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Sardinia, most likely the least Italian-like Italian island, is known for its powdery seashores and abnormal delicacies. However in the event you handiest have time for one vacation spot in Sardinia, it will have to be the town of Alghero.
This town is de facto shocking and shut to a couple of Italy’s most famed seashores. But on the town, you’ll listen Catalan spoken as heaping piles of lobster-topped pasta and seafood-filled paella are served to jovial locals. That is the place you need to be.
Alghero, like many coastal Italian spots, is known for the numerous explorers who handed thru, growing a novel cultural combine.
Song your ear whilst diving right into a plate of paella algherese and also you’ll stumble on the Catalan dialect of Algherese spoken on this Sardinian coastal lodge. Alghero’s structure additionally mingles strains of Catalan, Sardinian, and Italian types.
And also you’re by no means some distance from coastal good looks. As a part of the Riviera del Corallo, the area is famed for its ruby-red coral and its safe reserves on land and at sea.
As for the way you’ll spend your time, the highest issues to do in Alghero come with crusing (my non-public favourite!), climbing, seeing attention-grabbing remnants of historical past, and getting aware of Sardinian meals and wine.
This put up was once co-written by way of Adventurous Kate and Hannah Cooper and was once revealed in April 2025.
Welcome to Alghero, Italy!
Issues to Do in Alghero
Discover the Previous The city
Once you arrive in Alghero, I extremely suggest taking a walk in the course of the picturesque previous the town. In finding your toes walking the Bastioni Marco Polo – the unique town partitions constructed to protect Alghero from assault.
This string of sixteenth century towers is a modern of Alghero Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria), even supposing this church has passed through later renovations. It’s a modest construction from outdoor and the perspectives from the bell tower are shocking.
Close by, you’ll find the Torre del Portal which was once as soon as the primary front to the fortified the town.
You’ll be able to discover the Previous The city solo or join an Alghero historic center walking tour. This brief excursion is an effective way to be told concerning the town’s historical past from an area information.
And in the event you’d like a deeper dive into the Catalan facet of Alghero, this Alghero walking tour makes a speciality of that side of historical past specifically.
I adored my crusing day out round Alghero!
Cross Crusing in Sardinia
Going crusing was once my favourite factor I did in all of Sardinia. In particular, this Sardinia sailing experience with Captain Andrea on his gorgeous, eco-friendly sailboat. Andrea caps his teams at 10 other folks and remains clear of the hotspots, as a substitute visiting quiet coves that are ideal for a swim.
It is a full-day job and a scrumptious pasta lunch is incorporated in the fee – it was once price each and every euro. Since our day out, Charlie and I’ve despatched a couple of of our pals at the similar day out, and so they liked it, too!
If Andrea doesn’t have availability, this catamaran boat trip from Alghero is a detailed contender. The itinerary is identical and also you’ll have the ability to snorkel or take the paddle forums out. Or, merely calm down at the deck of an ultra-modern catamaran below the Mediterranean solar.
One ultimate choice – as a result of crusing actually is the #1 factor to do in Alghero – is that this tall ship sailing trip. Andrea Jensen is a antique vessel restored by way of a British couple who’ve been operating crusing tours for two decades.
Whichever crusing day out you guide, you’ll revel in seeing Alghero’s adorable skyline from the water.
Porto Conte Nationwide Park, by the use of Shutterstock
Talk over with Porto Conte Regional Herbal Park
Exploring the Regional Herbal Park of Porto Conte is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Alghero. There are a host of choices at your disposal in accordance with how energetic you need to be.
First up, this e-bike tour of Porto Conte permits you to enjoy the herbal good looks plus such ancient relics as army barracks and covert fortresses. The direction may also be custom designed for all ranges, with choices to rate down mountain motorcycle trails or cruise singletracks.
An alternative choice is to rent an electric golf car in Porto Conte Natural Park and revel in a laid-back safari enjoy recognizing horses, donkeys, and wild boars. Each and every cart carries 4 visitors and it is a nice choice you probably have youngsters in tow.
Differently, it’s again out at the water with a Porto Conte catamaran tour. This three-hour excursion departs within the morning and afternoon and allows you to take within the plunging cliffs with out breaking a sweat.
Final however now not least, this coasteering trip from Cala Dragunara combines rappelling, cliff diving, and wild swimming within the herbal park. It’s 3 hours of adrenaline with a certified information at your facet the entire time.
L. a. Pelosa is definitely well worth the day-trip from Alghero, even with the crowds.
Calm down on the Seashores
Earlier than you guide your day out, you will have to know that there aren’t “actual” seashores within the town of Alghero itself. You’ll wish to power outdoor the town. The excellent news is that you just’re a few 50-minute power from one of the vital well-known seashores in Italy: Spiaggia L. a. Pelosa.
L. a. Pelosa, situated within the the town of Stintino and overlooking Asinara Island within the distance, has blinding white sand and glowing turquoise water that appears extra just like the Caribbean.
L. a. Pelosa Seashore is an extraordinary Italian seashore that calls for a reservation to talk over with in top season. (We bumped into a couple of individuals who didn’t know this and had been caught at the some distance outskirts.) The reservation prices 3.50 EUR (3.80 USD) in line with particular person, and fee is made by the use of the app following the instructions published here.
Spiaggia di San Giovanni is a some distance more straightforward choice. Buses commute to Alghero’s closest seashore alongside By means of Giuseppe Garibaldi regularly and there’s normally a number of area even in summer season.
Subsidized by way of pine timber and dunes, Spiaggia di Maria Pia is a prettier choice that handiest provides a couple of mins for your travel. You’ll wish to catch the 9324 bus from Giardini Giuseppe Manno. There’s paid parking close to each seashores if you desire to power.
This small beaches tour by e-bike is among the perfect issues to do in Alghero if you need to take a look at the coast in an energetic manner. The direction traverses the Punta Giglio and grants improbable perspectives of Capo Caccia and Porto Conte.
The Grotto di Nettuno is a smart position to get out of the solar for somewhat! By means of Shutterstock.
Talk over with Grotto di Nettuno
Neptune’s Grotto, a part of the Porto Conte Herbal Park, is a cave named for the Roman God of the Sea. It is a mind-blowing herbal show off of stalactites, stalagmites, and underground swimming pools hidden within the crevices of the Capo Caccia cliffs. You’ll be able to see why Neptune/Posideon would have appreciated it.
It takes round half-hour to finish the guided strolling circuit and also you’ll wish to bookend your talk over with with 654 steps in the event you talk over with on foot. Bus quantity 9321 takes 50 mins from Giardini Giuseppe Manno and drops you close to the steps.
Small boats leave from Alghero Marina in addition to Cala Dragunara from inside of Porto Conte. That is the one technique to keep away from the stairs.
Admission to Grotto di Nettuno is 14 EUR (14.70 USD) and tickets is also bought upfront or on the front.
Come to Capo Caccia for actually shocking climbing! By means of Nick Fox on Shutterstock.
Hike the Capo Caccia Cliffs
Capo Caccia is any other part of the Porto Conte Herbal Park. But even so visiting Neptune’s Grotto and jumping off those white cliffs on a coasteering excursion, you’ll discover the lookouts from the promontory.
If you are taking the bus (or power a apartment automotive) to the ocean cave, permit time to observe the headland trails. A lot of these are simple routes even supposing there are a few more difficult deviations from the primary trail.
No matter your power ranges are, respectable sneakers and a number of water is wanted for an day trip to Capo Caccia. It’s wild, windswept, and wondrous.
Nuraghe Palmavera is a brief power from Alghero, Sardinia. By means of Shutterstock.
Uncover the Nuraghe Palmavera
Nuraghe Palmavera is an archaeological zone simply six miles northwest of Alghero, Italy. The time period “nuraghe” refers to structures of the Nuragic civilization who resided in Sardinia within the Bronze Age.
Within the absence of cement, the Nuragic other folks constructed this village of towers, partitions, and huts by way of stacking slabs of stone. Miraculously, Nuraghe Palmavera has survived the ages and dates again over 3,000 years.
In case you have a apartment automotive, you’ll prevent off on the advanced for your technique to Porto Conte. This Palmavera Nuraghe tour comprises get right of entry to to an audio information for your telephone and a map. After exploring the compound independently, you’ll be served an aperitif.
For a deeper point of view, this private archaeological tour is absolutely guided and is going directly to talk over with the Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju afterwards. The fee comprises delivery to and from Alghero so it’s an ideal choice for non-drivers.
Langoustine pasta is a strong point of Alghero.
Ceremonial dinner at the Meals of Alghero and Sardinia
Seafood is most sensible of maximum menus at the Mediterranean’s second-largest island! Langoustine is an ever-present dish in Alghero, particularly as a part of a pasta, and also you’re all the time secure with the catch of the day.
Now not a seafood fan? Beef, particularly suckling pig, is any other strong point and lamb is a dominant pressure. You’ll be sensible to pattern the entire pecorino cheese you’ll to find. Even though it originates from the jap coast, Sardinian crammed pasta (culurgiònes) is common in Alghero (and one in all my favorites).
Alghero’s distinctive historical past signifies that the native delicacies is a fusion of Sardinian and Catalan cooking. You’ll spot soups and salads that undergo resemblance to dishes like escalivada and escudella in addition to Algherese takes on paella.
Sardinia’s wine business is strangely dynamic. Whites raise acidic and floral notes whilst reds paintings the entire spectrum from medium to full-bodied – the entire higher for the ones lamb dishes.
If time permits, I heartily suggest this wine and olive oil tasting at a farm close to Alghero. You’ll check out 5 wines plus native cheeses, breads, and olives. Possibly that is the place you’ll be told the secrets and techniques in the back of Sardinians’ lengthy lifespans.
Finding out tips on how to prepare dinner Sardinian is a smart talent to take house with you!
Take a cooking magnificence
The most productive memento you’ll take house from Italy is understanding tips on how to make an area dish by yourself. A cooking magnificence is an effective way to hook up with Sardinian tradition, be told culinary tips, and make new pals alongside the way in which.
This small-group Sardinian home-cooking class takes position in an idyllic farmhouse kitchen. You’ll get ready recent pasta from scratch in a number of shapes the use of native, seasonal vegetables.
The workshop additionally comprises instruction on crafting the very best aperitivo with salume — sliced meats and cheeses. Naturally, you’ll wish to polish off the lot and pattern Sardinian wine with a purpose to graduate the category!
Sure, you’ll see dolphins simply off the coast of Sardinia! By means of Shutterstock.
Cross dolphin staring at
Dolphins are but one more reason why crusing is among the perfect issues to do in Alghero. There’s a robust probability of seeing the frolicking mammals within the waters of Isola Piana Marine Secure House when you are taking an ordinary catamaran tour in Alghero.
If you wish to up the ante, you’ll guide a dolphin watching and guided snorkeling tour with a marine biologist. This summer season excursion is sure to the Global Code of Behavior and assists in keeping a deferential distance. Plus, you get to be told all about other dolphin species out of your information and tips on how to acknowledge them.
Final however now not least, you’ll have time to jump into the crystalline waters and enjoy different aquatic lifestyles.
Talk over with the Museo del Corallo
The Coral Museum in Alghero is an illuminating enjoy that explains the historical past of the Riviera del Corallo. Often referred to as the Costera del Coral in Catalan Algherese, this area produces an extraordinary form of purple coral.
Corallium Rubrum has been harvested for jewellery since Historical Rome and artisans nonetheless craft beautiful jewellery, trinkets, and different ornamental pieces. If truth be told, you’ll purchase coral souvenirs on the town.
This small museum is dedicated to the artwork and science in the back of the coral. Admission prices 5 EUR (5.20 USD).
It’s open Friday to Sunday from 10:30 AM-1:00 PM and four:30-7:00 PM, Monday and Wednesday from 4:30-7:00 PM, and Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 AM-1:00 PM.
Sardinia has glorious horseback driving. By means of Shutterstock.
Cross horseback driving
Horse trekking is among the maximum unforgettable stories to have in Alghero, immersing you within the wild nation-state of northwest Sardinia at a gradual tempo.
This guided horseback ride at Lake Baratz and Porto Ferro traverses winding wooded area paths and skirts the coastal dunes. You’ll additionally see the one freshwater lake on Sardinia from the saddle and trot alongside the Riviera del Corallo.
The excursion lasts two hours and is acceptable for each newbies and extra skilled riders. Lots of the horses had been rescued from slaughter homes and feature been nursed again to well being and happiness by way of the solid proprietor.
Bosa is one in all Italy’s maximum colourful towns. By means of Shutterstock.
Take an afternoon day out to Bosa
Whilst you recall to mind probably the most colourful cities in Italy, you could recall to mind Cinque Terre or Burano — however don’t pass over Bosa! This the town sits somewhat inland at the banks of the Temo River which provides much more photogenic appeal to its hilly backdrop.
As soon as in Bosa, you’ll wander the riverside house referred to as Sas Conzas, or Le Conce. Till the Sixties, this was once a thriving tannery district. There’s a small museum amid the warehouses which outlines the historical past and I’d inspire taking some of the boat excursions alongside Sardinia’s handiest navigable waterway.
The Citadel of Serravalle (Castello Malaspina) tumbles down the cliffs, reducing a hanging silhouette from the city heart. Admission to the partitions prices 5 EUR (5.20 USD) and also you’re paying for the perspectives.
Buses from Alghero take one hour and value 3.70 EUR (3.80 USD) each and every manner. Path quantity 9312 departs from stops subsequent to Giardini Giuseppe Manno and Parco Tarragona.
(Aspect observe: I’m nonetheless kicking myself for lacking Bosa as a result of we were given more than one flat tires in Alghero and couldn’t cross anyplace! Subsequent time…)
The donkeys of Asinara Island are so adorable! By means of Shutterstock.
Take an afternoon day out to Asinara Island
Flip your Sardinian sojourn into an island hopping expedition with an afternoon day out to an uninhabited isle that when served as a jail. Asinara Island floats simply off the shore from L. a. Pelosa Seashore.
This island is known as each for its inhabitants of free-roaming white donkeys (asini bianchi in Italian) and its twisted form (deriving from the phrase sinuara in Latin). As a safe reserve, your day can be spent following the paths and swimming within the marine park.
Ferries leave from Stintino and Porto Torres and dock at Fornelli or Cala Reale. The crossing is quicker from Stintino however Porto Torres is somewhat nearer to Alghero.
Differently, you’ll embark on a sailboat tour of Asinara Island from Stintino. This excursion will give you the way to disembark at the island or witness the sweetness from the ocean.
How A lot Time to Spend in Alghero, Italy
Alghero is the most productive base for exploring northwest Sardinia. It’s smaller than Sassari, but 1,000,000 occasions extra fascinating, and has a beautiful surroundings and a number of actions to stay you entertained.
Two days will be the minimal period of time I like to recommend to discover Alghero and its environs. However in the event you’re ready to search out the time, I like to recommend a minimum of 3 complete days in Alghero. This fashion, you’ll discover the town sights, get out at the water, and take an afternoon day out.
With one week in Alghero, it’s worthwhile to simply fill that point with native sightseeing, tours, and seashore days.
The best way to Get to Alghero, Italy
Sardinia is served by way of 3 airports, one in all which is only a 15-minute power from the middle of Alghero. ARST buses hyperlink Alghero Global Airport with within sight cities.
Whilst Alghero Airport (AHO) is handy and liked in particular by way of the funds airline Ryanair, there are way more connections serving Cagliari and Olbia airports. Take a look at choices for each Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) and Olbia Airport (OLB) sooner than committing.
In the long run, one of the best ways to discover Sardinia is as a part of a highway day out. It takes lower than 3 hours to power between Alghero and Cagliari and you’ll believe flying into one airport and leaving by the use of any other. You can check car rental prices in Sardinia here.
For my husband and me, we in reality drove the entire manner down from Prague and took the ferry from Genoa to Olbia. For those who’re searching for a unmarried level of access, Olbia’s airport or ferry port makes a just right choice in the event you’re touring across the north of Sardinia.
The place to Keep in Alghero, Italy
You’ve two choices in Alghero: both keep within the middle of the town heart or go for someplace rural at the outskirts. As the town has boundaries on site visitors, observe that accommodations with parking have a tendency to be additional out. You’ll wish to pay for parking in the event you keep within the Previous The city.
Those are the most productive puts to stick in Alghero.
Best-rated funds lodge within the ancient heart: Aigua is a community of self-catered holiday flats dotted across the Previous The city. Those gadgets have kitchen amenities and are inside of strolling distance of Alghero’s primary sights and eating places.
Best-rated midrange B&B: B&B Vecchia is mins from Alghero’s Previous The city. The decor is out of date in an totally captivating manner and there’s a communal living room with a espresso station. The host is going the additional mile to lend a hand visitors.
Most unusual B&B: If I didn’t persuade you to guide a crusing day out in Alghero, a keep at Boat & Breakfast Alicudi is my ultimate be offering! Cabins are comfy and easy and there’s a fantastic deck the place you’ll tuck into breakfast and spot magical sunsets.
Find deals on places to stay in Alghero here.
Sardinia is all concerning the summertime!
Absolute best Time to Talk over with Alghero, Italy
Sardinia – and by way of extension, Alghero – fills up throughout July and August. As summer season is the most productive time to talk over with Alghero for a mixture of the entirety, I’d urge you to shuttle in early June or overdue September, if you’ll swing it.
This fashion, you’ll revel in the entire glorious issues to do in Alghero in summer season minus the worst of the crowds.
Every other factor to bear in mind is that summer season is hard for energetic adventurers in Sardinia. It may well get dangerously scorching in the event you’re having a look to hike or motorcycle noon.
For those who don’t intellect unpredictable climate and windy spells, spring may also be nice for climbing and cultural interests. Fall is somewhat higher for water actions as the ocean has had time to heat up.
Alghero Jazz Festival (JazzAlguer) runs from April till November. Occasions are sprinkled around the months and it’s price coinciding your dates with a live performance or two.
The Redentore Pageant (Sagra del Redentore) is any other tournament to believe. This overdue August weekend competition performs out in Nuoro and celebrates faith in addition to folklore and traditions. Excluding pilgrimages and mass products and services, there are track and dance presentations.
Sardinian winters are delicate and quiet. With Alghero being a town, you’ll all the time to find techniques to fill the times. On the other hand, most of the tourism-oriented companies will shut for the iciness, and that would possibly depart you feeling dissatisfied.
Me throughout my favourite day in Sardinia!
Is Alghero Value It?
Sure, visiting Alghero is de facto price it! I discovered Alghero to be probably the most fascinating town I visited in Sardinia, and I feel it’s an out of this world addition to any day out to Northern Sardinia.
I’m hoping you cross to Alghero and feature probably the most glorious time! Be sure you cross sailing with Captain Andrea, because it actually is the most productive factor I did in Sardinia. I’m hoping you adore it up to I did.
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Have you ever been to Alghero? Percentage your guidelines!
