Alghero is both the atmospheric and cultural capital of the Coral Riviera. Architecture from the Gothic period dominates the centre, with seven 16th-century towers sculpting the landscape. Check out our guide to Alghero to make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights.
Roam the Ramparts
History enthusiasts will love learning all about the town’s past. A beautiful mix of Italian and Spanish influences, the town is affectionately known as Barceloneta by the locals after the Spanish city.
The Old Town area is unmissable. Shaped by those who have occupied Alghero down the centuries, the architecture carries Arab, Catalan and Byzantine influences, to name just a few.
Start your exploration at the bastioni – the impressive sea walls that encircle the town. Built by the Aragonese in the 16th century to ward off invaders, they offer the chance to get a true sense of Alghero’s rich history.
The city walls take around an hour to explore from beginning to end, starting from Piazza Sulis and finishing at Porta a Mare. Stroll along the pedestrianised path and you’ll find the impressive Torre di Sant'Elmo tower, named after St Erasmus who was the patron saint of sailors, and the Torre della Polveriera tower, once used to store gunpowder.
Be charmed by the town
In the Alguer Vella area in the centre of Alghero you’ll find a charming mix of delicious gelato parlours, trinket shops and designer boutiques. The cathedral of St Mary, with its 19th century façade, stands out from the medieval buildings alongside it.
This is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon, strolling through the winding cobbled streets and getting a feel for the relaxed pace of life here.
Tasting the wine at the Sella & Mosca winery is one of the Sardinian town’s most famous traditions and a must for any wine aficionados visiting the city. Just be sure to avoid driving if you’re looking to sample some of the Mediterranean’s finest white and red local wines.
Nymphs Bay and Neptune’s Grotto
Head out to sea, whether that’s to swim at the beautiful Bay of Nymphs and sunbathe on the ivory white beaches, or to visit the enthralling stalactite cave that is Neptune’s Grotto.
Over two million years old, the natural marine cave is located around 20 kilometres from Alghero and can be accessed by a boat trip that takes about 45 minutes each way. You can also reach the caves by road – although be aware that once there access to the grotto is via a 650-step staircase.
Boat trips leave from Alghero Port every hour in the summer, although this means it can get a little crowded inside the caves. If you’re planning on arriving independently try and time it before the boat trips arrive for a more leisurely experience.
You can explore the cave on foot to take in the mesmerising beauty of the stalactite structure, while experienced divers will relish the chance to see it from underwater to appreciate its true beauty.
Finish off a perfect day by unwinding on the seafront. It’s one of the best places in Alghero to watch the sunset as the sky turns into a perfect pink-tinged hue.
Book your hire car in Alghero to discover the best of the city and beyond.