After your flight touches down at Alghero-Fertilia Airport, a short drive brings you to a city where the air smells of salt and the architecture tells a story of Catalan influence. Stepping onto the cobblestones for the first time, you find a place that feels distinct from the rest of Sardinia, defined by its yellow sandstone walls and a relaxed, coastal energy.
The Bastions
These massive sea walls wrap around the old town, providing a path where you can walk alongside the Mediterranean Sea. At sunset, the stone glows in shades of honey and gold as locals and travellers gather to watch the sky change colour over the water.
Alghero Old Town
Known as Barceloneta due to its historical ties to Spain, this district is a maze of narrow alleys and hidden squares. You will find Catalan street signs and Gothic palaces that house workshops filled with the famous local red coral.
Cattedrale di Santa Maria
This cathedral has a distinctive octagonal bell tower that is one of the most recognisable points on the skyline. Inside, the cool, quiet interior provides a sharp contrast to the bright sun outside, revealing centuries of religious art and design.
Capo Caccia
Visible across the bay as you arrive by air, this towering limestone promontory juts out into the sea. It is home to dramatic cliffs and the entrance to hidden sea caves, representing the wilder side of the coastal landscape.
Le Bombarde
This stretch of coastline has clear, turquoise water and is surrounded by a dense pine forest. It is a popular spot for those looking to experience the natural clarity of the northern Sardinian coast away from the city centre.
Neptune's Grotto
Accessible by a steep staircase carved into the cliffside or by boat, this sea cave contains enormous stalactites and a calm underground lake. The atmosphere inside is hushed and ancient, showing the geological history of the island.