Things to do in Alghero

Market day in Bosa with Guided Tour

The pretty fishing village of Bosa is just a short scenic drive along the coast from Alghero. It's considered one of the most beautiful Sardinia's seaside retreats. And on this excursion, you'll have plenty of time to explore the handicraft market and old town, sit down for some lunch and soak up the laidback vibe. Valentina, one of our expert local guides, says, 'Apart from the castle, river and colourful houses climbing the hillside, Bosa is also famous for its Malvasia wine. It's a good bet if you are looking for a local variety to try with lunch.'As soon as you set foot in Bosa, you'll feel as if you've been transported back in time. Pastel-coloured houses flank the River Temo and character infuses every square centimetre. Lording it over the town is the hilltop Malaspina Castle – also known as Castello di Serravalle - which while a shell of its former glory boasts a remarkable medieval chapel adorned with fragile frescoes. Valentina adds, 'The oldest part of town is near the river. It wasn't until the castle was built that people chose to live away from the river, hoping for protection from the castle.'You'll enjoy a guided tour of the town to discover some of its secrets, and then free time to be able to browse the stalls at the weekly market where artisans and locals sell their own produce and goods. You'll also have time to find a restaurant to tuck into a local lunch, if you like. There's no rushing around on this tour, so you'll truly experience authentic Sardinia.

Wild beaches of north-west Sardinia

Ditch the daily grind and step into a Sardinian postcard by exploring the region's northern coastline. You'll kick off your bus tour in Alghero, driving along to Porto Palmas Beach – a Blue Flag gem tucked away in the Argentiera region. Imagine a crescent-shaped beach with soft sand and waters that dance between shades of emerald, turquoise, and blue. A swim here is a must, and don't forget to snap some pics of this cliff-framed stretch. Our expert local guide, Paulo, says “this tour is all about making sure you come away from your holiday knowing you've seen all sides of Sardinia's coastline. If you're the type of person who takes the saying ‘leave no stone unturned' seriously, then you'll really appreciate this tour.” Next, you're off to Capo Falcone, the rugged northwestern tip of Sardinia. Get ready for panoramic views of the Mediterranean – and keep your eyes peeled for rare birds like falcons on the horizon. Don't miss La Pelosa Beach with its fine white sand and tropical flair – this is Sardinia's shores at their finest. You'll cap off your coastal adventure at Le Saline Beach, a dazzling strip of white pebbles in Sardinia's Stintino area. Here, history meets natural beauty with ancient salt pans and fishing towers adding a unique backdrop. You'll get to chill on the glittering quartz grains, soak up the sun – and the zen. Plus, the sea will make your social media timelines pop.

Sardinia 4x4 Nature Tour

See rural Sardinia come to life on this 4x4 nature tour. Rumble through the great outdoors around Alghero on the lookout for local wildlife and rare plant species with a guide. You'll learn about the use of certain herbs in Sardinian shamanic rituals as well as stop by an ancient megalith at Nuraghe Appiu. Round off by relaxing on secluded La Speranza beach with a local aperitif.

Corsica Tour from Alghero

So near and yet so far apart. Corsica and Sardinia are like two siblings who moved to different countries and are separated not just by the sea but by culture, too. This day trip to the cliff-perched town of Bonifacio in southern Corsica is the ideal way to get to know France's wildest region. After a drive to the north of Sardinia to catch the ferry at Santa Teresa, you'll make the 50-minute crossing. Precariously built on 70m-high cliffs, Bonifacio's fjord-like harbour is quite the sight. You'll hop on a mini train to the centre before a guided tour of this vertiginous citadel with tightly packed narrow alleys. There'll be a break for lunch, followed by free time in the afternoon.As you wander the cobbled streets, you'll be following in the footsteps of Corsica's most famous son, Napoleon, who plotted his invasion of Sardinia from here. Browse for antiques, handicrafts and jewellery in the shops that now fill the ancient houses. Or head down to the harbour to watch the yachts come and go.

Sardinia Dolphin Watching Boat Cruise

The waters around Sardinia are teeming with dolphins, and what better way to get up close to these friendly creatures than with an eco-friendly dolphin cruise? You'll be led out to Porto Conte with marine biologists in search of dolphins, and even be taken on a guided snorkel once you're there.Choose between the morning or afternoon programme and set off along the coast towards Porto Conte – a well-known spot for dolphins. Your guides will be expert marine biologists who will tell you everything there is to know about these creatures, as well as the conservation research they have been doing to date. The boat is also equipped with high-tech equipment for a unique multisensory experience.Then, if weather permits, it's time to don your mask and snorkel and plunge into the water with your guide to explore other marine life and fauna. You'll even have videos and photos that you can access later to remember this underwater encounter. Plus, for each booking made, one euro is donated to purchase scientific equipment and support dolphin research activities.

Neptune’s Caves Boat Tour

It may be named after the Roman god of the sea – but Neptune's Grotto was discovered only a couple of hundred years ago. Hidden just above the water level at the base of the towering and remote Capo Caccia cliffs, the grotto is one of Sardinia's most dramatic natural attractions.After sailing from the harbour, you'll pass rugged coastline before reaching the grotto in under an hour. On arrival, you can choose whether to go in to Neptune's Grotto or not. If you do, you'll see stalactites biting down like incisors from the roof of the cave and stalagmites stabbing up from the floor like daggers, and a saltwater lake that stretches out for 120 metres – all while having the geology expertly brought to life by your local guide.If you choose not to take the subterranean tour, you can stay on board basking in the sunshine. Either option is a great way to spend some time before a leisurely trip back to port.

Horse Riding Tour of Porto Conte Natural Park

As you stirrup and saddle up for a horseback tour, get ready to feel like a cowgirl or cowboy riding through the sun-soaked plains of Sardinia's Porto Conte Natural Park. Located on the island's northwest coast, the park is renowned for its rich biodiversity – which you'll get to soak up with a bird's-eye view from your horse. Choose between an hour or two-long tour to make the most of the sweeping panoramas.First up, you'll kick things off by meeting your horse. There'll be a quick briefing and trial run around the riding school's paddock so you feel comfortable before setting out. Once you're ready, you'll hit the park, trotting past pine forests and strawberry trees – a key plant of the park – along with vibrant orchids and all sorts of wildlife. And if you're lucky, you'll spot wild rabbits, Sardinian donkeys, goats, and boars.Plus, bird lovers will be in their element with the chance to catch a glimpse of sea birds nesting on sheer cliffs, as well as notable birds of prey like buzzards, kestrels and peregrine falcons. Sit back in your saddle and take in the views of the turquoise bay as you canter back to the stables.

Guided vineyard tour with wine-tasting

Look around a vineyard and winery before a wine-tasting on this guided tour. Start with a stroll under the shade of the porch outside, where you'll see the cliffs of Capo Caccia surrounded by the clear waters of the Mediterranean. You'll continue with a tour of the vineyards and dry garden, which cover more than 7,000 square metres and have over 80 different plant species growing there, all developed to thrive off very little water. Then, you'll head down into the cellar to see where the magic happens. During this part of the tour, you'll learn how the flavours of the wines really come to life, using techniques inspired by local tradition.Afterwards, you can settle back in above ground into a room with views of the surroundings and furniture by local designer, Antonio Marras. Sit back and relax while you taste three wines, accompanied by Sardinian cheese, cured meats and locally produced bread, all chosen to bring out the qualities of the wines.

Coasteering Experience at Cala Dragunara in Porto Conte Park

Enjoy this adventurous coasteering experience along the northwestern coast of Sardinia in Porto Conte Regional Park.

Alghero Porto Conte Park Eco-Museum Tickets

Discover the of Porto Conte Park, located a few kilometers from Alghero. Visit the Eco-museum and lean about the environment and cultural heritage of the area.