~3 hours

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.

~2 hours

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.

~2 hours

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.

~3 hours

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.

~2 hours

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.

~3 hours

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.

~1.5 hours

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.

~2 hours

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.

~2.5 hours

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.

~1.5 hours

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.

~3 hours

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.

~1 hours

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.

~2.5 hours

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.

~1.5 hours

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.

~2.5 hours

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.

~2 hours

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.

~2 hours

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.

~1 hours

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.