Car Hire Alghero

Car Hire

A warm climate, golden beaches and an historic town centre attract tourists to Alghero from all over Europe and beyond. About 44,000 people live in this Sardinian city, although this number tends to increase substantially during the summer months, as hordes of holidaymakers pack the town. Despite boasting a car-free medieval centre, Alghero and its surrounding region demands sightseeing and daytrips. Therefore, car rental in the city is well-worth exploring.

Who to Book With
Local car hire firms dominate the rental industry in Alghero. Companies like Autonoleggio Nolauto Alghero and Rent-a-Car Express are among the more reliable suppliers in the city centre. However, Hertz is one of the more renowned companies operating in downtown Alghero. Booking online is highly recommended if tourists are looking for the best quotes and deals.

Best time to go
Even though tourists can enjoy a sun-filled holiday at any time of the year, most flock to Alghero during the warmest months of the calendar, namely July and August. This does make the city and its beaches somewhat crowded though. For a cheaper holiday experience in Alghero, especially with rental bookings and room rates, visit between the quieter months of January and March.

Need to Know Essentials
Tourists will need to supply the following documents when renting a car in Alghero:

- A valid UK driving license or international driving license
- Another form of photo identification
- Booking confirmation document
- Credit card used for deposit

More information is available on our FAQ's page

Driving
It is not possible to drive in the very centre of the city, as vehicles are banned to preserve the historic quarter. Nevertheless, the roads outside the heart of Alghero are reasonably well maintained and safe for motorists. Be ready for heavy traffic in Alghero during the months of July and August. As you head away from the city, traffic tends to become less of an issue, but some of the roads can be winding and narrow. Motorists are advised to use their horn and drive with caution when travelling around blind curves and bends.

Peruse our guide to Italy for information on driving throughout the country.

Transport

Tourists can easily walk around the centre of Alghero and explore the city’s sites on foot. Nevertheless, there is a public transport system operating within Alghero. There is no intra-city train network in the town, but local buses make it possible for tourists to get around on wheels. Car hire is more commonly used for daytrips outside the city, but plenty of parking sites and smooth-flowing traffic make driving in Alghero relatively easy too.

Taxis
Taxis are available but tend to be sporadic in nature, even during the daytime. Tourists are recommended to phone ahead for taxi services. It is not uncommon to experience wait times of more than 45 minutes if cabs are not booked in advance. Radio Taxi Alghero is the primary company providing cab transport in the city.

Buses
The local bus network consists of five major routes, which connect passengers to the main districts around Alghero. Tickets can be purchased on board, but are more expensive than pre-purchased tickets. Commuters should visit a newsagent or tobacconist to buy passes before getting on the bus. Multiple-trip passes are cheaper than one-way tickets, so are certainly recommended for sightseeing tourists. A.R.S.T, a Sardinia-wide transport authority, operates the Alghero bus network.

Exploring

Despite Alghero’s breathtaking Old Town and fascinating culture, venturing to the many alluring highlights of the Sassari province is a popular pastime for all tourists to the city. With car hire, it is possible to reach sites like Neptune’s Grotto or the medieval town of Bosa. Visitors will be able to drive through some truly amazing coastal landscapes.

Recommended Drives

Neptune’s Grotto - One of Sardinia’s most alluring gems, this stalactite cave has been a popular tourist attraction since first being discovered by locals in the 18th century. Motorists can reach the cave from Alghero in a little more than 35 minutes. However, a 10-minute walk is required to get from the nearest parking lot to the entrance. Guided tours of Neptune’s Grotto are available.

Bosa - Situated on the SP105, the main coastal highway heading south from Alghero, tourists will experience more majestic medieval structures here, such as the Malaspina Castle. The drive from Alghero is a beautiful concoction of cliff-side views, crystal-blue water and luscious flora.

Nuraghe di Palmavera - Only a short distance from Alghero, and one of Sardinia’s best preserved nuraghe complexes, Nuraghe di Palmavera was built during the Nuragic Age, around 700 BC. There are also several other nuraghe remains located to the north of Alghero, near Sant’Imbenia and Anghelu Ruju. All can be reached by car on daytrips.