Northern Sardinia

Travel Guide

Alghero - Northern Sardinia featuring street scenes
Alghero - Northern Sardinia which includes a marina
Mugoni Beach showing a beach as well as a large group of people
Mugoni Beach showing a sandy beach
Alghero - Northern Sardinia
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 Polveriera and Torre 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 Corallo on 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 featuring street scenes

Olbia City Centre

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

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

Olbia City Centre
San Teodoro

San Teodoro City Centre

4/5(2 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 Beach or San Teodoro Port.

San Teodoro City Centre
Alghero showing general coastal views

Alghero City Centre

5/5(2 area reviews)

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

Alghero City Centre
"The Sun goes down..." Pt.3😍🌅

Lido

4.5/5(3 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
Alghero showing heritage architecture and a house

Alghero Old City

You'll enjoy the beaches and museums in Alghero Old City. You might want to make time for a stop at Piazza Civica or Alghero Walls.

Alghero Old City
The old tower as he sun sets in Isola Rossa

Isola Rossa

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

Isola Rossa
Hotel Martini Olbia

Hotel Martini Olbia

4 out of 5
Via Gabriele d'Annunzio, 21, Olbia, SS
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Olbia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (344 reviews)
"Nice property"

Reviewed on 2025/8/8

Hotel Martini Olbia
Grand Hotel Resort Ma&Ma - Adults Only

Grand Hotel Resort Ma&Ma - Adults Only

5 out of 5
Localita Nido d'Aquila, La Maddalena, SS
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$11,317 per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
NT$11,317
NT$12,448 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in La Maddalena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (154 reviews)
"While the "beach" club isn't exactly convenient and there is no beach (so you can only sit on rocks unless you want to spend a small fortune on a daybed), the hotel and facilities were lovely."

Reviewed on 2025/8/9

Grand Hotel Resort Ma&Ma - Adults Only
Aethos Sardinia

Aethos Sardinia

5 out of 5
Loc. La Conia, Cannigione, Arzachena, SS
The price is NT$20,201 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
NT$20,201
NT$22,578 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Arzachena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (229 reviews)
"We stayed at Aethos and couldn’t have been happier. The grounds are gorgeous, the food is good especially breakfast, the pool and facilities are beautifully designed and well maintained. The staff was excellent and service was second to none. The area was really convenient in accessing many of the ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/20

Aethos Sardinia
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 Cala Liberotto

Residence Cala Liberotto

Viale di Cala Liberotto snc., Loc. Sos Alinos, Orosei, NU
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Orosei. Enjoy room service, an area shuttle (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Spiaggia di Porto ...
Residence Cala Liberotto
Bagaglino I Giardini di Porto Cervo

Bagaglino I Giardini di Porto Cervo

4 out of 5
Via Spargi, 18, Porto Cervo, Arzachena, SS
Stay at this 4-star beach residence in Arzachena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Capriccioli Beach and Marina ...
Bagaglino I Giardini di Porto Cervo
La Smeraldina Resort

La Smeraldina Resort

Lottizzazione Juanmalcu, Santa Teresa di Gallura, SS
Stay at this residence in Santa Teresa di Gallura. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Porto Pollo Beach and ...
La Smeraldina Resort
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Northern Sardinia