Arzachena
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Latest page update: 14 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Arzachena
Arzachena, in the north-east of Sardinia, is known for its archaeological sites and as a gateway to the Costa Smeralda. The town and surrounding area provide several established hotels, ranging from comfortable central properties to resorts set in the countryside and along the coast.
Hotel Citti is a convenient option in the centre of Arzachena, offering modern rooms, a pool and strong feedback for value and location (€€). Just outside the town, Hotel Parco degli Ulivi is surrounded by olive groves, featuring a pool, traditional Sardinian design and reviews highlighting its relaxing atmosphere (€€). For a resort-style stay closer to the coast, Grand Hotel Poltu Quatu provides luxury facilities, a marina setting and extensive services, with consistently positive guest ratings (€€€).
Hotel Citti is a convenient option in the centre of Arzachena, offering modern rooms, a pool and strong feedback for value and location (€€). Just outside the town, Hotel Parco degli Ulivi is surrounded by olive groves, featuring a pool, traditional Sardinian design and reviews highlighting its relaxing atmosphere (€€). For a resort-style stay closer to the coast, Grand Hotel Poltu Quatu provides luxury facilities, a marina setting and extensive services, with consistently positive guest ratings (€€€).
Where is
Where is Arzachena?
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The hill town of Arzachena is situated within the Province of Sassari, a distance of 299 kilometres north of Cagliari, the regional capital of Sardinia. Standing at an elevation of 85 metres above sea level, it has a population of around 14,000 residents.
Some of the nearby places of interest include the Nuraghe La Prisgiona, Cannigione and the village of San Pantaleo. |
Comune di Arzachena
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Province: Sassari
Region: Sardinia Population: 13,407 (in 2024 - source) Size: 229 km² Elevation: 85 metres Close by: Nuraghe La Prisgiona, Cannigione, San Pantaleo Fly to: Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport - 28 minutes by car (28 km) |
What People Ask About Arzachena
Is Arzachena worth visiting?
Yes, Arzachena is worth visiting for its archaeological sites, granite landscapes, and proximity to the Costa Smeralda. It offers a quieter base with easy access to beaches, countryside, and historic remains.
Where is Arzachena and how do I get there?
Arzachena lies in north-eastern Sardinia, about 25–30 minutes by car from Olbia. Drive via SS125 or SS427; buses run from Olbia and Palau, but a car is best for reaching beaches and archaeological sites widely spread around the area.
What is Arzachena known for?
Arzachena is famous for Nuragic and pre-Nuragic sites, including the Nuraghe La Prisgiona complex and the Giants’ Tombs (such as Coddu Vecchiu). The surrounding countryside features striking granite formations and vineyards.
Which beaches are near Arzachena?
Nearby Costa Smeralda beaches include Liscia Ruja, Capriccioli, Spiaggia del Principe, and Romazzino. To the north, Cannigione and La Conia offer family-friendly bays with calm, clear water and facilities.
When is the best time to visit Arzachena?
May–June and September are ideal for warm weather, open sites, and fewer crowds. July–August are hottest and busiest on the coast. Spring and autumn are great for touring archaeological sites and countryside walks.
Related links
Discover
Discover Arzachena
Arzachena is a town in the Province of Sassari, set in the heart of Gallura on Sardinia’s northeastern side. It lies amid rolling granite hills, Mediterranean scrub, and scattered cork oak woods, with the historic centre built from pale local stone that reflects the character of the landscape. The surrounding territory is marked by rural estates, archaeological sites, and winding roads that lead towards the coastline of the Costa Smeralda.
The area is noted for its Nuragic and pre-Nuragic sites, including the Tomba dei Giganti di Coddu Vecchiu and the Nuraghe La Prisgiona, which illustrate the deep history of the region. Arzachena is also closely tied to the famous coastal developments of the Costa Smeralda, acting as the main inland reference point for resorts and beaches along this stretch of shoreline. Positioned between Tempio Pausania and the coastal routes leading towards Palau and Olbia, it serves as a cultural and geographic crossroads in northeastern Sardinia, linking ancient heritage with one of the island’s most renowned coastal areas.
The area is noted for its Nuragic and pre-Nuragic sites, including the Tomba dei Giganti di Coddu Vecchiu and the Nuraghe La Prisgiona, which illustrate the deep history of the region. Arzachena is also closely tied to the famous coastal developments of the Costa Smeralda, acting as the main inland reference point for resorts and beaches along this stretch of shoreline. Positioned between Tempio Pausania and the coastal routes leading towards Palau and Olbia, it serves as a cultural and geographic crossroads in northeastern Sardinia, linking ancient heritage with one of the island’s most renowned coastal areas.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Arzachena
- Historic centre of Arzachena is a small town in northern Sardinia, known for its blend of traditional Sardinian architecture and modern amenities. The streets feature stone houses, small piazzas, and historic churches, reflecting its role as a regional hub. Views stretch across the surrounding countryside and nearby coast.
- Piazza Risorgimento serves as the social heart of Arzachena, lined with cafés, shops, and municipal buildings. The square hosts markets, festivals, and community events, offering a lively space to experience local life and Sardinian traditions. It is a central meeting point for residents and visitors alike.
- Nearby archaeological sites include the famous Nuragic complexes and ancient tombs that showcase Sardinia’s prehistoric past. These sites offer insight into the island’s early inhabitants and their cultural practices, attracting history enthusiasts.
- Surrounding natural areas feature walking trails through Mediterranean vegetation, granite hills, and vineyards typical of the Gallura region. These paths provide opportunities to explore the rural landscape and enjoy panoramic views of the sea and mountains.
- Guided cultural and nature tours explore Arzachena’s historic centre, archaeological sites, and natural surroundings. Guides share stories about local history, traditions, and environment. These tours often include tastings of regional wines, cheeses, and traditional Sardinian cuisine, offering a rich cultural experience.
Tours and Activities
Arzachena Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Arzachena Photo Gallery
Sardinia Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Sardinia
1. Bosa
2. La Maddalena Archipelago
3. Alghero
4. Su Nuraxi di Barumini
5. Santa Teresa Gallura
6. Asinara
7. Gulf of Orosei
8. La Pelosa Beach
9. Gennargentu National Park
10. Tavolara
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sardinia
1. Bosa
2. La Maddalena Archipelago
3. Alghero
4. Su Nuraxi di Barumini
5. Santa Teresa Gallura
6. Asinara
7. Gulf of Orosei
8. La Pelosa Beach
9. Gennargentu National Park
10. Tavolara
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sardinia
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Arzachena
By Rail: Arzachena does not have its own train station, but the nearest one is in Palau, about 20 kilometres away, on the narrow-gauge Sassari–Palau line operated by ARST. Seasonal trains connect Palau to Tempio Pausania in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with onward connections towards Sassari. From Palau or Olbia, local buses and taxis provide easy access to Arzachena.
By Road: Arzachena is located in north-eastern Sardinia, approximately 25 kilometres north of Olbia. The drive takes around 30 minutes via the SS125. From Palau, the distance is about 20 kilometres, with a journey time of roughly 25 minutes. The town is well connected by regional roads, with parking available near the centre and along the main routes towards the Costa Smeralda.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Arzachena is located in north-eastern Sardinia, approximately 25 kilometres north of Olbia. The drive takes around 30 minutes via the SS125. From Palau, the distance is about 20 kilometres, with a journey time of roughly 25 minutes. The town is well connected by regional roads, with parking available near the centre and along the main routes towards the Costa Smeralda.
Nearest International Airports:
- Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport: Situated around 30 kilometres southeast of Arzachena, with a drive of about 35 minutes via the SS125. This is the closest and most convenient airport, offering regular domestic and international flights.
- Alghero–Fertilia Airport: Located approximately 160 kilometres west, taking around 2 hours and 30 minutes by car via the SS729 and SS125. It provides several routes to major Italian and European destinations.
- Cagliari Elmas Airport: Roughly 300 kilometres south of Arzachena, with a journey time of about 3 hours and 40 minutes via the SS131. It serves numerous national and international connections throughout the year.
Private Transfers
Arzachena Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel to or from Arzachena, with a professional local driver providing direct, door-to-door service. It’s a practical option for visitors exploring the Costa Smeralda area, avoiding the need to hire a car or navigate busy resort traffic.
Transfers can be arranged from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, which serves frequent domestic and international flights, as well as from Alghero Fertilia Airport for those arriving from other parts of the island. Private transfers also connect Arzachena with nearby destinations such as Cannigione, Palau, and Porto Cervo, allowing you to travel comfortably and at your own pace through northern Sardinia.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Transfers can be arranged from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, which serves frequent domestic and international flights, as well as from Alghero Fertilia Airport for those arriving from other parts of the island. Private transfers also connect Arzachena with nearby destinations such as Cannigione, Palau, and Porto Cervo, allowing you to travel comfortably and at your own pace through northern Sardinia.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

