Alghero, a magnificent jewel of the Sardinian coast

A Mediterranean pearl with a rich history and enchanting beaches.

Planning a holiday in Sardinia? We have prepared a short guide to Alghero for you.

This small seaside town on the west coast of Sardinia draws visitors with its charm, rich history and unforgettable beaches. This magical place boasts a unique blend of Catalan culture and the Mediterranean lifestyle. If you long for a holiday that combines history, relaxation and stunning nature, Alghero is the perfect destination for you.

THE HISTORY OF ALGHERO

Alghero has a rich history reaching back to ancient times. The town was founded in the 12th century by Catalan conquerors, and this historical presence is still noticeable in the architecture, traditions and language of its inhabitants. A stroll through the narrow lanes of the medieval centre will transport you back in time, and a visit to the Torre di Porta Terra tower will reward you with a wonderful view over the whole town.

Alghero prides itself on its Catalan influence, visible not only in the layout of the town but also in the local cuisine and traditions. You can taste delicious Catalan specialities and admire architectural details that reflect the meeting of two cultures. Do not miss a walk along the town ramparts and explore the Catalan towers that give Alghero its unique character.

BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

Alghero lies on the north-west coast, surrounded by the turquoise Mediterranean, and offers visitors access to several beautiful beaches.
Lido Beach is the town beach, just a few minutes’ walk from the centre. It boasts white sand and calm sea and is an ideal spot for families with children.
Maria Pia Beach will enchant you with its fine sand and crystal-clear water. More adventurous visitors can rent a kayak or go snorkelling and discover the fascinating underwater world.
Le Bombarde Beach is a lovely beach with fine sand and picturesque surroundings. Well-equipped beach bars offer refreshing drinks and traditional Sardinian dishes. You can reach Le Bombarde by car (a 5-minute drive) or by local bus.
Lazzaretto Beach This beach lies near the historic building of the same name and offers a wonderful view of the sea and the surrounding landscape. We recommend visiting the small coves around Lazzaretto beach, where lovers of privacy will find their refuge.

ACTIVE HOLIDAYS

Kayak trips on the turquoise sea: For those craving a sea adventure, kayaking is the perfect choice. Head out to sea and discover the coastline of Alghero from a completely new perspective. Explore picturesque coves, rocky cliffs and mysterious caves offering unique views of the turquoise-blue sea.
Hiking to discover natural beauty: Set out on a trip to the Porto Conte nature reserve and walk along the picturesque coastline with breathtaking views of the sea. For more daring hikers, the climb up Monte Doglia can be a rewarding challenge, offering a panoramic view of the whole area.
Diving and snorkelling: Sardinia is famous for its rich underwater world, and Alghero is no exception. Take a diving trip and discover fascinating underwater landscapes, including reefs and sea caves. For those who prefer to stay at the surface, snorkelling is a great way to admire the marine life and crystal-clear water.

SIGHTS AND  MONUMENTS OF ALGHERO

The Cathedral of Saint Mary: This cathedral, also known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria, is one of the most striking buildings in Alghero. Built in the Catalan Gothic style, the cathedral is an important religious and architectural centre of the town. Its façade, with a prominent portal and stone details, is a beautiful example of Mediterranean architecture.
The fortifications of Alghero (Fortificazioni di Alghero): The fortress is part of the town’s historic fortifications and offers a breathtaking view of Alghero and its surroundings. You can explore the defensive walls, towers and bastions that reflect the town’s historical strategic importance.
Torre di Porta Terra: This Catalan tower, built in the 16th century, served to defend the entrance to the town. The Torre di Porta Terra is one of the characteristic towers that give Alghero its unique appearance. A visit to the tower rewards you with a panoramic view of the historic heart of the town.
Piazza Civica: Piazza Civica is the central square of the town, surrounded by cafés, shops and historic buildings. On the square you will find the Cathedral of Saint Mary, the Palazzo d’Albis and other architectural gems. It is a place where the town’s history and present meet.

WHAT TO TASTE IN ALGHERO

Paella: Catalan paella is one of the best-known Spanish dishes, and in Alghero you can enjoy a unique take on this classic. Loaded with seafood, crab and local fish, paella in Alghero is a delicious combination of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking craft.
Catalan Fideuà: This fish variation of paella is prepared with fine noodles called fideuà. Instead of rice, you get a firmer, more flavourful texture thanks to the pasta, which soaks up all the delicious juices from the seafood.
Suquet de Peix: Suquet de Peix is a traditional Catalan fish stew that is definitely worth tasting in Alghero. It is made with plenty of fresh fish, shellfish, sea prawns and other seafood, and seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices.
Crema Catalana: Similar to the French crème brûlée, this Catalan version is refined with orange zest and makes a perfect finish to your Catalan culinary experience.

WHAT TO VISIT AROUND ALGHERO

Of course, there are many other beautiful places around Alghero that are worth a visit. Here are some of them:
Capo Caccia: The majestic headland of Capo Caccia lies close to Alghero. You can take a boat trip or drive there to admire the breathtaking views of the sea and the cliffs. The headland is also home to the famous Neptune’s Grotto, which you can visit to marvel at its stunning stalactite formations.
Nuraghe Palmavera: For those interested in history, a visit to Nuraghe Palmavera is an unforgettable experience. This prehistoric fortress-like structure is one of the best-known nuraghi in Sardinia. A walk around this archaeological site lets you glimpse the island’s mysterious past.

ALGHERO AND ITS WINES

Winemaking in the Alghero area of Sardinia boasts the production of quality wines that reflect the richness and character of the local soil and climate. These wines are often made from traditional Sardinian grape varieties, carefully cultivated in the beautiful vineyards around Alghero. Here are some of the most interesting wines you should taste when visiting this picturesque area:
Vermentino di Sardegna: Vermentino is a white grape variety considered one of the best in Sardinia. In Alghero it is grown on the sunny slopes of the vineyards, resulting in fresh, fruity white wines with hints of minerals and citrus notes.
Cannonau di Sardegna: Cannonau is a red grape variety with roots in the Alghero area. This wine is full-bodied and robust, with characteristic notes of red fruit and spice and a distinctive cherry flavour. It is essentially the Sardinian version of Grenache.
Alghero Torbato: Torbato is a white grape variety specific to the Alghero area. Wine made from this variety is refreshing, with delicate notes of flowers, herbs and citrus fruit.
Alghero Cagnulari: Cagnulari is a local red variety that produces wines with pronounced notes of red fruit and spice. Cagnulari wines are usually full-bodied and elegant, with fine tannin structures.

IS CATALAN  SPOKEN IN ALGHERO?

The local dialect, known as Alguerés, has Catalan roots. The language derives from Catalan, although it has been influenced by Italian and Sardinian dialects. Many older people still use this dialect today. Alguerés contains lexical peculiarities unique to this region. Some words and phrases may differ from the standard Catalan used in Spain or other Catalan-speaking regions. The use of the Catalan dialect in Alghero is also a symbol of cultural identity and distinction from the surrounding areas. The locals are proud of their Catalan heritage and strive to keep this cultural legacy alive.

Italian is of course taught in schools, as everywhere in Italy.

PLANNING TO BUY A PROPERTY IN ALGHERO OR ITS SURROUNDINGS?

If you are planning to buy a property in Sardinia, you have come to the right place. The apartments and villas for sale in Alghero that you will find on our website have been carefully selected and vetted. We work with local real estate agencies, notaries and lawyers, so no unpleasant surprises await you. Our relationship does not end with the purchase of a property. We offer our clients a wide range of services, from building work and accounting assistance to help with renting out the property, property insurance, transferring electricity and water contracts, arranging a wifi connection and much more. We can arrange all the services related to renting out a property for tourist purposes (check-in, cleaning, laundering of bed linen, etc.).

CONTACT FOR PROPERTY SALES AND RENTALS, NOT ONLY IN ALGHERO

Ing. Tereza Vacovská
real estate agent on the island of Sardinia
Mail: info@sardaterraold.local
Tel.: 00420 604 676 525 or 0039 3489037671