Road trip Sardinia | Sassari for beginners

A road trip is wildly popular in 2025. Have you never done this type of holiday before? Then it might sound daunting. But don't worry, it's really not that bad! We are happy to help you get started. Fly to Sardinia, rent a car, and discover how much more you see than when you stay in one place. Moreover, the scenery here is beautiful to drive through. And no, you don't have to plan two or three weeks right away for a road trip. This route takes only 8 days and the distances are short. Of course, you can customize the trip however you like. Stay somewhere a little longer or extend the route. But this is a perfect start for your first introduction to a road trip.

Sassari Road Trip

Day 1 – 2

Activities:

2. Visit the Neptune Caves (Grotta di Nettuno)
Duration: 2-3 hours
What to do: The Neptune Caves can be reached by boat (approximately 45 minutes one way) or via the Escala del Cabirol (654 steps). The caves themselves are impressive and an absolute must-see if you love nature. A boat trip is a beautiful way to see the coastline of Alghero.

4. Walk or cycle in the Porto Conte Nature Park
Duration: 2-3 hours
What to do: The nature park is located just outside the city and offers beautiful hiking trails. You can explore nature and enjoy the views of the coastline and the mountains. A short walk to Cala Dragunara is a perfect way to enjoy nature and visit a secluded bay.

Stintino

On the morning of day 3, you depart from Alghero to Stintino. Duration: 1 hour

Activities:

2. Explore the village of Stintino (duration: 1-2 hours)
What to do: Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque village of Stintino. The village has an authentic Sardinian charm, with narrow streets, white houses, and colorful shops. It is the perfect place to enjoy the local atmosphere, buy souvenirs, and have a coffee or gelato on a terrace. You can also visit the harbors of Stintino, where small fishing boats are moored, and enjoy the view of the sea.

4. Visit the Torre della Pelosa (duration: 1 hour)
What to do: The Torre della Pelosa is a historic watchtower dating back to the 16th century. Located on the west side of La Pelosa beach, the tower offers a beautiful view of the sea and the surrounding islands. It is a short but impressive walk to the tower, and you can enjoy the view of Sardinia's southern coastline.

Isola Rossa

On the morning of day 5, you depart from Stintino to Isola Rossa. Duration: 1,5 hours

Activities:

2. Explore the harbor and the village of Isola Rossa
Duration: 1,5-2 hours
What to do: Stroll through the charming village of Isola Rossa and along the picturesque harbor. The harbor is the heart of the village and offers a beautiful view of the sea. Here you can see small fishing boats and enjoy the atmosphere of the traditional Sardinian fishing village.
Tip: Stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the harbor, where you can enjoy fresh seafood or Sardinian dishes.

4. Walk to Torre di Trezza
Duration: 1,5-2 hours
What to do: Take a walk to the old Torre di Trezza, a historic watchtower dating back to the 16th century. The tower offers a fantastic view of the coast and the sea. It is a short but scenic walk that rewards you with a beautiful view.
Tip: Bring some water and wear good walking shoes, as the path to the tower can be a bit steep.

Palau

On the morning of day 7, you depart from Isola Rossa to Palau. Duration: 1 hour

Activities:

2. Boat trip to the La Maddalena Archipelago
Duration: 4-5 hours
What to do: One of the biggest attractions of Palau is the boat trip to the La Maddalena Archipelago, a group of beautiful islands off the coast of Sardinia. The islands are known for their pristine nature, white sandy beaches, and azure sea. An organized boat trip is the best way to explore these islands, and you can also snorkel or swim there.
Tip: Book a guided tour or a private boat trip, which offers you the opportunity to discover various islands in the archipelago, such as Spargi, Budelli, and Caprera.

4. Visit Caprera Island
Duration: 3-4 hours
What to do: After a boat trip to the La Maddalena Archipelago, you can visit the island of Caprera. The island is famous for its pristine nature and historical significance, as it is the final resting place of the Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. You can visit his house, which is now a museum, or enjoy a nature walk around the island.