Car Hire Alghero

Driving in Alghero is a relatively stress-free experience, giving you access to some of the more remote and picturesque areas of the island with winding, scenic roads to explore. Remember to drive on the right hand side of the road in Italy and overtake on the left.

To avoid incurring any fines, acquaint yourself with the rules of the road and stick to the speed limit signs. There are no motorways (known as autostrade) in Sardinia, with the top speed being 110km/h on the highways and 50km/h in built-up areas.

Head out of the town and use the provincial roads to discover some of the most beautiful areas of Sardinia. Drive for around 40 minutes on the Strada Provincial 55 and you’ll reach Capo Caccia. A prime spot for diving and snorkelling, you’ll find steep limestone cliffs and a stunning network of caves.

Head out of Alghero and travel north-east for just over two-and-a-half hours to reach Costa Smeralda where you’ll find the beautiful seaside town of Porto Cervo. Visit for a day or two to experience the glamorous side of Sardinia.

On-street parking is available in Alghero, look out for white lines to indicate free parking – much of which is by the marina. Paid parking spaces are shown by blue lines. Tickets are be available to buy from parking machines, tobacconists and parking assistants.

Generally, parking costs are around €1 per hour and is usually free from 8am until 1pm and then from 4pm until 8pm. Just be sure to check the signs.

There is a Zona Traffico Limitato in operation in the centre of Alghero, designed to protect the oldest parts of the town from the effects of traffic. Patrolled by cameras, you’ll face the prospect of a fine if you enter. If you need to enter to reach your hotel then call ahead first to arrange access for your arrival and departure. 

Alghero is both the atmospheric and cultural capital of the Coral Riviera. Architecture from the Gothic period dominates the centre, with seven 16^th-century towers sculpting the landscape. Check out our guide to Alghero to make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights.

Roam the Ramparts

History enthusiasts will love learning all about the town’s past. A beautiful mix of Italian and Spanish influences, the town is affectionately known as Barceloneta by the locals after the Spanish city.

The Old Town area is unmissable. Shaped by those who have occupied Alghero down the centuries, the architecture carries Arab, Catalan and Byzantine influences, to name just a few.

Start your exploration at the bastioni – the impressive sea walls that encircle the town. Built by the Aragonese in the 16^th century to ward off invaders, they offer the chance to get a true sense of Alghero’s rich history.

The city walls take around an hour to explore from beginning to end, starting from Piazza Sulis and finishing at Porta a Mare. Stroll along the pedestrianised path and you’ll find the impressive Torre di Sant'Elmo tower, named after St Erasmus who was the patron saint of sailors, and the Torre della Polveriera tower, once used to store gunpowder.

Be charmed by the town

In the Alguer Vella area in the centre of Alghero you’ll find a charming mix of delicious gelato parlours, trinket shops and designer boutiques. The cathedral of St Mary, with its 19^th century façade, stands out from the medieval buildings alongside it.

This is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon, strolling through the winding cobbled streets and getting a feel for the relaxed pace of life here.

Tasting the wine at the Sella & Mosca winery is one of the Sardinian town’s most famous traditions and a must for any wine aficionados visiting the city. Just be sure to avoid driving if you’re looking to sample some of the Mediterranean’s finest white and red local wines.

Nymphs Bay and Neptune’s Grotto

Head out to sea, whether that’s to swim at the beautiful Bay of Nymphs and sunbathe on the ivory white beaches, or to visit the enthralling stalactite cave that is Neptune’s Grotto.

Over two million years old, the natural marine cave is located around 20 kilometres from Alghero and can be accessed by a boat trip that takes about 45 minutes each way. You can also reach the caves by road – although be aware that once there access to the grotto is via a 650-step staircase.

Boat trips leave from Alghero Port every hour in the summer, although this means it can get a little crowded inside the caves. If you’re planning on arriving independently try and time it before the boat trips arrive for a more leisurely experience.

You can explore the cave on foot to take in the mesmerising beauty of the stalactite structure, while experienced divers will relish the chance to see it from underwater to appreciate its true beauty.

Finish off a perfect day by unwinding on the seafront. It’s one of the best places in Alghero to watch the sunset as the sky turns into a perfect pink-tinged hue.

Book your hire car in Alghero to discover the best of the city and beyond.