{"id":3758,"date":"2026-05-25T19:20:05","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T17:20:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rentacarsardegna.it\/?p=3758"},"modified":"2026-06-02T11:57:58","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T09:57:58","slug":"7-day-itinerary-in-northern-sardinia-with-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/en\/itinerario-di-7-giorni-nel-nord-sardegna-con-auto\/","title":{"rendered":"7-day itinerary in northern Sardinia by car:"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 id=\"scoprire-il-nord-sardegna-partendo-da-olbia\">Discovering Northern Sardinia from Olbia<\/h2>\n<p>Organising a 7-day itinerary in northern Sardinia with a rental car is one of the best solutions for experiencing a holiday in freedom. Olbia is an ideal starting point because it is well connected, has an international airport, a busy port, and is close to some of the most beautiful places on the island.<\/p>\n<p>With a week at your disposal, you can visit famous beaches, seaside villages, Costa Smeralda resorts, natural areas and scenic spots, without necessarily changing accommodation every night. Sleeping in or around Olbia allows you to have a convenient base and reach a different area every day.<\/p>\n<p>In this guide you will find an itinerary designed for those who arrive in Olbia, pick up a rental car and want to discover northern Sardinia with a balanced programme, without too much running and with the right amount of time to enjoy each stage.<\/p>\n<p>For a complete overview of travel organisation, you can also read <span style=\"color: red;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/en\/come-organizzare-una-vacanza-a-olbia-e-nel-nord-sardegna\/\">comprehensive guide to planning a holiday in Olbia and northern Sardinia<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"perche-serve-unauto-per-questo-itinerario\">Why you need a car for this route<\/h2>\n<p>North Sardinia is full of beautiful locations, but not always convenient to reach by public transport. Many beaches, coves and viewpoints are easier to visit with a car, especially if you want to change destination during the day or travel with luggage, children or beach equipment.<\/p>\n<p>Having a car at your disposal allows you to better organise your schedule, choose your stops according to the weather, stop along the way and also reach less central areas. This makes the holiday more flexible and less dependent on transfers, taxis or seasonal connections.<\/p>\n<p>For those arriving by plane, it can be very convenient to organise car collection directly on arrival. You can learn more about this by reading\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/en\/noleggio-auto-aeroporto-olbia-guida\/\">car rental at Olbia Airport<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3749 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/rentacarsardegna.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/noleggio-auto-con-ritiro-aeroporto-olbia.webp\" alt=\"Car rental delivery at Olbia Airport with Futura Service staff\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/noleggio-auto-con-ritiro-aeroporto-olbia.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/noleggio-auto-con-ritiro-aeroporto-olbia-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/noleggio-auto-con-ritiro-aeroporto-olbia-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"panoramica-dellitinerario-di-7-giorni\">7-day itinerary overview<\/h2>\n<p>The itinerary starts in Olbia and travels along the north-east coast, Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro, Golfo Aranci, Palau, La Maddalena and Santa Teresa Gallura. It is designed for those who want to see more places without turning their holiday into a tiring trip.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Day<\/th>\n<th>Main stage<\/th>\n<th>Ideal for<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Day 1<\/td>\n<td>Arrival in Olbia and accommodation<\/td>\n<td>Car pick-up, check-in and first walk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Day 2<\/td>\n<td>Golfo Aranci and Porto Rotondo<\/td>\n<td>Sea, panoramas and elegant locations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Day 3<\/td>\n<td>Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo<\/td>\n<td>Famous Beaches and Tourist Villages<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Day 4<\/td>\n<td>San Teodoro and La Cinta<\/td>\n<td>Wide beaches and summer atmosphere<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Day 5<\/td>\n<td>Palau and La Maddalena<\/td>\n<td>Hiking, sea and natural landscapes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Day 6<\/td>\n<td>Santa Teresa Gallura and Capo Testa<\/td>\n<td>Panoramas, granite rocks and the sea<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Day 7<\/td>\n<td>Return to Olbia<\/td>\n<td>Last visits and car drop-off<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The programme can be adapted according to the period, the location of the accommodation and the desired pace. Those who prefer a more relaxed holiday can eliminate a stage and devote more time to beaches or locations already visited.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"giorno-1-arrivo-a-olbia-ritiro-auto-e-sistemazione\">Day 1: Arrival in Olbia, car pick-up and accommodation<\/h2>\n<p>The first day is dedicated to arrival, car collection and accommodation. If you arrive at Olbia Airport, arranging car delivery in advance allows you to reach your chosen flat, hotel or facility immediately without wasting time.<\/p>\n<p>After checking in, you can devote a few hours to an initial walk around Olbia. The centre is pleasant to start getting acquainted with the city, have a quiet dinner or organise your shopping for the following days.<\/p>\n<p>This first day should not be too loaded. After the trip, it is best to settle down calmly, check the week's schedule and prepare everything for the first real day at sea.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pick up your car on arrival.<\/li>\n<li>Check documents, vehicle condition and return time.<\/li>\n<li>Reach accommodation.<\/li>\n<li>Organise your shopping, luggage and schedule for the following days.<\/li>\n<li>Take an evening stroll in Olbia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"giorno-2-golfo-aranci-e-porto-rotondo\">Day 2: Golfo Aranci and Porto Rotondo<\/h2>\n<p>The second day can be dedicated to Golfo Aranci and Porto Rotondo, two locations easily reached from Olbia. Golfo Aranci is a perfect destination to start the holiday with sea, views and a relaxed atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p>During the day you can choose a nearby beach, stop for a sea-view lunch and then continue on to Porto Rotondo. This resort is known for its marina, neat little squares and elegant atmosphere, ideal for a late afternoon stroll.<\/p>\n<p>It is a stage suitable for those who want a full but not too demanding first day, with short distances and easy travel.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Moment of the day<\/th>\n<th>What to do<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Morning<\/td>\n<td>Departure from Olbia and beach around Golfo Aranci<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Lunch<\/td>\n<td>Stopover by the sea or in the centre<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Afternoon<\/td>\n<td>Walk and visit to Porto Rotondo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Evening<\/td>\n<td>Return to Olbia or dinner along the coast<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 id=\"giorno-3-costa-smeralda-e-porto-cervo\">Day 3: Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo<\/h2>\n<p>The third day is dedicated to the Costa Smeralda, one of the best known areas of northern Sardinia. Starting from Olbia, you can organise a route between beaches, viewpoints and tourist resorts such as Porto Cervo.<\/p>\n<p>The Costa Smeralda is ideal for those who want to see crystal-clear sea, villas surrounded by greenery, elegant marinas and manicured landscapes. During the high season it can be a very busy area, so it is advisable to leave a little in advance and plan well for parking and stopovers.<\/p>\n<p>Porto Cervo can be visited in the afternoon or towards evening, when temperatures are more pleasant and the atmosphere becomes livelier. It is a suitable stop for a stroll, an aperitif or dinner before returning.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Depart from Olbia in the morning.<\/li>\n<li>Choose one or two beaches, without planning too many stops.<\/li>\n<li>Devote the afternoon to Porto Cervo or a nearby resort.<\/li>\n<li>Calmly return to Olbia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you stay in a flat, having a car makes it easier to manage schedules, shopping, beach bags and evening returns. You can learn more about this by reading <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/en\/holiday-in-olbia-car-rental-and-flat\/\">holiday in Olbia with rental car and flat<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3798 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/rentacarsardegna.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/Auto-a-noleggio-con-appartamento-vacanze-vicino-alla-spiaggia-di-Bados.webp\" alt=\"Rental car with holiday flat near Bados beach\" width=\"1672\" height=\"941\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/Auto-a-noleggio-con-appartamento-vacanze-vicino-alla-spiaggia-di-Bados.webp 1672w, https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/Auto-a-noleggio-con-appartamento-vacanze-vicino-alla-spiaggia-di-Bados-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/Auto-a-noleggio-con-appartamento-vacanze-vicino-alla-spiaggia-di-Bados-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/Auto-a-noleggio-con-appartamento-vacanze-vicino-alla-spiaggia-di-Bados-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/Auto-a-noleggio-con-appartamento-vacanze-vicino-alla-spiaggia-di-Bados-1536x864.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1672px) 100vw, 1672px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"giorno-4-san-teodoro-e-la-spiaggia-la-cinta\">Day 4: San Teodoro and La Cinta beach<\/h2>\n<p>The fourth day can be dedicated to San Teodoro, one of the most popular resorts on the north-east coast. La Cinta beach is wide, scenic and suitable for different types of travellers, from couples to families.<\/p>\n<p>San Teodoro is a very popular destination in summer, so it is useful to leave early, especially in July and August. With a car you can manage your schedule better and decide whether to stay all day at the beach or alternate between sea, lunch and a walk in the centre.<\/p>\n<p>In the afternoon or evening, the centre of San Teodoro offers clubs, shops and a lively atmosphere. It is a suitable stop for those who want to combine sea and summer life without straying too far from Olbia.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Departure from Olbia in the morning.<\/li>\n<li>Beach day at La Cinta or another beach in the area.<\/li>\n<li>Stroll through the centre of San Teodoro.<\/li>\n<li>Return to Olbia in the evening.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"giorno-5-palau-e-la-maddalena\">Day 5: Palau and La Maddalena<\/h2>\n<p>The fifth day is one of the most evocative of the itinerary. Departing from Olbia by car, you can reach Palau and from there organise a visit to La Maddalena. It is a day that requires a little more organisation, but offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in northern Sardinia.<\/p>\n<p>Palau is the main starting point to reach the archipelago. Depending on the programme, you can choose to embark by car, join an excursion or visit the area with a simpler, more relaxed plan.<\/p>\n<p>La Maddalena is ideal for those who love the sea, views and coastal roads. It is advisable to leave early, especially in high season, to have more time available and reduce the stress of parking, waiting and travelling.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Phase<\/th>\n<th>Practical advice<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Departure<\/td>\n<td>Leave Olbia early to arrive in Palau with margin<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Organisation<\/td>\n<td>Check timetables, car parks and possible ferries in advance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Day<\/td>\n<td>Alternating beaches, scenic spots and quiet breaks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Return<\/td>\n<td>Avoid planning your return too late if you have to drive to Olbia<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>This day is perfect for those who want to experience a more scenic and natural part of the trip, but it is best not to add too many other stops on the same day.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"giorno-6-santa-teresa-gallura-e-capo-testa\">Day 6: Santa Teresa Gallura and Capo Testa<\/h2>\n<p>The sixth day can be dedicated to Santa Teresa Gallura and Capo Testa. It is a slightly longer stage than others, but very interesting for those who want to discover different landscapes, granite rocks, clear sea and views towards Corsica.<\/p>\n<p>Santa Teresa Gallura is a pleasant place for a walk, a lunch break or a stop-off before reaching Capo Testa. The latter area is particularly striking for its rock formations and wilder atmosphere than other tourist resorts.<\/p>\n<p>With a car, you can organise your day more freely, choosing whether to spend more time at the sea, at the scenic spots or in the centre of town.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Depart from Olbia calmly but without arriving too late.<\/li>\n<li>Visit Santa Teresa Gallura.<\/li>\n<li>Dedicate the afternoon to Capo Testa.<\/li>\n<li>Return to Olbia before nightfall, especially if you don't want to drive too late.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"giorno-7-rientro-a-olbia-e-riconsegna-dellauto\">Day 7: return to Olbia and car drop-off<\/h2>\n<p>The last day can be dedicated to returning to Olbia, to last visits and to returning the car. If your flight or ferry leaves in the afternoon or evening, you can use a few hours for a walk, a last lunch or a short stop in the surroundings.<\/p>\n<p>It is important to organise the time well, especially if you have to return the car at the airport, port or an agreed point. It is best to leave sufficient margin for fuel, traffic, vehicle inspection and transfer to the departure area.<\/p>\n<p>Before return, check:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>fuel level;<\/li>\n<li>agreed timetable;<\/li>\n<li>place of return;<\/li>\n<li>condition of the car;<\/li>\n<li>any personal items left in the vehicle;<\/li>\n<li>documents and receipts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"dove-dormire-durante-litinerario\">Where to sleep during the itinerary<\/h2>\n<p>For a 7-day itinerary in northern Sardinia, you can choose to change accommodation during the trip or have a fixed base. For those who prefer a more manageable holiday, Olbia is a very convenient solution.<\/p>\n<p>Sleeping in Olbia makes it possible to reach different locations every day without having to constantly move luggage and organisation. It is a practical choice for couples, families and small groups, especially if you have a car at your disposal.<\/p>\n<p>A flat can be a good solution for those seeking autonomy, more comfortable spaces and freedom in schedules. It allows better management of meals, beach bags, evening returns and daily departures.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"quale-auto-scegliere-per-un-itinerario-di-una-settimana\">Which car to choose for a week-long itinerary<\/h2>\n<p>The choice of car depends on the number of people, the luggage and the type of holiday. For a couple or two travellers with light luggage, a city car may be sufficient. It is practical, easy to park and suitable for everyday travel.<\/p>\n<p>For families or groups, on the other hand, it is better to consider a more spacious car with a large boot and more comfort. After several days of travelling, having space on board can make all the difference, especially if you carry parasols, cool bags, pushchairs or beach equipment.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Type of travel<\/th>\n<th>Recommended car<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Couple with little luggage<\/td>\n<td>City car or compact<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Family with children<\/td>\n<td>Spacious car with good boot<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Group of friends<\/td>\n<td>Comfortable car for passengers and luggage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Journey with many stages<\/td>\n<td>Comfortable car for longer journeys<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>If you do not have a traditional credit card, you can also consider the options explained in the guide on <strong>rental without a credit card<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"consigli-pratici-per-organizzare-litinerario\">Practical tips for organising the itinerary<\/h2>\n<p>A seven-day itinerary in northern Sardinia must be well organised, but not too rigid. The beauty of travelling by car is precisely the possibility of changing plans according to weather, traffic, the desire to stay longer on a beach or to discover an unplanned place.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Do not include too many stages in the same day.<\/li>\n<li>Leave early when you need to reach busy places.<\/li>\n<li>Always check car parks and beach accesses.<\/li>\n<li>Bring water, sunscreen and everything you need for the sea.<\/li>\n<li>It leaves room for stops, traffic and re-entry.<\/li>\n<li>He alternates between busier and lighter days.<\/li>\n<li>Check ferry or excursion schedules in advance.<\/li>\n<li>Agree on pick-up and drop-off of the car.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The most important advice is not to want to see everything in one week. It is better to choose the stages well and enjoy the trip slowly, leaving room for relaxation.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"domande-frequenti\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<details>\n<summary><strong>Is one week enough to visit northern Sardinia?<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p>Yes, a week allows you to visit several locations in northern Sardinia starting from Olbia. However, it is important to choose a balanced itinerary, without including too many stops in the same day.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary><strong>Is it better to have a base in Olbia or to change accommodation during the trip?<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p>It depends on the type of holiday. Having a base in Olbia is convenient for those who want to organise day trips without constantly moving luggage. Changing accommodation can be useful if you want to explore the island on a more itinerant trip.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary><strong>Do you really need a car for this route?<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p>Yes, a car is strongly recommended. Many beaches and locations in northern Sardinia are easier to reach with your own vehicle, especially if you want to travel with freedom and manage your own schedule.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary><strong>What is the most beautiful stage of the itinerary?<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p>It depends on personal taste. The Costa Smeralda is ideal for those looking for famous resorts and elegant sea, La Maddalena for natural landscapes, San Teodoro for wide beaches and summer atmosphere, Santa Teresa Gallura for views and granite rocks.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary><strong>When is it appropriate to do this route?<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p>The best times are spring, early summer and September, when the weather is pleasant and the resorts are generally less crowded than in August. July and August are also good for the sea, but require more organisation.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary><strong>What type of car is best to hire for 7 days?<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p>For a couple, a city car or compact car may suffice. For families or groups it is advisable to choose a more spacious car with a boot suitable for suitcases, sea bags and travel equipment.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<h2 id=\"conclusione\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>A 7-day itinerary in northern Sardinia with rental car is an ideal solution for those who want to discover the area starting from Olbia. In one week you can alternate between beaches, villages, views and famous locations, while retaining the freedom to adapt the programme day by day.<\/p>\n<p>Olbia is a practical base for organising this type of trip, especially if you arrive at the airport or by ferry and want to pick up your car on the first day. With good planning, you can visit the Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro, Golfo Aranci, Palau, La Maddalena and Santa Teresa Gallura without making your holiday too tiring.<\/p>\n<p>To organise your car rental, check availability, delivery on arrival or solutions combined with your stay, you can <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/en\/contacts\/\">contact Futura Service<\/a><\/strong>and plan the trip best suited to your needs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Want to visit northern Sardinia in freedom?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Contact us to organise car rental in Olbia and explore the best locations in northern Sardinia with a flexible and stress-free itinerary.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover a 7-day itinerary in northern Sardinia with rental car: departure from Olbia, stops in Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro, Golfo Aranci, La Maddalena and Santa Teresa Gallura.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":299,"featured_media":3789,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3758","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3758","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/299"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3758"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3758\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3789"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3758"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3758"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentacarsardegna.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3758"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}