North West Sardinia: a 7-day itinerary

North West Sardinia is one of the best areas for a one-week itinerary because it combines cities, villages, cliffs, beaches and natural parks without forcing you to drive long distances every day. Alghero can be your first base, then the journey moves towards Castelsardo and Stintino before ending with Asinara. Bosa completes the route with one of the island’s most scenic coastal roads.

• Day 1: Alghero and the historic centre.
• Day 2: Capo Caccia, Porto Conte and beaches.
• Day 3: the scenic Alghero–Bosa road and Bosa.
• Day 4: Sassari or Monte d’Accoddi and Castelsardo.
• Day 5: Castelsardo, the northern coast and arrival in Stintino.
• Day 6: La Pelosa and the Stintino area.
• Day 7: Asinara National Park.

The itinerary works well with two bases: Alghero for the first three or four days and Stintino, or the Sassari/Porto Torres area, for the second part. Castelsardo can be an intermediate stop or an extra overnight stay if you prefer a slower pace.

Start in Alghero, a city that immediately introduces you to the atmosphere of the North West. The historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot between bastions, towers, churches and squares. Evening is the best time to walk along the walls and watch the sunset over the sea.

Do not fill the first day with distant excursions. Spend time in the city, around the harbour and through the streets of the centre, especially if you have arrived by plane or ferry that day. Alghero deserves more than a quick logistical stop.

The second day is dedicated to the coast north of Alghero. Capo Caccia dominates the landscape with dramatic cliffs and is one of the most spectacular points in the area. Porto Conte adds woodland, bays and natural areas, while Le Bombarde, Lazzaretto and other coves make it easy to include a few hours by the sea.

Neptune’s Grotto can be added to the day, but access depends on conditions and the type of visit. Always check information and availability before leaving, and avoid building the whole day around a timetable that is too rigid.

The scenic road between Alghero and Bosa is one of the highlights of the trip. It is not a road to rush: stop at the viewpoints and treat the journey as part of the experience. Once in Bosa, spend time in the Sa Costa district, along the river and at Serravalle Castle.

Bosa deserves at least half a day. In spring or autumn it can become one of the main stops of the itinerary, while in summer it can be paired with time on the coast. Returning to Alghero in the evening is possible, but for a slower pace you can stay overnight in the area.

Leaving Alghero towards the north-east, you can include Sassari or focus the day on archaeology and Castelsardo. Monte d’Accoddi is one of the most unusual sites in northern Sardinia and adds a completely different perspective after the previous coastal days.

Continue towards Castelsardo, a medieval town built on a promontory. The Doria castle, the lanes of the historic centre and the views across the Gulf of Asinara make it especially enjoyable in the afternoon and around sunset.

If you stayed overnight in Castelsardo, spend the morning on a final walk through the town before beginning the transfer towards Stintino. There is no need to add many stops: use the day to travel at a relaxed pace and get to know the town, its small harbours and its historic connection with fishing and tuna traps.

Stintino will be the base for the final two days. Settling in without rushing makes it easier to organise La Pelosa and Asinara properly.

La Pelosa is Stintino’s signature beach, known for very shallow water, pale sand and views towards Isola Piana and Asinara. It is extremely popular and measures have been introduced over the years to protect the beach: always check the latest access rules before your visit.

Do not plan another major excursion on the same day. After the beach, return to Stintino, explore the town and spend the evening enjoying local food. If wind or crowds make La Pelosa less suitable, keep an alternative in the surrounding area ready.

End the itinerary with a day on Asinara. The island can be reached through connections and excursions from Stintino and Porto Torres and offers a landscape completely different from the previous stops. Nature, history, wildlife and the island’s former institutions make the visit far more than a simple beach excursion.

Ways of visiting can vary: boat trips, guided routes, cycling and other options depend on the season and available services. Book in advance during busy periods and choose the type of visit according to how much time you want to spend on the island.

Alghero is the natural base for the first part of the trip. For the second half, choose Stintino if Asinara and La Pelosa are your priorities, or a more central location if you want to include Sassari and Castelsardo at a slower pace. Two bases are enough for seven days; a third intermediate night is useful only if you want to slow the trip down even more.

June and September are excellent months for combining the sea, villages and sightseeing. July and August require more organisation for beaches and excursions. Spring and autumn make Alghero, Bosa, Castelsardo, Sassari and the natural parks especially enjoyable even when the sea is not the main priority.

If you love the sea, spend more time in Stintino and on the beaches around Alghero. If you prefer history and culture, add Sassari, Palmavera, Anghelu Ruju and Monte d’Accoddi. With two extra days, extend the trip towards the Sinis Peninsula or explore Porto Conte Park in greater depth without adding too many kilometres.

North West Sardinia is particularly well suited to slow travel. Its strength is not only La Pelosa or Alghero, but the combination of coastal landscapes, villages, archaeology and natural parks.

Are seven days enough for North West Sardinia? Yes. They are enough for Alghero, Bosa, Castelsardo, Stintino and Asinara at a realistic pace.

Do you need a car? It is recommended for connecting the different stops. Alghero itself can be enjoyed without a car, but the full itinerary is much easier with your own vehicle.

Which stops are essential? Alghero, Capo Caccia, Bosa, Castelsardo, Stintino and a full day dedicated to Asinara form the core of the itinerary.