Olbia, Sassari, Alghero: 3 cities beyond time on your Northern Sardinia itinerary

Sardinia is world-famous for its sea and beaches, among the most beautiful in Italy and beyond. Actually, however, there is much more to get to know. Today we will take you on a trip discovering three cities in Northern Sardinia with so much to offer and tell to tourists: Olbia, Sassari and Alghero.

These cities, symbols of the North of Sardinia, rise in fantastic natural settings, each one with its history, architecture, typical products, popular festivals and traditions.

In 2026, new cultural experiences and local events make the journey even more lively and surprising. Let’s start our Northern Sardinia itinerary, ready to show you its most authentic side, where the ancient and the modern coexist in harmony.

Northern Sardinia isn’t just famous for its sea and beaches: Olbia, Sassari, and Alghero offer cities with an ancient heart, featuring stunning sites that tell the region’s history, while at the same time boasting a lively, modern spirit. Streets, squares, and local events strike a perfect balance between tradition and contemporary life, making every visit a special experience.

The two main airports in Northern Sardinia are Olbia Costa Smeralda and Alghero Fertilia. Olbia, the most well-known, is the ideal starting point for those following an east-to-west itinerary. Traveling by car allows you to visit the three cities quickly and flexibly (about 1.5 hours from Olbia to Sassari, plus 30 minutes to reach Alghero), while public transport offers a valid and economical alternative.

Beyond their charming historic centers, Olbia, Sassari, and Alghero also feature fascinating surroundings, full of picturesque villages with age-old traditions, which host some of Sardinia’s most important events celebrating their artistic, historical, and gastronomic excellence. To join in, you can plan your itinerary by checking the Salude & Trigu program, which offers unmissable opportunities to immerse yourself in the most authentic local culture.

So, are you ready to start? The Northern Sardinia itinerary through Olbia, Sassari, and Alghero is waiting for you!

We begin our Northern Sardinia itinerary in Olbia, the “happy city” founded by the Greeks — today a vibrant gateway to Gallura and, each year, a lively hub of events, culture, and tradition.

Overlooking a gulf of rare beauty, Olbia blends the charm of the past with the vibrant rhythm of a contemporary city. In the streets of its historic center, traditional workshops and modern venues intertwine, while the tranquil atmosphere of the harbor still tells the story of its deep bond with the sea and its seafaring traditions.

But Olbia is also a city of history and archaeology. Don’t miss the Archaeological Museum, the Basilica of San Simplicio, and the Punic-Roman necropolis with its ancient tombs. In May, the city comes alive for the Feast of San Simplicio, with colorful parades, traditional costumes, and folk music.

Wander through the "Carreras Bezzas", the old granite streets that preserve the city’s memory, and discover the authentic flavors of Gallura: Olbia-style octopus salad, bottarga crostini, chjusoni with wild boar ragù, and the famous Gallurese soup. All best enjoyed with a glass of Vermentino di Gallura, celebrated every year during the Benvenuto Vermentino festival.

Continuing west, our itinerary leads to Sassari, a city of noble character and authentic charm, where the medieval past blends harmoniously with a lively contemporary spirit. Set on a limestone plateau surrounded by olive groves and gentle hills, its historic center preserves ancient towers, elegant palaces, and landmarks such as the Rosello Fountain and Piazza Italia, the heart of city life.

Culture and tradition intertwine in its museums and popular celebrations: the March of Candelieri, a UNESCO heritage event, is a century-old ritual of devotion and joy that fills the streets every August, while the Cavalcata Sarda in May showcases the colors and costumes of the island’s most authentic traditions.

When it comes to food, Sassari preserves the flavors of the past with dishes like favata, zimino, snails, and horse meat specialties, best enjoyed with local wines such as Cannonau, Moscato, and Vermentino. 

Want to learn more about Sassari’s traditional cuisine? Don’t miss classic food events like Ciogghitta d'Oro and Weekend dei Gusti!

The final stop of the Northern Sardinia itinerary is Alghero, a city overlooking an emerald sea and surrounded by golden bastions. With its red rooftops, ancient walls, and Catalan soul, Alghero blends Mediterranean beauty with the charm of a unique history, in a city where Catalan is still spoken in the Algherese dialect, a testament to its centuries-old ties with Spain.

Strolling through the historic center, beyond admiring the baroque churches and the squares bustling with locals and visitors, you can feel how Alghero harmoniously combines the memory of the past with the modern vitality of its markets, cafés, and cultural venues. Not to be missed are the surrounding coastal landscapes of the Riviera del Corallo, famous for its prized coral, a symbol of the local artisanal tradition.

History, landscapes, and local craftsmanship, then. But that’s not all: the city’s festivals, culinary delights, and fine wines create a bridge between centuries-old tradition and today’s culture of taste and hospitality.

Among the most anticipated events, the Sant Miquel Festival enlivens the city every September with music, art, and performances, while JazzAlguer celebrates the sounds of jazz in stunning settings, transforming squares and alleys into an enchanting open-air stage.

To get the most out of your Northern Sardinia itinerary, here are some practical tips.

- Plan your visits according to the opening hours of museums and historic sites to avoid queues and unexpected delays, and consider booking popular experiences in advance, such as guided tours or wine tastings at local wineries.

- Be sure to check the calendar of festivals and traditional events, which can enrich your experience with music, craftsmanship, and local culture.

- Wear comfortable shoes for walking through narrow streets and squares, and consult official websites and tourist portals to discover markets, restaurants, and artisan shops.

- Schedule your time carefully to enjoy each city at a relaxed pace, so you can fully experience the charm and vibrancy of three extraordinary cities: Olbia, Sassari, and Alghero.