Alghero
Alghero is the fifth largest city on the island in terms of population and the most visited of Sardinian towns. Of Catalan origin, dating back to the 11th century, the city's fascinating history is well documented by its yellow walls and the antiquity of its house façades.
Over the centuries, the various dominions, Genoese and Pisan in particular, have enriched the city, fostering a pleasant blend of Spanish traditions with those of the maritime republics.
The historical center captures visitors in a labyrinth of alleyways and characteristic red roofs, leading to the harbor ramparts, which surround the coastline in an embrace, a promenade tinged with vermilion hues at sunset. A color reminiscent of the precious coral, one of Alghero's major tourist attractions, which also gives its name to the coastline (Riviera di Corallo) and decorates the rooms of the Coral Museum, a sight not to be missed.
The most famous beach, a popular destination for families and young people, is Le Bombarde: with its crystal-clear water and transparent sandy seabed, it is suitable for those who want to relax, immersed in natural beauty, as well as for boat trips along the bay.
Not far from the town are several excursion sites. Further to the north are the picturesque centuries-old junipers of the Maria Pia pine forest and, further on, the renowned Lazzaretto beach, special for its fine, light-coloured sands, the anteroom to the Gulf of Porto Conte. The phenomenon of karstification makes this area surprisingly generous with small caves and natural ravines, including the well-known Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune's Cave): accessible both by boat and by land via the Escala del Cabirol, it is one of the jewels of the Capo Caccia - Isola Piana Protected Marine Area.
Alghero is also an important site of archaeological interest, as evidenced by the presence of prehistoric traces, including the Nuragic complexes of Palmavera and the necropolis of Anghelu Ruju.
Alghero attractions
Road 105 Alghero-Bosa
45 kms of emotions and unpolluted nature is the street that from Alghero goes to Bosa. The unforgettable coast looks on a splendid azure and turquoise sea, with stone sheepfolds, golden eagles and peregrine falcons. It is so beautiful that in the past this road was proposed to be recognized as a UNESCO asset.
Coral Museum
Alghero's cultural identity stems from its deep connection with Corallium Rubrum, considered the red gold of the Mediterranean. To celebrate the history of this centuries-old symbiosis, the Art Nouveau-style Villa Costantino houses the Coral Museum.
The visit immerses visitors in the curious history of this highly prized material, through an exhibition of traditional works of art by Alghero craftsmen.
Giglio Point
Le Bombarde
Baratz Lake
Baratz’s lake is the only natural pond of Sardinia, immersed in a luxurious mediterranean vegetation, ideal place for the fresh water’s tortoise.
A mysterious atmosphere surrounds who is walking around, given the notorious legend of an ancient city that sank in its own waters. Located between Sassari and Alghero, it is not so distant from the fascinating beach of Porto Ferro.
Santa Maria cathedral
Santa Maria cathedral
Commissioned in the 16th century for the newborn Diocese of Alghero-Bosa, Santa Maria’s Cathedral is the most important religious monument, a breathtaking union between gothic-catalan style and renaissance elements.
The bell tower stands out on the red roofs of the houses, easily visible from the coast as if it was a lighthouse for travelers.
Cape Caccia
From the city of Alghero, a short drive leads to the promontory of Capo Caccia, which gives its name to the surrounding MPA.
At the summit, a good 170 m above sea level, the cliffs plummet vertiginously into the sea, painting themselves with fiery red brushstrokes at sunset. Here, among the cliffs, it is possible to visit the Escala del Cabirol, which descends steeply towards the Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune's Cave), like an experienced roe deer.
Complesso nuragico di Palmavera
Raggiungibile comodamente a nord di Alghero, nel Parco di Porto Conte, giace il complesso nuragico di Palmavera. Il promontorio omonimo ospita un villaggio costruito in calcare e arenaria, risalente all’epoca nuragica.
Al centro dell’antico insediamento spiccano due torri, circondate da molte capanne. Sebbene fossero inizialmente quasi 200, oggi ne restano meno di 50.
Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju
The Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju is located near the city of Alghero in northwestern Sardinia. This archaeological site became famous with the discovery of a pre-Nuragic statuette of the Mother Goddess. It is the largest pre-Nuragic necropolis on the island, dating back to the Ozieri civilization from 3200 BC to 2400 BC.
The man-made caves show the precocious building skills of its ancient inhabitants. Moreover, the bull sculptures on the walls and the artefacts found there indicate that these people already had a well-developed artistic sensibility.
The entrance fee is inexpensive and the site closes only on Christmas day.
Interestingly, the Necropolis was discovered within a wine estate, whose wine is now named after the archaeological site.
Alghero bastions and towers
Among the few italian cities that preserved their own walls almost untouched, Alghero is scattered through all its historical center of towers, giving the lovely sensation of a dive in the past.
The bastions of the old city on the sea, of the Aragonese era, are the ideal place to admire the sun reflection on the sea at twilight.
Neptune's Cave
Hidden among karstic cliffs, Neptune's Cave is one of the biggest marine cavities in Italy. The beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites that sink on the enormous underground lake makes it a must-see.
Reachable both by ground and by sea, this is the undiscussed treasure of the Protected Marine Area of Capo Caccia- Piana Island.
