Sardinia
Alghero
Unsplash / Unsplash
Catalan-walled old town on the northwest coast — Bombarde and Lazzaretto beaches and Neptunes Grotto by boat.
A 700-year Catalan occupation left Alghero with a fortified old town, signage in both Italian and Catalan, and a paella tradition unique among Sardinian towns. The Bombarde and Lazzaretto white-sand beaches sit 7km west, and a boat from the port reaches Grotta di Nettuno — a sea cave at the base of the 100m Capo Caccia cliffs.
Scores
Walkability
Transit
Price
Local feel
Nightlife
Family-friendly
Centrality
What you gain
- ↑Walled Catalan old town is the most photogenic small town on the island
- ↑Bombarde and Lazzaretto beaches 15 minutes by bus — fine white sand and pine shade
- ↑Capo Caccia cliffs and Grotta di Nettuno sea cave reachable by tourist boat from the port
What you sacrifice
- ↓Northwest coast is windier than the east — mistral can blow out beach days
- ↓Town beach itself is mediocre — best beaches are 7-10km west
Best for
Avoid if
Other Sardinia neighbourhoods
The islands working capital — Castello quarter on a hill, flamingos in the lagoon, Poetto beach to the east.
West-coast wild card — quartz-pebble beaches, the Phoenician ruins of Tharros and Sa Sartiglia carnival.
Southeast cape with marine protected area — Punta Molentis, Porto Giunco, and Caribbean-grade water.
Know where to stay — now find when to go.
Best time to visit Sardinia →