the Spaghetti ai Ricci di Mare (spaghetti with sea urchin).

Action Items

Make a lunch reservation at Ristorante La Lanterna

Check the restaurant's menu online

Highlights

Drive to VillasimiusExplore Capo Carbonara Marine Protected AreaLunch at Ristorante La Lanterna

Departure

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Enjoy a final Sardinian breakfast before transferring to Cagliari Airport for your departure. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and breathtaking landscapes encountered throughout your Sardinian adventure.

9:00 AMfood

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe.

Cagliari

60 min

Try a traditional Sardinian pastry like Pardulas.

10:00 AMshopping

Shopping for souvenirs (optional)

Do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Cagliari. Look for local crafts, food products, or wines.

Via Giuseppe Manno, Cagliari

60 min

Look for cork products, ceramics, or filigree jewelry.

Action Items

Research shops selling local Sardinian crafts

12:00 PMtransport

Transfer to Cagliari Airport (CAG)

Check out of your hotel and transfer to Cagliari Airport (CAG) for your departure flight.

Cagliari Airport (CAG)

90 min

Allow plenty of time for check-in and security.

Action Items

Book airport transfer or confirm train schedule (~$20)

Highlights

Enjoy a leisurely breakfastShopping for souvenirs (optional)Transfer to Cagliari Airport (CAG)