Search Hotels in Alghero

This charming port city in Sardinia may not be on everyone’s radar, but the Italians have been holidaying here for years. Choose Alghero for your next break and you’ll quickly see why they love it so much.

With its blend of warm sun, golden sand and beautiful blue seas, Alghero is the perfect destination for a beach break - but that’s only part of its appeal. Completing the package is an atmospheric old town with a maze of twisting cobbled streets and shady piazzas lined with bars and restaurants.

Alghero’s historic centre is enclosed by ancient walls and towers. The town was conquered by Spain in the late 1300s and the influence on its architecture is still visible today. Another remnant of Spanish rule is the fact that Alghero is the only place in Italy where Catalan is recognised as an official language. Pick a hotel in Alghero’s old town – one of the best-preserved in Sardinia – and you’ll have all this history on your doorstep.

A good starting point for an architectural tour of Alghero is the Piazza Civica, a café-lined square that’s home to many of the city’s oldest buildings. For the best sea views, take a walk along the city walls or the modern marina, packed with colourful boats.

Due to its popularity as a holiday resort, Alghero has a good range of accommodation to suit all budgets, from the affordable Hotel Angedras with rooftop terrace to the luxurious four-star El Faro Hotel & Spa.

Beaches and Water Sports in Alghero

If you’re going to Alghero, you probably plan to spend most of your time by the sea. From the town’s yacht-packed marine, a sweep of fine, sandy beaches extend north for miles along the bay.

Alghero’s central beach can get pretty busy during the summer months so if you visit during peak season, head for one of the coves a little further out of town for more space and seclusion. With its white sand, clear water and pine trees, Pineta di Maria Pia is one of the best. You could also opt to stay in one of Alghero’s beach hotels, so you’ll always have easy access to the sea and sand.

The clear Sardinian seas are perfect for snorkelling, so some of Alghero’s best beach experiences can be had under the water, where you can spot all kinds of colourful marine life.

If you’re a serious diver, don’t miss the chance to explore La Grotta di Nereo – the largest and most spectacular underwater cave in the Mediterranean. It lies below the cliffs of Capo Caccia, around 15 miles (25km) from Alghero.

Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby Grotta di Nettuno if you want to go underground without getting your feet wet. To explore either of these attractions, consider booking a hotel near Capo Caccia, which will give you the chance to enjoy a quieter, more rural break in one of Sardinia’s natural landscapes. This section of coastline is also known for its spectacular rugged cliffs, which are best viewed on a boat trip.

Food, Drink and Nightlife in Alghero

As you’d expect from a resort town like Alghero, there’s no shortage of places to eat and drink. You’ll find bars, restaurants, cafés and gelaterias at virtually every corner.

Many of the best places to eat are in the old town and dotted along the seafront, where you can watch the setting sun as you enjoy meals prepared with fresh local produce.

Unsurprisingly, the seafood is particularly good in Alghero. With such a short journey from the sea to your plate, the fish is just about as fresh and tasty as it can be. And if you aren’t ready to turn in after dinner, there are plenty of lively bars and nightclubs to keep you amused well into the early hours.

The contemporary Ottocento Guest House is located in a townhouse just steps away from the seafront and old town attractions. Its loft rooms and suites all come with free Wifi and complimentary bottled water.

If Alghero has opened your eyes to the pleasure of Italy’s lesser-known coastal towns, why not continue your Sardinian adventure with a hotel in Olbia? Alternatively, head back to the mainland to explore accommodation in Sorrento.