Sunset sailing in Alghero: Aperitif and swim at Maddalenetta

Medieval walls, island waters, and aperitif at dusk

A two-hour boat tour from Alghero that sails past the city's historic medieval fortifications, then anchors at Maddalenetta island for swimming and snorkeling in clear water. The skipper prepares a local wine aperitif with appetizers while you relax on deck. The boat operates by motor to ensure comfort and reliable timing for the sunset. Live guide in English or Italian. Minimum age 18.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing and aperitif at sunset

• Depart from Alghero port
• Sail along historic medieval walls
• Admire towers and ramparts
• Stop at Maddalenetta island
• Swim in crystal clear waters
• Enjoy aperitif with local wine
• Relax with music and appetizers
• Watch the sunset on board

The experience

The boat leaves Alghero's port and motors along the medieval walls that rise from the water: fortifications built by the Catalan-Aragonese centuries ago, with towers and ramparts that tell the city's history from a perspective most visitors never see. Your guide explains the main architectural features as you pass, pointing out details that ground the view in what you're actually looking at rather than just the silhouette.

After the walls, the route heads to Maddalenetta, a small island where the water is clear enough to see the bottom. You can swim off the boat or use the snorkeling gear provided. There's also a stand-up paddleboard if you want to move around on the water. While you're in or on the water, the skipper prepares an aperitif with local white wine and appetizers, set up on deck with music playing. The timing is built around the sunset, so you're eating and drinking as the light changes.

The boat is a 1978 motor sailer that runs by motor rather than sail: the operator chose this because two hours isn't enough time for a real sailing experience, and motor gives you a reliable schedule and steadier platform for the aperitif and swimming. The remaining time after the walls and Maddalenetta stop is spent navigating back to port.

What’s included

• Local white wine and appetizers.
• snacks.
• snorkeling equipment.
• stand-up paddleboard use.
• skipper service.
• fuel.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 16 May 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by EscursioniBarcaAlghero

Is this one for you?Two hours leaves room for other activities earlier in your day, but means the medieval walls and Maddalenetta swim fit into a single evening rather than a full-day commitment. Arrive at the port 15 minutes before departure. The boat leaves on time, and late arrivals forfeit the booking.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the medieval walls of Alghero that we'll see from the boat?

The walls are fortifications built by the Catalan-Aragonese that rise directly from the sea around the old city. They include towers and ramparts that have stood for centuries. Seeing them from the water gives a view of the architecture and scale that you can't get from land, and the guide points out the main features and historical details as you pass.

Can I swim at Maddalenetta, or is it just a viewing stop?

Maddalenetta is a swimming stop. You can dive in from the boat, use the snorkeling equipment to explore the clear water, or paddle around on the stand-up paddleboard. The aperitif is served on deck while you're in the water or resting between swims.

Is this a sailing tour, or does the boat use a motor?

The boat operates by motor. It's a 1978 motor sailer, but the two-hour timeframe and the focus on comfort for the aperitif and swimming mean the route is powered by motor rather than sail. This keeps the schedule reliable and the boat steady while you're eating and drinking.

What's included in the aperitif, and when is it served?

The aperitif includes local white wine, appetizers, and snacks, prepared by the skipper and served on deck with music. It's timed around the sunset, so you're eating and relaxing as the light changes over the water.

What's the minimum age for this tour?

The minimum age is 18. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, but children under 18 cannot participate.

How much time do we actually spend at Maddalenetta?

The tour is two hours total from port to port. After viewing the medieval walls, the remaining time is split between the Maddalenetta stop for swimming and snorkeling, and the return navigation to Alghero's port. The exact breakdown depends on conditions and the skipper's pace, but swimming and the aperitif make up the bulk of the stop.