Northern Sardinia Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Alghero - Northern Sardinia showing street scenes
Tiny lanes, busy piazzas and resplendent palazzi dominate the scene in this port town’s historical center, which is encircled by stone walls.

The beautiful town of Alghero offers a special mix of Italian, Spanish and Moroccan influences, as well as fabulous sea views. Explore the winding lanes, enjoy people-watching over coffee on one of its piazzas and lounge on the beaches on the nearby coast.

Having been under the rule of the House of Aragon for around 400 years before the Italian Savoy family gained control, Alghero still retains a Catalonian feel, which is particularly evident in the restaurants here. Wander the town and try to spot Spanish motifs adorning the historic buildings.

To get a good sense of the historic cityscape, follow the pedestrianized path on the Sea Walls, which were built by the Aragonese in the 16th century. Begin the walk at Torre di Sulis, a sturdy-looking tower with 19-foot (6-meter) thick walls. Continue north and pass other towers such as Torre di San Giacomo, Torre della PolverieraandTorre di Sant'Elmo.

Amble along the characterful streets of the historic core and marvel at the honey-colored stone buildings. Several notable churches can be found here, including Chiesa di San Francesco, which contains an unusual wooden sculpture of a gaunt Christ tied to a column. The Chiesa di San Michele is known for its eye-catching majolica tile-covered dome. Climb the steps to the top of the 16th-century Campanile bell tower for fabulous views over the walled old town.

For a break from sightseeing, pull up a chair at a café on Piazza Civica, where the who’s who of Alghero’s political and social scenes would have once met and socialized. Among the most scenic cafés is Caffè Costantino, which is housed inside the Gothic Palazzo d'Albis.

Alghero makes a great base for exploring the Riviera del Coralloon Sardinia’s northwest coast, where several beautiful white-sand beaches can be found. Or, simply walk to Alghero’s Lido San Giovanni, a small sandy strip near the town center.

To reach Alghero, fly into the town’s airport or ride intercity busses from Sassari, Porto Torres or Bosa. Alghero itself can be easily navigated on foot. Local buses run routes to nearby beaches.

Where to stay in Northern Sardinia

Olbia showing street scenes

Olbia City Centre

4.5/5(19 area reviews)

Unique features of Olbia City Centre include the coffee shops and waterfront views. Make a stop by Piazza Matteotti or Church of San Paolo while you're exploring the area.

Olbia City Centre
Alghero showing general coastal views

Alghero City Centre

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Alghero City Centre is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Alghero Walls and Piazza Civica.

Alghero City Centre
San Teodoro

San Teodoro City Centre

5/5(11 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the parks and spas in San Teodoro City Centre. You might want to make time for a stop at San Teodoro Port or San Teodoro Beach.

San Teodoro City Centre
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Lido

4/5(14 area reviews)

Visitors highly recommend Lido for its beaches, and you can make a stop by San Giovanni Beach while you're in town.

Lido
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Portobello di Gallura

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Portobello di Gallura and surrounding area, you can visit Vignola Mare Beach and Cala Sarraina Beach.

Portobello di Gallura
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Isola Rossa

Unique features of Isola Rossa include the waterfront views and beaches. Make a stop by Isola Rossa Marina or Isola Rossa Beach while you're exploring the area.

Isola Rossa
Jazz Hotel
Jazz Hotel
4 out of 5
Via Degli Astronauti, 2, Olbia, OT
The price is Rp1.203.080 per night from 8 Nov to 9 Nov
Rp1.203.080
Rp1.442.766 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Nov - 9 Nov
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Olbia. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (989 reviews)
"This property is a 6 minute walk to the airport so very convenient for arrival and departure overnight stays imparticular."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Jazz Hotel
Baglioni Resort Sardinia - The Leading Hotels of the World
Baglioni Resort Sardinia - The Leading Hotels of the World
5 out of 5
Via Tavolara, Località Lu Fraili di Sotto, San Teodoro, SS
The price is Rp5.585.361 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
Rp5.585.361
Rp6.143.897 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Nov - 3 Nov
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in San Teodoro. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (46 reviews)
lovely hotel , lovely beach.....expensives drinks
"The positives....the hotel is in a good location, with a short walk to a lovely beach where the hotel has its own private area with chairs and shade parasols. The staff are very attentive, and the breakfast buffett has a good varied choice , and addtional cooked items are also avilable to order, ..."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2024

Baglioni Resort Sardinia - The Leading Hotels of the World
Hotel Catalunya
Hotel Catalunya
4 out of 5
Via Catalogna 24, Alghero, SS
The price is Rp1.386.642 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
Rp1.386.642
Rp1.593.522 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Alghero. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (569 reviews)
"The hotel is nearby the old town and the beach. Near old town restaurants. Staff was great. Breakfast is on 9th floor with great view of the marina. The wifi was terrible. Don’t know why."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2024

Hotel Catalunya
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residence Marina Palace
Residence Marina Palace
3 out of 5
Via del Mare, 38, Marina di Orosei, Orosei, NU
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly residence in Orosei. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the property condition ...
8/10 Very Good! (121 reviews)
"Room was clean and had everything you need but as is usual for Italy, the beds were extremely hard and uncomfortable. I had to sleep on my pillows. Also, buffet breakfast was blah for 10 euros."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2023

Residence Marina Palace
Gravina Resort & Apartments
Gravina Resort & Apartments
Via Lu Nibbarone snc, Costa Paradiso, Trinità d'Agultu e Vignola, OT
Stay at this apartment in Trinità d'Agultu e Vignola. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions La Sorgente and Li Cossi Beach ...
7.4/10 Good! (58 reviews)
"Reception was poor and disorganized. Directions are poor, furniture is spartan at best. Air con did not work. Lovely area overall, wish the property was a match. Pool area was great"

Reviewed on 19 Sep 2022

Gravina Resort & Apartments
Residence Baia Salinedda
Residence Baia Salinedda
Localita' Capo Coda Cavallo, San Teodoro, OT
Stay at this beach apartment in San Teodoro. Enjoy free parking, a private beach and a garden. Popular attractions Cala Brandinchi Beach and San Teodoro Beach ...
7.8/10 Good! (47 reviews)
"In the ad it says that there is internet with Wi-Fi. but only in the reception area. There is no internet in the rooms. The pool service is limited and the restaurant is expensive and has little variety."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2024

Residence Baia Salinedda
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Northern Sardinia