This Sardinian coastal town preserves its Catalan roots in its winding alleyways, 16th-century walls, and local dialect. Sandy beaches and clear Mediterranean waters line its shore.
In northwestern Sardinia, Alghero's 16th-century walls enclose narrow cobblestone streets where you'll hear locals speaking Catalan, a language dating back to 14th-century Aragonese rule. Walk past coral craftsmen's workshops, swim at Mediterranean beaches, explore Neptune's Grotto cave system, or climb the dramatic cliffs of Capo Caccia. The ancient stone towers of Nuraghe Palmavera stand just outside the city, telling stories of civilizations from 1100 BC.
Getting to Alghero
You can fly into Alghero-Fertilia Airport, which connects to major Italian cities and several European destinations. Take a 20-minute bus ride from the airport to reach the city center. If you're arriving by sea, head to Porto Torres, 30 kilometers north of Alghero, where ferries dock from mainland Italy and France.
Exploring the Medieval Center
Walk through the old town's thick 16th-century fortress walls, marked by seven towers along the perimeter. The stone-paved streets lead to small squares filled with outdoor cafes. Inside the Cathedral of Santa Maria (built 1570-1730), you'll find a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Look for the octagonal bell tower of San Francesco church, which rises above the medieval rooftops.
Beaches and Natural Areas
White sand beaches line the Alghero coast. Walk through a pine forest to reach the two-kilometer Maria Pia beach, or swim in the clear waters of Le Bombarde and Lazzaretto. At the Regional Park of Porto Conte, watch for rare birds and marine life along 60 kilometers of protected coastline. In summer, catch an hourly boat from the port to Neptune's Grotto, where you can walk among massive stalactites and stalagmites.
Coral Tradition and Local Crafts
The waters around Alghero have yielded red coral since Roman times. Visit the Coral Museum in its Art Nouveau building to see historical diving equipment and coral jewelry. Walk through the old town to find workshops where craftsmen still shape coral into jewelry and decorative pieces.
Food and Wine
Try the local specialty of Catalan-style lobster, prepared with tomatoes and onions in restaurants throughout the city. Drive through the surrounding countryside to reach several vineyards, including Sella & Mosca, where you can taste wines made from native Sardinian grapes year-round.
Day Trips from Alghero
Drive nine kilometers north to explore Nuraghe Palmavera's two stone towers and ancient village remains from 1100 BC. Take a 45-minute drive south along the coastal road to Bosa, where pastel-colored houses climb the hill toward a medieval castle.
When to Visit
Plan your trip for May, June, or September to enjoy warm weather with smaller crowds than July and August. The sea stays warm enough for swimming during these months, and you'll find better accommodation rates. Winter temperatures stay above 10°C (50°F), making off-season visits comfortable for exploring the city.
