Discover This Hidden Italian Beach Town with Amalfi Coast Charm Without the Crowds or High Costs

If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping Aperol spritzes surrounded by pastel buildings and in view of a turquoise-blue waters, the Amalfi Coast in Italy no doubt comes to mind. But if you don’t love the idea of battling crowds in such a popular destination, the underrated beach town of Alghero might be your dream Italian escape. Found on the northwest coast of Sardinia, a Mediterranean must-visit for thrilling outdoor adventures, this small port town delivers Amalfi-esque vibes without the crowds and costs — plus a unique charm of its own.

Alghero isn’t always on the radar of international travelers (although July and August draw crowds). But Italians have long known about its appeal, even giving it the nickname of “Barceloneta,” a diminutive for Barcelona. The old town is a maze of sun-washed cobblestone alleys, 16th century facades, and bustling piazzas lined with cafes. Its Spanish-influenced architecture — a holdover from centuries of Catalan rule — gives the town a distinctive, almost hybrid identity. In fact, street signs here are in both Italian and Catalan, and visitors will often hear locals speaking a unique version of Catalan, the Algherese dialect.

The historic center is perched above rugged cliffs and shimmering blue bays, with medieval walls wrapping around much of the shoreline. There’s even a seaside promenade along the bastions where you can catch golden hour over the water with gelato in hand. It feels every bit as scenic as Positano, but without the chaos of tour buses or celebrity yachts bobbing offshore. In fact, the town center is car-free and wonderfully walkable. And when you’re ready to hit the beach, you’ve got plenty of options. Several beaches are within walking distance of town, and you’ll find white sand and clear water waiting for you.

While there are no doubt hidden gems on the Amalfi Coast without the crowds, Alghero offers something entirely unique. For beach lovers, the location gives you access to some of the most stunning — and swimmable — stretches of coastline in Sardinia. Just a short walk from the center, you’ll find Spiaggia del Lido di San Giovanni, a beach with pale sand and shallow, clear water perfect for wading or paddleboarding. From June to September, visitors can hop on The Beach Bus for a few euros to visit other beaches like Maria Pia and Spiaggia Le Bombarde, as well as Neptune’s Cave, a marine grotto with interesting geologic features.

But Alghero isn’t just about the sun and sea. The town is also known for its unique coral — and you’ll see red coral everywhere, from museum displays to shops selling handcrafted jewelry. History buffs will want to explore the 16th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria in the center of town and the Nuraghe Palmavera, a prehistoric site that dates back more than 3,000 years. Here, visitors can learn more about Sardinia’s Indigenous Nuragic people, who lived on the island for several centuries.

Let’s not forget about the food. Sardinian cuisine blends Italian and Catalan traditions with island flavors. Think handmade pasta like fregola with clams, wild boar, rich sheep’s milk cheeses, and roasted suckling pig (porceddu), one of the most popular traditional dishes. Seafood, naturally, plays a starring role, especially lobster. Alghero’s signature dish is aragosta alla Catalana, a cold lobster salad with tomatoes, onions, and olive oil. Don’t skip dessert, either — seadas, deep-fried pastries filled with cheese and drizzled with honey, are as local as it gets. Wash it all down with a glass of Vermentino or Cannonau, Sardinia’s star wines.