By Vento Mare Apartments · Updated November 11, 2026
A northern itinerary, not a tour of the whole island
For a first week in Sardinia, choose a region rather than trying to see every coast. This itinerary uses Palau as the base, with arrival through Olbia and separate days for the main island of La Maddalena and a boat excursion to Spargi. It does not include Cagliari, Chia or Alghero: combine another base with a longer trip if those are priorities.
The seven days include arrival and departure, not seven full sightseeing days. Match accommodation nights to your actual flights. The beach-and-boat version suits dates when excursions operate; in quieter months, confirm availability before booking and give more time to towns and walks.
Before booking: flights, entry and transport
For U.S. departures, check seasonal service and your travel year rather than assuming a nonstop runs all year. Use the U.S.–Sardinia flight guide and U.S. visitor entry guide, then verify the airline and EU sources below.
A car makes Costa Smeralda and inland outings easier, but is not essential for Palau town, the ferry or a boat excursion departing from the harbor. A car-free week needs confirmed airport transfers and onward transport on La Maddalena. See Olbia Airport to Palau; do not assume a coach will connect with a late flight.
Day 1
Arrive in Olbia, settle into Palau
Keep arrival day simple. Collect your rental car or check the airport coach timetable before landing, then travel to Palau. After your scheduled check-in, shop for breakfast supplies and take a relaxed walk around the harbor. Do not book a boat departure on the same day as an international flight.
Palau harbor on Google MapsDay 2
Palau beaches and Bear Rock
Start with La Sciumara, a beach reachable on foot from Palau town. Later, visit Roccia dell’Orso at Capo d’Orso if conditions suit an outdoor walk. Use suitable shoes, carry water and check current opening times and admission before going. This combines a local beach with a granite landmark rather than a long drive across the island.
Bear Rock on Google MapsDay 3
La Maddalena by ferry
Take the scheduled ferry from Palau to La Maddalena and explore the town around Cala Gavetta. The ferry reaches the main island, not Spargi. For a beach stop or a visit to neighboring Caprera, plan onward transport and the return ferry before leaving Palau. Caprera is connected to La Maddalena by road; a walking visit to town is the simpler car-free option.
La Maddalena town on Google MapsDay 4
Spargi on a boat excursion
Reserve a boat excursion from Palau whose advertised route includes Spargi. Cala Corsara is one of the island’s celebrated coves, but stops depend on the operator, park rules and sea conditions. Compare the actual itinerary, boarding point, duration and cancellation terms; do not assume every tour visits every island. Keep this day interchangeable with a land-based day if wind disrupts departures.
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Day 5
Costa Smeralda or a slower day in Palau
With a car, choose a manageable outing to Porto Cervo and one nearby beach, rather than racing through the whole coast. Check beach access and parking locally. Without a car, use this as a second Palau beach day, or book a transfer after confirming both directions. A quiet afternoon back at the apartment is a valid part of a holiday, not a missed attraction.
Porto Cervo on Google MapsDay 6
Olbia beyond the airport
Spend a land-based day in Olbia: walk through the center, see the Basilica of San Simplicio and check whether the Archaeological Museum is open for your dates. Confirm return transport if using public services. If you prefer not to retrace the airport journey, swap this for another day on La Maddalena or a local walk, keeping the week flexible.
San Simplicio, Olbia on Google MapsDay 7
A final local morning and departure
Plan around your flight and the check-out time confirmed for your booking. Allow time for the drive or coach, rental-car return and airport formalities. Do not schedule an island excursion before a same-day flight. If your departure is early, move your final beach walk to the previous evening.
Olbia Airport on Google MapsWhen the boat day cannot go ahead
Follow the operator’s safety advice and cancellation policy. Swap the Spargi day with Olbia or a local visit; do not treat a different beach as automatically safe in strong wind. For Bear Rock and other exposed walks, assess conditions and follow local guidance too.
For protected sites such as Cala Coticcio and Budelli’s Pink Beach, check the National Park’s current access rules. A boat ticket does not give unrestricted access to every cove.
An apartment base in Palau
Vento Mare Apartments offers five holiday apartments in Palau, with a kitchen, private washing machine, Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Compare the individual layouts and outdoor spaces, then check a real quote for your dates. Palau is the base for this northern route — the apartments are not in Olbia or on Spargi.
Compare car rentals with DiscoverCars
Search Olbia Airport or another Sardinian pickup location for your travel dates. Compare the total price, insurance, excess, deposit, fuel policy and driver requirements before booking.
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