Exploring Alghero on Foot, by Bike, or with Public Transport

Are you planning a trip to Alghero and wondering if you really need a car? Well, let us reassure you: not only is it possible to discover the Catalan city without a car, but it’s also fun and allows you to experience it in a special way! Forget the stress of parking or rental costs: Alghero is ready to welcome you with its pedestrian historic center, dreamy beaches, and typical dishes that will win you over.

Whether on foot, by bike, or bus, you can explore the city and its surroundings without worries. In this guide, we’ll tell you how to get around Alghero without a car, with plenty of useful tips, costs, itinerary ideas, and tricks to enjoy every moment of your vacation.

Is it easy to visit Alghero without a car?

Alghero is a human-scale city: the airport is only 20 minutes away by bus, the center isn’t too large, and the main attractions are close by. The Lido beach is just a few minutes from the city center, and all other beaches are easily accessible by public transport, on foot, or by bike. Getting around without a car offers several advantages:

• Convenience: no need to worry about parking = less stress!
• Savings: you avoid rental and fuel costs.
• Local immersion: walking or using public transport lets you experience Alghero like a local.
• Sustainability: you reduce your environmental impact with a cheaper and greener mode of transport.

How to get around Alghero without a car: the options

Option	Cost	Average Time	Pros	Cons
On foot	Free	Variable	Flexible, ideal for the center	Limited for long distances
City bus	€1.00 – €1.50	5-20 minutes	Cheap, connects beaches and center	Schedules not always frequent
Beach Bus	€5.00 – €8.00	10-30 minutes	Direct to beaches, seasonal	Available only in high season
Bicycle	€15-20/day	Variable	Eco-friendly, perfect for center and surroundings	Tiring in the heat. Bike paths not fully available.
Organized tours	€30-100	Half day/day	Convenient, includes guide	Less flexibility

1. On Foot: The historic center and surroundings

The historic center of Alghero is the precious heart of the city, made of pedestrian alleys, perfect for exploring on foot. Among medieval walls, the Cathedral of Santa Maria, and elegant squares like Piazza Civica, everything is within walking distance.

📝 What to see: Stroll along the seafront Bastions, visit the Torre di Sulis, and discover small shops and gelaterias in the alleys.

📷 Distance: The center can be explored in 1-2 hours at a leisurely pace.

💡 Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially in summer. The Lido di San Giovanni beach is only 15 minutes on foot from the center.

2. City Bus: Beaches and nearby attractions

The city bus network, managed by ARST, connects the center to beaches and nearby locations, making travel simple.

Line AF: Covers most central routes and reaches Lido and Maria Pia beaches.

Cost: Tickets at €1.00 (valid for 90 minutes) if purchased in advance (e.g., with Dropticket) or €1.50 on board.

Schedules: Every 20-30 minutes in high season. Check on arst.sardegna.it or Google Maps.

Tip: Plan your schedules to avoid long waits, especially for farther beaches.

3. Beach Bus: Direct to the most beautiful beaches

The Beach Bus is a seasonal service dedicated to tourists, perfect for reaching Alghero’s most famous beaches without a car. Operating in summer (June-September), it connects the center to coastal locations.

Destinations: Main destinations include Bombarde beach → Lazzaretto beach → Maria Pia beach → Mugoni beach → Capo Caccia – Neptune’s Caves

Cost: Tickets from €5.00 (single), €8.00 (daily), €24 (4 days), €40 (weekly), purchasable on board or via the website.

Schedules: Frequent departures (every 30-60 minutes) from 9:25 AM to 6:35 PM. Check schedules on the website: BeachBus schedules

Main stops: Via Catalogna, Piazza della Mercede, Via Garibaldi.

💡 Tip: Ideal for a hassle-free beach day.

4. Bicycle: Explore the center and beyond

Renting a bike is an eco-friendly and fun way to discover Alghero. From the Lungomare to the Lido and Fertilia, it’s flat and safe, with dedicated bike paths.

Where to rent: Shops like Raggi di Sardegna or SardiniaByBike offer bikes from €15-25 per day.

Recommended bike itineraries

✔️ From Lungomare Dante to Maria Pia (5 km, 20-30 minutes).

✔️ Bike path to Fertilia to visit the village and beaches (8 km, 30-40 minutes).

💡 Tip: Wear a helmet and bring a water bottle. Avoid the hottest hours in summer.

5. Organized Tours: Discover Alghero with a guide

Organized tours are perfect for exploring farther areas without a car, with transportation and guides included.

🔹 Walking tour in the historic center: Historic center tour with a local guide

🔹 Boat excursions: Sunset sailing aperitif experience

🔹 Tastings & Wine Tours: Wine tasting and aperitif in the vineyard

🔹 Cooking classes: Cooking class and dinner in a traditional home

One-day itinerary on foot

Here’s an example of a typical day in Alghero without a car

☀️ Morning: Explore the historic center on foot, visit the Cathedral and the Bastions. Have lunch at a traditional restaurant like Al Tuguri (book in advance).

🌤️ Afternoon: Take the Beach Bus to Spiaggia delle Bombarde (20 minutes). Enjoy the sea or walk along the coast. Have lunch at nearby kiosks.

🌕 Evening: Return to the center with the Beach Bus, enjoy an aperitif on the Lungomare, and dine with a traditional dish like spaghetti with clams and bottarga. → 5 Best seafood restaurants in Alghero’s old town

Practical tips for getting around Alghero without a car

• Useful apps: Download Dropticket for bus tickets, Moovit for real-time schedules, and Google Maps for walking routes.
• Arrivals: From the airport, use the AL.FA bus to reach the center (€1.00, 20-30 minutes).
• Season: Summer is perfect for classic beach vacations, but spring and autumn are ideal for exploring the city, enjoying beaches in peace, and going on excursions.
• Local events: Check out local events like Setmana Santa, Alguer Summer Festival, Festa di Sant Miquel , and Cap d’Any

Where to stay for convenience without a car?

Among the most convenient areas to stay in Alghero without a car, choose the historic center or the area near the Lido beach. Here are some options:

📍 DolceVita Suite Alghero: Located on Via Garibaldi, great position to reach both the historic center and the beach

📍 SweetDream Plaça Civica: In the heart of Piazza Civica, Alghero’s elegant square

📍 Hotel Alguer: Very close to the beach, cozy rooms with breakfast

Questions & Useful Answers

Is it possible to visit Alghero without a car?
Yes, the center is pedestrian, beaches are accessible by bus or Beach Bus, and bikes are great for the Lungomare, urban center, and surroundings.

What’s the cheapest way to get around Alghero?
Walking (it’s free:), while city buses cost from €1 and Beach Bus from €5.

How do I reach the beaches without a car?
Use the Beach Bus for Le Bombarde, Lazzaretto, and Maria Pia or the city bus for Lido and Maria Pia.

Are there tours to Neptune’s Caves without a car?
Yes, boat tours depart from the port in the city center, or the ARST bus (or Beach Bus in summer) takes you to Capo Caccia if you prefer to reach the Neptune’s Caves via the staircase from the promontory.

Exploring Alghero on foot?

Exploring Alghero without a car is an easy, affordable, and sustainable experience. With the historic center on foot, city buses, and the Beach Bus for beaches, you’ll fully enjoy the city. If you’re planning a longer stay, you can always opt for car rental for 2-3 days to explore more distant places and itineraries not accessible by public transport.

💡Check the DiscoverCars website for affordable car rentals here

Information on schedules, costs, and service availability, including the Beach Bus, is updated as of April 2025. However, fares, bus schedules, and tour conditions may vary due to seasonal factors, holidays, or operator decisions. We recommend always checking official websites or contacting providers before your trip. The author is not responsible for any changes or discrepancies.