places to visit in alghero

Sardinia Revealed

10 Best Things to Do in Alghero, Northern Sardinia

Angela Corrias

April 2, 2024

One of the most popular destinations to include in a Sardinia itinerary, there are so many things to do and see in Alghero and its surroundings that it would be a shame not to spend at least a few days there. Known for the strong influence of Catalan culture, Alghero shows the legacies of the different civilizations that invaded it and with which it came into contact, from the Phoenicians to the Romans to the Pisans.

Like all places with a long history and rich culture, even in Alghero, it is impossible to see everything in one day, but two or three days are already an excellent starting point. Ready to go? Here’s what to do in Alghero to best explore the quiet town in northern Sardinia.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Alghero – A simple itinerary + Map

Explore the alleys of the historic center

You cannot say you have visited Alghero without getting lost in its historic center’s picturesque and cobbled alleys. Slightly uncomfortable streets due to the paving made of large pebbles, I highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes or sandals, and certainly not high heels.

The streets of Alghero city center are lined up with typical restaurants, artisan shops, low houses typical of the area, bars, and cafes. Setting out to discover the hidden corners between a nice gelato and a seafood-based lunch, you can easily spend a few hours snapping postcard-type photographs of the small architectural jewels of this famous town in northern Sardinia.

Are you unsure how to include Alghero in your trip and what else to see in Sardinia? Book one of my tailored Sardinia itineraries and I will prepare it for you!

Walk along Alghero’s ancient walls and bastions

Alghero’s coastline is famously dotted with towers and bastions. Walking along the seafront is a great way to take in the remnants of past wars and civilizations. From the Phoenicians to the Romans, from the Catalans to the Pisans, everyone gave new shapes to the fortress that was Alghero, constantly adjusting the towers to better resist the attacks from the sea.

One of the few cities to have almost entirely preserved the walls and towers that surround it since its foundation in the 12th century by the Doria family, throughout the Middle Ages until the 16th century when the walls around the city were rebuilt, completing those on the facing the sea but not those on land.

Several towers can be seen today, from San Giacomo to Porta Terra, which connected the city by land for those arriving from Sassari. A fascinating walk full of history made even more pleasant by the sea views.

Visit the Coral Museum

Housed in an Art Nouveau villa, Museo del Corallo (Coral Museum) is a mandatory stop in Alghero given the rich tradition that the city has with this marine animal. Contrary to what one might think, the exhibition is not limited to jewels and local craftsmanship but retraces the history of the “tree of the sea” linked to the territory of Alghero. It explores the nature of this creature still capable of enchanting tourists and people of the place, and its thousand-year history.

The museum is divided into sections to make the visit easier, and each object on display is accompanied by an explanatory panel. At the entrance, a guide accompanied me along the entire route, certainly enriching my experience since I would have gone into much less detail on my own.

• Where: Via XX Settembre 8.
• When: Monday and Wednesday 4.30-7 pm, Tuesday and Thursday 10.30 am-1 pm, Friday to Sunday 10.30 am-1 pm and 4.30-7 pm.

Visit the Cathedral

Due to its simplicity, the austere neoclassical façade of the cathedral of Alghero, white and poorly decorated, could be misleading. The back of the church, in fact, in late Gothic style, dates back to the first phase of its construction and in addition to a portal, it also includes a bell tower with a pyramidal spire covered in colored majolica that recalls the Catalan style. One of the largest churches in Sardinia, the rich and decorated interior in late Renaissance style is divided into three naves.

Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception and known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria, its main entrance is in Piazza Duomo, in the historic center and a stone’s throw from the port.

Visit the archaeological sites around Alghero

Alghero has several archaeological sites in its surroundings that are worth visiting. The largest is the nuragic village of Palmavera where in relatively recent times a third tower was brought to light around the keep (main nuraghe), an aspect reminiscent of the Santu Antine nuraghe in Torralba.

Among the other archaeological sites to visit around Alghero, there is the fascinating necropolis of Anghelu Ruju made up of several domus de janas, the Green Cave, and the Nuraghe of Flumenelongu.

Visit the Archaeological Museum

If you are unable to visit the Nuragic sites scattered throughout the area, a place not to be missed in Alghero is its interesting archaeological museum. Located in the historic center, therefore very easy to reach, it is divided into sectors ranging from the sea with the wrecks found off the coast, to the ways of living in the sacred, that is, the burials in the Nuragic era. The museum also houses fragments of mosaics and sculptures found in the Roman villa near the city which, however, cannot be visited.

All the sections are very interesting, but I found the one on burials particularly fascinating where you can see the objects they placed in the tombs of both adults and children and which reveal important details about the society of the time.

Here too, a guide accompanied me throughout the museum, making the visit more interesting than doing it alone. If you can’t find the guide, each section and all the rooms are completed with explanatory panels. As with the Coral Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Alghero also opens upon reservation from Monday to Friday while entry is free on Saturdays and Sundays. For timetables and information, it is best to consult the official website.

• Where: Via Carlo Alberto 72.
• When: Monday and Wednesday 10.30 am-1 pm, Tuesday and Thursday 4.30-7 pm, Friday to Sunday 10.30 am-1 pm and 4.30-7 pm.

Don’t miss a trip to the Neptune Caves

Naturalists cannot miss an excursion to the Neptune Caves, a labyrinth of fairy-tale ravines and a forest of stalactites and stalagmites set in the Capo Caccia promontory. You can arrive by land in about half an hour’s drive from Alghero followed by the famous Escala del Cabirol, “roe deer’s staircase”, a staircase of just under 660 steps, or with about 30 minutes by boat from the port of Alghero.

We went with our one-and-a-half-year-old son so the steps down and then back up in the sun were not a feasible option. We booked the boat the day before and had no problems, but we went before the high season started and although they only ran twice a day, at 10 am and 3 pm, there still weren’t many tourists. In July and August, the two companies will organize more trips throughout the day, but I still recommend booking at least a few days in advance.

The visit to the caves must also be booked, but if you go by boat when booking the ride, the shipping company itself will communicate how many visitors it is bringing, while if you go by land, you must necessarily book directly by calling the office of Alghero Tourism.

For information on timetables, ticket costs, and how to book the boat and entry to the caves, it is best to consult the tourism office website .

Try the local cuisine

When you say Alghero, you say lobster, especially the “Catalan style”. But since we can’t always spend so much on food when we travel, don’t worry, Alghero cuisine offers many other delicious options, especially fish-based. Throughout the historic center you will find many typical restaurants where you can taste various local delicacies starting from agliata, a tomato sauce with a lot of garlic served in particular with starters (we ate it over pieces of breaded swordfish).

The first courses range from malloreddus to ravioli dumplings to tagliolini, and are served with prawns, swordfish, bottarga, mussels, clams, scampi, and much more. Among the second courses, in addition to lobster, calamari reigns supreme, the catch of the day prepared in different ways, mixed fried fish, and slices of larger fish such as tuna or shi drum.

If you don’t like fish, don’t worry, all the restaurants also have land dishes and some vegetarian options, especially in the first courses and starters, as well as the side dishes.

Go shopping in the coral artisan shops

You can’t go to Alghero and not take a tour of the artisan coral workshops of the Mediterranean. The displays of these red jewels will blow your mind and regardless of how much you want/can spend, you will surely find something that suits you. Prices vary depending on the type of coral and the processing. There are very eclectic pieces of craftsmanship, therefore not only in Sardinian style but also ethnic and more modern.

But if you want something purely local, you can ask for coral and filigree jewelry. I recently purchased some pendants with the typical Sardinian button and some earrings in the shape of the “corbula”, all in silver and red coral filigree. To be sure that it is Mediterranean coral certified by the Municipality of Alghero, check that outside the shop there is the official symbol of a red “A” decorated like the coral itself.

Take a day trip to La Pelosa Beach in Stintino

About an hour’s drive from Alghero is the famous La Pelosa beach in the Stintino area. Known for being one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, after spending a day there, I can only confirm.

Very fine white sand, crystal clear water that begins with a shallow, clear seabed and gradually becomes intense turquoise. Perfect for children because the water remains shallow for several meters. Both from here and from Stintino you can book trips to the Asinara Natural Park, which has a limited number of places.

How to reach Alghero

Alghero can be reached by plane from many Italian cities, and if there are no companies that land there, the other closest airport is Olbia Costa Smeralda. Check out Omio’s website to see all the routes to Alghero and Olbia airports.

If you have rented a car , from the west coast, you can take the scenic coastal road. Mostly winding, it is still an easy road and truly has some breathtaking views. Arriving from central Sardinia, you can take the SS131, while if you arrive from Olbia, the shortest route is to go through Sassari.

Check out Discover Cars if you are looking into renting a car in Sardinia.

Where to stay in Alghero

Alghero is one of the best places to stay in Sardinia if you want to discover beautiful beaches but also local handicrafts and delicious food.

• High-end. Villa Las Tronas Hotel & SPA and Smy Carlos V Wellness & Spa Alghero .
• Mid-range. Alma di Alghero Hotel and Hotel La Margherita & Spa .
• Budget. Satta 81 and Aba Maya Alghero .

Where to eat in Alghero

The undisputed protagonist of the local cuisine is seafood. Among our favorite restaurants in Alghero are Trattoria Caragol (Via Majorca 73) and Lo Romanì (Via Principe Umberto 29), both in the historic center.

Unfortunately, we stayed too little and were unable to try two gems recommended by all the locals we asked, Mabrouk (Via Santa Barbara 4), open only for dinner, and Al Tuguri (Via Majorca 113), open every day days except Sunday.

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The 8 Best Things to do in Alghero, Sardinia

Situated on the northwest coast, Alghero is one of the most charming towns in Sardinia and makes an excellent base for a holiday.

It is a fortress city on the sea with great bastion walls, narrow cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, opulent churches, and an array of stunning shops with coral jewellery.

In this guide, we will show you the best things to do in Alghero. Whether you are looking for an active or relaxing break, you are sure to enjoy your time in the wonderful area of Sardinia.

We really enjoyed our stay in Alghero, it has that easy feel to it with cafes and restaurants spilling out into the piazzas, a lovely waterfront and plenty of old world charm thanks to the characteristic buildings and the impressive walls that enclose the ‘centro storico’.

Planning a trip to Sardinia?

Check out our posts on the best places to go in Sardinia and Sardinia in September

our tips for renting a car in Italy

and our favourite guidebook

8 Great Things to do in Alghero

Walk the ramparts.

This almost goes without saying, but whilst in the town, you must make sure that you walk along the top of the great sea defences that protect Alghero old town. This will provide some fantastic views both out to sea and back towards the red-tiled roofs, bell towers and domes of Alghero itself.

The whole area has a glorious atmosphere and you will pass cafes, restaurants, and gelaterias. Along the way, you will also find some interesting features like cannons and even a massive trebuchet that will be sure to intrigue kids (this former weapon of war now seems to have found a new lease of life as a climbing frame).

Another fabulous place to sit and watch the world go by is just outside the massive wall of the historic centre, by the harbour, where a wide promenade attracts visitors and locals alike.

Why not grab a bench and sit down with a panini or takeaway pizza (all pizzerias in Italy will happily box up a delicious pizza for you to take out – a cheap and always delicious meal).

Nearby the Piazza Civica, the old square, is flanked by boutiques and restaurants and ranks as one of the must see Alghero attractions. The site is notable as the location where the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V delivered a speech prior to embarking on a voyage to fight the Turks in Africa.

Hit the Beaches

I am sure that you will want to hit the beach when you travel to Alghero. You are spoiled for choice with so many nice beaches to visit. Some of the best Alghero beaches include:

• Mugoni Beach – One of   the best beaches in Sardinia you should definitely make the effort to get to this beach about 20 minutes’ drive north of the city.  It is a glorious sweep of white sands backed by pine forests, and the views out to Capo Caccia are reminiscent of those found in Thailand. A fairly wide sandy beach with shallow sea makes this another great option for families. There are serviced areas and free area and the beach can be reached by car or bus.
• Lido Novelli and Lido San Giovanni – Right in the centre of the city these popular beaches are the kind of wall to wall umbrella covered beaches that we aren’t great fans of, and it is probably not the sort of beach that you go to Sardinia for. It is handy though, being so close to the historic centre and there are many hotels in this area. The beach is wide and sandy, and the seas shallow so it is a good option for families, especially those that like the comforts of a serviced beach area.
• Lazzaretto Beach – Featuring a picturesque defensive tower perched upon a rocky outcrop, Lazzaretto beach is known for its particularly clear water. Near to the tower, you will find numerous coves that make for a good place to explore.

Take a Boat Ride to Grotti di Nettuno

If you are still wondering is Alghero worth visiting then be sure to check out these amazing caves. The boat ride to Grotti di Nettuno is a 3 hour round trip tour that offers great views of the city, local vineyards, the bay of Porto Conte and the hills in the distance as you head out to the rocky promontory of Capo Caccia.

In the cave you will find the results of nature’s work over millions of years, stalactites and stalagmites have grown to meet each other and blended into amazing formations, all lit up for your enjoyment. Underwater the limestone cliffs continue creating a vast underwater marine cave system which is surely an Alghero must see attraction.

Bosa is a small medieval town, which has a distinctive and living historic centre full of characterful buildings, an interesting castle with fabulous views, and a gorgeous riverfront ideal for a casual stroll.

To get here take the coastal road south of Alghero past a beautiful, unspoilt and protected panorama of sparkling sea, lush vegetation, and rocky mountains. This road is popular with bird watchers and large birds of prey swoop overhead and nestle on the rocky crags.

Bosa is a compact town, easily explored on foot – please note it is a fairly steep climb up to the castle, and we got pretty hot on a sunny day there!

The town is well worth a visit and can be done as a day trip from Alghero, it also makes a pleasant place to stop over if you are touring the island.

Soak Up History at Nuraghe Palmavera

Nuraghe Palmavera is located in a bay that the Romans called the ‘Harbour of the Nymphs’. Here you will find a village that is four thousand years old, shrouded in legend, and among the most important ruins left by the Nuragic civilisation.

Today you will find a well preserved and impressive Nuraghe centred on 2 round towers with many huts surrounding it. You can see the interior passages and chambers and often you will be able to observe archaeologists carrying out excavation and restoration work.

Children will love it here as they can roam around freely and go in and out of the buildings for a fun history lesson. Or you could forget the actual history and encourage them to look for secret doors in the ruins!

Just 8km from Alghero and with easy parking the site makes for a nice half day trip from Alghero. There are information boards around the site and an information centre with extremely friendly and helpful staff.

If you are keen to learn more about the Nuraghi civilization, you can book a tour guide over the phone (extra 3 euro per person). Entrance costs 5 euros making it one of the more affordable Alghero things to do.

Explore the Underwater Depths

From Alghero, you can take the opportunity to enjoy some of the best scuba diving in Europe. Using the services of local experts you can explore the wondrous hidden marine world of the bay.

There are over a dozen caves to explore at Capo Caccia and Punta Giglio while wrecks of Roman ships and galleons lie on the seabed. There is something for everyone no matter your level of experience: beginner dive trips, PADI certification training or advanced specialist cave diving instruction can all be easily arranged in the town. If you like diving this is undoubtedly one of the top activities in Alghero.

Visit Abandoned Argentiera

The eerily abandoned mining town of Argetiera (derived from the word ‘argento’ meaning silver) has its roots in Roman times and was once the largest Sardinian producer of this precious metal.

Since its closure in 1963, the town has been largely empty and has the feel of a ghost town. Being situated on one of the wildest sections of the Sardinian coast to give the location an extra dose of atmosphere making it one of the best outdoor activities in the area.

A few locals remain to cater for tourists and there are a couple of restaurants and bars open in summer. Combine your trip with a visit to the nearby beach which is a favourite spot for swimming.

The beach itself is a fairly grey shingle and doesn’t match some of Sardinia’s best, but the waters are crystal clear and great for swimming. Rocky areas at either end of the beach provide interesting snorkelling opportunities. All in all this is one of the best day trips from Alghero.

Try the Local Specialities

You are sure to need to take a break form all that Algheros sightseeing, and luckily the town has some delightful cafes and restaurants to spend time in.  While you are there, it is well worth trying out some of the dishes that the town is famous for. Alghero’s fishing port provides seafood fresh from the sea on a daily basis. Be sure to try the local speciality of Catalan lobster, a kind of lobster salad with raw tomatoes and onion. Ricci (sea urchins) are also very popular in Alghero restaurants and there is even a festival held in their honour every February.

For a non-fishy dessert try ‘seadas’, a deep-fried pocket of pecorino cheese drizzled with honey and lemon peel.

Where to Stay in Alghero

There are a great variety of options for accommodation in Alghero from boutique BnB’s to large chain hotels you will be able to find a great place to suit you and your family.

If you are   looking to book a room in Alghero?   check out these great options available on  Booking.com

Here are some of our favourite options:

Hotel Florida : A great place to stay, particularly for families, with 2 huge swimming pools and right by the beach. Just a short walk for the historic centre.

Panorama Guest House : Comfortable rooms right in the heart of the old town.  Fabulous views of the city and out to sea.

What to do in Alghero

We hope that you have enjoyed our roundup of things to do in Alghero, are no longer wondering “what is there to do in Alghero, Sardinia”.

What we have covered is really just the tip of the iceberg and there are loads other great activities in Alghero that we haven’t covered.

If you have a favourite fun thing to do in Alghero, please let us know in the comments below. If you haven’t yet been we do think it is one of the best places in Europe to enjoy culture, beaches and great landscapes all from one easily accessible base.

If you prefer multi-location holidays, consider combining your time here with a visit to Cala Gonone , the gateway to outdoor adventures in the Supramonte.

22 thoughts on “The 8 Best Things to do in Alghero, Sardinia”

Sardinia is on my list of places to go in the next two years on a family trip, and Alghero is now at the top of the list after reading this post! Lazzaretto Beach seems amazing- seeing a tower overlooking a beach with a variety of coves seems like a scene out of a treasure hunter movie! Bosa is my number one “to-do”, as a medieval town with a castle and shops sounds amazing! Thank you so much for bring this amazing location to my attention!

Thank you for your comment! I am sure that you will have a great time in Sardinia, the places that you mention are all well worth your time!

Sardinia it’s one of the most beautiful islands in the world. I have had the chance to make a trip there with my family two years ago. They have been the best holidays ever for me: amazing beaches, beautiful nature, excellent food and very friendly people. Italians are so lively and full of energy; always talking with gestures and high voice. Going in Alghero is one of the best gifts you may do to yourself or your lovely ones.

You have summed Sardinia up so well! It is a beautiful island and a wonderful place to visit with a family.

Hello there. Thanks for sharing the best things to do in Alghero, Sardinia. I have not been to Alghero, Sardinia before. Wow! From the photo I see Alghero, Sardinia is a beautiful place to be. Would love to be there someday. Of course the beaches are fun. Would definitely do these things if I get there someday.

Keep sharing these fun filled adventures.

Thank you, it is definitely one of our favourite places and highly recommend that you try and visit if you ever have the opportunity.

What a wonderful selection of ideas of what to do in Sardinia.  After traveling to Rome and deciding to stay there to really dig deep and explore it in January it really gave me a taste for more ways to see Italy.  Your options ranging from Scuba diving to archaeology to neighborhood shopping and dining made me think about how carefully I will have to plan this trip to really make the most of the wide variety of  options to check out.  Maybe multiple trips will be necessary to truly enjoy it all properly! 

Thanks, it sounds like you may end up like us, visiting Italy over and over again! It is a beautiful country and there are so many places worth visiting. sardinia is right up there as one of my favourite places, especially the beaches!

I believe it is such a good thing to get out and travel the world taking in all of that different sites and experiencing culture. This makes being alive so much fun. I believe that if more person would save a little and really make the sacrifice to travel the world or at lease a few countries they would appreciate life even more. What you have written is pretty amazing and will be a good help to your readers.

I’m glad that you liked th epost. You are right getting out and seeing the world is something that everyone should try and do. 

Never been to Sandinia but will be certainly adding it to my list of places to visit. We love to visit quaint towns. The cobbled streets are idyllic, and the waterfront looks a great place for any evening stroll after a relaxing meal… Coupled with warmer weather than the UK. I want to be there already. Thanks again for the heads up on this lovely part of the world.  

No problem, I am sure you will enjoy a trip to Sardinia. Flights from th UK are quick and cheap too!

Seadas are not made wit ricotta 🙂 always pecorino 🙂

Thanks, I have updated the post!

Yet another great review about Sardinia.  This is really a beautiful place, all the places and activities you mentioned see very fun filled. A day at  Mugoni beach and a boat ride to Grotti di Nettuno seem like things I would really enjoy with my family. 

I can never say this too often, this seems is really a beautiful place. And you have done a great job  describing alghero.

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks, I am glad that you are enjoying reading all our Sardinia posts! You cant go wrong with the activities you have chosen!

I love travelling and Italy is on my bucket list, because of your well written article on Sardinia,and specifically what to do in Alghero,I now know exactly which part of Italy to think about when the time comes. Your picks of what to do are amazing and gives great guidance to any Traveller trying to plan for a vacation in Alghero and it’s surrounding,I am already in love with this place ,let me start saving the ching ching.

I am glad you enjoyed our post. If you are interested in mainland Italy as well, we have just published a post on Things to do in Venice with kids good luck planning your trip!

Awesome article! I really enjoyed the reading!

Sardinia is on my bucket list; I can’t wait to get there. Such a beautiful country! I went to Italy two years ago, but In Tuscany and it was one of our best trip ever. The food was delicious, not to mention the wine! Anyway, from now on, I’ll start to plan my trip the Alghero since I have all the information I needed to. I just would like to know if Alghero is safe? Are there places that are not recommended to go? We go with children this time, so I am cautious!

Thank you for this excellent post!

Hi, we were in Alghero with our two small kids and felt very safe. As always you should be a bit alert but there are no real safety concerns specific to Alghero. The old part of town is nicest and you wont have any issues visiting that area.

traveling is truly a magnificent activity which motivates me, makes me flooded with postivity and heals from depression and other negative thoughts! I absolutely love travelling, life is too short to spend it in one place so please take every opportunity which You have to travel around the world! As far as Aleghero goes, it looks very lovely and promising! I am a huge fan of just laying around on the beaches and enjoying beautiful weather while sunbathing, so I am very pleased to know that Alghero will provide me this satisfaction with its gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear sea! I am also very stoked to visit Bosa and its characterful buildings like You’ve mentioned 😉 Thanks for this awesome article, I really enjoyed it! Keep up the great work 😉

I am glad you enjoyed our post. You are right about life being to short to stay in one place, that’s what we are all about at More Life In Your Days – trying to cram as many experiences and as much excitement as we can into each day!

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One of Sardinia's most beautiful medieval cities, seafront Alghero is the main resort in the northwest. Although largely given over to tourism – its population can almost quadruple in July and August – the town retains a proud and independent spirit. Its animated historic centre is a terrific place to hang out and, with so many excellent restaurants and bars, it makes an ideal base for exploring the beaches and beauty spots of the nearby Riviera del Corallo.

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Experience the real Alghero. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Alghero's golden sea walls, built around the centro storico by the Aragonese in the 16th century, are a highlight of the town's historic cityscape…

Rising above the historic centre, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria's 16th-century campanile is one of Alghero's signature landmarks. The tower, accessible…

Chiesa di San Francesco

Alghero's finest church is a model of architectural harmony. Originally built to a Catalan Gothic design in the 14th century, it was later given a…

Chiesa di San Michele

On Via Carlo Alberto, the carrer major of the medieval town, the 17th-century Chiesa di San Michele is best known for its maiolica-tiled dome. The present…

Torre di Sulis

Dominating Piazza Sulis, this landmark tower was originally known as the Torre de l'Esperó Reial or Torre dello Sperone (Tower of the Royal Spur). Its…

Piazza Civica

Just inside Porta a Mare, Piazza Civica is Alghero’s showcase square. In a former life it was the administrative heart of the medieval city, but where…

Cattedrale di Santa Maria

Overlooking Piazza Duomo, Alghero’s oversized Cattedrale di Santa Maria appears out of place with its pompous neoclassical facade and fat Doric columns…

Museo Archeologico della Città di Alghero

The history of human settlement in the Alghero area is charted at this gleaming new archaeological museum, inaugurated in December 2016. Artefacts…

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Top Things to Do in Alghero, Italy

Places to visit in alghero.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Calzoleria Naitana

2. Tangianu Pelle

3. La Corallina

5. Gioielleria Mura Sandra

6. enodolciaria.

7. Le Prelibatezze di Sardegna

8. Diamante Rosa

9. l'alternativa, what travellers are saying.

• Sardinia August Deals

Alghero in 2 days: suggested itinerary

Alghero in 2 days: 11 places to see in a 2-day itinerary 

You will be in Alghero only for a week-end? Here’s what to see in Alghero in just 2 days . Follow our itinerary to experience the best that Alghero has to offer. Even if you have little time to spend in this beautiful city of Northern Sardinia , with our guide you can discover the most beautiful places of Alghero in just 2 days!

Alghero in two-days: DAY 1

A car is recommended. However some places on the itinerary are reached by public transport too.

  #1 – The Old Town and the walls

#4 –  Nuraghe Palmavera

How to get there :   by car

Time to spend : 30 min – 1h

Type : excursion

Ingresso : 3€

Located in the north of Alghero towards Porto Conte, after Fertilia. The nuragic complex one of the most important of Sardinia develops a central tower around which the rest of the village takes place.

The nuraghi are part of Sardinian history and these archaeological sites are the true symbol of Sardinia. A visit to the Nuraghe Palmavera is inevitable to know the traditions of this ancient island. In your two days of vacation in Alghero you can not really lose it. Guided tours are available.

Events take place during the summer: readings, jazz concerts, astronomy evenings and theatre performances.

♥ Private archaeological tour with tour guide (transfer included)

#5 – Sunset at Capo Caccia

How to get there :  public transport  – by car

One of the most beautiful and romantic places to watch the sunset is the Capocaccia lookout. A glass of wine, the immensity of the sea and a good company. The whole holiday in Sardinia would be worth just to live this moment.

Reach the belvedere at least half an hour before sunset to find your spot on the ridge. Don’t forget to bring a fresh bottle of vermentino with you!

Here is a video of Capo Caccia from the sea

In just two days you can certainly visit the highlights of Alghero and its surroundings. In any case, it is advisable to spend at least a week to discover the best of north-west Sardinia.

• Visiting Alghero and its surroundings
• What to do in a week in north-west Sardinia

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Alghero tourist information & sardinian tourist services. advice, help, bookings and more.

Welcome Alghero is a tourist information website for Alghero, Sardinia and it’s surrounding areas.

With great weather all year round, and a beautiful port and old town, Alghero has a cosmopolitan attitude combined with Sardinian traditions and hospitality.

Welcome Alghero is focused on offering unrivaled levels of local information. This is what we pride ourselves on, and it’s our promise to our website visitors. Welcome Alghero is run by a small friendly team who have either lived in Alghero all their lives, or for many years. We have our fingers on the pulse and write from a first-hand experience.

featured listings in Alghero

Al Vecchio Mulino

Alghero Medical Center | Alghero

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AQUATICA Restaurant & Lounge Bar

Recommended experiences in alghero.

CLIMBING The best crag in north-west Sardinia. Rocca Regina offers incredible views

FISHING Sport fishing and charters in the north of Sardinia

HIKING Hike through the countryside and breathe Sardinia.

KAYAK Explore secluded coves and the wonders of Capo Caccia by kayak

KITE SURFING The southwest wind libeccio and the mistral from the north create ideal conditions for kite surfers

PARAGLIDING Soar with the thermal wind from the hilltops over Alghero towards the coast and land at La Speranza beach

RIDING Explore Saridinia's unspoilt countryside on horseback. Ride along the beach at Porto Ferro

SCUBA DIVING Explore Capo Caccia for some of the best scuba diving in the Mediterranean

WINDSURFING

YOGA Join a yoga class with locals. Outdoor hatha and ashtanga during the summer months

WINE TASTING Cannonau? Vermentino? Taste the wines of Sardinia

SURFING Rent a surfboard, catch a wave. Porto Ferro and La Speranza among best spots in Sardinia

SAILING Sailboat excursions to Capo Caccia, stop for a swim in a hidden cove with turquoise water Learn to sail.

HYPNOTIST Want to stop smoking? Suffer from anxiety? Book a hypnotist session with us!

COOKING CLASSES Take a cooking class and learn the secrets of the Mediterranean cuisine

Things To Do

Restaurants, hotels & guest houses, welcome alghero, road of taste tour, find out more, have fun with a scooter-bike, search for hotels and guest houses in alghero and surrounding areas.

North West of Sardinia: The best 6, 7 or 8 days itinerary

One week itinerary in north west of sardinia (from alghero).

You want to visit the region around Alghero (North West of Sardinia ) for your next trip?

Great idea!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this recommended Itinerary for 1 week in Northern Sardinia , starting from Alghero.

In this guide, I will tell you everything about the best things to do and must-see attractions. I will also give you all my best tips as well as a list of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

Let’s plan your trip!

Where to stay in Alghero

Where to stay in stintino, where to stay in castelsardo, 4) back to alghero ( 1 day ), renting a boat in sardinia, you’re traveling in sardinia these articles will help you, 1) alghero ( 3 days ).

To visit the North West of Sardinia for a week, you will need to land at Alghero international airport.

If going to Alghero is not an option for you and you prefer to land at another airport ( Cagliari in the South or Olbia in the North), you should rather read my 6, 7, 8 days itineraries to visit the North and South of Sardinia.

The first thing you will need to do is to rent a car . It’s the best way to make the most of your one week trip to Sardinia.

Personally, I always use Rentalcars.com . It’s the best car rental website for 3 reasons:

• It’s easy to compare all the car rental agencies: prices, customer’s reviews, services included and more – All the info needed to help you find the best car is directly available.
• The full protection insurance to get 100% refunded in case of an accident or if the car is stolen. Tested and approved, they refunded me more than 1200 euros to date!
• Modifying or Cancelling your booking is free , very convenient if you change your mind!

On the first day of your 6, 7, 8 days itinerary in Northwest Sardinia , you will visit Alghero’s historical center .

Take a walk in the narrow streets to see the main monuments , such as Alghero cathedral and its bell tower, the Church of St. Michael and t he Church of St. Barbara.

In the old town, you will also see many stores selling red coral jewelry , a typical craft of this region. You can also visit the Coral Museum if you want to learn more about it.

In the afternoon, you can go for a stroll along the lungomare and reach Lido San Giovanni beach , a great spot to take your first dip in Sardinia!

At the end of the day, return to the historical center and go on the ramparts to enjoy the sunset from there.

Spend the night in Alghero.

For your second day , you will visit the Neptune caves , one of the best places to visit in Sardinia.

First, you will have to go down 654 steps carved into the cliff to reach the caves entrance. Make sure to time your visit well, so you don’t miss the guided tour (it starts every hour). The caves are famous for their beautiful stalactites, stalagmites and underground lake.

After the caves visit , you should go hiking in Porto Conte Regional Natural Park . The paths are all marked and not too difficult.

And at the end of the day, you should go relax a bit at Porto Ferro beach , the wildest in the area! (and my favorite 😄).

Spend another night in Alghero.

Let’s continue your one week itinerary around Alghero: today, you will go to Bosa , about one hour away South of Alghero. 

This lovely town by the river is famous for its colorful houses and castle overlooking the city. To enjoy the best view over Bosa, you should stop on the road, before arriving to the town.

Here are the best places to visit in Bosa:

• The Ponte Vecchio, crossing the river
• Corso Vittorio Emanuele where all the shops and restaurants are located
• Bosa cathedral
• The Museum Casa Deriu and its lace and embroidery artwork – a popular craft in Bosa
• Castle of Serravalle: from the old town, go up a few stairs to reach the castle and enjoy the view over the sea and mountains. You can also visit the castle.

In the afternoon, before going back to Alghero, you should stop at one of the beaches North of Bosa. The best ones are Compultittu beach and S’Abba Drucche.

Spend one last night in Alghero.

For more information about Alghero and its surroundings, you should read my detailed article: Top 6 things to do in Alghero .

• B&B Summertime: Located 10 min walking from the old city. New and modern double room starting from 60€/night, breakfast included. Strong points: friendly hosts, great homemade breakfast, very clean.
• Hotel Sa Cheya Relais & Spa: Located 5km away from Alghero. Comfortable and spacious double room starting from 120€/night, breakfast for an additional 15€. What I loved: the swimming pool, the tennis courts, very quiet and pleasant atmosphere, high quality breakfast. That’s my favorite hotel for its great value for money!
• Villa Las Tronas Hotel & SPA: Located 10min walking from Alghero’s historical center. This luxurious hotel offers antique style double room starting from 250€/night, breakfast included. Strong points: the swimming pool and its view, the ideal location and overall atmosphere of the place, super staff. The best choice for a luxury stay in Alghero!

2) Stintino ( 2 days )

Next destination of your one week stay in the North West of Sardinia: the famous Pelosa beach , for a relaxing day by the sea!

Located just 1 hour away from Alghero, close to Stintino village, this beach stretches all the way to Capo Falcone . It’s a very popular beach, so make sure to get there early in the morning .

Arriving early is for sure the best solution to easily find a parking spot. However, please be aware that there is no free parking. So don’t forget to pay, because the police is around the whole day!

From June 1st to September 30th , access to the beach is strictly regulated. You have to book your entrance ticket (3.50€ per person / free for children under 12) in advance on the official website: La Pelosa Stintino .

You will also need to bring a mat to put under your towel. It’s mandatory on this beach and security guards are here to ensure everyone is doing it. If you don’t have a mat with you, no worries, you can buy one there.

And if you prefer, you can also rent sun beds and parasols, as a good part of the beach is privatized.

When you will be fully set up, enjoy this little piece of paradise for the day!

Spend the night around Stintino.

On the day after, you should go to Asinara island , one of the best places to visit in Northwest Sardinia during a 7 days itinerary!

To get there, you will need to go on a boat trip from Stintino port . Cars aren’t allowed on the island (except the guided tours 4WD), so you can only go there as a pedestrian.

Access to the island follows strict rules : there’s only one boat departing at 9:00 to go there , and one trip back to Stintino at the end of the day. So don’t miss the boat!

Ideally, you should book your seats at least a day in advance (for example, you can stop by Stintino to get your tickets on your way to Pelosa beach).

There are 3 options to visit the island:

• A Jeep excursion with a tour guide, you will be with the group for the whole day.
• A tour with the tourist train (full day with the group too)
• Renting bikes, the only way to visit the island by yourself, at your pace (but don’t forget to come back on time for the return by boat!). It’s also possible to explore the island on foot, but as it’s quite big, you won’t have the time to see everything. If you don’t choose to go on a guided tour or on the tourist train, you should bring a picnic, because there is only one restaurant on the island.

Whatever option you choose, you will visit the former prison (opened from WWI until 1998), have a picnic on the seaside and you will also be able to observe the wildlife .

This natural park is especially famous for the Sardinian albino dwarf donkeys. Also, most of the beaches are protected areas, so it’s not allowed to take a dip.

At the end of the day, take the boat back and spend another night in Stintino area. 

• Hotel Cala Reale: Located in the Asinara bay, next to the pier. Clean and comfortable double room starting from 65€/night, breakfast included. What I loved: the large swimming pool, very nice staff, close to Pelosa beach.
• Hotel Silvestrino: Located 5min driving from Pelosa beach. Bright and spacious double room starting from 90€/night, breakfast included. Strong points: quiet, great location, friendly staff, good restaurant with tasty Sardinian dishes.
• Park Hotel Asinara: Located 10min walking from the Stintino city center. Double room with a terrace overlooking the garden and the sea, starting from 100€/night, breakfast included. What I loved: excellent breakfast overlooking the sea, free shuttle to Pelosa beach, welcoming staff. It’s my favorite hotel for its great value for money!

3) Castelsardo ( 1 day )

Let’s continue your road trip in Northwestern Sardinia and head to Castelsardo , about 1 hour drive from Sintino

Castelsardo is really a charming medieval village to wander in!

First, park your car down the ramparts and go to the old town on foot.

In Castelsardo, you will also be able to discover the cathedral and its bell tower, the chiesa di Santa Maria and the castle.

Inside the castle, there is a museum dedicated to a famous craft in the region: basketry. In the village, there are plenty of small shop selling baskets and other handmade items. During your visit, you will probably see elderly ladies practicing basketery outside their houses.

Castelsardo is one of the highlights of a 6, 7 or 8 days itinerary in the North West of Sardinia, so it’s quite a touristic place with many cafés terrace, restaurants and gift shops. 

After your visit, get back to your car and drive a few minutes up to a Sardinian curiosity located close to Castelsardo: the Elephant Rock (“Roccia dell’elefante” in Italian) . It really looks like an elephant with his trunk up, so it’s worth a picture!

In the afternoon, you can go to one of the beaches around Castelsardo. Lu Bagnu beach, Spiaggia de la Ciaccia and San Pietro a Mare are the closest ones.

Spend the night in Castelsardo.

• La Roccia Dell’Elefante: Located 500m from the Elephant rock. Renovated and stylish double room with balcony starting from 60€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: amazing staff, great decoration, good breakfast.
• Baga Baga: Located 2km away from Castelsardo and 10min walking from the beach. Spacious double room with sea view starting from 100€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: charming hotel, the location uphill, stunning view, friendly staff. It’s the best value for money in Castelsardo area!
• Bajaloglia Resort: Located on a hill overlooking Castelsardo. Modern and bright double room starting from 250€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: amazing swimming pool, stunning view over Castelsardo, great service, generous breakfast with many options available. I recommend this hotel for a romantic and luxurious stay in Castelsardo!

It’s already the 7th day of your trip around Alghero! It’s now time to get back closer to the airport. 

If you’re lucky and your flight is only at the end of the day or on the day after, you can for example stop by Sassari (25 min from Castelsardo) on your way back to Alghero. 

You can visit the historical center: Don’t miss the Piazza Italia and the Cathedral.

If you like history, you should also visit the Museo Nazionale Giovanni Antonio Sanna. It features a collection of items found around Sassari and Aglhero.

Then, head back to Alghero (35 minutes away by car) to enjoy the beach one last time before flying back home!

If you plan to spend 8 days in the North West of Sardinia: 

• Add one extra day around Castelsardo . You should go to the Costa Paradiso to enjoy the stunning Li Cossi beach (only 45min away by car.)

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your itinerary in Sardinia, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental.

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Sardinia? 😊

And you, what do you plan to visit during your 1 week itinerary from Alghero?

Sardinia travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Sardinia guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Sardinia guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Sardinia: All Voyage Tips articles about Sardinia are listed here.

• The 25 Best Things to do in Sardinia
• Itinerary: 2, 3, 4, or 5 days in Sardinia – With all my best tips + accommodation suggestions! (North + South)
• Itinerary: 1 week in Sardinia – How to visit Sardinia in 6, 7 or 8 days (North or South)
• Itinerary: 10 days in Sardinia – The definitive guide to visit Northern Sardinia in 10 days!
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Sardinia – The perfect 14, 15 or 16 days itinerary in Northern Sardinia
• Itinerary: 14, 15 or 16 days in Sardinia – The perfect 2 weeks itinerary in Southern Sardinia
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Sardinia – With all my best tips to visit the whole island in 20 or 21 days!
• Alghero: The 6 best places to visit
• Cagliari: The 10 best things to do in and around the city
• Costa Smeralda: The definitive guide to plan your stay
• Gulf of Orosei & Supramonte: The 10 best things to do
• La Maddalena: All my best tips to visit the islands

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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