Cidade Turismo
Italy

Before you go

Your trip to Alghero.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Alghero – Sardenha Destination Sardenha about 230 km from Cagliari

How to get there

  • Aeroporto di Alghero-Fertilia Riviera del Corallo (AHO) Fertilia · 10 km
  • Alghero 2 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before purchasing. From Rome or Milan, domestic flights go to Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO), about 10 km from the center, with buses to the town. Those arriving by ferry disembark in Porto Torres, about 35 km away.

How many days

Two days for the historic center, the bastions, Capo Caccia and the Grotta di Nettuno. With three or four days you can include Palmavera, a day at the beach in La Pelosa and the area's beaches.

When to go

From May to October for beaches and for the boats to the Grotta di Nettuno, which have more departures in spring and summer. July and August are the hottest and busiest months. In spring and autumn the center and the trails of Capo Caccia are quieter.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Not for the center: everything is done on foot, and the historic center has a ZTL. For Capo Caccia, Palmavera and La Pelosa, a car is very helpful; there are buses to Capo Caccia and to Stintino in season, with limited schedules. You can also reach the Grotta di Nettuno by boat from the harbour.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Alghero
  1. Morning
    Historic center and cathedral

    Enter through the Torre di Porta Terra and walk along the stone streets to the Cattedrale di Santa Maria, with its Gothic–Catalan bell tower. Notice the signs in Italian and in Catalan.

  2. Afternoon
    Boat to the Grotta di Nettuno

    After lunch, take the boat from the harbour to the Grotta di Nettuno; the visit inside the cave is guided. Departures depend on the sea and the season.

  3. Late afternoon
    Bastions over the sea

    Walk along the Bastioni Cristoforo Colombo and Marco Polo, above the sea, with Capo Caccia on the horizon.

  4. Evening
    Dinner in the center

    Have dinner in the historic center from around 19:30–20:00. Catalan-style lobster and local fish feature on many menus.

2 days in Alghero

Day 1

  1. Morning
    Historic center

    Walk through the walled centre, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria and the Sulis and Porta Terra towers.

  2. Afternoon
    Nuraghe Palmavera

    After lunch, drive to the Complesso nuragico di Palmavera, about 10 km away, on the way to Porto Conte.

  3. Late afternoon
    Bastions and Lungomare

    Back in town, walk along the bastions and the Lungomare Dante in the late-afternoon light.

  4. Evening
    Dinner in the center

    Dine in one of the alleys of the historic centre or in the harbour area.

Day 2

  1. Morning
    Escala del Cabirol and Grotta di Nettuno

    Drive to Capo Caccia, descend the 654 steps of the Escala del Cabirol and take the guided tour of the Grotta di Nettuno. Leave early to avoid the heat on the climb back.

  2. Afternoon
    Capo Caccia and Porto Conte

    Have lunch in the Porto Conte area and go up to the Capo Caccia viewpoint, near the lighthouse, with views of the island Foradada.

  3. Late afternoon
    Beach in Porto Conte

    End the afternoon on one of the beaches of Porto Conte bay, such as Mugoni, sheltered from the northwest wind.

  4. Evening
    Return to Alghero

    Return to Alghero to dine and take a final walk along the illuminated bastions.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Why is Catalan spoken in Alghero?

After the Aragonese conquest in the 14th century, the city was repopulated by Catalans. The local dialect, algherese, survived, and street signs appear in Italian and in Catalan. In Catalan the city is called L'Alguer.

How to get from Alghero airport to the centre?

By bus in about 20 minutes, or by taxi. The airport is in Fertilia, about 10 km away.

Is it better to go to the Grotta di Nettuno by boat or via the stairway?

The boat, which departs from Alghero's harbour, shows the cliffs of Capo Caccia and avoids the climb. The Escala del Cabirol, with 654 steps, is cheaper and offers wide views, but requires stamina on the return. In both cases, entry to the cave depends on the sea conditions.

Can you go from Alghero to La Pelosa beach?

Yes, by car in just over an hour, to Stintino. In the summer season, access to the beach is limited and requires advance reservation.

Do you need a car in Alghero?

Not for the city. For Capo Caccia, Palmavera and Stintino it's very useful. Leave the car outside the historic centre, which has a ZTL.

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