Since I was a teenager Alghero was one of the top favourite places to go for my summer holidays, main reasons being its fabulous night life, good camping sites and lots of nice beaches nearby…(Le Bombarde was my favourite one).
But now that I am older and wiser…I like it even more. It is indeed a lovely town that has got so much to offer to people of all ages, either if you are looking for good nightlife or a much quieter and more comfortable holiday break or even a proper cultural holiday.
Alghero, also know as the little Barcelona, because of its past of Catalan colony that has left its mark in the architecture and local dialect, it is a beautiful fisherman town with a pretty historic centre framed by ramparts and defensive towers.
I love to wander through its cobbled narrow streets that suddenly open up to fantastic views into the blue see. In the evening you can relax in one of the many outdoors bars before going to a good restaurant to taste the local specialties such as the “Aragosta alla Catalana” (Catalan style Lobster).
During the day you can take a boat to visit the Nettuno sea grottos or, if you feel really adventurous, you can drive to Capo Caccia and climb 659 steps to reach them…. it is really worth doing (but I prefer the boat option!). What you can visit outside Alghero? Lots of options for you but you will need to hire a car.
Going North: visit the villages and beaches of Stintino (53 KM) and Castelsardo (65 KM).
Going South: do not miss the lovely town of Bosa (45 KM). For the archaeology lovers the of Nuraghe Palmavera (3 KM) and the The Anghelu Ruiu Necropolis (10 KM).
TOP TIPS: Avoid to go in late July and August as it gets too crowded and very hot! Not many people know it but New year’s Eve in Alghero is fun and normally (double-check) there are lots of outdoor concerts, shows, street artists and fireworks etc..
For the girls: the coast where Alghero is located is called “The Coral Riviera” and in Alghero you can buy fantastic coral jewellery !
Definitely worth visiting then, especially if you think that Alghero’s Airport is connected to Stansted with a daily flight and you can be there in slightly more than 2 hours.
If you go there send us some pictures!!
Manu
December 27th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
Hi Luca and Manuela, love your site. I am researching Sardinia as a possible place to live. What advice would you give me?
January 9th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Thanks Annesandra, we are really pleased that you like our site! Sardinia is a great place where to live. Excellent quality of life, good food, friendly people and spectacular landscape. The only thing is that to find a job is not as simple as it is in UK or other countries. I would suggest you to spend few months there before you move for good.
Ciao, Manuela
June 29th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
we’ve booked some cheap flights to sardinia for the end of July beginning of August - are we crazy? Everywhere we read, including on your site - say don’t travel to Sardinia in July or August. What do you think?
Charlie
June 30th, 2008 at 8:54 am
Hi Charlie, you are not crazy! July and August are going to be very hot and more crowded but is still going to be a wanderful holiday. The best is to avoid very popular beaches and rent a car with air conditioning!! If you surf the blog I am sure you can find out where to go in sardinia and what to do. If you need more info write to us. Have fun! Luca