Where to Park in Alghero: Free and Paid Car Parks

Sassari

If you're planning a trip to Alghero and getting around by car, there's probably one question on your mind before you even arrive in Sardinia: where can you park in Alghero?

The answer really depends on what you want to do. Finding somewhere to leave the car for a few hours while you explore the old town is very different from needing parking near the beach or wanting to leave your car for the whole day.

On top of that, demand for parking rises sharply in high season, so it's worth arriving with a clear idea of where you can park.

In this guide from DoYouItaly, we'll explain where to park in Alghero, which free and paid parking options are available, how some of the main car parks work and what to bear in mind if you're driving into the old town.

Is Parking in Alghero Easy?

Generally speaking, you'll find a range of parking options in Alghero, both free and paid.

The main challenge comes during the busiest tourist months. In summer, demand goes up and finding a space close to where you want to go can be much trickier.

That's why our advice is simple: don't wait until you reach the old town to start looking for somewhere to park.

If you're visiting the walled city, you can leave your car in a car park outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone) and carry on on foot. That way, you won't waste time driving round narrow streets looking for a space, and you'll reduce the risk of accidentally entering a restricted traffic area.

In summer 2026, Alghero Town Council also opened new temporary parking areas to cope with the rise in demand. These include paid spaces, free spaces and free spaces reserved for residents only. The council also has an interactive map to help you find the different parking areas.

Where to Park in Alghero to Visit the Old Town

If you're planning to explore Alghero's historic centre, the easiest option is to park outside the city walls and carry on on foot.

The old town sits within a limited traffic zone (ZTL), so you shouldn't drive in without checking the access rules first.

According to local regulations, the ZTL covers various streets, squares and bastions within the walled city.

This is especially important if you've booked accommodation in the old town. Before driving right up to your door, check whether you need a permit to enter the ZTL.

Piazza dei Mercati

One option worth considering for visiting the old town is the Piazza dei Mercati multi-storey car park, located on Via Antonio Lo Frasso.

The council currently lists the price as 0.50€ per half hour, with any part of a half hour charged as a full one.

Opening hours also vary depending on the time of year:

• 1 September to 30 June: 08:00 to 22:00.
• 1 July to 30 September: open 24 hours.
• Monthly pass holders have access all year round.

It's a particularly good choice if you want to leave the car and head into the old town on foot.

Piazzale della Pace

Another key parking area is Piazzale della Pace, a handy spot if you want to walk into the old town, down to the harbour or along the city walls.

It's worth pointing out an important difference from some of the older information you might come across online.

According to the council, between 15 April and 15 October, spaces marked with blue lines are pay and display 24 hours a day.

The rate for this period is 0.50€ per 20 minutes. You can pay at the parking meters, including by card, or through the EasyPark and DropTicket apps.

So if you find information showing different times or seasons, always check that it applies to the year you're travelling.

Parking on Via Brigata Sassari

The council's facilities also include the car park on Via Brigata Sassari.

It's an underground car park with 44 spaces, and its current published opening hours are 08:00 to 20:30, including public holidays.

If you're after a covered option and plan to visit the old town during the day, it's worth checking before you arrive.

Where to Park for Free in Alghero

Yes, there are free parking areas in Alghero. However, there's one important thing to know: not all free spaces are open to every vehicle.

There's a difference between:

• Paid car parks.
• Free car parks open to everyone.
• Free car parks reserved for residents only.

So finding a space that looks free isn't enough. Before leaving your car, always check the signs in the area.

If you're travelling in high season and want to park for free, we'd recommend checking the council's parking map before you set off. That way, you can find the available areas and use your phone's sat nav to get straight there.

Where to Park When Visiting Alghero's Beaches

If you're planning a day at one of the beaches around Alghero, you'll need a different approach.

In this case, there's not much point parking in the town centre and then heading out to the coast. It's usually easier to look for a parking area close to the beach you want to visit.

In summer, these areas can fill up quickly, especially on the busiest days.

If you want to visit popular beaches such as Le Bombarde or Lazzaretto, we'd recommend arriving fairly early and keeping a close eye on the parking signs.

Also, don't assume that an area that was free in previous years will still have exactly the same rules. Regulations and temporary parking areas can change from one season to the next.

What If Your Hotel Is Inside the ZTL?

In that case, we wouldn't recommend driving in just because your sat nav says it's the quickest route.

Before you arrive, ask your accommodation:

• whether it's inside the ZTL;
• whether guests can get a permit;
• how to apply for one;
• which entrance you should use;
• and where you can leave your car.

This quick check could save you a lot of hassle during your trip.

How Do You Pay for Parking in Alghero?

How you pay depends on the car park.

Council-run parking areas offer a few different options. According to the council, the new temporary parking areas for 2026 accept coins, debit and credit cards, and apps such as EasyPark and DropTicket.

At Piazzale della Pace, you can also pay at the parking meter or through the apps recommended by the council.

Our advice is to always have a backup option ready. Even if you can pay by phone, it's a good idea to keep a card handy and check the rules for the area before you walk away.

What's the Best Place to Park in Alghero?

There isn't one car park that suits every traveller.

It all depends on your plans.

If you want to visit the old town, look for a space outside the ZTL and carry on on foot.

If you want to leave the car for several hours, a car park such as Piazza dei Mercati can be a handy option, depending on its opening hours and availability.

If you'd like to head to the harbour and the city walls, the parking areas near Piazzale della Pace are worth considering, bearing in mind that the blue zone is pay and display during certain months.

If parking for free is your priority, check the free parking areas available and always make sure they're not reserved for residents.

And if you're visiting a beach, it's usually easier to find parking close to that beach rather than leaving your car in Alghero town centre.

FAQs About Parking in Alghero

Where can you park for free in Alghero?

There are free parking areas in Alghero. On top of that, the council has opened new temporary free parking areas for 2026. Some are open to all drivers, while others are reserved for residents only.

Can you park in Alghero's old town?

The old town is a limited traffic zone (ZTL), so access by car is restricted. If you're visiting as a tourist, the easiest option is to park outside the restricted area and explore the old town on foot.

How much does parking in Alghero cost?

Prices depend on the car park and the time of year. For example, in 2026 Piazzale della Pace charges €0.50 per 20 minutes during the paid period from 15 April to 15 October. Piazza dei Mercati charges €0.50 per half hour, with any part of a half hour charged as a full one.

Where can you park near Alghero's old town?

Car parks outside the ZTL, such as Piazza dei Mercati or the areas near Piazzale della Pace, are good options, and from there you can carry on on foot. Availability will depend on the time of day and the season.

Can I drive into the ZTL if my hotel is inside it?

You shouldn't assume you can automatically. If your accommodation is inside the ZTL, check the access rules and any permits you might need with your hotel before you arrive.

Is it hard to park in Alghero in summer?

Demand goes up during the tourist season. That's why, especially in summer, we'd recommend planning where to park before you arrive and making use of the extra parking areas opened by the council.

Hiring a Car to Explore Alghero?

Having a car gives you plenty of freedom to discover Alghero and other parts of Sardinia, especially if you'd like to combine the town with beaches, villages and other spots around the island.

If you haven't booked your car yet, you can compare car hire options in Alghero and look through the different choices available for your trip.

You'll also find pick-up options in La Pietraia if that location suits your itinerary better, or you can collect your car straight from Alghero Airport if you're flying into Sardinia.

Before booking, though, don't just focus on the price.

It's also worth checking the deposit, excess, fuel policy, mileage, insurance, the type of card you'll need and the pick-up and drop-off conditions.

At DoYouItaly, you can compare a range of car hire deals and check their terms and conditions before choosing the one that best suits your trip.

And if you're planning a wider road trip around Sardinia, you can round off your itinerary with our guide to the best restaurants in Olbia and discover some great places to stop for a bite to eat along the way.

That way, you can arrive in Sardinia with your car sorted and spend your time on what really matters: enjoying Alghero and exploring the island at your own pace.