Sardinia’s west coast: Alghero to Barumini
Catalan Alghero and a sea cave under Capo Caccia, the cliff road to Bosa, quartz beaches and Phoenician ruins on the Sinis, then the Bronze Age at Barumini.
- Distance
- approx. 260 km (162 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 35 min
- Suggested days
- 5
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Italy
- Best time to go
- April–May and September–November
- Tolls and vignettes
- ≈ €15
- Updated
- September 8, 2026
At a glance: 5-day road trip of about 260 km (162 mi) with 7 stops, from Alghero to Cagliari. About 3 h 35 min of driving in total. Best time to go: April–May and September–November. Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €15 (Italy).
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Photos along the route
Route description
Alghero is a walled seaside town with Catalan roots, still visible in its street names and dialect. Drive out to Capo Caccia for Neptune’s Grotto, reached by the long cliff staircase or by boat from Alghero’s harbour.
The SP105 from Alghero to Bosa is one of Sardinia’s finest coast roads, empty and winding high above the sea, where griffon vultures sometimes circle. Bosa’s pastel houses line the river Temo below the Malaspina castle.
Continue south through Cuglieri on the SS292 to the Sinis peninsula near Oristano, with the quartz-grain beach of Is Arutas and the ruins of Tharros. The lagoons around Cabras hold flamingos and are known for their mullet roe, bottarga.
Turn inland to Barumini for Su Nuraxi, the finest of Sardinia’s nuraghi, then take the SS131 to Cagliari. The west coast is much quieter than the east and north, with plenty of room for motorhomes; free camping is restricted near the beaches, so use campsites and sosta areas.
Which stops are on Sardinia’s west coast?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Alghero
Italy - 216 km
Neptune’s Grotto
NatureAlghero, ItalyA sea cave of lakes and stalactites at the foot of Capo Caccia, reached by 654 steps down the cliff or by boat from Alghero. Closed when the sea is rough.
- 351 km
Bosa
Italy - 449 km
Is Arutas beach
NatureCabras, ItalyA beach made of tiny rounded grains of quartz in white, pink and green. Taking any away is forbidden and fined.
- 512 km
Tharros
HistoryCabras, ItalyPhoenician and Roman ruins on the tip of the Sinis peninsula, with two columns standing against the sea. Visit the early Christian church of San Giovanni di Sinis on the way.
- 663 km
Su Nuraxi di Barumini
HistoryBarumini, ItalyThe best-known Bronze Age nuraghe complex in Sardinia, a stone tower and village of round huts. Visits are guided and leave every half hour.
- 768 km
Cagliari
Italy
How do you drive Sardinia’s west coast in 5 days?
5 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Alghero → Bosa · 67 km · 0 h 56 minOn the way: Neptune’s Grotto.Overnight nearby, for example: Agricamping Su'e Lentu (3 km); S'Abba Druche (3 km).
- Day 2: Bosa → Is Arutas beach · 49 km · 0 h 41 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Is Aruttas (< 1 km); Spinnaker (12 km).
- Day 3: Is Arutas beach → Tharros · 12 km · 0 h 10 minOvernight nearby, for example: Spinnaker (8 km); Camping Is Aruttas (9 km).
- Day 4: Tharros → Su Nuraxi di Barumini · 63 km · 0 h 52 minOvernight nearby, for example: Area sosta camper Baradili (8 km); Area camper Tramontana Villanovaforru (13 km).
- Day 5: Su Nuraxi di Barumini → Cagliari · 68 km · 0 h 57 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camper Cagliari Park (2 km); garden sharing Officina Equestre (17 km).
When is the best time for Sardinia’s west coast?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and December. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
What should you know before driving Sardinia’s west coast?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €15 (Italy).
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
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FAQs
How long is Sardinia’s west coast: Alghero to Barumini?
5-day road trip of about 260 km (162 mi) with 7 stops, from Alghero to Cagliari. About 3 h 35 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Sardinia’s west coast: Alghero to Barumini?
We suggest 5 days: about 3 h 35 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Sardinia’s west coast: Alghero to Barumini start and end?
It starts in Alghero and ends in Cagliari.
Which countries does Sardinia’s west coast: Alghero to Barumini pass through?
Italy.
Where can you camp along Sardinia’s west coast: Alghero to Barumini?
OpenStreetMap lists 41 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Laguna Blu, Il Villaggio e Campeggio Nurral and Nuragh'Elighe.
How much are the tolls on Sardinia’s west coast?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €15 (Italy). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.
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