City description:​

Alghero is a charming town with a unique blend of Catalan heritage, offering stunning sea views, cobblestone streets, and panoramic terraces, including the iconic Bastioni Marco Polo, perfect for a peaceful evening after a beautiful sunset. Alghero is one of Sardinia’s most enchanting destinations, with its coastal beauty, historical significance, and vibrant atmosphere.

 

The city’s history dates back to ancient times, with influences from Phoenicians, Romans, and Catalans, and stretches through the medieval era up to the modern-day.

 

The old town, or Centro Storico, is a maze of narrow streets and squares, surrounded by impressive 16th-century defensive walls, such as the Bastioni Magellano, offering stunning views of the sea and the nearby coastline. Here, you’ll also find the Cathedral of Santa Maria, a beautiful example of Sardinian Gothic architecture, and the Torre di San Giovanni, a medieval tower that offers great panoramic views of the town. The Corso Vittorio Emanuele is the town’s main street, where you’ll find elegant shops, charming cafes, and traditional restaurants.

 

Every year, Alghero comes alive with vibrant festivities such as the Festa di San Giovanni in June and the Sagra del Redentore in August, which fill the streets with music, dance, and local traditions. The town is also known for its Mediterranean-style architecture, with its distinctive red-tiled roofs and colorful buildings. The nearby Porto Torres offers visitors a chance to explore more of the region’s cultural history, as well as embark on boat trips to discover hidden coves and beaches.

 

Just outside the city, the beautiful beaches of Lido di San Giovanni and Maria Pia are perfect for those looking to relax and enjoy the sun. You can also visit the Capo Caccia cliffs, a spectacular natural site offering breathtaking views of the sea and the Grotta di Nettuno, a stunning sea cave that can be reached by boat or through a scenic hike.

 

For nature enthusiasts, Alghero is surrounded by scenic landscapes and natural parks, including the Parco di Porto Conte and the Capo Caccia Marine Reserve. These offer excellent opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and discovering the area’s diverse flora and fauna.

 

The local cuisine is another highlight of Alghero. Enjoy fresh seafood, such as aragosta alla Catalana (Catalan-style lobster), fregula con arselle (a type of pasta with clams), and paella with saffron, all paired with delicious local wines.