14 Greatest Issues to Do in Alghero, Italy

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Sardinia, maybe the least Italian-like Italian island, is known for its powdery seashores and strange delicacies. However in the event you solely have time for one vacation spot in Sardinia, it ought to be the town of Alghero.

This metropolis is completely gorgeous and near a few of Italy’s most well-known seashores. But on the town, you’ll hear 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 by, creating a novel cultural combine.

Tune your ear whereas diving right into a plate of paella algherese and also you’ll detect the Catalan dialect of Algherese spoken on this Sardinian coastal resort. Alghero’s structure additionally mingles traces of Catalan, Sardinian, and Italian types.

And also you’re by no means removed from coastal magnificence. As a part of the Riviera del Corallo, the area is famed for its ruby-red coral and its protected reserves on land and at sea.

As for the way you’ll spend your time, the highest issues to do in Alghero embody crusing (my private favourite!), mountaineering, seeing fascinating remnants of historical past, and getting acquainted with Sardinian meals and wine.

This publish was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Hannah Cooper and was printed in April 2025.

The city skyline of Alghero, a small walled city on the water with a church tower. — Welcome to Alghero, Italy!

Issues to Do in Alghero

Discover the Outdated City

As quickly as you arrive in Alghero, I extremely suggest taking a stroll by the picturesque outdated city. Discover your toes strolling the Bastioni Marco Polo – the unique metropolis partitions constructed to defend Alghero from assault.

This string of sixteenth century towers is a recent of Alghero Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria), though this church has undergone later renovations. It’s a modest constructing from outdoors and the views from the bell tower are gorgeous.

Close by, you’ll find the Torre del Portal which was as soon as the principle entrance to the fortified city.

You’ll be able to discover the Outdated City solo or join an Alghero historic heart strolling tour. This brief tour is a good way to be taught in regards to the metropolis’s historical past from a neighborhood information.

And in the event you’d like a deeper dive into the Catalan aspect of Alghero, this Alghero strolling tour focuses on that side of historical past specifically.

A few people standing on the bow of a sailboat, which is sailing through clear teal water in Sardinia. — I adored my crusing journey round Alghero!

Go Crusing in Sardinia

Going crusing was my favourite factor I did in all of Sardinia. Particularly, this Sardinia crusing expertise with Captain Andrea on his lovely, eco-friendly sailboat. Andrea caps his teams at 10 folks and stays away from the hotspots, as an alternative visiting quiet coves which can be good for a swim.

It is a full-day exercise and a scrumptious pasta lunch is included in the price – it was value each euro. Since our journey, Charlie and I’ve despatched just a few of our pals on the identical journey, and so they cherished it, too!

If Andrea doesn’t have availability, this catamaran boat journey from Alghero is an in depth contender. The itinerary is comparable and also you’ll have the choice to snorkel or take the paddle boards out. Or, merely loosen up on the deck of an ultra-modern catamaran beneath the Mediterranean solar.

One ultimate choice – as a result of crusing really is the primary factor to do in Alghero – is that this tall ship crusing journey. Andrea Jensen is a classic vessel restored by a British couple who’ve been working crusing excursions for 20 years.

Whichever crusing journey you guide, you’ll get pleasure from seeing Alghero’s cute skyline from the water.

A small, dark blue bay surrounded by a tall, rocky coast. — Porto Conte Nationwide Park, through Shutterstock

Go to Porto Conte Regional Pure Park

Exploring the Regional Pure Park of Porto Conte is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Alghero. There are a bunch of choices at your disposal based mostly on how lively you need to be.

First up, this e-bike tour of Porto Conte helps you to expertise the pure magnificence plus such historic relics as army barracks and covert fortresses. The route will be custom-made for all ranges, with choices to cost down mountain bike trails or cruise singletracks.

Another choice is to lease an electrical golf automotive in Porto Conte Pure Park and luxuriate in a laid-back safari expertise recognizing horses, donkeys, and wild boars. Every cart carries 4 company and it is a nice choice when you’ve got children in tow.

In any other case, it’s again out on the water with a Porto Conte catamaran tour. This three-hour tour departs within the morning and afternoon and allows you to take within the plunging cliffs with out breaking a sweat.

Final however not least, this coasteering journey from Cala Dragunara combines rappelling, cliff diving, and wild swimming within the pure park. It’s three hours of adrenaline with an expert information at your aspect the entire time.

A beach with clear turquoise water in the distance, covered with tons of people. — La Pelosa is effectively well worth the day-trip from Alghero, even with the crowds.

Loosen up on the Seashores

Earlier than you guide your journey, it’s best to know that there aren’t “actual” seashores within the metropolis of Alghero itself. You’ll must drive outdoors the town. The excellent news is that you simply’re a couple of 50-minute drive from one of the vital well-known seashores in Italy: Spiaggia La Pelosa.

La Pelosa, positioned within the city of Stintino and overlooking Asinara Island within the distance, has blinding white sand and glowing turquoise water that appears extra just like the Caribbean.

La Pelosa Seashore is a uncommon Italian seashore that requires a reservation to go to in excessive season. (We bumped into just a few individuals who didn’t know this and have been caught on the far outskirts.) The reservation prices 3.50 EUR (3.80 USD) per particular person, and fee is made through the app following the directions printed right here.

Spiaggia di San Giovanni is a far simpler choice. Buses shuttle to Alghero’s closest seashore alongside Through Giuseppe Garibaldi regularly and there’s usually loads of area even in summer season.

Backed by pine timber and dunes, Spiaggia di Maria Pia is a prettier various that solely provides a couple of minutes to your commute. You’ll must catch the 9324 bus from Giardini Giuseppe Manno. There may be paid parking close to each seashores in the event you choose to drive.

This small seashores tour by e-bike is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Alghero if you wish to try the coast in an lively manner. The route traverses the Punta Giglio and grants unimaginable views of Capo Caccia and Porto Conte.

A spooky-looking cave filled with stalactites and water. — The Grotto di Nettuno is a good place to get out of the solar for a bit! Through Shutterstock.

Go to Grotto di Nettuno

Neptune’s Grotto, a part of the Porto Conte Pure Park, is a cave named for the Roman God of the Sea. It is a mind-blowing pure exhibit 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 preferred it.

It takes round half-hour to finish the guided strolling circuit and also you’ll must bookend your go to with 654 steps in the event you go to on foot. Bus quantity 9321 takes 50 minutes from Giardini Giuseppe Manno and drops you close to the steps.

Small boats depart from Alghero Marina in addition to Cala Dragunara from inside Porto Conte. That is the one solution to keep away from the steps.

Admission to Grotto di Nettuno is 14 EUR (14.70 USD) and tickets could also be bought upfront or on the entrance.

A hiking trail along a cliff by the sea in Sardinia. — Come to Capo Caccia for really gorgeous mountaineering! Through Nick Fox on Shutterstock.

Hike the Capo Caccia Cliffs

Capo Caccia is one other element of the Porto Conte Pure Park. Moreover visiting Neptune’s Grotto and leaping off these white cliffs on a coasteering tour, you’ll be able to discover the lookouts from the promontory.

In case you take the bus (or drive a rental automotive) to the ocean cave, enable time to comply with the headland trails. Most of those are simple routes though there are a few more difficult deviations from the principle path.

No matter your vitality ranges are, first rate footwear and loads of water is required for an outing to Capo Caccia. It’s wild, windswept, and wondrous.

Ancient stone circles in Alghero, Sardinia. — Nuraghe Palmavera is a brief drive from Alghero, Sardinia. Through Shutterstock.

Uncover the Nuraghe Palmavera

Nuraghe Palmavera is an archaeological zone simply six miles northwest of Alghero, Italy. The time period “nuraghe” refers to buildings of the Nuragic civilization who resided in Sardinia within the Bronze Age.

Within the absence of cement, the Nuragic folks constructed this village of towers, partitions, and huts by stacking slabs of stone. Miraculously, Nuraghe Palmavera has survived the ages and dates again over 3,000 years.

When you’ve got a rental automotive, you’ll be able to cease off on the complicated in your solution to Porto Conte. This Palmavera Nuraghe tour consists of entry to an audio information in your cellphone and a map. After exploring the compound independently, you’ll be served an aperitif.

For a deeper perspective, this non-public archaeological tour is absolutely guided and goes on to go to the Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju afterwards. The worth consists of transport to and from Alghero so it’s a terrific choice for non-drivers.

A fancy pasta with lobster meat, lobster shells, and linguine swirled around on a plate. — Langoustine pasta is a specialty of Alghero.

Feast on the Meals of Alghero and Sardinia

Seafood is prime of most menus on 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 protected with the catch of the day.

Not a seafood fan? Pork, particularly suckling pig, is one other specialty and lamb is a dominant pressure. You’ll be clever to pattern all of the pecorino cheese you will discover. Though it originates from the jap coast, Sardinian stuffed pasta (culurgiònes) is common in Alghero (and certainly one of 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 bear resemblance to dishes like escalivada and escudella in addition to Algherese takes on paella.

Sardinia’s wine trade is surprisingly dynamic. Whites carry acidic and floral notes whereas reds work the entire spectrum from medium to full-bodied – all the higher for these lamb dishes.

If time permits, I heartily suggest this wine and olive oil tasting at a farm close to Alghero. You’ll strive 5 wines plus native cheeses, breads, and olives. Perhaps that is the place you’ll be taught the secrets and techniques behind Sardinians’ lengthy lifespans.

A table full of small Sardinian bites: breads, cheeses, meats, vegetables. — Studying how one can prepare dinner Sardinian is a good talent to take dwelling with you!

Take a cooking class

The most effective memento you’ll be able to take dwelling from Italy is understanding how one can make a neighborhood dish by yourself. A cooking class is a good way to attach with Sardinian tradition, be taught culinary methods, and make new pals alongside the best way.

This small-group Sardinian home-cooking class takes place in an idyllic farmhouse kitchen. You’ll put together recent pasta from scratch in quite a lot of shapes utilizing native, seasonal greens.

The workshop additionally consists of instruction on crafting the right aperitivo with salume — sliced meats and cheeses. Naturally, you’ll want to shine off the lot and pattern Sardinian wine in an effort to graduate the category!

Two dolphins jumping out of the water toward the camera. — Sure, you’ll be able to see dolphins simply off the coast of Sardinia! Through Shutterstock.

Go dolphin watching

Dolphins are but another excuse why crusing is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Alghero. There’s a powerful probability of seeing the frolicking mammals within the waters of Isola Piana Marine Protected Space while you take an everyday catamaran tour in Alghero.

If you wish to up the ante, you’ll be able to guide a dolphin watching and guided snorkeling tour with a marine biologist. This summer season tour is certain to the Worldwide Code of Conduct and retains a respectful distance. Plus, you get to be taught all about totally different dolphin species out of your information and how one can acknowledge them.

Final however not least, you’ll have time to leap into the crystalline waters and expertise different aquatic life.

Go to the Museo del Corallo

The Coral Museum in Alghero is an illuminating expertise that explains the historical past of the Riviera del Corallo. Also called the Costera del Coral in Catalan Algherese, this area produces a uncommon sort of purple coral.

Corallium Rubrum has been harvested for jewellery since Historical Rome and artisans nonetheless craft beautiful jewellery, trinkets, and different ornamental objects. In reality, you should buy coral souvenirs on the town.

This small museum is dedicated to the artwork and science behind the coral. Admission prices 5 EUR (5.20 USD).

It’s open Friday to Sunday from 10:30?AM-1:00?PM and 4:30-7:00?PM, Monday and Wednesday from 4:30-7:00?PM, and Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30?AM-1:00?PM.

A woman on a horseback ride through golden grass in Sardinia. — Sardinia has fantastic horseback using. Through Shutterstock.

Go horseback using

Horse trekking is without doubt one of the most unforgettable experiences to have in Alghero, immersing you within the wild countryside of northwest Sardinia at a mild tempo.

This guided horseback trip at Lake Baratz and Porto Ferro traverses winding forest 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 tour lasts two hours and is appropriate for each novices and extra skilled riders. A lot of the horses have been rescued from slaughter homes and have been nursed again to well being and happiness by the secure proprietor.

The bright and colorful city of Bosa, perched next to the sea, on a hill. — Bosa is certainly one of Italy’s most colourful cities. Through Shutterstock.

Take a day journey to Bosa

Once you consider probably the most colourful cities in Italy, you would possibly consider Cinque Terre or Burano — however don’t miss Bosa! This city sits barely inland on the banks of the Temo River which provides much more photogenic attraction to its hilly backdrop.

As soon as in Bosa, you’ll be able to wander the riverside space often called Sas Conzas, or Le Conce. Till the Sixties, this was a thriving tannery district. There’s a small museum amid the warehouses which outlines the historical past and I’d encourage taking one of many boat excursions alongside Sardinia’s solely 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 views.

Buses from Alghero take one hour and price 3.70 EUR (3.80 USD) every manner. Route quantity 9312 departs from stops subsequent to Giardini Giuseppe Manno and Parco Tarragona.

(Facet be aware: I’m nonetheless kicking myself for lacking Bosa as a result of we obtained a number of flat tires in Alghero and couldn’t go anyplace! Subsequent time…)

A group of donkeys hanging out on the grass on a small island. — The donkeys of Asinara Island are so cute! Through Shutterstock.

Take a day journey to Asinara Island

Flip your Sardinian sojourn into an island hopping expedition with a day journey to an uninhabited isle that after served as a jail. Asinara Island floats simply off the shore from La 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 protected reserve, your day can be spent following the paths and swimming within the marine park.

Ferries depart from Stintino and Porto Torres and dock at Fornelli or Cala Reale. The crossing is quicker from Stintino however Porto Torres is barely nearer to Alghero.

In any other case, you’ll be able to embark on a sailboat tour of Asinara Island from Stintino. This tour provides you the choice to disembark on the island or witness the sweetness from the ocean.

A view from the city walls of Alghero, overlooking the harbor with lots of sailboats in it.

How A lot Time to Spend in Alghero, Italy

Alghero is the very best base for exploring northwest Sardinia. It’s smaller than Sassari, but 1,000,000 instances extra attention-grabbing, and has a beautiful setting and loads of actions to maintain you entertained.

Two days can be the minimal period of time I like to recommend to discover Alghero and its environs. However in the event you’re capable of finding the time, I like to recommend at the least three full days in Alghero. This manner, you’ll be able to discover the town points of interest, get out on the water, and take a day journey.

With one week in Alghero, you could possibly simply fill that point with native sightseeing, excursions, and seashore days.

People walking along a bridge leading to a city tower in Alghero, Sardinia.

The best way to Get to Alghero, Italy

Sardinia is served by three airports, certainly one of which is only a 15-minute drive from the middle of Alghero. ARST buses hyperlink Alghero Worldwide Airport with close by cities.

Whereas Alghero Airport (AHO) is handy and favored significantly by the finances airline Ryanair, there are much more connections serving Cagliari and Olbia airports. Take a look at choices for each Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) and Olbia Airport (OLB) earlier than committing.

Finally, one of the simplest ways to discover Sardinia is as a part of a highway journey. It takes lower than three hours to drive between Alghero and Cagliari and you may contemplate flying into one airport and leaving through one other. You’ll be able to verify automotive rental costs in Sardinia right here.

For my husband and me, we really drove all the best way down from Prague and took the ferry from Genoa to Olbia. In case you’re in search of a single level of entry, Olbia’s airport or ferry port makes a very good choice in the event you’re touring across the north of Sardinia.

Brightly colored homes set on top of a sea wall in Alghero, Italy.

The place to Keep in Alghero, Italy

You have got two choices in Alghero: both keep within the coronary heart of the town heart or go for someplace rural on the outskirts. As the town has limitations on site visitors, be aware that inns with parking are typically additional out. You’ll must pay for parking in the event you keep within the Outdated City.

These are the very best locations to remain in Alghero.

Prime-rated finances resort within the historic heart: Aigua is a community of self-catered trip residences dotted across the Outdated City. These items have kitchen services and are inside strolling distance of Alghero’s fundamental points of interest and eating places.
Prime-rated midrange B&B: B&B Vecchia is minutes from Alghero’s Outdated City. The decor is old style in an totally charming manner and there’s a communal lounge with a espresso station. The host goes the additional mile to assist company.
Most original B&B: If I didn’t persuade you to guide a crusing journey in Alghero, a keep at Boat & Breakfast Alicudi is my ultimate provide! Cabins are cozy and easy and there’s a stunning deck the place you’ll tuck into breakfast and see magical sunsets.

Discover offers on locations to remain in Alghero right here.

People playing in knee-deep clear turquoise water. — Sardinia is all in regards to the summertime!

Greatest Time to Go to Alghero, Italy

Sardinia – and by extension, Alghero – fills up throughout July and August. As summer season is the very best time to go to Alghero for a mixture of all the pieces, I’d urge you to journey in early June or late September, in the event you can swing it.

This manner, you’ll be able to get pleasure from all of the fantastic issues to do in Alghero in summer season minus the worst of the crowds.

One other factor to remember is that summer season is hard for lively adventurers in Sardinia. It will possibly get dangerously sizzling in the event you’re seeking to hike or bike noon.

In case you don’t thoughts unpredictable climate and windy spells, spring will be nice for mountaineering and cultural pursuits. Fall is barely higher for water actions as the ocean has had time to heat up.

Alghero Jazz Pageant (JazzAlguer) runs from April till November. Occasions are sprinkled throughout the months and it’s value coinciding your dates with a live performance or two.

The Redentore Pageant (Sagra del Redentore) is one other occasion to think about. This late August weekend pageant performs out in Nuoro and celebrates faith in addition to folklore and traditions. Aside from pilgrimages and mass providers, there are music and dance shows.

Sardinian winters are delicate and quiet. With Alghero being a metropolis, you’ll be able to all the time discover methods to fill the times. Nevertheless, most of the tourism-oriented companies will shut for the winter, and that may depart you feeling disillusioned.

Kate standing on the bow of a sailboat in Sardinia, wearing a black and white bathing suit and a pink and black sarong as a skirt. — Me throughout my favourite day in Sardinia!

Is Alghero Price It?

Sure, visiting Alghero is completely value it! I discovered Alghero to be probably the most attention-grabbing metropolis I visited in Sardinia, and I believe it’s a unbelievable addition to any journey to Northern Sardinia.

I hope you go to Alghero and have probably the most fantastic time! Remember to go crusing with Captain Andrea, because it actually is the very best factor I did in Sardinia. I hope you like it as a lot as I did.

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