Where to watch the sunset in and around Sassari: 6 places not to miss

Ideal for: an impromptu sunset without going too far from Sassari.

Platamona is probably the simplest solution when the day is coming to an end and you feel like watching the sun sink into the sea.

The long beach faces the Gulf of Asinara and offers a very broad horizon. In summer, when the sun sets further towards the north-west, the light crosses the gulf and gradually colours the sea and sky.

The most convenient spot is the Rotonda, which is easy to reach and close to the main entrances to the beach, but you only need to move along the shore to find quieter areas.

It is the quintessential Sassari sunset: little planning, a towel under your arm and setting off when someone says “shall we go to Platamona?”.

Ideal for: the most spectacular sunset.

If you had to choose just one place, Porto Ferro would probably be the leading candidate.

The large bay opens onto the western coast, among dunes, Mediterranean scrub and reddish rocky headlands. Its exposure to the open sea makes it possible to watch the sun sink directly towards the horizon.

When the sea is rough, the spectacle becomes even more dramatic: the waves reflect the light of the final part of the day and the rocks take on red and orange hues.

You can watch the sunset directly from the beach or from the rocky stretches around the bay, always paying attention to the sea and keeping away from exposed areas.

Choose it if: you want to arrive in the afternoon, go for a swim and stay until the last ray of sunlight.

Ideal for: a peaceful sunset in a small bay.

Just before Argentiera lies Porto Palmas, a crescent of sand enclosed between two cliffs covered in Mediterranean scrub.

Compared with Porto Ferro, the setting is more intimate. The bay opens onto the sea of the Nurra and, on clear evenings, offers particularly warm light on the rocks surrounding the beach.

It is a good choice for those who prefer to wait for sunset sitting on the sand, without needing any particular trails or viewpoints.

The presence of a car park close to the beach also makes Porto Palmas one of the simplest alternatives on the western coast.

In high season, it is worth arriving a little early: the beach is not very large, and August is still August.

Ideal for: photography and extraordinary atmospheres.

At Argentiera, sunset has something extra.

The light of the final part of the day meets the sea, the cliffs and, above all, the buildings of the old mining village, creating one of the most distinctive landscapes in the Sassari area.

The old mine structures, the coast’s dark and silvery materials, and the mountains surrounding the bay change colour as the sun sinks lower.

It is one of the best places for those who love photography. Here, the subject is not just the sun disappearing over the horizon, but the entire mining landscape illuminated by the evening light.

It takes about 45 minutes to get there from Sassari, so it is worth turning sunset into the conclusion of an afternoon spent among the village, the mine and the beach.

Ideal for: the most imposing panorama.

Heading towards Alghero, you reach one of north-west Sardinia’s great classics: Capo Caccia.

The enormous limestone promontory rises above the sea with vertical walls and offers a completely different setting from the beaches of the Nurra.

At sunset, the sun sinks over the Mediterranean while the light strikes the cliffs, creating strong contrasts between the white of the rock, the blue of the sea and the red hues of the sky.

You do not need to tackle the Escala del Cabirol or visit the Grotte di Nettuno to enjoy the spectacle. For sunset, it is better to choose a viewpoint accessible from the upper part of the promontory and arrive before it gets dark.

It is a slight detour from the Sassari area, but the panorama more than justifies the journey.

Ideal for: sunset, a stroll and an aperitif.

For those who prefer to pair sunset with an evening stroll, the Bastioni of Alghero are one of the best options around Sassari.

From the historic centre, the view stretches across the gulf to the outline of Capo Caccia. The sun gradually sinks behind the promontory and the sea, while the walls and façades of the historic centre are illuminated by the warm evening light.

The advantage over the other locations in this guide is clear: after sunset, you do not have to get straight back in the car.

You can continue along the Bastioni, reach the harbour, enter the historic centre or stop for an aperitif or dinner.

It is the sunset to choose when you want to turn an hour in front of the sea into an entire evening.

It mainly depends on the kind of evening you have in mind.

• To stay close to Sassari: Platamona.
• For the most dramatic sunset: Porto Ferro.
• For peace and quiet: Porto Palmas.
• For photography: Argentiera.
• For the most imposing natural panorama: Capo Caccia.
• To combine it with an evening out: Bastioni of Alghero.

The best rule is to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before sunset.

The most interesting light, especially for photography, begins well before the sun touches the horizon and continues for several minutes afterwards, during the so-called blue hour.

On the western coast, you also need to take the wind into account. With the mistral, Porto Ferro and Argentiera can become much more spectacular, but also considerably less peaceful.

For viewpoints on the cliffs, it is always best to stay on safe paths and begin the return journey before visibility decreases.

You do not necessarily need to organise an entire day.

Sometimes all you need is a car, half an hour to spare and a decision made early enough not to watch the sunset through the windscreen.

From Sassari, the sea is close enough to allow yourself this luxury too: deciding at the last minute to go and say goodbye to the sun.