Alghero dates back to medieval times, when it was a fortified port town ruled by a powerful Genoese family. It fell under Catalan rule from the 17th century, and the Catalan language is still widely spoken in what’s known as the Algheres dialect.
Today, the city is a popular tourist resort, with a historic center and modern bars and restaurants lending it an easygoing and convivial atmosphere. It’s also a great place to stay if you want to explore the rest of the riveting Riviera del Corallo region.
Exploring ‘Barceloneta’
A good place to start your visit to Alghero is in the very center, a small enclave with cobbled streets and cafes surrounded by ancient sea walls. Many buildings date back to the 16th century, while you can also gaze up at the seven towers, built to strengthen the old town’s defenses, dominating the skyline.
Around Alghero, you’ll find lots of restaurants serving local specialties, many of which change according to the catch of the day. A popular dish is Catalan-style lobster, cooked to a simple recipe with oil, vinegar and garlic. If you visit one of the restaurants near the Capo Caccia peninsula, be sure to take your camera to capture the views of its rocky cliffs as the sun sets.
Many of Alghero’s most popular beaches are to the north of the city, but you’ll also find some great sunbathing spots closer to the old town. The waters are shallow and great for paddling, and it’s a blissful way to spend an afternoon if you’re visiting as a family. To the north of the city, near Fertilia, are Lazzaretto and Bombarde beaches, which offer water sports including kayaking and windsurfing.
Cultural capital
Your car makes it possible to explore many other resorts across the island. Less than three hours from Alghero, head for Cagliari, home to Roman ruins and elegant modern architecture.
Like Rome, Sardinia’s capital was built on seven hills and you can still see remnants of the ancient city that once stood here. The amphitheater, sometimes known as ‘Is centu scalas’ or 100 steps, is remarkable, carved into the side of the Buon Cammino Hill in the 2nd century AD. You can also explore the stately Santuario e Basilica di Bonaria, which includes a basilica and cemetery.
Cagliari’s coastline becomes lively in the summer. The clear waters around the beaches are also perfect for snorkeling, and you can explore the underwater shipwrecks that lie just off the coast.
Island delights
Around an hour away from Cagliari lies the tiny island of Sant’Antioco, linked to the ‘mainland’ by a road causeway. The main town, also called Sant’Antioco, has a historic harbor, and basilica while Calasetta, to the north, is close to some excellent beaches. Both areas are quiet and undeveloped, ideal places to get away from it all.
Easily accessible from Cagliari via the Strada Statale 130 Iglesiente, the island makes for an interesting day excursion with a number of things to see, including the Roman and early Christian catacombs that lie under the old town.
Car rental in Alghero shrinks Sardinia for you, meaning you can explore every available inch of it at your own pace.