Beautiful Beaches near Alghero

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Table of Content

1. Introduction
2. Beaches in the Center of Alghero
   • Maria Pia Beach
3. Beaches North of Alghero
   • Le Bombarde Beach
   • Lazzaretto Beach
   • Mugoni Beach
   • Torre del Porticciolo Beach
4. Beaches Around Alghero
   • Porto Ferro Beach
   • Cala Dragunara
   • Cala dell'Argentiera
   • Poglina Beach
5. When to Visit Alghero’s Beaches
6. Practical Tips
7. Conclusion

Introduction

The coastline of Alghero, located in the northwestern part of Sardinia, is a true paradise for sea lovers, with some of the most beautiful beaches of Alghero stretching along the entire Coral Riviera. Fine sandy bays, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters in shades ranging from turquoise to emerald: the Alghero coast offers an extraordinary variety of seaside landscapes to suit every preference.

In this article, I will guide you through the most fascinating Sardinia beaches in this area, from those easily accessible from the center of Alghero to the wilder and more untouched beaches in the surroundings. Whether you're looking for comfort and services or peace and unspoiled nature, you'll surely find the perfect beach for your Sardinian sea holiday.

Beaches in the Center of Alghero

Maria Pia Beach

Maria Pia Beach is one of the most popular and accessible beaches for those staying in Alghero, located just 2 km from the city center. This long stretch of fine golden sand, extending for about 1.5 km, features shallow waters, making it particularly suitable for families with children.

What makes Maria Pia Beach special is the enchanting pine forest that borders it, offering natural shaded areas where you can relax during the hottest hours. The water is crystal clear with vibrant colors, and the beach is well-equipped with beach clubs, umbrella and sunbed rentals, bars, and restaurants.

For those seeking more peace and quiet, you can find free, less crowded spots by moving slightly away from the busiest areas. The sunset at this beach, with the sun setting into the sea and creating spectacular light effects through the pine forest, is truly unmissable for anyone wondering where to go swimming in Alghero.

How to get there:
Located in Alghero’s Lido area, it’s very easy to reach on foot or by bike.

Parking:
There are several parking spots along the road next to the pine forest. During the high season (July–August), most parking spaces are paid (around €1.50/hour), while during the shoulder months, free spots are easier to find. There are also some free parking areas a little farther from the beach.

Best time to visit:
All year round, ideally from June to September.

Ideal hours:

• Early morning (7:00–9:00): To enjoy a quieter beach and easily find parking.

• Late afternoon (5:00–8:00 PM): When many tourists have already left and the temperature becomes more pleasant. The sunsets here are spectacular.

Recommended gear:
Beach towel, umbrella (although the pine forest provides plenty of natural shade).

Beaches North of Alghero

Le Bombarde Beach

One of the undisputed gems of Alghero’s coastline is Le Bombarde Beach, located about 7 km from the city center within the Porto Conte Natural Park. This stunning stretch of fine white sand, lapped by greenish-blue waters, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches of Alghero and all of Sardinia.

What makes Le Bombarde truly unique is the perfect combination of crystal-clear sea, bright white sand, and the Mediterranean scrub that reaches almost to the shoreline, creating a natural setting of rare beauty. The beach is well equipped with beach clubs, restaurants, and bars, yet still offers large areas of free beach for those who prefer a more natural experience.

The clear, relatively calm waters make it suitable for everyone — from families with children to snorkeling enthusiasts who can explore the rocky seabed at the edges of the bay, rich with fish and other marine life. During the high season, it’s advisable to arrive early in the morning to find a good spot, given the beach’s great popularity.

How to get there:
10 km from Alghero, along the SP55 road towards Fertilia/Porto Conte.

Parking:
There is a large paid parking area managed by local cooperatives during the summer season (around €5–7 for the whole day). Free parking options nearby are very limited.

Best time to visit:
From May to the end of September.

Ideal hours:

• Early morning (7:00–9:00): Perfect for enjoying the beach almost deserted and the particularly calm, crystal-clear water.

• Late afternoon (5:00–7:00 PM): The light becomes softer, ideal for photography, and many tourists begin to leave the beach.

To avoid:
The central hours (11:00 AM–4:00 PM) in July and August, when the beach is extremely crowded and the heat can be oppressive.

Recommended gear:
Umbrella, snorkeling mask, high-protection sunscreen.

Lazzaretto Beach

Not far from Le Bombarde lies Lazzaretto Beach, a small bay of light-colored sand surrounded by rocky cliffs and Mediterranean scrub. The beach takes its name from the ancient "lazzaretto" structure nearby, which was once used as a quarantine station.

Lazzaretto Beach is slightly less crowded than its neighbor Le Bombarde, while offering the same quality of crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery. It is well served by beach clubs and restaurants, yet maintains a more intimate and cozy atmosphere.

This beach is particularly suitable for snorkeling enthusiasts thanks to its rocky seabed rich in marine biodiversity. On days with moderate winds, the small waves make it a good spot for beginner surfers and bodyboarders as well.

How to get there:
Just past Le Bombarde, follow the signs along the SP55 road.

Parking:
Paid main parking area during high season. Some visitors park along the main road, but this is often subject to fines.

Best time to visit:
June to September.

Ideal hours:

• Morning (8:00–11:00): The morning light enhances the colors of the water between the rocks, and the beach is less crowded.

• Early afternoon (2:00–4:00 PM): Since the beach is quite small and fills up quickly, arriving after lunch when some visitors start leaving can be strategic.

To consider:
Due to its popularity and small size, this is one of the beaches that fills up the fastest during peak season.

Recommended gear:
Water shoes for exploring rocky coves, umbrella.

Mugoni Beach

Continuing towards Capo Caccia and the Neptune's Caves, inside the Porto Conte bay, you will find Mugoni Beach, a long stretch of fine sand extending for almost 2 kilometers. This beach stands out for its particularly calm waters, protected from the winds by the natural shape of the bay.

Mugoni Beach features gently sloping seabeds, making it ideal for families with children and for those who are not strong swimmers. The color of the sea ranges from turquoise to deep blue, creating a spectacular contrast with the green pine forest that borders the beach and provides natural shaded areas.

Less touristy than some of the more famous beaches around Alghero, Mugoni is an excellent choice for those seeking peace and quiet without giving up the beauty of the Sardinian sea. The beach offers basic services and wide areas of free access, and it can be reached by car from the center of Alghero in about 15–20 minutes.

How to get there:
Head towards Capo Caccia along the SP55 bis road.

Parking:
Large paid parking area (about €5 per day).

Best time to visit:
June to September.

Ideal hours:
All day long, especially recommended on windy afternoons.

Recommended gear:
Umbrella, children's beach toys, picnic supplies.

Torre del Porticciolo Beach

One of the most scenic beaches in the area, featuring a striking Aragonese tower overlooking a horseshoe-shaped bay. Wild nature, crystal-clear sea, and a peaceful atmosphere.

How to get there:
Follow the SP55 road towards Capo Caccia, then follow the signs for "Torre del Porticciolo." About 20 km from Alghero.

Parking:
Paid parking (around €6/day) at the Torre del Porticciolo campsite, or free parking along the road (limited spaces).

Best time to visit:
From late May to mid-September.

Ideal hours:

• Morning (9:00 AM–12:00 PM): The light enhances the clarity of the water and the rocky formations.

• Late afternoon (4:00 PM–7:00 PM): The tower and cliffs cast beautiful shadows across the beach.

Good to know:
Being less well-known than other beaches, it remains relatively quiet even on summer weekends.

Recommended gear:
Comfortable shoes (if you plan to climb up to the tower), umbrella, water shoes (mixed sand and rock seabed).

Beaches Around Alghero

Porto Ferro Beach

For lovers of unspoiled nature, Porto Ferro Beach is an unmissable stop. Located about 15 km from Alghero, this wide crescent-shaped bay is known for its uniquely colored sand, ranging from ochre to reddish tones, due to its particular mineral composition.

Porto Ferro Beach is framed by dunes covered with junipers and Mediterranean scrub, creating an ecosystem of great natural value. The sea here is a deep blue and often rough, attracting surfers and windsurfing enthusiasts who take advantage of the ideal conditions, especially during the spring and autumn months.

Less touristy and commercial than other areas, this beach offers a wilder and more authentic experience of the Sardinian sea. Services are limited to a couple of kiosks open during the high season, so it is advisable to bring everything you might need for the day.

How to get there:
Follow the SP55 and then the SP117 towards Porto Ferro.

Parking:
One of the advantages of this wilder beach is that parking is generally free all year round, although it can fill up quickly on peak summer days.

Best time to visit:
June – October.

Ideal hours:
Early morning or after 5:00 PM.

Recommended gear:
Light hiking shoes (if you want to explore the dunes), high-protection sunscreen.

Cala Dragunara

Nestled at the foot of the Capo Caccia promontory lies Cala Dragunara, a small bay accessible both by land and by sea. This little cove, with its light sand mixed with pebbles and crystal-clear emerald-hued waters, offers a postcard-perfect setting.

Cala Dragunara is especially popular among divers for its rich and diverse seabed, home to numerous marine species. The cove is also the departure point for boats heading to the famous Neptune’s Grotto, one of the area's most visited natural attractions.

The beach is quite small and offers limited services, so it is advisable to arrive early in the morning during high season. Access by land requires a short walk along a scenic path that offers spectacular views of the coast and the sea.

How to get there:
Road to Capo Caccia.

Parking:
Limited parking, usually paid during summer (around €1/hour).

Best time to visit:
May – early July, or September.

Ideal hours:
Morning (calm waters perfect for diving).

Recommended gear:
Mask and fins, water shoes.

Cala dell'Argentiera

Moving a bit further north, you’ll find the striking Cala dell'Argentiera, a beach named after the old silver mines located nearby. This small bay, surrounded by rocky cliffs and remnants of mining activity, offers a unique and evocative landscape where the sea meets industrial archaeology.

Cala dell'Argentiera features a mix of sand and pebbles and deep, intensely blue waters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling enthusiasts. The beach has retained a wild, unspoiled character, with minimal or no services depending on the season.

The special charm of this cove lies in its scenic and historical setting, with the old mining buildings overlooking the sea, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to explore a lesser-known but equally fascinating side of Sardinia’s beaches in the Alghero area.

How to get there:
SP18 road, about a 35-minute drive from Alghero.

Parking:
Free, along the roadside.

Best time to visit:
June and September (less crowded).

Ideal hours:
Morning or sunset.

Recommended gear:
Comfortable shoes, water, and snacks.

Poglina Beach

We conclude our tour with Poglina Beach, located about 20 km south of Alghero, towards Bosa. This long stretch of golden sand, extending for over 2 km, is famous for its crystal-clear waters and for being one of the most popular spots among local surfers.

Poglina Beach is known for its wild and unspoiled appearance, with sand dunes separating it from the main road and Mediterranean vegetation creating a beautifully natural setting. The sandy seabed slopes gently, making swimming safe, while on mistral wind days, the waves attract surfers from all over the island.

Although less known to tourists compared to other more famous beaches, Poglina is a real hidden gem for those seeking authenticity and wide open spaces to enjoy the Sardinian sea in peace, even during the high season.

How to get there:
SP105 road, a 15-minute drive south of Alghero.

Parking:
Free and plentiful along the roadside.

Best time to visit:
Spring, summer, and early autumn.

Ideal hours:
Early morning or evening (spectacular sunsets!).

Recommended gear:
Wind-resistant beach umbrella, surfboard (for surfers).

**It’s important to note that parking conditions can change from year to year, especially with the increasing tourism in Sardinia. In general, for the most popular beaches (Maria Pia, Le Bombarde, Lazzaretto), it is advisable to arrive early in the morning during the high season to find a spot, or to consider the shuttle services that the Municipality of Alghero often activates during the summer months to ease traffic congestion towards the beaches.

When to Visit the Beaches of Alghero

The ideal period to fully enjoy the most beautiful beaches of Alghero is from May to October, with July and August being the peak season, characterized by larger crowds and perfect water temperatures for swimming (24-26°C).

For those who prefer to avoid the crowds, June and September offer a great compromise: still pleasant temperatures, warm sea, and significantly fewer people on the beaches. May and October are ideal for lovers of peace and nature, with cooler but still enjoyable weather for outdoor activities.

Practical Tips

To make the most of your experience at the best beaches of Alghero, here are some practical tips:

• Renting a car is highly recommended to explore the more remote beaches that are less accessible by public transport.

• During the high season, it’s best to arrive early in the morning to find parking and a good spot on the beach.

• Always bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially when visiting less equipped beaches.

• Respect the environment: do not leave any litter and do not take sand or shells—this practice is strictly prohibited in Sardinia and subject to heavy fines.

• Check the sea conditions, especially at beaches more exposed to the wind, such as Porto Ferro or Poglina.

Conclusion

The most beautiful beaches of Alghero offer a variety of landscapes and environments to suit all preferences: from equipped and easily accessible beaches like Maria Pia and Le Bombarde, to more intimate coves like Cala Dragunara and Spiaggia del Lazzaretto, and the wild, untouched stretches of coastline like Porto Ferro and Poglina.

What all these beaches have in common is the extraordinary beauty of the Sardinian sea, with its crystal-clear waters that, in this part of the island, take on particularly intense hues thanks to the rich seabeds filled with Posidonia and coral formations, which have earned the area the nickname "Riviera del Corallo" (Coral Riviera).

A journey along Alghero’s coastline is an experience that goes beyond simple seaside tourism: it’s an immersion into unspoiled nature, history, and the culture of one of Sardinia’s most fascinating corners. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or natural beauty, Alghero’s beaches are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and the desire to return again and again to these wonderful shores.

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This article is part of the series "The Beaches of Sardinia," dedicated to exploring the island’s most enchanting coastal destinations. For more inspiration, check out the other articles in the section.