Alghero, the tourism capital of northern Sardinia, is a fascinating town of immense historical interest which also has excellent beaches. It can be lively, vibrant and cosmopolitan in the holiday season when there are open markets, bars and restaurants which cater for most tastes.
Quality hotels and apartments complement traditional tourist amenities, which are trasforming Alghero into one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. Alghero traces its history back to the 11th century when the tiny fishing village was fortified and became an important trading port.
In the 1350s it became know as Barceloneta or "Little Barcelona" and remained under Catalan, and later, Spanish domination for some 400 years, until title to the town was eventually transferred back to the Sardinians. Today, many influences of its former Catalan masters remain, clearly reflected in both its magnificent architecture and by its elder residents, many of whom still regularly speak the Catalan dialect.
In numerous restaurants around the old town this strong Spanish influence is still evident in their tempting menus. Alghero's ancient monuments and the Piazzas which proliferate within the old town area are linked by narrow cobbled lanes with their quaint dwellings, and are splendid examples of Alghero's architectural heritage.
Below the old town's fortifications a cosmopolitan range of modern yachts, pleasure craft and traditional fishing vssels jostel for position in the harbour. Beyond the immediate vicinity of the old town there is still more to explore. We recommend the wonderful lido beaches of Le Bombarde and Lazzaretto, the bays of Porto Conte and Capo Caccia, and the picturesque Porticciolo with its 15th century tower on the headland. |
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