Sightseeing in Alghero - what to see. Complete travel guide

Fabulous Sardinia invites travelers to visit it northwest coast and a true gem of this region – the gorgeous city of Alghero. This is a wonderful settlement that still hasn’t lost its medieval charm. The city is indeed a truly marvelous place with many historical attractions. Locals call their city “a small Catalonia” because Catalan is the main language in the region. Besides this, the majority of local families deeply value the customs and traditions of Catalonia.

First people settled in this region in approximately 4,000 BC. First stone buildings, which give us a glimpse of the history of the area, appeared here in 1,000 BC. Stone structures of the Nuraghe civilization are among the oldest attractions in Alghero. They have become a true signature landmark of the northern part of Alghero. One of the major events in the history of the city took place in 1102. The Doria family built a fortress that could be a stone shelter from the power of the republican Pisa. However, the city couldn’t resist invaders infinitely, and the Spanish took over Alghero in 1353.

Spanish authorities set up new rules in the Alghero region. The Aragonese people became the major force in the region and drove local Sardinians and Italians out. The city was continuously growing and ended up turning into a Spanish colony. Sardinians who had jobs in Alghero were allowed to keep their jobs but they had to leave the city until night. During this period in the history of Alghero, there were several attempts to free the region from the Spanish invasion but the situation remained unchanged until the 18th century. Even modern Alghero still hasn’t lost its Spanish atmosphere. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

When traveling in this region and visiting local restaurants, you may notice that local cuisine has many fish delicacies. Local recipes are quite simple, but local food tastes divine because it contains only fresh products. Here are the typical dishes that tourists will find very interesting to try: grilled mullus, a popular everyday dish; lobster cooked by a Catalan recipe and dressed with tomato and garlic sauce. Sea urchin is another popular delicacy in Alghero that can please even the most discerning gourmets.

Besides the dishes mentioned above, don’t forget to try Copatza de peix. This is a popular fish stew that usually contains several different types of fish, croutons, and traditional Agliata sauce. Agliata sauce is an essential ingredient in many dishes, such as smoked octopus or any fried fish. For dessert, restaurants in Alghero are ready to offer many interesting pastries and cookies. Consider trying Sebadas, a flaky pastry puff with ricotta, a secret blend of herbs, and orange zest. Sebadas is served with a sugar coating while it is still warm.

Do you plan to enjoy warm and tender Sardinian sun? Visit one of the most beautiful beaches in Alghero – Riviera del Corallo. The name of this beach literally means “Coral Riviera”, and this interesting name is not random. There are many corals in the coastal waters near Alghero. As these corals are red, they add an interesting and unusual shade to water.

The seaside area is an incredibly beautiful place. Yellow sand shines like gold in sun rays, so it looks like the area is covered with gold dust. Beautiful dunes and charming grottoes create a fantastic and mesmerizing view. Local bays are incredibly cozy and tranquil, so vacationers can relax deeply in a comfortable setting. Emerald-colored plants create a paradise-like picture and make people want to visit this idyllic place again.

Do you like silence and calmness? Spiaggia della Speranza is the first beach to visit in this case. This is a wild beach so it is not crowded and perfect for everyone who craves for solitude. This beach is situated to the south of Alghero, not far from Bosa. It is very comfortable and pleasant to swim in this area – the bottom is soft and there are no sharp stones. Water is crystal clear and transparent, so it is easy to see the underwater world. After storm, the coast is covered with “emeralds” – seaweed.

Do you plan to visit Alghero together with your loved one? In this case you might be interested in romantic and tranquil places perfect for couples. Spiaggia del Burantin Beach is one of these areas. This is an incredibly romantic place with a heart created by nature itself. The incredibly charming attraction of this beach is a result of a natural process – sandy bays changed their shape over time. Burantin is an ideal choice for lovebirds and families with small children.

It is possible to reach the fairytale beautiful city of Alghero by airplane – tourists first need to fly to Cagliari and then take a bus to the destination point. There are several buses a day from Cagliari to Alghero from early in the morning until late at night. Besides this, tourists can always get a taxi. In this case, they need to keep in mind that the taxi fare is significantly higher at night. It is possible to reach the city by train. Trains depart from Sassari, and it takes only 35 minutes to reach Alghero.