The fifth largest city on Sardinia, Alghero is not only renown for its local dialect, which has Catalan origins – it is also known as the island’s tourist capital. Indeed, Italy’s first bathing resort was established here in 1862.
The city has the services and attractions to fulfil the requirements of even the most demanding tourist. In terms of natural beauty, Alghero is within striking distance of some of Sardinia’s most stunning beaches: le Bombarde, Maria Pia, Lazzaretto and Porticciolo, to name but a few. Moreover, Alghero is very close to the Porto Conte Nature Reserve.
The so-called Neptune’s Caves are located in Capo Caccia and can be reached either by sea or via the 654-steps of the breathtaking “Escala del Cabirol”.
Thanks to the large number of marine caves on the coast around Alghero – including the Grotta di Nereo, which is said to be the largest in Europe – this part of the world is utterly unique for sub-aqua diving.
The seabed is awash with a plethora of very unusual marine fauna, such as crayfish, mantis shrimp, lobster, moray eel, conger eel and dusky grouper.
Those who appreciate architecture will find much to admire in the historical centre of Alghero, which is one of the few on the island that has remained relatively intact.
It still plays host to myriad palazzos and churches of historical interest, not to mention the 13th-century fortifications.
The multitude of restaurants and agrotourisms in Alghero give you the opportunity to sample Sardinia’s traditional meat-based and fish-based specialities.
