If you haven’t put Sardinia on your Italy travel bucket list, you are absolutely missing out! After a 2-week Northern Sardinia trip, I’m excited to share all of my adventures with you – and I believe I have the perfectly curated itinerary. In this post I’ll share the perfect 3 days in Alghero, Sardinia itinerary. Save this for your future adventure!
Before you continue: This guide is just one section of my guide, The Perfect 2 Week Sardinia Itinerary (Costa Smeralda, Su Gologone, Alghero, and La Maddalena). Make sure to check it out if you need help planning the remainder of your Sardinian adventure.
Day 1 in Alghero: Capo Caccia, Wine at Sella & Mosca, and Dinner at Sa Mandra
If you’re following my itinerary of How to Spend 2 Weeks in Sardinia, you will be joining us from the Baunzei Coast. Therefore, on the route to Alghero I strongly suggest a pitstop in the town of Bosa.
Bosa, Sardinia is known for its colorful houses lining the river and edge of its hillside. It has a charming old town, which makes for a great location to wander and explore for a couple hours to break up the drive and see a new city.
Once you finish Bosa, you are rewarded with one of the most scenic drives in all of Italy: road SP49. You drive straight along the coach until you reach Alghero, presumably around mid-day.
The first day in Alghero is the perfect introduction to Sardinia’s northwest coast. Today you’ll explore dramatic sea cliffs, vineyards, and traditional food experiences that showcase the island’s heart.
Afternoon: Exploring Capo Caccia
Just a 25 minute drive from Alghero’s old town is Capo Caccia, one of the most breathtaking natural areas in Sardinia (please don’t eye-roll; I know all of Sardinia is breathtaking. Here, the land appears to jut out straight into the Mediterranean, with enormous limestone cliffs that plunge straight into the sea. This region is all part of Porto Conte Natural Park, a protected area filled with hiking trails, wildlife, and hidden viewpoints.
Fun fact: This entire area was nearly developed to the same extent of the luxurious Costa Smeralda. Fortunately, due to protections for the natural parks, the plans were blocked. Thus, we are fortunate enough today to have sooo much nature surrounding Alghero!
Midday: Wine Tasting at Sella & Mosca
After immersing yourself in nature, head inland to Sella & Mosca, one of Sardinia’s oldest and largest wineries. Founded in 1899, the estate covers more than 1,600 acres of vineyards!
Sing up with one of their guided tours that usually lasts about an hour. It takes you through the vineyards, cellars, and barrel rooms. Make sure to book your tasting in advance, especially in summer, as spaces fill quickly (and be sure to specify if you want the tour in English or Italian).
Before you leave make sure to check-out their shop. Sardinian wine makes a great gift if you’re traveling back with a checked bag.
Evening: Traditional Dinner at Sa Mandra
We’ll close out your first day with a very Sardinian experience at Sa Mandra Agriturismo, located just outside Alghero. An agriturismo is a farm stay that serves food grown or produced on site, and Sa Mandra is one of the most celebrated on the island (in fact, it is known throughout Italy!).
Dining here feels like joining a Sardinian family meal. long tables, generous courses, and flavors that have been passed down for generations.
As you enter you’re encouraged to meander the property. While the staff preps dinner, you can see traditional decorations, some of the prepped food on display, and sometimes mini exhibitions.
Once you return to your seat, be prepared for a feast! It is a multi-course feast and the portions are generous (and the staff also encourages second helpings of anything you particularly love). You’ll eat everything from carasau (thin, crispy flatbread) served with local cheeses and cured meats to porceddu, the suckling pig (a Sardinian speciality).
Day 2 in Alghero: Relaxing at Cala Dragunara & Exploring Neptune’s Grotto
Out of my 3 days in Alghero, this one may be my favorite – it is all about sunshine, sea caves, and a relaxed beach vibe. Cala Dragunara is one of the most beautiful small beaches near Alghero, and it also serves as the perfect launch point for visiting Neptune’s Grotto, one of Sardinia’s most famous natural wonders.
Morning & Afternoon: Beach Day at Cala Dragunara
25 minutes away from Alghero’s town center you’ll find Cala Dragunara, a sandy cove with turquoise water. It is a bit tricky to find – you need to know the right road to turn down and there is limited parking. But, once you’ve made it past the initial adventure of arriving, you’ve arrived in paradise.
The beach is tiny but inviting and tucked between picturesque and rocky cliffs. The water is excellent for swimming and snorkeling as it is shallow and clear. You can either relax on the “free” portion of the beach or cliffs (but be warned it is quite small and fills up early) or book a sunbed with an umbrella. You can book and pay for these directly at the beach bar/kiosk.
Check out my more detailed post and guide about How to Visit Cala Dragunara in Alghero, Sardinia.
Boat Trip to Neptune’s Grotto
Usually the boat to Neptune’s Grotto (Grotta di Nettuno) leaves directly from the Alghero port, but sometimes there are also pickups from Cala Dragunara. If you want to squeeze in your visit to the grotto from here, you can buy your ticket directly at the snack shop.
Once it is your boat’s time slot, meet at the small pier at Cala Dragunara. From here the trip is only 20 minutes and you’ll have a fabulous view of the Capo Caccia cliffs.
Neptune’s Grotto is a spectacular sea cave that was discovered around 1700. You can only visit with a guide who will take you through the cave’s various “rooms.” You’ll walk over and under and through massive stalactites and stalagmites and even shimmering underground lakes.
Arriving by boat is only one option if you don’t want to walk down the famous Escala del Cabirol staircase (654 steps carved into the cliff) to reach the grotto. From Cala Dragunara, you enjoy both the boat ride and the grotto without the steep climb.
Evening: Dinner at La Saletta
After a sun-soaked day, head back into Alghero for dinner at La Saletta, a Michelin-recommended restaurant that is top notch. Tucked away near the old town, it’s cozy, rustic, and serves traditional Sardinian food with passion.
Oh, ane the bonus? You don’t need to order the same tasting menu for the table. So, my fiancé and I were able to order a vegetarian-focused menu and a
Start to finish it is a fantastic experience. The team greets you with a table-side peach cocktail for your welcome drink and all of the dishes that follow are thought-provoking and beautiful. Oh, and the bonus? You don’t need to order the same tasting menu for the table. So, my fiancé and I were able to sample a little bit of everything.
La Saletta is popular with both locals and travelers, so book a reservation as fast as you can.
Day 3 in Alghero: Old Town Charm & an ATV Adventure
For your final day in Alghero, combine culture and adventure. Spend the morning wandering Alghero’s historic old town, then in the afternoon trade cobblestones for rugged trails on an ATV tour through Sardinia’s wild landscapes.
Morning: Strolling Alghero’s Old Town
Alghero’s old town is a maze of narrow streets, colorful buildings, and sea walls with sweeping views of the Mediterranean. With its Catalan-Gothic architecture and relaxed atmosphere, it’s one of the most charming historic centers in Sardinia.
What to do in the old town:
- Wander the cobblestone lanes and admire the coral jewelry shops (Alghero is famous for red coral).
- Visit landmarks like Santa Maria Cathedral and the Church of San Francesco.
- Stop for gelato or espresso in Piazza Civica.
- Walk along the bastioni (sea walls) for picture-perfect views, especially in the morning and there are lighter crowds.
Take your time meandering aimlessly. Part of the joy is the slow pace, people-watching, and soaking up the atmosphere.
Afternoon: ATV Adventure
In the afternoon, I suggest to switch gears with an ATV tour that takes you out of the old town and straight into the rugged countryside. This is one of the most exciting ways to experience Sardinia’s landscapes, paired with a dose of adrenaline.
We booked our tour through Get Your Guide, but the direct site is Excursion Academy. Our tour guide, Luca, is excellent – making sure everyone is safe and having fun.
Our FOUR HOUR tour took us down dustry trails, through the forests, and onto rocky, off-road paths leading to the cliffs. We saw a bit of everything: vineyards, forests, lakes, and the seaside!
In fact, my favorite pitstop was at Porto Ferro. The quad is such a fun way to experience Sardinia from a different perspective! Just make sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty! Pack a scarf to cover your mouth (otherwise you can purchase on-site).
Evening: Sunset & Farewell Aperitivo
Wrap up your 3 days in Alghero with a unique dinner reservation at your choice of a Churrascaria. A churrascaria is a Brazilian concept of servers arriving with rounds and rounds skewers of various meat or seafood.
The best option in Alghero is Fogo (the meat option) or Agua (the seafood version) – both restaurants have the same owner and are located next to each other. We chose Agua Churrascaria Mediterranea given our proximity to the sea! The setting feels quite luxurious (in fact, it reminded me a bit of Costa Smeralda) and the food never seems to end!
If you still have any energy left, you can conclude the day with a relaxing evening stroll along the Alghero Old Town promenade. Grab an aperitivo at one of the bars overlooking the water – who can say no to one final glass of chilled Vermentino in hand? It’s the perfect send-off before continuing your Sardinia adventure to the next city on our list.
These 3 days in Alghero give you a taste of everything Sardinia does best: dramatic landscapes, pristine beaches, unforgettable food, and a vibrant historical town. From the cliffs of Capo Caccia to the underground wonders of Neptune’s Grotto and the winding streets of the old town, Alghero is a destination that blends relaxation with adventure.
I hope this guide is helpful! Don’t forget to check out some of my other Italy travel guides that may be useful!