Our Summer Road Trip from the Netherlands to Sardinia
The plan was simple: start in Rotterdam, end up in Sardinia, and see as much as possible in between. We loaded up the car and hit the road, ready for a month of exploring, eating, and beach-hopping. Here’s the full rundown on our route, expenses, and everything we did to make this road trip one to remember.
Day 1: Rotterdam to Reims, France
Our journey began with a 6 hour drive from Rotterdam to Reims, where we embraced French culture with local food, a comfortable stay, and some shopping. We stayed in a charming Airbnb in the center and spent the evening enjoying our favorite French foods (tartare).
- Lunch: €31.60
- Pharmacy (beauty products): €15.60
- Groceries: €30.33
- Dinner: €101.00
- Airbnb: €118.00
Total for Day 1: €296.53
Day 2: Exploring Reims
We spent the day exploring Reims, starting with a long vineyard hike with our dog, followed by a champagne tasting at Pommery. We also visited the Musée de la Reddition and failed an escape room (I blame the language barrier). The evening ended with a not so delicious pizza dinner back at our Airbnb.
- Boulangerie: €8.60
- Groceries: €78.76
- Pommery Tasting: €76.00
- Pizza: €32.80
- Escape Room: €84.00
- Musée de la Reddition: €5.50
- Airbnb: €118.00
Total for Day 2: €403.66
Day 3: Reims to Offenburg, Germany
After enjoying Reims, we hit the road again, heading to Offenburg. We made a couple of stops for gas and tolls and had dinner at a local restaurant. Our hotel stay included two rooms for extra comfort. Although we have been very lucky with Mercure Hotels, this one was not good. It was really dirty and the air conditioner did not exist.
- Boulangerie: €10.10
- Gas: €141.90
- Tolls: €32.90
- Dinner: €76.30
- Hotel (2 rooms): €173.00 each
Total for Day 3: €434.50
Day 4: Offenburg to Stalden, Switzerland
Since weren’t thrilled with our hotel in Offenburg (disgusted), we booked a last minute Airbnb in Switzerland, which turned out to be a great decision. We enjoyed lunch and scenic views during the drive, then stocked up on groceries for the evening.
- Lunch: €10.10
- Tunnel Train: €29.00
- Lunch (second stop): €42.80
- Groceries: €66.60
- Airbnb: €114.00
Total for Day 4: €262.50
Day 5: Stalden
This day was all about hiking in the beautiful Swiss mountains. We kept it simple with groceries from a local store and enjoyed the peace of our Airbnb.
- Groceries: €121.97
- Parking: €1.57
- Airbnb: €114.00
Total for Day 5: €237.54
Day 6: Stalden to Torino, Italy
Excited to be heading back to Torino, our former home, we stocked up on gas and went through the Mont Blanc Tunnel. In Torino, we grabbed lunch, set up new SIM cards, and enjoyed a dinner out at one of our favorite restaurants.
- Gas: €64.00
- Tunnel: €32.70
- Lunch: €32.35
- Tolls: €13.30
- SIM Cards: €51.99
- Aperitivo: €23.00
- Dinner: €71.07
- Airbnb: €129.00
Total for Day 6: €417.41
Day 7: Torino
We spent the day visiting favorite spots, hitting up our favorite stores and indulging in Italian cuisine with old friends. Torino will always be our Italian home.
- Breakfast: €7.40
- Lunch: €105.70
- Parking: €18.00
- Dinner: €28.14
- Airbnb: €129.00
Total for Day 7: €288.24
Day 8: Torino to Ferry (Genoa)
Our last day in Italy began with breakfast and a drive to Genoa to catch the ferry to Sardinia. We enjoyed a final Italian meal and aperitivo, then boarded the ferry for the overnight journey.
- Breakfast: €3.41
- Lunch: €55.63
- Parking: €18.00
- Gas: €62.52
- Dinner: €73.87
- Aperitivo: €25.35
- Ferry: €368.80
Total for Day 8: €607.58
Total Expenses for the Journey to Sardinia: €2,948.96
Each stop along the way offered something unique, from vineyard tours in France to mountain views in Switzerland, the culinary delights of Torino, and finally, the overnight ferry ride that would bring us to our next adventure. Sardinia awaited, and we were ready to make the most of our time on this beautiful island!
Our Sardinian Summer – Week 1 in Arbatax
After our first night in Porto Cervo we drove down the coast to Arbatax, a small seaside town known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic coastal scenery. Arbatax became our home for the week, where we visited stunning beaches and discovered a few local spots that quickly became favorites.
Beaches in Arbatax:
Spiaggia delle Lido Rose – With a more secluded feel, this beach became a favorite .
Spiaggia di Porto Frailis – This was the perfect family-friendly beach with soft sand and shallow waters, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Spiaggia di Lido Orrì – Known for its long stretch of sandy shore and clear waters, this beach was a peaceful escape.
Spiaggia di Cea – Featuring its famous red rocks, this beach provided unique photo opportunities and was a beautiful place for a relaxing day by the sea.
Shopping: To stock up on essentials, we shopped at Eurospar and Conad Superstore, which had everything we needed, from fresh fruits and vegetables to snacks and sunscreen.
Accommodation: €1,160.00
Food: €933.20
Activities: €0.00
Total for Week 1: €2,093.43
Dining in Arbatax:
Caffetteria Bougainville: We couldn’t resist stopping here for gelato – the creamy texture and local flavors were a refreshing treat after a day in the sun.
A Volontà Ristorante: For hearty Italian meals with a view.
Ristorante Pizzeria La Baia: This spot quickly became a family favorite for its delicious pizzas and relaxed atmosphere.
Taratasciar: Known for fresh seafood dishes, it was the perfect place to end a beach day.
Accommodation: We stayed in a comfortable Airbnb that made for a relaxing base after our beach days.
Meals: Mostly cooked at home.
Activities: Days were spent beach-hopping, and evenings were spent relaxing with good food and gelato.
Our Sardinian Summer – Week 2 in La Maddalena
Our second week was spent on La Maddalena, a small island renowned for its breathtaking beaches and pristine waters. Each day was a new adventure as we explored hidden coves and picturesque bays that felt like our own private paradise.
Dining in La Maddalena:
Zi Anto – Serving up local Sardinian dishes, Zi Anto was a culinary highlight, with a fantastic selection of seafood.
Sargenta Pepper – We enjoyed this spot for its variety and laid-back atmosphere, making it perfect after a long day at the beach.
Charlie Bar – Unfortunately, our aperitivo experience here was less than ideal, but it added a touch of humor to the trip, reminding us that not every meal needs to be perfect.
Accommodation: We stayed in a cozy Airbnb, conveniently located for quick beach access.
Meals: La Maddalena’s dining scene offered some standout meals, though we experienced a few disappointments.
Activities: Each day was spent exploring different beaches, with plenty of time for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Accommodation: €840.00
Food: €584.39
Activities: €0.00
Total for Week 2: €1,424.39
Beaches in La Maddalena:
Testa di Polpa – A tranquil beach with soft sands and gentle waves, perfect for unwinding and catching up on summer reads.
Spiaggia dell’Alberello – Tucked away and less crowded, this beach offered a peaceful escape with scenic views.
I Due Mari – Named after its “two seas,” this spot is unique for its dual coastlines, offering a fun experience for beachgoers.
Cala Andreani – We loved this beach for its beautiful sand and clear, shallow waters – ideal for a family swim.
Spiaggia Monti d’a Rena – With its white sands and turquoise waters, this was one of the most picturesque spots on the island.
Cala Serena – Known for its lush surroundings and stunning waters, this beach felt like a hidden gem.
Spiaggia di Punta Tegge – Another favorite, with dramatic rocky formations and crystal-clear water.
Trinità – A stunning beach with warm sands and a relaxed atmosphere.
Spiaggia del Costone – With its striking coastline, this beach is great for photography and scenic strolls.
Napoletano – A beautiful, quieter beach, ideal for watching the sunset over the Mediterranean. It is about a 45 minute hike down to the beach, but worth it.
Our Sardinian Summer – Week 3 in Calarossa
After two weeks of beach-hopping and exploring the beauty of Sardinia, we found ourselves in Calarossa for our third week—a place that felt like it was pulled straight out of a travel magazine. Known for its dramatic red rocks, clear waters, and secluded beaches, Calarossa was the perfect spot to continue our island adventure.
Beaches in Calarossa:
Piscina Naturale di Calarossa – A hidden gem with stunning natural pools, ideal for a quiet day of relaxation.
La Marinedda – Known for its soft sands and gentle waves, this beach was a favorite for sunbathing and swimming.
Spiaggia Longa – With its expansive shoreline, Spiaggia Longa provided the perfect spot for beach games and family activities.
Li Cossi Spiaggia – Set between rocky cliffs, this scenic beach offered dramatic views and a unique coastal experience.
Spiaggia Li Junchi – Known for its clear waters and peaceful surroundings, this was another fantastic spot for swimming and soaking up the sun.
Cantina Li Duni – Our visit to this winery was a highlight of the week. We tasted a selection of local wines, enjoying the flavors of Sardinia in a beautiful vineyard setting. The charcuterie was so good. The staff was knowledgeable, making the experience both fun and educational.
Accommodation: Our Airbnb in Calarossa was conveniently located near the beaches, making it easy to start each day with a new adventure.
Meals and Wine Tasting: This week, we enjoyed simple meals and took part in a wonderful wine tasting at Cantina Li Duni.
Activities: Beach days and the wine tasting experience made up the majority of our activities, letting us embrace a relaxed, vacation-like rhythm.
Accommodation: €770.00
Food: €733.35
Activities: €50.00
Total for Week 3: €1,553.35
Our Sardinian Summer – Week 4 in Tertenia
For our final week in Sardinia, we settled into Tertenia, a quiet coastal town that became our ultimate getaway. We spent a week here in 2020 after our months of lockdown in northern Italy. So it holds a special place in our hearts. With its pristine beaches and a laid-back atmosphere, Tertenia allowed us to slow down and savor our last week of this summer adventure. We spent most of our days at Foxi Mannu, a beach that is a favorite of all of us, with its soft sand and gentle waves. Dylan would skim board up and down the beach all day.
Accommodation: Our Airbnb was right on Foxi Murdegu Beach, allowing us to maximize our time near the coast.
Meals: This week, we kept meals low-key, focusing on local produce and cooking at home.
Activities: The beaches offered a refreshing retreat, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the local scenery and make the most of the beautiful coastline.
Accommodation: €1,540.00
Food: €707.14
Activities: €29.00 (Parking at Foxi Mannu)
Total for Week 4: €2,276.14
Beaches in Tertenia:
Foxi Mannu – This beach was our top pick, with clear, shallow waters perfect for swimming and a tranquil atmosphere that kept us coming back day after day.
Foxi Murdegu – Located near our Airbnb, this beach was peaceful and ideal for morning walks or relaxed afternoons.
Spiaggia di Su Sirboni – A hidden gem with rugged beauty, this beach offered stunning views and a more secluded experience.
Spiaggia di Musculedda – With its serene setting, Musculedda was a great spot for family beach days and taking in the natural beauty of Sardinia.
Day 38: Arriving in Grenoble, France
The next morning, we arrived in Genoa and began our drive to Grenoble. As we crossed back into France, the alpine scenery was a refreshing contrast to the beaches of Sardinia. After checking into our hotel, we enjoyed a cozy fondue dinner and rested up for the next day.
- Breakfast: €14.25
- Tolls: €50.60
- Tunnel Fee: €55.00
- Lunch: €45.70
- Gas: €67.55
- Dinner: €80.60
- Parking: €5.90
- Hotel (2 rooms): €105.15 each
Total for Day 38: €430.90
Day 39: Exploring Grenoble
We spent the day taking in Grenoble’s charm, starting with a scenic ride on the cable car up to the Bastille. We explored local shops, had a relaxed lunch, and enjoyed an evening meal at our hotel.
Breakfast: €6.20
Lunch: €48.29
Bastille Cable Car: €43.30
Parking: €6.80
Groceries: €17.88
Dinner: €41.06
Hotel (2 rooms): €105.15 each
Total for Day 39: €373.83
Day 40: Grenoble to Metz, France
Leaving Grenoble, we continued north toward Metz. Known for its historic architecture and charming streets, Metz made for a lovely final stop. We took time to wander the town center, enjoy a leisurely sushi dinner, and soak in the ambiance of this quaint French city.
- Lunch: €23.56
- Gas: €63.22
- Tolls: €36.10
- Groceries: €14.83
- Dinner: €95.53
- Hotel (2 rooms): €94.98 each
Total for Day 40: €422.20
Day 41: Metz to Rotterdam, Netherlands
Our last day on the road, we set out early from Metz and made a few stops for gas and meals before finally reaching Rotterdam.
- Breakfast: €7.89
- Lunch: €32.26
- Gas: €62.99
Total for Day 41: €103.14
