Europe > Italy > Alghero (AHO)
The Car or no Car advice for Alghero can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Alghero ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Alghero ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Alghero?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🚶 Why You Don’t Always Need a Car
First of all, Alghero’s old town is delightfully walkable. You can stroll between the harbour, historic towers, sea walls, and sandy beaches without any stress.
🌟 Go Car-Free If:
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You’re staying in the old town or near the waterfront
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You want easy days at Lido Beach
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You plan simple trips by bus to nearby beaches
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You prefer cafés, restaurants, and gentle exploring
Airport buses also run directly from Alghero Airport to the town. Because of this, many travellers manage easily without a car.
➡ In short: for Alghero itself, you don’t need a car.
🚌 When Local Transport Works Well
Alghero has bus links to a few scenic spots:
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Maria Pia Beach
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Lazzaretto Beach
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Le Bombarde
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Fertilia
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Grotte di Nettuno via bus + boat
These cover several highlights. Therefore, you can still enjoy a full beach holiday without renting a car.
➡ For simple beach-hopping, local buses are enough.
🚗 When Renting a Car Makes the Trip Far Better
However, Sardinia becomes far more rewarding once you drive. Coastal roads, viewpoints, and hilltowns sit far from local bus routes. Therefore, a rental car gives you freedom to explore properly.
A Car Helps If You Want To:
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Visit Capo Caccia independently
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Explore Stintino and the famous La Pelosa Beach
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Reach Bosa via one of Italy’s most scenic coastal drives
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Discover Valle dei Nuraghi and archaeological sites
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Explore inland vineyards, farms, and rural landscapes
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Create multi-stop days across western Sardinia
These routes are beautiful but rarely served by public transport. Because of this, a car unlocks a completely different side of Sardinia.
➡ For road trips, renting a car is ideal.
🚕 Local Transport Options in Alghero
Even so, alternatives exist:
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Buses to nearby beaches
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Boats to Neptune’s Grotto
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Taxis, though expensive
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Walking and cycling inside the town
These work for simple plans.
🧭 Quick Decision Table
| Your Plan in Alghero / Sardinia | Car Needed? |
|---|---|
| Old town + Lido Beach | ❌ No |
| Maria Pia / Bombarde / Fertilia (bus) | ❌ No |
| Capo Caccia at sunset | ⚠️ Helpful |
| Stintino / La Pelosa | ✅ Yes |
| Bosa coastal road | ✅ Yes |
| Inland nuraghi and rural landscapes | ✅ Yes |
🎯 Conclusion: Should You Rent a Car in Alghero?
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🚫 Skip the car if you’re staying in the old town, sticking to nearby beaches, and using buses or boats for short trips.
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🚗 Rent a car if you want freedom to explore Capo Caccia, Stintino, Bosa, or Sardinia’s rugged inland areas.
