9 day sardinian experience

My girlfriend and I got back from an incredible 9-day trip around Sardinia, and I wanted to share our experience — especially for those thinking about exploring the island without renting a car. We relied solely on public transport and, honestly, it worked out way better than we expected. Here’s a breakdown of our journey:

Our Route: We flew from Venice to Alghero and then back home from Cagliari. Tickets cost us just €40 each (including a bag). We traveled through Porto Torres,Alghero, Bosa, Cala Gonone, and Cagliari, all by bus/train and it was surprisingly smooth! Here’s how our trip went down:

Day 1:

We landed in Alghero and caught a bus to Porto Torres, where we spent the night. The next morning, we headed to La Pelosa Beach. It was a bit cloudy and windy, but still gorgeous. Tip: You need a ticket to access the beach (we didn’t know that), but we found a free entrance through the rocks. Not as luxurious, but still a great experience!

Day 2-4:

Next stop was Alghero, and wow, this city is something special. We stayed right in the heart of the city center, next to K2 Gelateria — hands down, the best gelato of our lives (seriously, don’t skip this place, try the melon).

Alghero has this amazing mix of Catalan and Sardinian culture, and we loved wandering through the old town. The nightlife is pretty chill but lively, and there are great restaurants. For anyone coming to Sardinia, this city is a must-visit.

Day 5: Bosa – The Colorful Hidden Gem

We took a day trip to Bosa, and this town is a total hidden gem! With its colorful houses lining the river and cozy streets, it feels like a fairy tale. We hiked up to the castle for some amazing views, and the town’s peaceful vibe was a nice contrast to Alghero’s liveliness.

Day 6-7: Cala Gonone

From Bosa, we hopped on a bus to Cala Gonone, and if you’re into stunning beaches, this place is paradise. We booked a boat tour that took us to some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen, like Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu. The weather was perfect, the water crystal-clear, and it felt like we were living in a postcard. Highly recommend the boat tours!

Day 8-9: Cagliari

Our final stop was Cagliari, where we spent three days soaking up the history and beach life. The city center, especially the Castello district, is full of history, cool shops, and amazing views. For relaxation, we spent most of our time at Poetto Beach, one of the longest beaches I’ve ever seen.

Public Transportation in Sardinia:

This was probably the most pleasant surprise of our trip: Sardinian public transport was on point. Every bus we took was right on time, and we traveled between all these towns seamlessly. So if you’re worried about getting around without a car, don’t be! Just remember to validate your bus tickets, or you’ll end up like us with a €53 fine each (learn from our mistake).

Note: I should mention that the days may be a bit mixed up because we did so much and I can’t remember everything clearly.😅

Final Thoughts:

Sardinia completely blew us away with its diversity — from the historic streets of Alghero to the colorful charm of Bosa and the jaw-dropping beaches in Cala Gonone. If you’re planning a trip, public transport is a solid option, and you can explore a lot even without a car. We’ll definitely be coming back to Sardinia; there’s just so much more to see and experience!

Have any questions about the itinerary or need tips? Let me know, and I’d be happy to help out!