"AI-generated comic vignette: Nano Banana and his wife, in motorcycle touring gear on a BMW, planning their clockwise tour of Sardinia. In the background, their car and trailer are left safely in the parking lot of the Villa Malvasio base camp."
Are you planning a grand tour of Sardinia by motorcycle or car? Get ready to experience one of the most beautiful on the road trips in Europe. Tackling the circumnavigation of the island requires organization. The golden rule of expert travelers is to have a strategic "Base Camp" for arrival and departure.
Villa Malvasio, located just a few minutes from the port of Porto Torres and equipped with a large private, video-surveilled parking lot for cars, vans, and trailers, is the perfect starting (and returning) point to begin this clockwise itinerary. You arrive by ferry, rest, leave your heavy vehicles safely, and set off light. And upon return, you enjoy some relaxation before boarding early the next morning. (Ps. If you are looking for other inspirations for day trips starting from us, take a look at our dedicated section for Itineraries and Excursions).
Here are the 12 fundamental stops for your tour of Sardinia, with "local" tips to avoid unpleasant surprises.
1. La Maddalena and Caprera A dream archipelago, but pay attention to logistics: in the height of summer, ferries and overnight stays on the island are very expensive, there is a lot of traffic, and parking near the beaches is rare. Our advice: Stay on the coast and take a ferry trip starting from Palau or Santa Teresa. If you travel by motorbike, you will certainly have an easier time navigating the traffic. A visit to the Garibaldi Compendium in Caprera is unmissable.
2. Porto Cervo and Costa Smeralda The homeland of luxury and VIPs. Prices for accommodation and dining are extremely high. It is a beautiful area to drive through to enjoy the view and take a walk in the square, but we advise you to consider it only as a passing pit-stop.
3. Olbia A crucial hub for ferry disembarkation and the airport, but from a purely tourist point of view, the city does not offer the same emotions as the rest of the island. Pass it quickly to dive into the true essence of Sardinia.
4. San Teodoro A characteristic and very lively village, but be prepared: in summer it is very crowded and finding parking is a challenge. The beaches, however, are world-class. Do not miss La Cinta (very long with white sand), Cala Brandinchi (renamed "Little Tahiti" for its Caribbean colors, often with limited access), and Lu Impostu.
5. Cala Gonone and the legendary Orientale Sarda (SS125) Welcome to Ogliastra! Cala Gonone is the perfect starting point for dinghy excursions to Cala Luna or for the incredible trek in the Gorropu Gorge (the deepest canyon in Europe). 🏍️ Note for motorcyclists: To get to this area, you must absolutely ride the SS125 Orientale Sarda. It is a legendary road that climbs up in altitude winding through the mountains of the Supramonte. Perfect curves, track-like asphalt, and breathtaking views. Ride carefully: it's not uncommon to have to brake for goats, cows, or wild pigs calmly crossing the road! 👉 Watch this incredible POV video to understand why motorcyclists love this road!
6. Costa Rei Continuing south, you will find this small and interesting village, famous for an uninterrupted sandy coast of rare beauty. The atmosphere here is much more relaxed and wild compared to the worldly north-east.
7. Villasimius The pearl of the South-East. It is a mandatory stop offering crazy scenery thanks to the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area. Absolute must-sees are the beach of Punta Molentis (a sandy isthmus bathed by two seas) and Porto Giunco, where you can admire pink flamingos resting in the Notteri Pond right behind the beach.
8. Chia and Teulada The deep South. Chia will enchant you with its golden sand dunes, but it is by pushing towards Teulada that you will find the wildest and most spectacular beaches. Attention: finding accommodation and parking in this area is very difficult. Furthermore, Teulada hosts a vast military firing range; if exercises are underway, it is strictly forbidden to enter some coastal areas.
9. Torre dei Corsari Going back up the west coast (the Costa Verde), you will encounter very high sand dunes plunging into a rough and spectacular sea. The beach is beautiful, but services and parking are kept to a minimum. A harsh and wonderful place for true lovers of wild nature.
10. Bosa One of the most picturesque villages in Italy, famous for its colorful houses resting on the Temo river and dominated by the Malaspina Castle. Bosa Marina beach is very beautiful, but here too accommodation and parking are scarce. Tip: The panoramic coastal road connecting Bosa to Alghero is another absolute masterpiece to ride on two wheels!
11. Alghero The capital of the Coral Riviera. An unmissable stop: the old town in Catalan style is gorgeous, the beaches (like Maria Pia and Le Bombarde) are numerous, and, unlike the south and east, you will find a greater availability of parking and services.
12. Stintino, La Pelosa and Asinara We are back in the North-West, a short walk from our Base Camp. La Pelosa is the absolute jewel, famous worldwide (remember to book access well in advance!). Our secret tip? Take the opportunity to board towards the Asinara National Park. You will find pristine coves, wild white donkeys, and a sea perhaps even clearer than that of La Pelosa, far from the crowds. (Want to explore the other wonders of this area? Discover all the Most beautiful beaches of North Sardinia in our dedicated guide).
The Return to the Base Camp After hundreds of kilometers, curves, wind, and saltiness, the circle closes. Returning to Villa Malvasio means finding your car or trailer exactly where you left them, taking a hot shower, relaxing by the pool or in our Spa, and sleeping in a very comfortable bed. You will be ready and rested to take the ferry the next morning to Porto Torres, perhaps taking advantage of our early breakfast.
Your epic journey deserves a safe and stress-free landing. 👉 Check availability and book your stay and parking at Villa Malvasio now!
