North West & Alghero
Sardinia's north west coast features some beautiful seaside resorts interspersed with some really spectacular coastline and dramatic countryside.
Travel along the coast to visit some of the islands most picturesque beaches and inland to its lakes, forests, archaeological sites and Nuraghi, vineyards and castles. This area is packed with interest with the taste of Spain in Alghero and a rare mixture of natural beauty spots and historical areas.
Now a popular holiday resort, Alghero is a charming old Catalan town often referred to as the Coral Riviera, nestled into the north west Sardinian coastline, with wonderful views over the bay to the dramatic cliffs at Capo Caccia. The old walled Alghero town, within the ancient ramparts and lookout towers, has a lively atmosphere with a good selection of shops, café bars and restaurants. It has an interesting history to discover manifested in its well-preserved architecture. There is a 5km long white sandy beach stretching from the port and marina to Fertilia and other lovely coves and beaches on the way to Porto Conte.
Alghero is an ideal all year-round holiday destination to either relax and dine out in the town enjoying the local gastronomic delights, or to use as a base to explore the coastline, local towns and villages.
Alghero Accommodation >
Badesi
Situated on the north west coast of Sardinia between Castelsardo and Isola Rossa (approximately 80km from Alghero), Badesi is a market town with a selection of shops, supermarket, pharmacy, banks, cash point (Bancomat) and souvenir shops. Badesi Mare is on the coastal side the main road leading to the 8km white sandy beach with watersports, sunbeds and parasols for hire and a few beach shops and snack bar.
Badesi Accommodation >
Bosa
Bosa is a popular day trip from Alghero being a scenic coastal 50km drive passing La Speranza beach, dramatic rugged hillside, the wild kingdom of the griffon vulture, and along the river valley ending at the Medieval town of Bosa. With river port and citadel Bosa is a charming town and Bosa Marina is a quaint old fishing port with delightful beach.
Castelsardo
Castelsardo is a strategic landmark on the north west coast with an ancient citadel perched on the hilltop jutting out into the sea. Little cobbled alleyways wind their way up past shops displaying traditional handicrafts, ceramics and basket ware for which the town is renowned. The old fishing port is still active and there is a small town beach, shops, bars and pizzerias. Look out for the Roccia dell'Elefante, a large rock eroded in the shape of a baby elephant on the way out of the town!
Castelsardo Accommodation >
Castelsardo Accommodation >
Isola Rossa
Isola Rossa is a picturesque old fishing village with a few restaurants, shops and marina set on a rocky promontory surrounded by sea, situated off the road leading from Castelsardo to Santa Teresa on the north west coast of Sardinia. It has two white sandy beaches and due to its position benefits from stunning sunsets which, as the name suggests, lights up the landscape turning the coastline different shades of red. Aqua Fantasy water park is great for families.
La Corte
The small town of La Corte is surrounded by olive groves in north west Sardinia. The closest beach of Argentiera is 14km and the larger beach of Porto Ferro is 17km away. It is 28km to the stunning La Pelosa beach at Stintino which is well worth visiting. The larger city of Porto Torres is 20km to the north and Alghero is 25km to the south, a vibrant Catalan town steeped in history and has something to offer everyone with a variety of shops, restaurants, pizzerias and gelaterias and a 5km long white sandy beach with clear sea, ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Palmadula
27km from Alghero airport and 30km from Porto Torres, Palmadula has two minimarkets, a doctor, pharmacy, pizzeria and restaurant. There is an Agriturismo (farm restaurant) nearby which provides traditional Sardinian meals with local wines and beers. On the coast, there are a few unfrequented beaches and it is 26km to the stunning La Pelosa beach at Stintino which is well worth visiting and there are ferries to the island of Asinara with nature reserve.
Porto Conte
Approximately 12km from Alghero town, Porto Conte is a beautiful bay with a large expanse of sea dotted with beaches overlooking the headland of Capo Caccia. The lighthouse and headland of El Faro is just 1km away and the small town of Fertilia is about 4km with just a few shops, café bars, gelateria and pizzerias. On the way to Fertilia is the Nuraghe di Palmavera which is one of the biggest in the area and there are 2 beautiful beaches Le Bombarde and Lazzaretto. Capo Caccia can be reached by car around the bay with steps down to Grotto di Nettuno where there guided tours of the caves with amazing stalagmites and stalactites. Sella & Mosca vineyards are worth visiting as the best-known wine producer on the island.
Sassari
Sassari is Sardinia's second biggest city and rival to the capital city of Cagliari. The people have an urbane and cheerful sophistication and the city has a proud history as a centre of culture.
Stintino
Stintino is situated right at the tip of the north west coastline with the stunning La Pelosa beach where calm, turquoise waters extend right out to rocky offshore isles. Boat excursions from Stintino visit the biggest of the islands called Asinara, now a nature reserve also with picturesque beaches.
Stintino Accommodation >
Location Information In Sardinia
Our guide to the island of Sardinia highlighting the key locations across the island, helping you choose the perfect area for your ideal holiday.
