From Sassari it's about 32 km (20 miles), roughly 35-40 minutes. From Alghero it's about 68 km (42 miles), around an hour. From Olbia and Olbia airport, count on roughly 100 km (62 miles), about 1.5-2 hours depending on route and traffic. From Porto Cervo and the Costa Smeralda it's a similar stretch, around 90 km (56 miles).
A half day covers the essentials, but a full day lets you enjoy it at a relaxed pace. Plan on 2-3 hours for the old town, castle climb, and cathedral crypt, then add time for lunch and a swim at the beach below. A private transfer means you're not locked into a bus timetable, so you can linger at the viewpoints or cut the visit short if the weather turns.
Expect an uphill walk from the main piazza to the castle along cobblestone lanes, with some steps but nothing that requires hiking gear. Comfortable shoes make a real difference. Most travelers manage it at a relaxed pace, and anyone with mobility concerns should simply plan extra time and a few rest stops on the way up.
Yes, if you have an extra 20-30 minutes. This wind-carved rock formation shaped like an elephant sits about 4 km (2.5 miles) outside town on the road toward Sedini and Sassari, making it an easy detour on the way in or out rather than a separate excursion. It's a quick photo stop, not a long hike.
Look for lobster alla castellanese, the town's signature dish made with a sauce of lobster eggs, at restaurants near the harbor and old town. It's a regional specialty you won't find everywhere in Sardinia, so it's worth planning lunch around it rather than treating it as an afterthought.
The Castello dei Doria. Starting at Piazza del Novecentenario, the narrow streets wind uphill to this 13th century fortress, and the climb pays off with sweeping views over the Mediterranean. Inside the walls you'll also find the 14th century Church of St. Mary and the 17th century Castelsardo Cathedral, whose crypt holds a small museum with frescoes by Andrea Lusso.
