Guide to Alghero

"On warm summer evenings, locals and visitors alike stroll along Alghero's ramparts admiring the moonlight on the water while being entertained by buskers and stalls selling all kinds of local produce. Situated in an enchanting position, historic Alghero's coast has many secluded bays and small inlets bordered by lavish pine forests and high, jagged rocks which meet an emerald green sea. Inland, verdant vineyards produce some of the most fragrant wines in all of Sardinia."

Founded in the 12th-century, Alghero is a delightful, old walled town, drizzled in beauty, culture and history. Occupied by the Catalans for over four hundred years, Spanish influence is everywhere - from the seven defensive towers proudly guarding the harbour to the flamboyant churches visible behind pale bastion walls and the Catalan street signs to the melodic local dialect, touches of Spain remain. Hiding behind the town walls, you'll discover tiny, cobbled streets meandering beneath wrought-iron, flower-filled balconies and shuttered windows. Cosmopolitan shops, genteel bars and sophisticated hotels add to Alghero's elegant air.

Surrounded by pine forests, orchards, vineyards and the unmistakably blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, history and architecture are not the only reasons to visit. The beaches are glorious whilst the flourishing fishing harbour provides the town with its main source of industry. A stroll from the harbour to the beach is a delight - stunning sea views punctuated by fishing boats bobbing on the waves and waterfront cafes serving local delights.

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Recommended Alghero hotels and apartments

Hotel Riviera

Florida Hotel

Villa Lu Barranch

Alghero hotels and apartments

Our hotels and apartments in Alghero include Florida Hotel, Hotel El Faro, Hotel Oasis, Hotel Punta Negra, Hotel Riviera, Oasis Apartments, Rina Hotel, Villa Donzell, Villa La Roca and Villa Lu Barranch.

More Sardinia holiday destinations

Looking for holidays in Sardinia? Our Sardinia holiday destinations include Abbasanta, Alghero, Arzachena, Badesi Mare, Baia Sardinia, Cala Capra, Cannigione, Conca Verde, Isola Rossa, Oliena, Palau, Porto Cervo, Porto Rafael, San Pantaleo, Santa Margherita Di Pula and Villasimius.

Beaches

Alghero is located on a gorgeous sandy bay, with powder-soft sand stretching for miles. The Lido beach is the closest to the hotels and old town, and is a glorious swathe of bright, white sand. It can get busy in high season, but you'll easily find a secluded spot on the coarse sand beaches further north.

Eating out

Alghero is a burgeoning fishing port so as you can imagine, the menus of the local trattorias are laden with fruits of the sea, particularly the crustacean variety. One speciality is 'aragosta alla catalana' - lobster Catalan style. Stall holders in the harbour area sell fast food, including sea urchins - a Sardinian delicacy that tastes surprisingly delicious.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Alghero tends to focus on enjoying a good meal and a chilled drink although there are a couple of bars offering music and dancing. At least one night of your stay should be spent wandering along Alghero's ramparts admiring the moonlight on the water while being entertained by buskers and stalls selling local produce.

Shopping

The old town has an abundance of boutiques and craft shops dotted along its cobbled streets, particularly the pedestrianised Via Carlo Alberto and Via Roma. You'll find craftsmen all over the town creating lovely, bespoke pieces from the polished red coral for which Alghero is famous. Other crafts, including pottery and woodwork, also abound.

Local information

Alghero's old town is a treasure trove to be sifted through and exclaimed upon. Much of the architecture is Catalan-Gothic, including the sixteenth century 'Cattedrale di Santa Maria'. One of the town's architectural highlights, it stands as a landmark on the Algheran skyline. Step inside its cool, dark interior, between elegant columns and an octagonal bell tower, or climb the campanile for stunning views as far as the eye can see. For a watery experience, take a boat trip to Neptune's Grotto - a deep, winding passage delving into the cliff face, where incredible stalagmites and stalactites peer out from the dewy walls.