From the airport, take the ARST bus line 7302 or 7310 to Palau (about 50 minutes, ~4 EUR). The bus drops you at Palau Piazza Crispi, from where the ferry terminal is a 5-minute walk.

A short walk uphill from Palau center, this 19th-century fortress has free entry and gives sweeping views of the Maddalena archipelago. Look for the stone spiral staircase inside the main tower.

Photo: leo, Pexels

Take the Delcomar ferry from Palau to La Maddalena (15 min, ~5 EUR round trip). From the ferry dock, walk 20 minutes east to Cala Gavetta or take local bus to Spiaggia di Bassa Trinità for quieter coves.

Walk along Via del Mare near the port and look for small takeaway windows selling frittura mista (mixed fried seafood) for around 6-8 EUR. Skip the sit-down restaurants with English menus and follow where locals queue.

Catch the ferry from Palau's port (departures every 30-60 min, about 4 euros one way). Head to the bow for open sea views of the archipelago and buy tickets at the harbor kiosk to avoid queues.

Cross the bridge connecting La Maddalena to Caprera on foot. Follow the signed coastal path to the Cala Coticcio viewpoint, a hidden turquoise bay locals call Tahiti. The trail is unpaved and rocky, so wear sturdy shoes.

Take the bus from Palau to Porto Cervo and walk down to Cala Petra, a small less crowded cove tucked behind the marina. Bring your own mask and fins, rocky entry with good visibility among sea grass and small fish.

Photo: Petra Nesti, Pexels

Skip the flashy waterfront spots and head up to Via della Marina, a quieter street with a few local bars. Order a glass of Vernaccia di Oristano or a beer and ask for a small free snack board that often accompanies the drink.

Photo: Petra Nesti, Pexels

Take the ARST bus from Olbia's central station to Cala Gonone. Buy tickets at the tabacchi shop beforehand or use the DropTicket app. The ride winds through scenic mountains and drops you at the main Piazza.

Walk the waterfront promenade and then climb Via Santa Maria to find the small belvedere overlooking the gulf. Duck into the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena for its quiet courtyard and frescoes.

Head to the small morning market at Piazza Due Laghi (still active into late afternoon on weekdays). Look for vendors selling Pane Carasau sheets, pecorino cheese, and jars of local honey. Try the ricotta salata from the shepherd stalls.

Walk one block inland from the seafront on Via Verdi where small trattorias with handwritten menus gather. Search for places with an outdoor wood-fired grill visible from the entrance. Expect house-made Malloreddus pasta or grilled local sausage at backpacker-friendly prices.

Start from Cala Gonone harbor and follow the sentiero costiero (coastal trail no. 226B). The path is rocky but well marked, and you will pass several scenic coves along the way. Bring at least 1.5L of water as there are no refill points.

Photo: Christopher Politano, Pexels

Cala Luna has a long white pebble beach with limestone cliffs behind it and crystal clear water. Head to the far left side of the beach where locals spread out and fewer boat tours stop. The sea cave at the back offers shade if the sun gets too strong.

Photo: Christopher Politano, Pexels

Instead of returning the same way, take the inland path that climbs up to the Golgo Plateau from the back of the beach. Look for the sign to Su Sterru, a massive sinkhole drop of 275 meters, and stop at the belvedere overlooking the whole gulf.

In Cala Gonone's main street, Via Bue Marino, look for a small forno (bakery) selling pane carasau, the crispy flatbread. Ask them to warm it with tomato and olive oil for a simple snack. Finish with a cone of gelato from the pasticceria next to the church.

ARST bus from Cala Gonone to Nuoro, then transfer to the 301 bus to Barumini. Buy a combined ticket at the Barumini tabacchi. The ride crosses through the rugged Barbagia interior with sheep-dotted hills.

Guided tour is mandatory and costs around 12 EUR. Arrive by 1pm to avoid the tour bus crowds. The fortress dates to 1500 BC and the central tholos chamber is surprisingly cool inside even in autumn.

Head to Via Umberto I, the main street, and look for a small enoteca with a wooden sign. Order a glass of Vernaccia di Oristano and ask for a small plate of pecorino with Pane Carasau.

Book in advance through the 'Su Nuraxi Experience' or 'Casa Coppetti' home dining programs. You will eat Malloreddus alla Campidanese or Porceddu in a real family kitchen, not a restaurant. Cash only.

Take the ARST bus from Barumini to Cagliari's Piazza Matteotti station. Buses run roughly every 2 hours so check the schedule at the Barumini tourist office the day before.

Head to the massive indoor market on Via Cocco. Walk the seafood hall first then the deli section where vendors offer free samples of olives, cheese, and cured meats. Look for the pasta ladies making fresh malloreddus by hand.

Enter Castello through the Porta dei Leoni near the Bastione di Saint Remy. Climb the Torre di San Pancrazio (small fee) for wide views over the city. Then get lost in the narrow alleys behind the university buildings look for the hidden courtyard at Piazza San Giuseppe.

Enter the cathedral from Piazza Palazzo. Skip the main nave and head straight to the crypt where you can see the ancient Roman and Punic artifacts embedded in the walls. The crypt is free and often empty.

Search for 'Cagliari rooftop terrace' on Google Maps and look for bars on Via Santa Croce or near the Bastione di Saint Remy. Order a Mirto digestif at sunset the prices are lower before 7pm.

Walk the 8 km stretch of sand along Viale Poetto at sunrise. Head to the Sella del Diavolo (Devil's Saddle) viewpoint at the eastern end for a rocky scramble and panoramic shots of the Golfo degli Angeli.

Perched on a hilltop in the Sant'Avendrace neighborhood, this 13th century castle hosts contemporary art exhibits and offers 360 degree views over Cagliari. Free entry on some days check the municipality website.

Housed in the Cittadella dei Musei complex in Castello district, this museum holds the most important Nuragic bronze statuettes and Phoenician artifacts in Sardinia. Student discounts available.

Cagliari Elmas Airport is 15 minutes from the city center. Take the ARST bus line 5 from Piazza Matteotti or a train from Cagliari station to Elmas Aeroporto stop every 20 minutes.