Alghero
A Catalan-influenced port on Sardinia's northwest coast, known for red coral, a walled old town and sea caves on Capo Caccia.
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Alghero is a coastal city on Sardinia's northwest coast and the island's fifth-largest city. Locals call it little Barcelona, a nod to the Catalan settlers who arrived after 1354. Algherese, a local variety of Catalan, is still spoken, and old-town street names appear in Italian and Catalan. The walled old town sits on a small peninsula, with seven towers and three forts along its walls, and the bastions are popular for sunset walks.
The coast draws visitors too. The city is known for red coral, which divers fish in the bay. Neptune's Grotto, a large sea cave on Capo Caccia, is reached by a 656-step stairway or by boat. Local cooking centers on fish and shellfish, especially lobster cooked in the Algherese style. Buses run by ARST reach nearby villages and beaches, while many old-town streets are narrow and one-way.
Alghero in five
- Fly into Alghero and pick up a carThe airport is a short drive from the old town, and most beaches, Capo Caccia and Bosa need a car. Book the rental ahead for summer, since cars sell out.Getting around Italy
- Visit Neptune's Grotto by boat or stairsReach the cave by a boat from the harbor or by the long stair at Capo Caccia. Check the operator and the tide before you go, since rough seas stop boats.
- Stay inside the walls for eveningsThe old town has narrow lanes, Catalan-style churches and sea-view terraces. It is noisy in July and August, so ask about street noise and parking before booking.
- Check beach reservation rulesSome famous Sardinian beaches limit numbers or require a booking in peak months. Look at the official municipal page for the beach you want, such as La Pelosa near Stintino.
- Add Bosa for a coast road dayThe road from Alghero to Bosa follows high cliffs and is a highlight of north Sardinia. Plan a half day for stops and take it slowly.Bosa
Things to do in Alghero
See all attractions in Alghero
Need to know
- Airport
- Alghero-Fertilia (AHO), about 15 min by car or bus
- Getting there
- Fly to Alghero; ferries and flights also reach Olbia and Cagliari
- Getting around
- On foot in the old town; car for beaches and the coast
- Best base
- Inside or just outside the old town walls
- Time needed
- 3 to 5 days with the coast
Weather by month
- Rainy days
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- JanuaryPartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh13°Low9°Mild, quietJanuaryPartly cloudy
Mixed
- High
- 13°
- Low
- 9°
- Precipitation
- 62 mm
- Rainy days
- 10
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Mild, quiet
- FebruaryPartly cloudy7 rainy daysHigh14°Low8°Almond blossomFebruaryPartly cloudy
Mixed
- High
- 14°
- Low
- 8°
- Precipitation
- 54 mm
- Rainy days
- 7
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Almond blossom
- MarchPartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh16°Low9°Mild, springMarchPartly cloudy
Good
- High
- 16°
- Low
- 9°
- Precipitation
- 55 mm
- Rainy days
- 10
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Mild, spring
- AprilPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh18°Low11°Spring, greenAprilPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 18°
- Low
- 11°
- Precipitation
- 50 mm
- Rainy days
- 8
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Spring, green
- MayClear8 rainy daysHigh22°Low14°Warm, quietMayClear
Best
- High
- 22°
- Low
- 14°
- Precipitation
- 63 mm
- Rainy days
- 8
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, quiet
- JuneClear4 rainy daysHigh27°Low19°Beach seasonJuneClear
Best
- High
- 27°
- Low
- 19°
- Precipitation
- 22 mm
- Rainy days
- 4
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Beach season
- JulyClear1 rainy dayHigh30°Low22°Hot, busyJulyClear
Best
- High
- 30°
- Low
- 22°
- Precipitation
- 4 mm
- Rainy days
- 1
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Hot, busy
- AugustClear4 rainy daysHigh30°Low22°Peak crowds, hotAugustClear
Best
- High
- 30°
- Low
- 22°
- Precipitation
- 22 mm
- Rainy days
- 4
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Peak crowds, hot
- SeptemberClear6 rainy daysHigh26°Low20°Warm seaSeptemberClear
Best
- High
- 26°
- Low
- 20°
- Precipitation
- 55 mm
- Rainy days
- 6
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm sea
- OctoberClear8 rainy daysHigh23°Low17°Mild, quietOctoberClear
Best
- High
- 23°
- Low
- 17°
- Precipitation
- 59 mm
- Rainy days
- 8
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Mild, quiet
- NovemberRain13 rainy daysHigh18°Low13°Rain, coolNovemberRain
Mixed
- High
- 18°
- Low
- 13°
- Precipitation
- 108 mm
- Rainy days
- 13
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rain, cool
- DecemberPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh15°Low10°Quiet, mildDecemberPartly cloudy
Mixed
- High
- 15°
- Low
- 10°
- Precipitation
- 68 mm
- Rainy days
- 11
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Quiet, mild
Average daily high and low in Alghero, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in Alghero
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
16
- Feels like
- 11°
- Humidity
- 62%
- Wind
- 23 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Alghero
09:36 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today18°5°0%Monday: Partly cloudy. High 18°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Tue20°8°0%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed21°10°10%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Thu19°12°23%Thursday: Rain. High 19°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 23%.
- Fri21°11°19%Friday: Fog. High 21°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 19%.
- Sat19°11°15%Saturday: Fog. High 19°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 15%.
- Sun22°11°5%Sunday: Cloudy. High 22°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 5%.
Updated 07:27 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Every year
- Jan–FebCarnival of MamoiadaSardinia, a day trip
Day trips by train
- Capo Caccia and Neptune's Grottoabout 30 min by car, or by boatCliffs, the cave and a long stair down to the sea.
- Bosaabout 1 hour by carA river town with a hilltop castle and pastel houses.Read the guide
- Stintino and La Pelosaabout 1 hour by carA famous sandy bay with rules in peak season. Check the booking page.
Before you go to Alghero
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Rules for Alghero, checked
- Italy is in the Schengen area. Check entry rules for your passport on the Italian Foreign Ministry site before you book.Source
- Dial 112 for police, fire or an ambulance anywhere in Italy.
- Many old-town streets are narrow and one-way, and parking is limited. Check parking and access signs before you drive into the center.
- Many restaurants add a cover charge (coperto) to the bill. Check the bill before you add a tip.
- Porto Conte and the Capo Caccia marine area are protected. Do not take coral, shells or other marine life, and ask your dive operator about local rules.
Plan around Alghero
Regions, cities and the rules every visitor needs
Read the guideBosaColorful river town on the cliff road south
Read the guideOristanoSardinia's west coast and the Sinis peninsula
Read the guideOlbiaThe northeast gateway for ferries and flights
Read the guideBest time to visit ItalyBeach season, heat and quieter months
Read the guideTourist taxes in EuropePer-night taxes at Italian hotels
Read the guideAlghero FAQ
Is Alghero worth visiting?
Yes, for the walled old town, nearby beaches and Neptune's Grotto. It is an easy base for the northwest of Sardinia, and a good place to start a road trip.
Do you need a car in Alghero?
In town, no. For beaches, Capo Caccia, Bosa and Stintino, yes, or a tour. Book a car early for summer.
How many days do you need in Alghero?
Three days cover the old town, Neptune's Grotto and a beach or two. Five days add Bosa and Stintino without rushing.
When is the best time to visit Alghero?
May, June and September have warm water and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy, and some beaches have limits then.
Can you visit Alghero from the other Sardinian airports?
Yes, but the drive is long. From Olbia it is about 2 hours by road, and from Cagliari about 3 hours or more. Check flights into Alghero first.