Nestled along the northwestern coast of Sardinia, Alghero is a seaside town that enchants with its dual soul: Catalan in its historical and linguistic traits, Sardinian in its soul and traditions. With its more than 44,000 inhabitants, it is the fifth largest city on the island, but it retains the authentic charm of a village overlooking the sea, where every stone tells centuries of history.
The gateway to Sardinia thanks to the Fertilia airport, Alghero is famous for its sea-front ramparts, red-roofed houses, golden walls and exciting scenic walks. Its coastline, a full 90 kilometers long and called the Coral Riviera, holds one of the most important colonies of red coral in the Mediterranean, a symbol of the city and the protagonist of a fine craftsmanship tradition, which can also be seen in the Coral Museum.
The most famous beaches are Le Bombarde, beloved by families and surfers, and Lazzaretto, with its ten coves. A little further inland in the bay of Porto Conte is the placid, golden Mugoni beach, while the Lido di San Giovanni offers a comfortable seaside escape in the heart of the town. Finally, the dunes and centuries-old junipers of Maria Pia beach complete the coastal enchantment.
The historic center, which arose from the 12th century with the Doria family, is a labyrinth of alleys that open into lively squares. From the ancient Torre di Porta Terra, now a multimedia space, a path winds its way among fortified towers and bastions that tell of the city's Catalan soul: Torre di San Giovanni, Torre dello Sperone (or Torre di Sulis), Bastioni Cristoforo Colombo and Marco Polo, amid seascapes and ancient palaces.
Civic Square, the city's "living room," is home to elegant Catalan-Gothic palaces such as Casa de la Ciutat, Palazzo de Ferrera and the Royal Customs House, as well as the finest boutiques and the historic workshop of fashion designer Antonio Marras.
Alghero is also a city of fascinating churches: the Cathedral of St. Mary (16th cent.), the Church of Carmel with its precious gilded retable, the Church of St. Michael with its colorful majolica dome, and the late Renaissance Church of St. Anne (1735) are must-see stops for lovers of sacred art.
Just outside the center, the scenic promontory of Capo Caccia - with its "sleeping giant" silhouette - offers one of Sardinia's most spectacular landscapes. Here lies Neptune's Cave, accessible by sea or via the 656 steps of the Escala del Cabirol: an underground universe of stalactites, natural pools and mysterious halls.
The area is part of the Capo Caccia - Isola Piana Marine Protected Area, an oasis of biodiversity, underwater caves such as Grotta Verde, Grotta dei Ricami, and flora and fauna that make the Porto Conte Park a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
Alghero's origins date back to the Neolithic period, as evidenced by the Domus de Janas of Santu Perdu and the necropolis of Anghelu Ruju, while the Nuragic age bequeathed more than 90 nuraghi. The remains of the Phoenician and Roman civilizations can be seen in the Palmavera and Sant'Imbenia complexes, and the continuous frequentation of the area is also evidenced by the Protocorinthian and Phoenician ceramics found.
From the Middle Ages onward, Alghero has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures: from the Genoese to the Pisans, from the Aragonese to the Catalans, who have shaped it in urban planning, language (even today Alghero's Catalan is officially recognized) and spirit. The appellation "Royal City" came in 1501, and Emperor Charles V personally praised it in 1541.
Proud of its identity, Alghero celebrates Holy Week each year, with solemn rites following Spanish traditions, and Cap d'Any de l'Alguer, a vibrant New Year's Eve with shows and events throughout the city. Between alleys, markets and ramparts animated by street performers, each season has its own charm.
Alghero is a place where the Mediterranean becomes a tale, amid waves lapping ancient walls, caves sculpted by nature, and a living culture handed down in gestures, language, and coral. A village to be experienced with all the senses.
Village of Alghero
Municipality of Alghero
Province of Sassari
Sardinia Region
Population: 44.019 (42.419 in the village)
Altitude center: 7 m a.s.l.
the Municipality is part of:
Città del vino
Città dell'olio
Protected Natural Areas:
Cape Caccia and Piana Island Natural Regional Park
Conte Harbour Natural Regional Park
Municipality
Via S. Anna 38 - Tel. 079-997800
BY PLANE
The cuisine of Alghero is based mainly on fish and crustaceans, in particular on the famous algherese lobster, known and appreciated throughout the world.
some typical dishes are the lobster à l'Alghero, the coppazza and spaghetti with sea-urchins and spaghetti alla bottarga, monzette under salt cooked in the oven and the algherese paella, you accompany then to dishes and typical products of the Sardinian cuisine in the north.
Among sweets some of the mostù typical are the burned cream and the milk pudding, better known under the name catalan, menjar blanc.
between the vegetables we remember the coral tomato, Camona tomato and cardi.
between wines in this area, the Alghero DOC e L'Anghelu Ruju, as the vines are around the site Archaeological.
Important also the production of olive oil, which comes from the olive groves of the territory of Alghero.
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