All this week, HostelBookers are offering holiday-makers the chance to escape to a beach hostel on the Med for just 5 cent a night in July…

But budget airlines and accommodation aside, the cost of a summer holiday can still add up to a surprising amount once you’ve started spending on sights and meals!

Here’s five free things to do in Alghero – to help you find a truly budget holiday.

Alghero lies on the Northwestern coast of Sardinia. This unspoiled island has all the best of Italy – a blue-green sea, great gelato – without the crowds or prices, and the charming old port of Alghero is one of it’s most attractive towns.

1. Wander the Old Town
With its narrow, maze-like, ancient streets, Alghero is a fantastic place to get lost! Explore the bustling main drag of Via Carlo Alberto, with its shops selling local coral jewellery, and marvel at the Catalan and Gothic architecture. Jutting out into the Mediterranean, the old town walls (bastioni) are still well-preserved and perfect for an evening stroll.

2. Sunset at Capo Caccio
For a free romantic evening, head to the cape (about half an hour from Alghero) for amazing views as the sun melts into sea. By day, there are the Grotta di Nettuno to explore – although it costs to enter the caves, the 654 steps down the sheer cliff face are good for an exhilarating climb.

3. The Cathedral
At the end of Piazza Civica stands the Cattedrale di Santa Maria. Built in the 15th century, it’s been added to over the centuries to form an interesting mix of styles – inside, the chapels are Gothic and the centre is renaissance, whilst the facade is a neoclassical design from the 20th century.

4. Ancient ruins
Sardinia is home to many sets of ancient ruins, but the necropolis at Anghelu Ruju is one of the island’s most important sites. A vast ancient complex of artificial caves, it sits 10km away on the road to Porto Torres. Hire a bike from Alghero to make a fun day out.

5. Sardinia’s natural beauty
If the views of stunning beaches begin to get dull, there’s plenty of other scenery explore. Head inland for the woodland of Lago Baratz near Sintino, Sardinia’s only natural freshwater lake. Porto Conte, with is natural wildlife reserve along the coast, is also a wonderful day out.

AW – Been to Sardinia? Share your budget tips for Alghero here!

Images: thanks to our friends on Flickr, goodintention, randomaze and jimmyroq.