An ancient Catalan town by the sea, Alghero is one of Sardinia’s hidden gems, far and different from the glitzy shores of Costa Smeralda.
Rich of history and characterized by unique architecture and style, Alghero offers an incredible variety of colors and landscapes, an incredibly high number of sunny days and year-round mild temperatures, making it a perfect destination even in the off seasons.
But this town isn’t only beautiful to see, it will also spark great interest in those who enjoy ancient stories and legends, sailing, extreme sports, hiking, trail cycling and much more.
Located in the north-western corner of Sardinia, Alghero is, to this day, proud of its ancient Catalan origins, and it shows in its culture, dialect and cuisine: a unique mix of Italian and Catalan influences that make this town unlike any other.
Alghero’s size offers visitors the chance to explore it by foot – a relaxing way to get acquainted with its ancient walls and stunning sea shore. The best spot to start a walking tour of the city is at the Torre di Porta Terra, where you can learn the history, habits and customs of the city from its origins to the present day thanks to a multimedia exhibit hosted inside the tower.
From Porta Terra, walk on to Torre di San Giovanni, and up to Torre dello Sperone, which with its 22 meters (66 feet) of height is the highest in town. At the bottom of the tower, the main square of the city, Piazza Sulis, is also of great interest: a historical meeting point for the Alghero nightlife, it hosts many of the oldest and most prestigious local hangouts of the Catalan tourism boom of the 60’s.
Although slightly different from half a century ago, it still is a landmark for locals and tourists alike when it comes to dining out and enjoying the town’s nightlife.
If you continue walking along the Bastioni Cristoforo Colombo, right after the Torre di San Giacomo, you enter into one of the most distinctive areas of the city, the Bastioni Marco Polo, where a succession of colorful buildings typical of seaside residences lends a delightful Mediterranean air to everything. This is a place where everyone likes to linger to relax a bit and take a stroll: coffee shops and restaurants animate the area and offer an excuse to stop for a drink while enjoying the sea breeze.
At the very end of the Bastioni Marco Polo you will reach a staircase that leads – through the Porta a Mare – into the heart of Alghero, the beautiful Piazza Civica. Here you can admire what once were the most representative governmental institutions of the town, from the Gothic Palazzo de Ferrera, mansion to the city governor, to the Casa de la Ciutat, the city council.
If history and architecture are definitely worth noting in Alghero, so is its cuisine, both creative and traditional at the same time, inspired by the freshness of local ingredients. The result is amazing, both to the eyes and to the tastebuds: colorful seasonal fruits and vegetables and the freshest seafood come together in recipes that are not found elsewhere.
The famous “malloreddus” noodles, that in the rest of the island are served with a dense sausage meat sauce, in Alghero are prepared with a delicate cream of scampi and wild asparagus – a real delight for those who enjoy seafood. Lobster, too, is a key ingredient in the cuisine of Alghero: try it in dishes such as Catalan lobster – a delightful lobster salad available in most restaurants- or in the traditional spaghetti with lobster.
Sea urchin, too, is an Alghero staple: its red pulp is best appreciated raw, accompanied by fresh bread and a good local wine. For dessert, the decadent Crema Catalana, is a must try: this cinnamon flavored custard is caramelized much like creme brulé and is a town favorite.
At The Kings Sardinian Restaurant, right on the Bastioni Marco Polo, you can taste local specialties with a stunning view of the sunset – an added bonus that will make your evening there even more memorable.
For a quick snack, Gelateria Igloo, right around the corner, is also a good choice for those who can’t resist ice cream and granitas.
Alghero is reachable by air by flying from several Italian and European cities directly into Aeroporto Internazionale Riviera del Corallo or by ship, taking a ferry from Genoa, Civitavecchia or Barcelona to Porto Torres.
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