Alghero

The sound of the ancient Catalan language will be your companion as you enjoy all there is to see and do on this part of the coast, like charming sail boat outings, adventurous extreme sports, or simply a day on the beach to relax.

When you walk along its centuries-old walls or down the characteristic cobblestone streets you get a sense of that unique charm that only seaside cities have to offer. The history of Alghero is housed within the centuries-old walls that have always locked out the world both on the side of the land and the sea, tangible in its palace façades, squares and walled gates. Alghero is also characterised by a sense of belonging and community with the Catalan motherland, still alive and kicking today. A holiday in Alghero is a great opportunity to explore the wonders of this stupendous city.

You can start your tour of the city from the historic Torre di Porta Terra gateway, which today houses a multimedia tour that tells the story, customs and ways of the city from its origins to the present date. From Porta Terra we proceed to the Torre di San Giovanni, today home to temporary exhibits and displays, reaching Torre dello Sperone, better known as "Torre di Sulis", that with its 22 m of height is the most imposing tower on the city walls. The tower overlooks one of the city's main squares, Piazza Sulis. A historic meeting point for Alghero's night-life, the square includes some of the oldest and most prestigious venues which symbolise the first boom in Catalan tourism in the 1960s, still today definitely a hub for residents and tourists.

We continue our tour along the Bastioni Cristoforo Colombo ramparts, past the octagonal San Giacomo Tower, entering one of the most characteristic parts of the old town, the Bastioni Marco Polo ramparts, where typical colourful sea fishing structures give a decidedly Mediterranean look. Frequented by Alghero's citizens and tourists, the ramparts are a favourite place for leisure, entertainment and strolls. Cafés and restaurants liven the road, characteristic open-air spaces where you can sip an aperitif or enjoy the flavours of typical local dishes, cheered by the soft sea breeze. After you've covered the last bit of ramparts—the part which guards the city as it overlooks its marina and comes to life in the summer with kiosks and street artists—you'll reach a staircase that passes through the Porta a Mare to Alghero's gathering place: Piazza Civica. Overlooking the square are what once were the most iconic seats of the city's institutions, from the Catalan Gothic contours of the Palazzo de Ferrera (often the abode of the city's governors), to Casa de la Ciutat (where the City Hall is) up to the Palazzo della Dogana, where the captains that moored in the anchorage of Alghero had to check in.

The area around Alghero boasts enchanting nature and extraordinary landscapes, with unspoiled views, nature parks and reserves. From the Parco di Porto Conte to the deep blue of the extraordinary scenery of the Protected Marine Area, between hills and plains, coast and sea, this is the perfect backdrop for playing sports and spending a few hours in the midst of nature. The enchanting setting of Porto Conte Bay, Portus Nimpharum to the ancient Romans, is a perfect example. Among the dense Mediterranean maquis and ancient rocks, various architectures bring back fascinating pieces of history of a territory that has always been inhabited. On the cliffs of Capo Caccia, the promontory that closes the bay to the west, the Grotta Verde opens up. There, various relics and prehistoric paintings have been found on the walls, testifying to the presence of man in the area since the Neolithic Period. Inside the grotto there are gorgeous stalagmites up to 12 m in height covered in plant encrustations and bathed in an evocative greenish light.

The innermost part of the bay features the ruins of the nuraghic village of Sant'Imbenia and the Roman villa at Porto Conte. Discover a place where history and archaeology blend with enchanting, unspoiled landscapes. Check out our holiday packages to Alghero now and get ready for a brand new, unforgettable adventure.