Castelsardo sits on the north-western coast of Sardinia, with Sassari the nearest large town. Alghero and its airport are around 50 kilometres south-west of here. The town was born nearly 1000 years ago as Castelgenovese, its strategically defensible position high on a rocky headland making for a dramatic setting. The 'centro storico' of the town clusters around the ruined castle, and from here you gaze down onto super views of Sardinia's northern coast. Those with good eyesight may, on a clear day, be able to espy distant Corsica.
There are some great restaurants, and a real treat in the local speciality of lobster, as well as good pizzas and pastas. And being less invaded by the Brits than Alghero, prices are low and the centre is blessedly unaffected by tourism. This is still very much a local town, and you'll be eating and drinking in the bars alongside local people. Boating is very popular here, and it's easy to arrange trips around the coast. There's a fine beach at Lu Bagnu, some 3km in the direction of Porto Torres, very popular with Italian holidaymakers from the mainland.
Must-sees include the castle, the 16th century Cattedrale di Sant’ Antonio Abate and the Chiesa (church) de Santa Maria. The signature local craft is basket weaving (there is even a basket weave museum, the Museo dell’ Intreccio, in town).
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Castelsardo hotels.
