Alghero City Guide
Arrival
The airport, Fertila is located 10kms from the city center. Taxi cost about 25-30 euros to the center or there is a shuttle bus taking about 20 mins ( tickets to be bought from bars or tobacconists inside the airport.
Background
Alghero is a beautiful city in a beautiful location situated on the north-western coast of the island of Sardinia, is a medieval fishing port surrounded by imposing stone walls on the sea, founded by arabs.
Although an increase in low cost flights has brought significant tourism in Alghero it still remains relatively unspoilt , although it can become very busy during the high season.
The city was taken by Catalan colonists in the fourteenth century, as a result there is an enticing mix of spanish/italian cultures: delicious Catalan cuisine , impressive monuments built during Aragonese rule and rolling vineyards such Sella e Mosca on the outskirts of the city
Alghero is also given the name Barcelonetta, ‘Little Barcelona’ and all the street signs are in both Spanish and italian
The beach in Alghero is long and sandy. There are plenty of festivals and events in Alghero throughout the year, from traditional celebrations of saints : San Francesco during October and patron saint San Michele (End Sept) to the Sea Urchin Fair (Jan/ Feb) . In the summer classical music concerts are organised as part of Alghero Summer Music festival. As with most Sardinian towns the period of Easter (Pasqua) is taken very seriously, with torchlit processions and other religious celebrations.
Alghero : The Old Town
Alghero’s centro storico ( historic center) is best visited in the cool of the evening where the shops and cobbled medieval lanes make for a beautiful passegiata. The old town has a labyrinth of little back streets, most of which are free from cars, making it a great area to wander around while savoring local life. Wandering through the streets you will encounter locals and tourists alike, shopping, strolling,and meeting friends in the bars and cafes. If you have visited the Barcellona, this area of Alghero reflects Barri Gotic. Some interesting sights to see in this area are
Torre del Porta a Tera- marks the site of the old city gates
San Michele Church- A baroque church with a beautiful multi-coloured dome
The CathedralAlghero’s landmark built in the 16th Century.
Palazzo Machin-built in the 17th century.
Palazzo d’Albisrare example of Catalan civic archeticture
After a spot of sight-seeing you will be ready for a sit down at Algheros Classiest Cafe : Caffe’ Constantino in Piazza civico.
Alghero : Along the sea walls
The walls of Alghero seem to rise from the sea and at night are beautifully illuminated and are the center of Alghero’s finest promenade. Seven towers remain along these sea walls each with their own history
Alghero : Where to Stay
Search through our range of accommodation in the area.
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Alghero : Food
To find out about the local cuisine in Alghero check out our page dedicated to some of the most famous dishes in the area. If you’ve been to Alghero and tried something different let us know by leaving a comment
Food in Alghero
Alghero : Shopping
Alghero’s historic center is filled to the brim with a wide range of attractive boutiques where you can buy just about anything made on the island from the local liquer ( Mirto ) to hand made carpets
Alghero : The Surrounding Area
Alghero’s location gives visitors many opportunities for day trips such as the caves at Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune’s Grotto)….the most breathtaking in Italy which is 15 km west on the peninsular of Capo Caccia. The caves can be reached either by boat ( tours leave from the marina) or by a long walk! North of Neptune’s Grotto, the abandoned mine at Argentiera is recognised by UNESCO as an important example of industrial archaeology in Sardinia.
Further on at the north western tip of the Island A beautiful winding coastal road heads south towards the beautiful medieval town of Bosa ( see our guide to Bosa) and its beach resort at Bosa Marina. To the northwest of Alghero with Porto Conte and the relatives Punta Giglio and Capo Caccia limestone penisular offer scuba diving and cave-diving, trekking and climbing. There are more than 300 discovered caves above and below water the Nereo Cave is one of the biggest and most spectacular of the marine underwater caves in the Mediterranean Sea and Europe