Alghero
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 30 December 2023
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The city of Alghero occupies an area of north-western Sardinia in the Province of Sassari. One of Sardinia's prime destinations for tourism, it attracts visitors with its beaches, an historical centre, a marina, a wealth of shops and some great places to eat and drink.
Sardinia is an island of differing cultures and languages and nowhere is this more prevalent than Alghero. The city was founded in the 12th century by the famous Doria family of Genoa but conquered by the Aragonese in 1353. |
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Catalan influences
From the arrival of the Aragonese, Alghero took on a distinctly Catalan air with settlers arriving from Barcelona and the town being dubbed as a "Little Barcelona" (Barcelonetta).
As you walk the historic streets of Alghero you'll hear the language is quite different from Italian and you'll see the yellow and red striped flag of Catalonia proudly flying from dozens of vantage points.
Alghero's history along with its seaside location make a compelling case for a visit. The main attraction is the historic centre (centro storico) which is hemmed in on three sides by attractive sea walls.
As you walk the historic streets of Alghero you'll hear the language is quite different from Italian and you'll see the yellow and red striped flag of Catalonia proudly flying from dozens of vantage points.
Alghero's history along with its seaside location make a compelling case for a visit. The main attraction is the historic centre (centro storico) which is hemmed in on three sides by attractive sea walls.
The centro storico
You can walk all the way around the sea walls which are characterised by wide walkways, colourful fishing houses and restaurants. Just north of the centro storico is the city's large marina where a vast array of elegant yachts park up to enjoy the spectacle.
At the heart of the historic centre, the busiest square is Piazza Civica which is lined by numerous shops and restaurants of its own. Among the shops you'll find many selling coral jewellery; the city has long been a noted centre of the coral trade and this is further strengthened by the Coral Museum (Museo del Corallo) on Via XX Settembre.
The main church in the city is Alghero Cathedral which which is flanked by a huge bell tower (campanile). You can climb the Cathedral Bell Tower to get some of the most breathtaking views of the city and the seas that lie beyond it. Other churches of note include the Chiesa di San Francesco and the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo with its distinctive dome of multi-coloured majolica tiles.
At the heart of the historic centre, the busiest square is Piazza Civica which is lined by numerous shops and restaurants of its own. Among the shops you'll find many selling coral jewellery; the city has long been a noted centre of the coral trade and this is further strengthened by the Coral Museum (Museo del Corallo) on Via XX Settembre.
The main church in the city is Alghero Cathedral which which is flanked by a huge bell tower (campanile). You can climb the Cathedral Bell Tower to get some of the most breathtaking views of the city and the seas that lie beyond it. Other churches of note include the Chiesa di San Francesco and the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo with its distinctive dome of multi-coloured majolica tiles.
Watchtowers
Throughout the city you'll find reminders of the past with a series of watchtowers; among the most famous of these is the Torre di Porta Terra which you can also climb for great views.
Gaze north east of the tower and you'll spot Alghero's largest beach known as the Spiaggia del Lido di Alghero. This is a popular spot for the evening passeggiata as locals stroll along the tree-lined promenade.
Down in Alghero's port area you'll find a number of boats offering excursions; the most popular of these is the trip out to the Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune's Grotto). The boat tours make for a wonderful day out and are the best way to really appreciate the caves and the gorgeous little bays that surround them.
Gaze north east of the tower and you'll spot Alghero's largest beach known as the Spiaggia del Lido di Alghero. This is a popular spot for the evening passeggiata as locals stroll along the tree-lined promenade.
Down in Alghero's port area you'll find a number of boats offering excursions; the most popular of these is the trip out to the Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune's Grotto). The boat tours make for a wonderful day out and are the best way to really appreciate the caves and the gorgeous little bays that surround them.
Exploring beyond Alghero
With its excellent accommodation facilities Alghero makes for a sensible base from which to explore this corner of Sardinia. Just under an hour's drive north of Alghero is one of Sardinia's and indeed, Italy's best beaches: La Pelosa.
From Stintino the port town close to the beach you can take a ferry across to the incredible island of Asinara: a nature reserve where the local donkey population considerably outnumbers that of humans!
Head south of Alghero and you'll eventually come to the town of Bosa which is an absolute must for any serious itinerary of the island; its technicolour display of houses and riverside location make for a memorable visit.
In terms of travel, the city has a great advantage with its Alghero Fertilia Airport which is situated a 15 minute drive to the north. A clutch of low-cost airlines offer both international and domestic flights with a wide range of destinations possible.
From Stintino the port town close to the beach you can take a ferry across to the incredible island of Asinara: a nature reserve where the local donkey population considerably outnumbers that of humans!
Head south of Alghero and you'll eventually come to the town of Bosa which is an absolute must for any serious itinerary of the island; its technicolour display of houses and riverside location make for a memorable visit.
In terms of travel, the city has a great advantage with its Alghero Fertilia Airport which is situated a 15 minute drive to the north. A clutch of low-cost airlines offer both international and domestic flights with a wide range of destinations possible.
Comune di Alghero
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Province: Sassari
Region: Sardinia Population: 42,458 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023) Size: 224 km² Highlights: beaches, port, old town, shops, cathedral, boat tours Close by: Sassari, La Pelosa Beach, Asinara, Bosa, Nuoro Recommended accommodation: Hotel Angedras |
