How many days do you need in Sardinia?

3 days is ideal for hitting the highlights. Our itinerary above covers morning, afternoon, and evening plans with budget estimates.

What should I do in Sardinia for 3 days?

See our day-by-day itinerary above with specific places, walking routes, metro costs, and meal recommendations.

3 Days in Sardinia — The Perfect Itinerary

Day 1: Cagliari City & Coast

Morning: Ancient Heart

Start at Castello district (Cagliari's medieval old town). Wander narrow streets past the Castello di San Elia fortress. Enter the Cattedrale di Sant'Elena (13th-century cathedral) for its stunning Baroque interior. Walk down to Piazza del Carmine for coffee at a sidewalk cafe. (Transport: 15-min walk from port; no cost). Cost: €3 coffee.

Afternoon: Harbor & History

Take bus #1 (€1.50) to Porto Pino. Explore the Archeological Museum of Cagliari (€10, open 9am-7pm) for Sardinian Nuragic artifacts. Stroll along the Marina di Poetto beach – walk the 2km path to the San Giovanni di Sinis lighthouse. (Transport: Bus from city center; €1.50). Cost: €10 museum, €2 beach snack.

Evening: Seafood & Sunset

Eat at Trattoria Sa Punticca (near the fish market) for malloreddus (Sardinian pasta) with seafood sauce and grilled spigola (sea bream). Walk to Castello di Santa Igia for sunset views over the harbor. (Transport: 10-min walk from market). Cost: €18 for two courses, €5 drink.

Day 2: Barbagia Mountains & Nuraghi

Morning: Mountain Village

Take the bus from Cagliari to Oristano (€6.50, 2 hours). From Oristano, catch a local bus to Orgosolo (€2, 1 hour). Explore the Street Art of Orgosolo – murals depicting Sardinian history. Visit the Nuraghe San Michele (ancient stone fortress, €4 entry). (Transport: Bus to Oristano + local bus; total €8.50). Cost: €4 entrance.

Afternoon: Authentic Lunch

Lunch at Locanda Sa Serra (small family-run spot) for porceddu (suckling pig) and sebadas (honey-rice fritters). Walk to Parco Nazionale di Molentargius for a short hike through wetlands. (Transport: 10-min walk from village center). Cost: €14 lunch, €3 for park.

Evening: Wine & Night

Visit Enoteca Sa Mora in Oristano for a cannonau wine tasting (€6 for 3 glasses). Eat culurgiones (stuffed pasta) at Da Pippo (local favorite). Return to Cagliari by night bus (€6.50). (Transport: Bus to Oristano; €6.50). Cost: €6 wine, €12 dinner.

Day 3: Coastal Beauty & Islands

Morning: La Maddalena Archipelago

Take the ferry from Cagliari to La Maddalena (€25, 2 hours). Walk to Capo Caccia for views of the Isola dei Cavoli (Cabbage Island) and the Arco Naturale (natural arch). Rent a kayak for €15 to explore hidden coves. (Transport: Ferry from Cagliari port; €25). Cost: €15 kayak.

Afternoon: Village & Lunch

Stroll La Maddalena town – stop at Caffè del Porticciolo for seadas (fried cheese pastry) with coffee. Eat lunch at Ristorante La Marina for fresh spaghetti con le vongole (clams) and local fish. (Transport: 5-min walk). Cost: €10 pastry, €16 lunch.

Evening: Sunset & Return

Take the last ferry back to Cagliari (€25, departs 5:30pm). Have dinner at Il Ristorante del Porto (near the port) for boiled mussels and pane carasau (crispy bread). Catch a bus back to your hotel (€1.50). (Transport: Ferry + bus; €26.50). Cost: €20 dinner.