If you’ve chosen Alghero as your base for your holiday, you’re in an ideal position to explore some of the most fascinating places in north-western Sardinia. In less than an hour and a half by car you can reach historic villages, spectacular beaches and unforgettable landscapes, perfect for a day trip.
Here are 3 towns to visit from Alghero that absolutely worth a visit
1. Bosa: the colourful village on the Temo river
Distance from Alghero: 45 km
Travel time: about 50-60 minutes by car
The panoramic road SP105 Alghero-Bosa is considered one of the most beautiful in Sardinia. It runs along the sea offering spectacular views of the western coast, so much so that the journey itself becomes part of the experience.
Arriving in Bosa you will find yourself in front of one of the most characteristic villages on the island: pastel-coloured houses climbing up the hill, stone alleyways, artisan shops and the Temo river, the only navigable river in Sardinia.
Climbing up to the Malaspina Castle you can admire one of the most beautiful views in the area, while a stroll along the riverfront is perfect for a relaxing break.
Not to be missed
- Malaspina Castle
- Medieval quarter of Sa Costa
- Temo riverfront
- Ponte Vecchio
- Bosa Marina (about 2 km from the centre)
How to get there
🚗 By car: take the SP105, the coastal panoramic road between Alghero and Bosa.
🚌 By bus: Bosa is connected to Alghero by ARST buses, with several daily services. The journey takes about an hour. Timetables vary according to the season.
👉 Bus timetables: Arst bus-line 9312
👉 Further reading: Bosa – the spectacle of the colourful village
👉 Where to stay: Sa Domo e Giuanne e Giuanna: with a magical view of the castle!
2. Stintino: the Caribbean sea of Sardinia
Distance from Alghero: 55 km
Travel time: about 1 hour
Stintino is one of the most famous seaside resorts in Sardinia thanks to the Pelosa beach, known for its pure white sand and the sea with incredible turquoise shades.
During the summer, access to the beach is regulated and requires online booking, so it is advisable to organise it a few days in advance.
In addition to Pelosa, the small tourist harbour and excursions to the Asinara National Park, one of the most fascinating natural areas on the island, are well worth a visit.
Not to be missed
- La Pelosa beach
- Torre della Pelosa
- Stintino tourist harbour
- Excursions to Asinara National Park
How to get there
🚗 By car: about an hour following the SP42.
🚌 By bus: during the summer season (from 1.06 to 30.09) a direct Sardabus connection between Alghero and La Pelosa is active. Alternatively you can reach Stintino with ARST buses by changing at Porto Torres or Sassari.
👉 Bus timetables: Sardabus (timetables) – Bus Arst line 714 > Porto Torres + Line 727 > Stintino
👉 Further reading: From Alghero to Stintino: how to get there
👉 Asinara excursions
3. Castelsardo: the medieval village by the sea
Distance from Alghero: 65 km
Travel time: about 1 hour and 15 minutes
Included among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, Castelsardo dominates the Gulf of Asinara from the top of a rocky promontory.
Walking through its narrow medieval streets means discovering panoramic views, artisan shops and charming little squares. The symbol of the town is the Doria Castle, which houses the Museum of Mediterranean Weaving.
A few kilometres before arriving you will also find the famous Elephant Rock, a curious rock formation naturally sculpted by the wind.
Not to be missed
- Doria Castle
- Medieval historic centre
- Cathedral of Sant’Antonio Abate
- Viewpoints over the Gulf of Asinara
- Elephant Rock
How to get there
🚗 By car: take the SS291 to Sassari and continue on the SS200.
🚌 By bus: Castelsardo can be reached with ARST buses, generally with a change in Sassari. The journey takes about 3 hours, depending on connections.
👉 Bus timetables: Arst bus-line 9323 > Sassari + Arst bus line 721 > Castelsardo
👉 Further reading: Complete guide to Castelsardo
👉 Where to stay: L’antico Faro B&B: offers a spectacular view of the historic centre and the sea
Car or bus?
If you are travelling without a car, all three destinations can also be reached by public transport (with some changes)
- Bosa is the easiest to reach thanks to direct ARST connections.
- Stintino has seasonal direct connections to La Pelosa or buses with a change in Porto Torres.
- Castelsardo generally requires a change in Sassari, so it is the least convenient destination by public transport.
If instead you have a car available, you will be able to move with greater freedom, stop at panoramic points along the route and visit more places on the same day.
If you rent a car with Discover Cars to get the best rates and book directly online
Tip
If you are staying in Alghero for at least a week, dedicate one day to each of these destinations. Each one offers a different experience: Bosa captivates with its authentic charm and riverfront, Stintino offers some of the most beautiful waters in the Mediterranean, while Castelsardo will take you on a dive into history among medieval walls and breathtaking views.
If you’re wondering which towns are worth visiting from Alghero, these are without a doubt the best choices! 🔆
Note! The information in this article is up to date at the time of publication. Timetables, fares and services may change: always check the official channels before departure. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy or book through these links, the site may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
