With its 44,000 inhabitants, it is the 5th largest city of Sardinia. Alghero is the island’s main harbour town, home to Fertilia airport and one of its best-loved cities for the popular walkway along the port’s bastions, the red roofs that touch the sky and the gorgeous natural bay that flows into the emerald sea. The shoreline is some 90 km long and known as the Coral Riviera, home to a major colony of the finest coral. The historical centre is the city’s most interesting area, a labyrinth of narrow streets that connect piazzas bustling with life. The yellow walls and ancient houses echo the Catalan origins of the city. As do the churches: the Cathedral of Santa Maria (XVI century), the churches of Carmelo (late XVII century) with its great gilded retablo, that of San Michele with its coloured ceramic dome, and the late Renaissance Sant’Anna (1735). Alghero is famous for its fine coral, which is used locally with gold to make every manner of adornment. Do stop in at the Museo del Corallo and learn more about the history of coral and how it is used.

• Historic Center (Centro Storico): Wander through the charming cobblestone streets, lined with medieval buildings, quaint shops, and lively cafes. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the beautiful piazzas.

• Bastioni di Alghero: These ancient sea walls offer stunning views of the Mediterranean, especially at sunset. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely walk and a meal at one of the many seaside restaurants.

• Neptune’s Grotto (Grotta di Nettuno): A breathtaking sea cave located at Capo Caccia. You can reach it by boat or by descending the Escala del Cabirol, a dramatic staircase carved into the cliffside.

• Capo Caccia: This towering limestone promontory is ideal for hiking and enjoying panoramic views. The area is also popular for diving, with underwater caves teeming with marine life.

• Spiaggia delle Bombarde & Spiaggia di Maria Pia: Alghero boasts several beautiful beaches. Bombarde Beach is known for its golden sand and turquoise water, while Maria Pia Beach is perfect for families, with shallow waters and pine-shaded areas.

• Nuraghe Palmavera: Explore this archaeological site featuring a Nuragic village, offering a glimpse into the ancient history of Sardinia.

• Parco di Porto Conte e Area Marina Protetta:

  The area that plays host to the Porto Conte Nature Reserve, which was established by Sardinia Region in 1999, extends across more than 5,000 hectares and is home to numerous species of flora and fauna.

  The reserve encompasses an array of species associated with the upper coastal systems, the small islands, the scrubland, the Mediterranean maquis, the woodlands and the wetlands.

  This is a natural inlet teeming with life, where strips of white sand and crystal-clear water are surrounded by an enormous green expanse that continues to exert a wild, almost primordial fascination, in terms of both history and natural history. Within the nature reserve, there are also numerous archaeological sites and places of historical and cultural interest – time-honoured testaments to the landscape and to the presence of ancient civilisations.

• Wine and Gastronomy: Don’t miss the chance to taste local specialties, including fresh seafood, Catalan-inspired dishes, and wines from nearby vineyards.

Alghero seamlessly blends historic charm with breathtaking landscapes, making it a must-visit destination in Sardinia.