Alghero is one of Sardinia’s most interesting and quaint towns. Known for its distinctive architecture which reflects Catalan and Gothic influences dating back to 16th Century. With welcoming locals, stunning beaches and mouth-watering local dishes to try you can’t get much better than Alghero.
Things to do
Considering Sardinia island is small you’d be surprised at how many things there are to do here in Alghero.
A taste of Alghero
- Catalan Lobster Style – This famous dish is made with fresh lobster, fished straight from the local coast, which is then boiled and served with salad, tomatoes and onion.
- Seadas – Seadas is a traditional Sardinian dessert. Made with a lemon-scented cheese filling, wrapped in fried pastry and drizzled in warm honey.
- Pecorino Cheese – A Sardinian favourite. Made with sheep’s milk, which forms a strong hard cheese that’s perfect for grating over pasta or paring with wine.
- Salsiccia sarda – Sardinian Sausage is a cross between salami and sausage. It combines lean meat and pork fat seasoned with fennel, aniseed and pepper.
- Local Wine – Alghero has plenty of wines to choose from, I suggest finding yourself an intimate wine bar down one of the cobbled streets and trying a few. Pair your wine with a meat/cheese platter and you have perfection.
Santa Maria Cathedral –Probably one of the most iconic attributes of this Cathedral is the bell tower, covered in angelic majolica tiles you will feel like you are looking at a kaleidoscope of colours, it truly is a stunning view.
Morning Market – Alghero’s main market can be found in La Pietraia via Sardenga every Wednesday. Enjoy the tastes of the Mediterranean as you buy salami and pecorino. This market also sells clothes from bikinis to linen shirts.
Neptune’s Grotto – The caves of Neptune were thought to have been discovered by fishermen in the 18th Century. It’s a popular tourist attraction with daily connections by boat departing from the port of Alghero.
Stroll through Alghero – A simple stroll down the cobbled streets of Alghero is a pleasant and relaxing experience. Every street has small shops, restaurants and wine bars to tickle your fancy.
Sardinian Jewellery – Whilst strolling through Alghero you may notice lots of jewellers selling fiery red coral, mainly down Piazza Civica. Alghero has a rich history when it comes to it’s jewellery. Sets are usually made from silver, gold, onyx and coral. The traditional intention was to make amulets (good luck charms) and now in the modern day for both! So treat yourself, you deserve it.
Wine tasting at a local vineyard – Sella & Mosca & Azienda Agricola Leda d’lttiri are the two most famous vineyards in Sardinia. If you travel by car, it’s 5-10 minute drive from the main Alghero airport.
Best Beaches
Sardinia is known for their beaches, with white sand and crystal clear water at almost every beach, it’s no wonder Sardinia keeps its reputation.
Le Bombarde – Bombarde Beach is the most famous beach in Alghero. Stretching for 500 metres, with lovely white sand and clear waters. ‘Tam Tam‘ is the local restaurant on the beach where you can taste some delicious traditional seafood pasta dishes and homemade tiramisu.
Spiaggia Maria Pia – Maria Pia Beach is another popular beach, stretching 1200 metres north west of Alghero. At this beach you will notice beautiful white sand dunes and a pine forest which provides an opportunity to get some much needed shade at the hottest times of the day.
Spiaggia del Lido – Lido Beach stretches for 1500 metres and has views of the harbour. Its a favourite spot for tourist and locals as it is a few hundred metres north of Alghero, meaning you can easily reach both the marina and the old town whilst near a beach. It’s the perfect middle ground for a beach day out. There are bars and restaurants close by to grab a quick cocktail or snack throughout the day.
Spiaggia Lazzaretto – Lazzaretto Beach is located near the village of Fertilia. Stretching 300 metres and framed by sandstone rock, it has green transparent water surrounded by coves that you can explore.
Spiaggia la Pelosa, Stintino beach – Pelosa Beach can be found an hour away from Alghero, Yes – this is quite a distance to travel however, it is voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy with it’s shallow crystal clear water and soft white sands. No wonder it’s one of the best beaches around. “Torre della Pelosa”, a beautiful Italian monument right in the centre of the sea is a stunning view! It is well worth a visit, hire yourself a car, use google maps and drive down the easy straight road to paradise. While you’re there, have a day out in Stintino, a quaint village with nice restaurants at the harbour.
Food & Drink
After you’ve read “a taste of Alghero”. Here’s a few restaurants and bars for you to try.
Il Pesce D’oro – Il Pesce D’oro is known for its pizza and fresh fish. Located in the centre of town, with a great family style atmosphere. You will feel right at home in this restaurant.
Vineria Bell’agio – This wine bar is a hidden gem, I discovered this strolling down the cobbled streets of Alghero and time and time again I found myself gravitating back to this bar. It has welcoming staff, meat & cheese platters to pair with a great selection of wine as the perfect accompany.
Quintilio – Quintilio is the ultimate fresh fish restaurant, on the outskirts of Alghero this is the perfect romantic dining experience. The restaurant is located above the Alghero shore with a stunning view of the sea while you dine. Definite spot to indulge.
Poco Loco – Poco Loco is exactly what it translates to “a little crazy”, with pizza by the meter, live music 2-3 times a week, bowling and booze this is a great spot for a night out in Alghero.
Gelato Bars – Every corner you will find Gelato (Italian ice-cream). Try as many as you can, you won’t be disappointed.
Nightlife
Il Ruscello – Il Ruscello is a popular open-air disco, it has two dance floors and is open from 11pm – 5am.
Agua Lounge Bar & Disco – Agua offers you the best of both worlds. Either go downstairs for a dance in the club or stay outside on a summers night having cocktails and listening to the music coming from the downstairs. Open from 7pm – 6am with free entry.
Marcaibo Cocktail Bar – Located next to Lido Beach, Marcaibo is known for its great atmosphere, tasty cocktails and good music. You can’t go wrong.
Riservato Beach Bar – Riservato is a stunning beach bar located south of Alghero town. It has stunning views of the shore and sun loungers to lay on while you sip on a cocktail and enjoy the sunset. Or listen to some music after the sun goes down and Alghero’s nightlife truly begins.
Transportation
Alghero Beach Bus – The most noteworthy transportation is the bus line which will take you pretty much anywhere you would like to go, beaches, town centres, hotel drop off points. It really is one of the best forms of transportation in Alghero. With its easy timetable and reasonably priced tickets (€3 single ticket, €5 day pass, €15 for 4 day pass) you will see many locals and tourists utilise this bus. There is also a night bus for those who want to enjoy Alghero for that bit longer.
Taxi – Taxi ranks can be found at the Alghero airport, Via Vittorio Emanuele “porta Terra”, can be found parked up at the port of Alghero, in Piazza Sulis.
If in doubt you can always call ‘Radio Taxi’ on +39 079 9892028
Rent a car – Renting a car in Alghero is another great option because with google maps and a good data roaming plan, you should have no worries about renting a car and setting your own destination for the day. Plenty of travel websites will provide you with ‘rent a car’ options, usually there is a standard deposit on your credit card for any damage made to the car therefore, make sure your card has a good credit limit and once that’s in order – drive on!
Train – Located in the La Pietraia via Don Minzoni. Tickets are €2.20 for a single ticket & €3.80 for a return.
Airport – The closest is Fertilia located around 20 minutes away from the town centre by car.
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Hi! Lovely description of Alghero, but you didn’t talk about Sardinian jewelry… it’something really stunning! You can’t imagine how beautiful are Sardinian jewels, made by gold or silver delicate filigree, with mother-of-pearl, or corals, or gems, or semi-precious stones.
In Alghero, in the typical alleys of the village centre, you can find a lot of stores where to buy either affordable, but still beautiful, jewels, or precious, wonderful and expensive jewels.
@juliettekemp
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