The 12 things to do in Alghero

Visit Alghero: What are the best things to see and do in Alghero, Sardinia?

Visiting Alghero is discovering the charm of the province of Sassari and one of the jewels of the northwest of Sardinia. Between beautiful beaches, preserved coves, natural spaces of all beauty, as well as a rich historical and cultural heritage, Alghero is a must!

It also has the peculiarity of having preserved a Catalan influence. Indeed, the Iberians occupied this small fishing port from the 14th to the 18th century. Moreover, some people still speak a variant of Catalan, algherois.

Want to go to Sardinia? Here is our selection of the must-see and to-do in Alghero!

1. The historic centre

Visiting Alghero, through the maze of the paved alleys of the old town surrounded by its fortifications is a dip in the history of the region. The heart of the city is rich in religious monuments, towers and ramparts, palaces... Among the most beautiful palaces, the Palazzo d’Albis (XVIe) with Catalan-Aragonese architecture is to be seen, just like the palace Machin (early XVIIe) built in a Gothico-Calan and Renaissance style.

Also, a walk facing the sea or a sunset from the ramparts will be unforgettable. Not to mention the charm of living places and the particular style of the city with its ochre facades and red roofs.

2. The ramparts and towers

Emblems of the city, the ramparts and towers are to be visited in Alghero. The fortifications date back to the 12th century, originally built by the Doria then reinforced by the Catalan-Aragonese.

They were responsible for defending the old town. Some bastions bear the names of famous explorers like Magellan or Marco Polo. Among the many towers, the San Giacomo dating from the 15th century has an octagonal silhouette. As for the Tour de Espejo Rejal, it offers a nice view. This is a nice historic trip to Alguero along the ramparts!

3. The Cathedral of Santa Maria

The Cathedral of Santa Maria is one of the monuments that must be visited in Alghero. Construction dating from the 16th century is a mix of quite surprising styles. On the outside, one can observe a façade with the Greek-Roman look, which can remind a Greek temple with its columns. As for its other façade, it is in a Gothic style " Renaissance.

The interior is also beautiful. Visitors will be able to observe a mysterious black virgin as well as a beautiful altar in coated marble.

4. Museums

Several museums are to be visited in Alghero. Among them:

• The Coral Museum which highlights the importance of coral in Alghero and the Riviera del Corallo;
• The archaeological museum, it retraces the protohistoric, nuragic, Phoenician and Roman periods. There are three themes: the sea, ways of living and the world of the sacred " death;
• The diocesan museum of sacred art ;
• And the Museum of the Casa Manno, dedicated to Giuseppe Manno, sardine politician.

5. The churches

Visiting Alghero also allows to appreciate the architecture and beauty of churches. The small orthodox church Santa Barbara, for example, would be the oldest in the city (XV century). For its part, the Church of San Michele, one of the symbols of the city, is ornamented with a dome in polychrome faiences.

As for the church of the Misericorda of the 17th century, it is built in a Spanish colonial style. The Carmelo church dates back to the 17th century. With regard to the church of San Francesco and its cloister (XIVth/XVth centuries) they are a testimony of the Catalan period, in a Catalan Gothic architecture.

6. The Neptune Cave

The Neptune Cave is a visit to make absolutely in Alghero, in the protected marine area of Cappo Caccia-Isola Piana. This is a real geological pepit of the Mediterranean, two million years old. It is also one of the largest marine caves in the country.

Nature has dug and carved rooms, stalactites, stalagmites, underground lake. A tourist route of almost a kilometre long, absolutely unforgettable. It is accessed by boat or by land, passing through Escala del Cabirol. Diving and speleology lovers can also admire the Green Cave, Nereo's or Pizzi e Ricami's.

7. The beaches

Sardinia is famous for the beauty of its beaches and Alghero, as well as the Riviera del Corallo, are not in the rest! Bombarde beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, combining fine white sand and transparent water. Nearby, that of Lazzaretto is also known, as is Punta Negra.

A little further north, Porticciolo is a beautiful cove away from the wind. At the level of Porto Conte, it is a golden sand sheltered from the wind by the pines, which waits the holidaymakers on the beach of Mugoni .

In town, Lido di San Giovanni is convenient and easy to access for city dwellers. Finally, for a wilder beach, direction the spiaggia Maria Pia , decorated with dunes and pinewood.

8. A boat ride

Once the beach tour of Alghero is done, another must-see is for you: the boat ride! Indeed, renting a boat in Alghero , you offer the possibility of discovering the algueroistic wonders while avoiding the tourist agitation. For example, you can navigate the marine protected area of Capo Caccia by admiring the sea and the beautiful beaches of Le Bombarde and Lazareto.

If you don’t have the boat permit, you can use the services of a skipper who will reveal the most beautiful corners of the island throughout the trip. With a little luck, you can even enjoy it to swim in the heart of beautiful coves.

9. Ancient and archaeological sites

Archaeological enthusiasts will have the pleasure of visiting several interesting sites in Alghero. necropole di Anghelu Ruju is a true historical dive in millennial vestiges. A must-see site for history and archaeology enthusiasts.

As for Nurague di Palmavera , it allows to better understand the history of Sardinia and the nuragic culture associated with it. Also, in the Regional Natural Park of Porto Conte, the archaeological sites of Sant’Imbenia are to be seen, with Roman and nuragic vestiges.

Finally, at the level of the pond Calich , we see the remains of a Roman bridge.

10. Regional Natural Park Porto Conto & Capo Caccia

A large part of the coast of Alguero, north of the city is a protected area. This is the Natural Park of Porto Conto, in which the promontory of Capo Caccia is located. This area is perfect for hiking or biking, discovering local fauna and flora.

The area is alternated between the wooded areas, the Mediterranean maquis, and the Calich pond. It is also in this area that you can admire the most beautiful beaches, as well as the famous marine caves. The promontory of Capo Caccia allows you to admire the cliffs and the different views.

A trip to Alghero for nature lovers!

11. Culinary specialties and vineyards

Tasting the flavors of the island is obviously one of the things to do in Alghero. Some local culinary specialties are to taste absolutely, like the lobster in Catalan . Also give to the langouste d’Alghero and ricci (dogs), typical of the surrounding area.

In general, sardine cuisine consists of pasta, fish and seafood, lamb, pork, fresh vegetables and olive oil.

To taste also: honey of Sardinia and the local liquor of myrtle, Mirto . The region of Alghero and Sassari is also known for his wines , like the Torbato. They benefit from a protected name DOC Alghero. Thus, oenophiles will be able to visit the vineyards of the region, with tasting in conclusion.

12. Sassari

A nice trip to Alghero: go to Sassari about 30 km, head of the province and second town of Sardinia. Sassari has a rich architectural and cultural heritage, and its historic centre deserves a detour.

Travelers will discover the Rosello fountain and the Piazza d’Italia with palaces, iconic monuments of Sassari. But also the Cathedral of San Nicola di Bari, churches and museums.

It is also impossible to forget the park of Montserrao or to visit the Monte d’Accoddi, a megalithic and pre-nuragic archaeological site.

How do I get to Alghero?

By plane

By plane, the nearest airport is Alghero-Fertilia, 12 kilometres north of the city. There is usually a stopover Rome taking the flight from Paris or another French city.

From the airport, you can reach the center of Alghero by taking the ARST line 9373 . If you want to make a road trip in Sardinia, you can also ask yourself to Cagliari south, or in Olbia northeast. From the airport you can rent a car to be autonomous and carry out your journey. Also, use a flight comparison such as Ulysses will help you find a flight at the best price, while respecting your criteria.

By train

By train, Sassari Station is well served. You can check the schedules on the Trenitalia site. Then it is possible to take an ARST train to Alghero, or an ARST bus (line 9323 Sassari-Alguero).

By ferry

From Toulon it is possible to reach Sardinia by the port of Porto Torres, located about 40 km from Alghero. Once disembarked, it will be 40 minutes' drive to reach the destination.

Where to sleep in Alghero?

To visit Alghero, you can choose accommodation in Historic Centre in order to enjoy the warm atmosphere. Many accommodations are also distributed along the coastline, which makes it possible to appreciate the beauty of the sea. The surrounding countryside is also an opportunity for travellers who wish to enjoy the calm of nature. Several types of accommodation are available: hotels, Airbnb , campsites... Moreover, a research on a Compare hotels will allow you to refine your research, depending on your criteria.

You're here to visit Alghero. Good trip!