More sweeping than the north east coastline and less indented, the north west has long stretches of high macchia covered cliff and hillside, an abundance of sandy beaches, small resorts and historic towns, Catelsardo, Sassari and Alghero itself.

Things To See & Do in North West Sardinia

Spend time in Alghero old town, wandering through narrow streets and stopping to eat and shop
Take a boat ride from the port to Visit Capo Caccia and the Grotta de Nettuno
Dive, sail or windsurf from the bay of Porto Conte
Visit the Sella & Mosca winery north of the town to sample various Sardinian wines
Visit some of the important archaeological sites, both near Alghero and further inland
Drive the exciting coast road south to Bosa and look for some of the rare sea birds often seen here

View Accommodaiton in North West Sardinia & Alghero »

North West Sardinia & Alghero Region Map

Alghero

Alghero is an interestingly varied town with a historic core, green outskirts where our properties are situated, a sweep of easily reached sandy beaches and some more modern areas perhaps of less interest in themselves until you need a supermarket or the children demand 'seaside attractions'.

First, the historic centre demands your attention. Walk around the fortified walls, with the sea breaking on the rocks at your feet and admire the great defensive towers. Turn into the tangle of cobbled lanes to visit the Duomo (cathedral) and other public buildings, most of which clearly displaying Catalan influences, as do many of the street names. When you have done you dutiful sightseeing, find a small restaurant or pizzeria and afterwards go shopping, window or real, in one of the many small but generally chic boutiques. Many older buildings in the centre have only recently been restored and you will still find an occasional fisherman mending his nets in a doorway, however the serious fishing activity has its centre in the harbour just to the north of the walls and you can find the accompaniments to your main fish course in the daily market a short walk further.

Starting to the north of the harbour and close to the built up areas, the beaches begin and stretch with a few breaks, right around the north of the bay and well beyond the town. In general, the further you go out of town, the more beautiful the beach and less crowded. At the further point west lies Capa Caccia, up to 300 metres high, a startling sheer silhouette in the sunset.

Our properties are all in the semi-rural outskirts of Alghero. Surrounded by your own and other gardens and cultivated or semi-wild land, enjoy your pool and the countryside. You will be as little as 5 and no more than 20 minutes from the town centre or the beaches.

South East of Alghero

To the east and south of Alghero the land rises to wild macchia covered rolling hillsides rather than mountains. There are scattered villages, many archaeological sites and some spectacular Pisan and Genoese churches, often isolated in the countryside.

Sassari - North East of Alghero

Sassari, the provincial capital is quite near and particularly visitable if you happen to be in the island on Ascension Day, when the Cavalcata Sarda is held, one of the most important festivals in Sardinia, a huge display of horsemanship and local customs. Castelsardo, north of Alghero has a Citadel perched on a crag overlooking the sea and Bosa to the south has very attractive houses lining the river bank, and is famous for its sweet Malvasia wines.

Castelsardo

Founded in the 12th century Castelsardo is a Genoese cliff top city which, like many much of Sardinia has undergone various foreign occupations. After the Genoese the Spaniards arrived in 1326 and renamed the city Castel Aragonese and the town only became Castelsardo in the late 18th century under Piedmontese rule. Whilst in Castelsardo a visit to the medieval Castello is worthwhile from where, weather permitting, you can see across to Corisca.

During easter Castelsardo holds a series of Masses and local processions, culminating in a torchlight parade through the ancient town ending at Chiesa di Santa Maria.