Things to do in Sardinia: road trip North West Coast

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Sardinia is one of those magical blue zones where people live to a ripe old age. And honestly, who’s surprised? It’s an island overflowing with aperitivos, cozy wine bars serving up epic charcuterie boards, top-notch olive oil, gorgeous roads, charming villages, and some seriously stunning beaches. I hit the road along the northwest coast, and let me tell you, the breathtaking views, fabulous wine, and countless amazing restaurants are probably adding years to my life! These are my top things to do in Sardinia!

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The view from Via del seminario in Castelsardo | Things to do in Sardinia | Italy

Stintino
A tiny village that’s definitely worth a quick stop. Grab a leisurely lunch at La Darsena—seriously, my gnocchi with squid and saffron was out of this world! They also whip up some killer cocktails and have a ton of different G&Ts. Perfect for sipping as the sun sets, too! The village is super picturesque, and you’ll have more than enough time to soak it all in with just an afternoon visit.

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Restaurant Il Gabbiano and La Darsena. B&B Amaremare | Best Restaurants

From Stintino, it’s a breeze to get to the famous Spiaggia La Pelosa. Gorgeous beach, but it’s no longer a hidden gem—good luck snagging a square inch of sand for your towel! You’ll be dodging sunburnt tourists and hyper kids sprinting around like they’ve just downed a gallon of gelato. So, we opted to flop down at the nearby Spiaggia del Gabbiano instead. It’s way less crowded with vendors than the tourist-packed La Pelosa. Grab lunch at Il Gabbiano and definitely order the mussels with tomato—they’re the tastiest dish I had on this trip! After lunch, kick back on one of the comfy beach loungers by the sea and let the post-lunch bliss wash over you.

BEAUTIFUL BOAT TRIP FROM PALAU

The famous beach Spiaggia La Pelosa | Things to do in Sardinia | Best Beaches

Just around the corner, you’ll find L’Ancora Porticciolo. Picture perfect service, mouthwatering seafood, cozy beach loungers, and a vibe that’s straight-up romantic. It’s the kind of place where you can feel the sea breeze and think, “Yeah, life’s pretty good.” If you’re in the mood for authentic Italian flavors in Stintino, make your way to Trattoria Opera Viva. Trust me, you won’t leave disappointed (or hungry).

Then there’s A.Mare—your ultimate “home away from home” with a breakfast so good you might just become a morning person. It’s the perfect spot to catch a magical sunset, and there’s no better way to start your day than sinking into one of those comfy chairs on the spacious terrace, book in hand. Total bliss mode, activated. For more R&R, Park Hotel Asinara has a fabulous pool and bright, airy rooms to kick back in.

ROOMS & RATES A.MARE

Getting to the gorgeous little island of Asinara from Stintino? Easy peasy. The boat ride is just fifteen minutes—basically a blink—and you’re there. Once you arrive, you’ve got options: go ashore and enjoy some stunning hikes, or stay on a boat tour for a scenic cruise around the island. Either way, it’s an adventure packed with plenty of “wow” moments.

Pro tip: on your way to Castelsardo, make sure to swing by Roccia dell’Elefante, a.k.a. the Elephant Rock. It’s quirky, it’s photogenic, and hey, who doesn’t love a rock shaped like an elephant?

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Castelsardo
This little town might just be one of the hottest spots in northern Sardinia. Every day, busloads of eager tourists scramble through its narrow streets. And if you’re not one of the lucky ones getting a lift up by bus, get ready for a serious climb to the old town—hello, sweat mustache! But trust me, it’s worth it. The old town is full of charm, with tons of cute little restaurants to discover.

For a stay that doesn’t scream “stuck in the ’80s,” check out the tastefully styled Real B&B Primo Sole. A lot of places around Sardinia might have a bit of a… shall we say… retro look. But hey, to each their own. Personally, I’m all in for a fresher, more modern vibe!
And when it comes to gorgeous terraces, Bar Caffè Lu Juari is at the top of the list, with a jaw-dropping view that makes it way too easy to linger. Order yourself a proper cup of coffee or a glass of vino, soak up that glorious sunshine, and prepare to lose track of time—because once you sit down, you won’t want to get up.

ROOMS & RATES REAL B&B PRIMO SOLE

Foodies, listen up: make your way to Al Castello. Whether you’re in the mood for a lavish charcuterie board or a long, leisurely dinner, this spot’s got you covered. Just make sure you book ahead…

On your way to Bosa, make a pit stop at the fascinating Basilica di Saccargia. Built way back in 1112, it’s one of the most iconic churches in Sardinia and totally worth the visit. Plus, there’s a little spot where you can grab a coffee before hitting the road again. Road trips are always better with a caffeine boost, right?

Bosa | Things to do in Sardinia | Sights & Highlights

Bosa
I’ve fallen head over heels for Bosa! It’s gorgeous, just like Castelsardo, but without feeling like you’re about to summit Kilimanjaro—and, dare I say, even more charming. The place is packed with picturesque little streets, cozy wine bars, and inviting restaurants.

After a stroll along the Temo—the only navigable river in Sardinia—we stumbled upon a square filled with lively food trucks! Picture yourself there, enjoying fresh sardines and a carafe of local wine, and you’ll understand why it’s easy to lose track of time, yet again. Keep an eye out for Panko or Alduccio Ristorante Itinerante, and you’ll find it!

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You absolutely have to check out Pizzeria Cossu Giovanni. This place is always packed with locals, all grabbing a slice for lunch—just like we did. Plus, they’ve got massive pizzas flying out the door for takeout. And the best part? A delicious slice will only set you back €2.50!

I’m also a big fan of Bacco Bistrot. In my opinion, it’s the spot in Bosa for wine and aperitivos. The setting is super romantic, the staff is lovely, and the bites are beyond tasty. For another popular, atmospheric, culinary hotspot in Bosa, go to Locanda di Corte.

Colorful villages | Things to do in Sardinia | Road Trip North West Coast

Fun fact: life on Sardinia is incredibly affordable! A carafe of wine—enough for four generous glasses—will only set you back about 6 euros at most places. And a cappuccino? Less than 2 euros. Plus, you’re never far from super fresh seafood and some of the best pizza around. Don’t forget to try a glass of local Mirto liqueur while you’re at it.

Bosa is small enough that you can walk everywhere, which makes exploring even more charming. For a cozy stay, book a room at Domo ‘e sa Rosa, right in the heart of town. This adorable little hotel even has a tiny rooftop terrace—perfect for enjoying those golden hour views!

ROOMS & RATES DOMO ‘E SA ROSA

The coastal drive from Bosa to Alghero is absolutely stunning! Along the way, you’re treated to some seriously epic views of the coastline. Make a pit stop at Spiaggia della Speranza—it’s the perfect spot for a caffeine boost and a refreshing dip in that sparkling blue sea.

Prosciutteria Sant Miquel in Alghero. Mussels at Il Gabbiano and beach club Riservato in Alghero | Sardinia Highlights and Tips

Alghero
What a charming town this is! It’s got everything: the vibe of an old town, a mix of Spanish, Italian, and Moroccan influences, and a big beach. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stick around just a little longer. A total must-visit is Prosciutteria Sant Miquel. Make a reservation ahead of time. The owner will feel like your favorite uncle within five minutes, pouring one amazing wine after another while you soak in the jazz tunes and tackle the most epic aperitivo board you’ve ever seen. We ended up making this place our dinner spot for multiple nights—it’s just that good!

Another great wine bar is SardOa! Sneak a peek inside at the delicious bruschettas they serve and pair one (or a few) with a nice glass of wine.

For a bit of a hidden gem in Alghero, check out Riservato Beach Bar. Grab a sun lounger, enjoy an Aperol Spritz or a G&T for just 6 euros, and take in the view of that crystal-clear blue sea. Pure bliss.

A FUN COOKING CLASS IN ALGHERO

Focacceria Milese is a popular sandwich spot where plenty of locals grab their lunch—which is always a good sign.
Then there’s Cyrano, a quirky bookstore where you can sip on coffee or wine while you browse. They also host readings pretty regularly, adding to the charm.
Craving something sweet? Swing by Igloo Gelateria Artigianale for some delicious gelato.
For seafood, head over to Ristorante di Pesce Gioberti and definitely get the mussels!

If you take a stroll from Alghero along the beach, just past the edge of town, you’ll stumble upon Maracaibo Cocktail Bar. It’s a great spot for a drink and an even better one for some top-notch people-watching.

SUNSET BOAT TRIP IN ALGHERO

Rent a bike for the day at E-Mobility! One great ride is over to the lively Summer Dream Beach Club. Grab a fresh poké bowl and try to snag one of their super comfy beach loungers.

For breakfast in Alghero, head to Slow Bakery! True to its name, the service can be a little… well, slow. But the coffee and their delicious granola with fresh fruit make it all worthwhile. Sit back, relax, and ease into the morning—after all, you’re on island time.

The beautiful streets of Bosa | Things to do in Sardinia | Italy

The comfy Sa Cheya Relais Hotel is a bit outside of town, but it comes with a massive pool and an excellent restaurant. Plus, right next door at Fogo Churrascaria, you can enjoy some fantastic food in a gorgeous boho setting. And don’t worry about the distance—it’s just a 10-minute taxi ride to Alghero’s center.

If staying in the old town is more your style, check out Alghero Roof Garden or the elegant Villa Mosca Charming House, which even has a pool. (Click on the names for rooms and rates!)

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The most beautiful beaches in the north west of Sardinia
Spiaggia di Porto Ferro
Porto Palmas
Spiaggia La Pelosa
La Frana
Spiaggia di Rena Majore della Nurra
Spiaggia del Lazzaretto (bij Alghero)