The Best Things to Do in Alghero, Sardinia: A Complete Travel Guide

When it comes to visiting Sardinia’s best destinations, Alghero has to be on your list. With an established citadel dating back centuries and proximity to a rugged yet beautiful coastline, there are so many things to do in Alghero. After spending a four days there, I’m sharing my complete travel guide to Sardinia’s famous port town.

I had actually almost canceled our time in Alghero when I first planned our Sardinia itinerary, and I am so glad I didn’t. A highlight for my family and me, we used it as a slow-going base to explore the northwestern side of Sardinia.

The medieval city on the seafront felt the most lively of the Sardinian towns we visited, a mix of vacationers and locals packed into lived-in cobblestone streets, going from shops to restaurants. For me, it had that beautiful balance of exploring yet vacationing. You could go from a historic cathedral with Catalan influences, and in another hour be on a white sand beach with sparkling waters.

So if you’re considering visiting Alghero for an itinerary, I can’t recommend it enough. The town is a wonderful jumping-off point, with everything you need from incredible restaurants to nearby limestone cliffs with hidden calas.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Alghero:

Alghero’s old town is compact and walkable, but you’ll want a car to explore the region. Look for accommodations with parking close to the historic center. Hotels are limited on amenities here, but there are some splendid Airbnbs, which is where I’d look first.

Airbnbs

1. 1-Bedroom Apartment with Sea View Terrace and Parking (Where We Stayed), for the best sea-view stay with parking within walking distance of the Old Town
2. 2-Bedroom Apartment in the Historic Center with Private Garage, for the best central apartment with private garage parking
3. 3-Bedroom Home with Terrace in Alghero Old Town, for the best spacious home with terrace in the heart of the city
4. 2-Bedroom Penthouse with Sea View Terrace and Parking, for the best penthouse terrace with sea views near the waterfront

Hotels

1. Villa Mosca ($$$), for the best luxury seafront hotel within walking distance of the Old Town
2. San Francesco Heritage Hotel ($$), for the best historic stay inside the Old Town
3. Hotel Domomea ($$), for the best boutique hotel in Alghero
4. Double B ($), for the best bed-and-breakfast near the Old Town

Things to Do

1. Alghero Historic Center Walking Tour — A guided walk through the old town’s Catalan history and architecture, led by a local. Great for first-timers who want to go beyond the surface.
2. Sailing Day Trip on a Classic Tall Sailboat — A full-day sail along the Riviera del Corallo coast, with lunch and wines included. This is the one I had bookmarked before the winds canceled our plans.
3. Dolphin Watching and Guided Snorkeling Tour — A half-day boat excursion along the coast toward Capo Caccia, with snorkeling and wildlife spotting in the marine reserve.
4. Private Nuraghe Palmavera Archaeological Tour — A guided tour of the Bronze Age nuraghe complex just north of the city, with transport included. Worth it if you don’t have a car.
5. E-Bike Tour of Porto Conte Natural Park — A guided e-bike ride through the protected coastal park, past hidden coves and pine forests, out toward Capo Caccia.

Travel Tips

1. Rent a Car for Day Trips — Alghero itself is walkable, but you’ll need a car to reach the best beaches, Porto Conte Natural Park, Nuraghe Palmavera, and day trips to La Pelosa and Bosa. I always use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
2. Get Cell Data Before You Arrive — Reliable data makes navigation and reservations so much easier on the road. We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs for all international travel and recommend installing before you land. Pre-Purchase your Holafly eSIM here.

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

If you’re planning a trip to the island, I have a full set of Sardinia guides to help you build your itinerary. Start with my Sardinia itinerary and things to do in Sardinia guide, then use my where to stay in Sardinia guide to choose your base. For the beaches, my best beaches in Sardinia guide covers the full island and my La Pelosa guide gives detailed info on how to reserve your spot. If you’re heading to the northeast, don’t miss my guides to Costa Smeralda and San Pantaleo as well.

The Best Things to Do in Alghero, Sardinia: A Complete Travel Guide

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What to Know Before You Visit Alghero

Is Alghero Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Alghero, with its Catalan roots and position on the western coast of Sardinia, makes for a wonderful visit. The old town experience here is quintessential. Most of the historic center sits within the city walls, with cobblestone streets, an incredible variety of restaurants, and easy access to everything else the region has to offer. For me, it’s a win.

How Much Time to Visit Alghero?

To see the city of Alghero itself, one full day covers it well. That said, I’d spend at least three nights here to take a few day trips. Places like Bosa and La Pelosa are within easy reach. The historic center gives you the amenities of an established base, while keeping you close to everything in the northwest.

Travel Tip: Like most of Italy, siesta is taken quite seriously. Don’t expect things to be open in the mid-afternoon, when everything shuts down for a few hours.

Getting Around Alghero (Rental Car Insight)

Alghero itself is completely walkable. The main old town is pedestrian-only, so walking in from a nearby accommodation is the best approach. The whole center is very compact, about fifteen minutes on foot from end to end. That said, you’ll absolutely need a rental car to explore the region. My suggestion is to keep the car and choose accommodation with parking. That way you’re not re-parking after a day out when you want to walk back into the old town for dinner.

Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car in Sardinia is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

Does Alghero Make a Good Base for Exploring?

Yes! That’s exactly why I’ve included it in my top places to stay in Sardinia guide. There is a lot to do from here, and the town makes for a wonderful home base.

Bosa or Alghero?

A popular question, and my recommendation is Alghero. The town sits by the sea, whereas Bosa is on the river edge. Alghero puts you a touch more central, and I’d prefer to day trip down to Bosa from here, staying close to the northern sights of Stintino and beyond.

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Where to Stay in Alghero, Sardinia

Finding the right accommodation in Alghero took some research. The priority for us was a place with parking that put us within walking distance of the Old Town, so we weren’t re-parking after a day out. Hotels are somewhat slim on amenities here, but there are some splendid Airbnbs, which is where I’d look first. Here’s where I’d recommend staying:

Best Vacation Rentals in Alghero (All with Parking!)

1. 1-Bedroom Apartment with Sea View Terrace and Parking (Where We Stayed) — what a gem of a condo with the friendliest host. Private parking lot and about 10 minutes on foot from the main historic center. Very clean and modern, and the small terrace was a bonus!
2. 2-Bedroom Apartment in the Historic Center with Private Garage — Lovely apartment that feels bright and airy, and well-priced for the location. The private garage is a real bonus in Alghero’s center.
3. 3-Bedroom Home with Terrace in Alghero Old Town — Found this home that has a wonderful outdoor patio and is within minutes of the Old Town. Great for families or groups.
4. 2-Bedroom Penthouse with Sea View Terrace and Parking — A penthouse with a large terrace and sea views, close to the waterfront and just a short walk from the center.

Best Hotels & B&Bs in Alghero

1. Villa Mosca ($$), for the best luxury seafront hotel within walking distance of the Old Town
2. San Francesco Heritage Hotel ($$), for the best historic stay within the Old Town
3. Hotel Domomea ($$), for the best-designed boutique hotel
4. Double B ($$), for the best bed-and-breakfast near the Old Town

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Things to Do in Alghero, Sardinia

Explore the Centro Storico, the Old Town of Alghero

The main attraction of Alghero itself is the historic center. Set within the citadel and city walls, cobblestone streets and alleys wind in and out of each other through the center. This is where you’ll find the best restaurants, shops, and things to see in the city.

My recommendation is to spend at least a few hours before lunch to enjoy the Catalan architecture. Start with the 16th-century Santa Maria Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria), one of the largest churches in all of Sardinia. The famous bell tower adjacent to it, with its pyramidal spire, is also worth a stop.

From there, choose one of the few streets that cut across the historic center and visit San Francesco, a church built in the 14th century. Alghero’s Old Town is one of those places that’s just great for poking in and out of the streets, compact enough that you can’t really get lost.

Travel Tip: There is a lot of history to uncover here when it comes to the Catalan influences. I’d hop on this walking tour if you want to get a deeper understanding of Alghero’s past and current times.

Take a Sunset Stroll Along the Alghero Bastions

One of my favorite late afternoon things to do in Alghero was a walk along the city walls. Also known as bastioni, all of these date back to the 16th century. You can completely encircle the entire citadel, starting from Porta a Mare all the way to Piazza Sulis.

There are several watchtowers along the way: Torre di San Giacomo, Torre della Polveriera, and Torre di Sant’Elmo. The walk is incredibly popular at sunset, with a few restaurants and bars like Cult Bar pouring out into the streets for apero. My favorite section was along Bastioni Marco Polo.

Spend Time on these Alghero, Sardinia Beaches

Staying in Alghero means you’re never really further than 15 minutes from a beach. Some are walkable, and some are worth the short drive. The most beautiful ones are about 10 minutes by car. Here are the beaches worth visiting:

• Spiaggia del Lido di Alghero — the main beach, just north of the port. Walkable, not the prettiest, but a good spot to cool off.
• Spiaggia di San Giovanni — the next beach north, noticeably better than the Lido since it’s further from the port.
• Spiaggia di Maria Pia — one of the better beaches here, with powdery sands and crystal clear water, just 10 minutes north by car.
• Le Bombarde Beach — a small, lovely cove that’s probably the most idyllic beach in the immediate area.
• Spiaggia del Lazzaretto — another lovely option further north, about 15 minutes by car.

Travel Tip: See my guide to the best beaches in Sardinia for my full list of favorite beaches on the island.

Hit the Water with a Sailing Excursion

We had unfortunate high winds while in Alghero, which meant we didn’t get to go out on the water like we originally planned. The coast here, called the Riviera Del Corallo, is absolutely stunning and full of wildlife, including dolphins. I had bookmarked this sailing day trip on a classic tall sailboat, a guided catamaran tour, and this dolphin and snorkeling tour. This coast leading into Capo Caccia is some of the most beautiful I’ve seen in Sardinia. Booking one of these tours is absolutely worth it.

Explore the Historic Site of Nuraghe Palmavera

Just ten minutes north of the city is Nuraghe Palmavera, one of the most important nuraghe sites in Sardinia. Signs for nuraghe archaeological zones appear all over the island. These sites are relics of the Nuragic civilization from the Bronze Age, and Palmavera is the most accessible from Alghero.

The complex dates to 1500–800 BC and includes multiple structures, two interconnected towers, and defensive walls. Of the several nuraghe sites I visited during my time in Sardinia, this one was the most interesting. Visit earlier in the day in summer, as the site is completely exposed to the sun.

Travel Tip: Don’t have a car? There’s this private tour of Nuraghe Palmavera, which includes transport and the guide.

Try Sardinian Food in Alghero

Some of our best meals of the entire Sardinia trip were in Alghero. The seafood here is exceptional, but what I loved was how creative the preparations were. One dish unique to Alghero is octopus agliata, octopus served in a garlicky red sauce. Another is Paella Algherese, made with fregola instead of rice and a mix of seafood and sausage.

My personal favorite was a grilled squid dish in a white wine sauce at Al Vecchio Mullino — I still think about it. If you haven’t tried malloreddus yet, Alghero is the place to do it. Traditional semolina gnocchetti are usually served with a wild boar ragu. This is the one to order. For something sweet, don’t skip seadas, a thin pastry with fresh cheese and drizzled honey.

Spend Time in Porto Conte Regional Natural Park

Porto Conte Regional Natural Park is one of the few protected natural parks on the island. About a 20-to-30-minute drive north, depending on which part you visit, the coastline here is full of incredible finds: rocky headlands, hidden coves, and pine forests with wild boar and foxes. The park is perfect for a scenic drive, a stop at a cala, or a hike. There’s also this guided e-bike tour if you’d rather not go solo.

I loved just going for a drive myself, going as far as Capo Caccia for the views. Stopping at Spiaggia di Mugoni inside Oasi Naturale “Le Prigionette”, then out to Rifugio di Mare – Punta Giglio. Hands down one of the best afternoon drives of the whole trip.

Dive into Alghero’s History of Coral

Walk the old town for any length of time, and the coral shops are hard to miss. Alghero is one of the largest producers of bright red Mediterranean coral, and the industry has been part of the city for centuries. Start with a stop at the Coral Museum (Museo del Corallo) to understand how the city protects and grows coral, and what the sustainability practices actually look like.

About twenty coral boutiques are concentrated in the historic center. If you’re planning to buy a piece, look for the official logo of the Corallium Rubrum consortium, established in 2015 to promote responsible harvesting and protect local craftspeople. That mark guarantees authenticity and ethical sourcing. Imitation coral is widely available in markets, so the distinction matters.

Visit the Grotto di Nettuno (Neptune’s Grotto)

Just outside Alghero lies Neptune’s Grotto, one of Sardinia’s most popular things to do. The cave is set within the sheer limestone cliffs of Capo Caccia, a dramatic underground world of towering stalactites, stalagmites rising from the floor, and a saltwater lake deep inside.

There are two ways to get there: descend the Escala del Cabirol, a staircase of 654 steps carved into the cliffside, or arrive by boat and skip the steps entirely. The guided walking tour inside takes about 30 minutes. The boat tours are a popular option if you want the coastal scenery without the climb.

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Where to Day Trip in Alghero, Italy

La Pelosa

One of my favorite beaches in all of Sardinia was on a day trip from Alghero to La Pelosa, up in Stintino. The one-hour drive is easy, and the beach itself, shallow crystal-clear water and powdery white sand, is completely worth it.

La Pelosa is heavily regulated to protect the natural area. You’ll want to book in advance through the official system and plan to arrive early to secure parking before the crowds build. Towels aren’t allowed on the sand. You’ll need to bring a bamboo mat instead. You can easily spend a full day here.

Bosa

Set on the Temo River, Bosa is one of those postcard towns with all the quintessential Italian colors. The old town, called Sa Costa, sits along the riverside with cobbled streets, artisan shops, and restaurants. While there, don’t miss a visit to the Castello Malaspina. Bosa is an easy day trip from Alghero, about 45 minutes drive south.

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The Best Alghero Restaurants

Travel Tip: The best restaurants in Alghero book up fast in the summer months. I’d recommend securing reservations at least 2 weeks in advance.

• Al Vecchio Mulino — Worth the effort to get a table at one of the most popular restaurants in town. Our favorite meal in Alghero, and everything on the menu was fantastic, from the grilled squid to the culurgiones and housemade pizzas. They’re incredibly family-friendly and so kind to everyone, even without a reservation.
• Trattoria Caragol — A classic, local restaurant for Sardinian dishes. We ate here for lunch and loved the fresh pasta and seafood. The kind of place where you feel like family from the moment you sit down.
• Món Bar Bistrot — A chic little wine bar and bistrot, good for a drink and charcuterie when you want something quick.
• Ristorante Al Tuguri Alghero — A lovely local restaurant with Catalan-inspired dishes and lots of Sardinian seafood. Reserve in advance.
• Gelateria Artigianale 9 3/4 — Our go-to gelato spot in Alghero. We had one every day. The pistachio was my personal favorite.
• Bar Pasticceria Ciro — My favorite bakery and spot for espresso in town. Came here multiple times for their baked goods before heading to the beach.
• Trattoria Lo Romani — One of the more popular Sardinian restaurants in town. Tried to get a reservation twice and couldn’t. Book well in advance.

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