Sardinia itinerary Alghero — here’s everything we learned from our 6-day family trip in July 2024. From beaches and old towns to car rental tips and costs, this guide will help you plan your own holiday on the island. Our family trip had a mix of sunny and cloudy days, so expect a bit of weather variation even in summer.
When to Visit Sardinia
We traveled at the end of June and stayed into early July. Temperatures were warm but not extreme, and the sea was swimmable. The best times to visit are late June, early July, and the end of summer in September. In peak July–August, expect both high prices and crowded beaches.
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Where We Stayed in Alghero
We landed at Alghero airport and based ourselves in the town for convenience. Other entry points are Olbia or Cagliari, depending on your route. In Alghero, we stayed at Hotel Florida, right on Lido Beach and only a 15–20 minute walk from the old town. It worked well for our family because we had both the beach and the historic center within easy reach. Restaurants and a large Conad supermarket were close by, perfect for stocking up on Sardinian food and drinks. If you’re planning your own trip, find affordable stays in Alghero.
Beaches Near Alghero
Lido Beach is long and spacious, good for families with kids who need shallow water and room to play. Sunbeds were expensive (€22 for one, €44 for two), so we brought our own mats and umbrella. Sardinian beaches are more relaxed this way — you can set up in the free towel zones.
Maria Pia Beach, just 15 minutes away on foot, was one of our favorites. With a pine forest behind it and shallow turquoise water, it’s great for children. The walk through the pines also made it easy to find shade during the hottest hours.
One day, we rented a car and visited La Pelosa and Di Mugoni. La Pelosa is often ranked the most beautiful beach in Sardinia, with crystal-clear water and powdery sand. But you need to book in advance — daily numbers are limited. Reservations open at 8 AM sharp and sell out in minutes. You can book here: spiaggialapelosa.it. Di Mugoni is quieter but also very scenic, and less stressful for families since it’s easier to access.
Renting a Car in Sardinia
We rented locally through a company called Sardinya and had a good experience. Local agencies can be fine if they have solid Google reviews. Otherwise, many travelers prefer to book cars through Rentalcars for clearer policies. Public transport isn’t well developed, and there are no real highways, so driving is the best way to reach the beaches. Having a car was essential for us as a family, since bus schedules would have been limiting.
For more details, check my guide: How to Rent a Car in Europe (Without Hidden Costs).
Day Trips from Alghero
Driving south towards Bosa, we found one of the most scenic coastal roads in Sardinia. The landscapes alone made the trip worth it, and the drive was easy enough to do with kids.
From Alghero’s port, you can also book boat trips. We joined an excursion to Neptune’s Grotto, a sea cave filled with dramatic rock formations. It’s reachable by boat or by climbing down a steep staircase carved into the cliffs. The boat option was perfect for us with children, and it turned into one of the most memorable days of the trip. You can book Alghero tours here, including trips to Neptune’s Grotto.
Exploring Alghero Old Town
Alghero’s medieval center is compact and beautifully preserved, with Catalan-Gothic influences from its history. Walking the cobbled streets and along the sea walls was a highlight, and manageable even with kids. We even tried a horse-drawn carriage ride, which gave a fun perspective of the city for the little ones.
For dining, we liked Ramblas and San Giovanni, but the old town also has plenty of local trattorias serving Italian, Mediterranean, and Catalan-inspired food.
Costs and Practicalities
Sardinia is not the cheapest destination in Italy. Prices are similar to Mallorca: food, stays, and sunbed rentals can feel pricey. That said, the beaches make up for it. Supermarkets like Conad are a good way to save on meals, and staying close to the old town lets you walk everywhere instead of relying on taxis. For families, this makes it easier to balance eating out with simple supermarket meals.
What We Missed but Recommend
Our trip focused on Alghero and the northwest coast, but Sardinia is huge. Next time, we’d explore:
The Costa Smeralda around Olbia, known for glamorous resorts and coves.
The southern coast near Cagliari, with wider beaches and cultural sites.
Inland Sardinia, where villages and mountain landscapes show a different side of the island.
What We Didn’t Like
During our stay, we had three days of cloudy or rainy weather, which can happen even in early July. Most beaches, apart from the Lido near our hotel, felt very crowded — especially Maria Pia, Di Mugoni, and La Pelosa. Infrastructure also isn’t the island’s strong point: roads are fine but not highways, and public transport options are limited. Compared to Mallorca, the sea felt a bit cooler in the same season. These weren’t dealbreakers for us, but good to keep in mind when planning.
Final Thoughts
Despite a few rainy days and crowds at the top beaches, Sardinia lived up to its reputation. The water really is some of the clearest in the Mediterranean. For us, Alghero was the perfect base for a family trip — good beaches, a lively old town, and easy excursions by car or boat.
*All photos in this article were taken during our July 2024 family vacation in Sardinia.
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