Alghero is a city in the province of Sassari, located in the northwest of the island of Sardinia in Italy. Its rich history that left marks on its defence walls and dialect and the Mediterranean influences on its climate make Alghero a popular tourist vacation.

The name Alghero has its origins in the mediaeval Latin word Aleguerium, which translates to "stagnation of algae" and refers to the presence of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica.

Founded at the beginning of the 12th century by the Genovese noble family of Doria, Alghero saw many historical events and major changes. Having been under Genovese rule for two centuries, it then passed into the hands of the Crown of Aragon (later to become part of Spain), and later, the Habsburgs took control. The process of turning Alghero Italian began with the rule of the Piedmontese House of Savoy in the early 18th century. The city underwent expansion only to have its historic centre bombed during World War II and then affected by malaria.

Alghero has approximately 44000 inhabitants (as of 2017) and finds itself on the destinations list of many of the 3.4 million tourists that visit Sardinia every year.

Cost of Living

Living in Alghero is possible at costs that range close to the world's average. The city ranks 62nd out of 148 best cities in Italy to live in, and 2nd out of 6 when it comes to Sardinia, after Sassari.

Language and Dialects

Catalan was the official language of the city until the 17th century when the Spanish language took its place. Later, it too was replaced by Italian. However, the Catalan dialect Alguerese continues to be present in Alghero after so many centuries, which is why it gained official minority language status.

Transportation around Alghero

This fortified port city has an efficient network of buses that connect the outskirts with the centre so that all major attractions and points of interest are covered. Travellers can buy tickets at the ticketing office in the G. Manno Public Gardens, at newspaper kiosks, or directly on board for a slightly higher price. If you plan on using the bus more frequently, a convenient Day pass is also available for purchase.

Algherese Cuisine

The richness of flavours comes from the fortunate culinary mix of Spanish (Catalan) and Italian (Sardinian) recipes. Like any respectable port city, Alghero offers various fresh fish delicacies. Meat-based dishes are also deliciously popular on the island.

The most savoured fish recipes are fried moray, monkfish Catalan style, copatxa de peix (Algherese fish soup), octopus in garlic red sauce, and Catalan lobster. Pasta is usually cooked with bottarga and artichokes, sea urchins, and clams. Meat dishes include roast Sardinian suckling pig, fillet of beef with green pepper, and ravioli with lamb ragu.

The city will not disappoint those with a sweet tooth either. They can choose from seadas (honey and cheese pastries), menjar blanc (or blancmange, a cold dessert based on sweetened milk, corn starch, vanilla and almonds), crema cremada (known as crema catalana in Spain and Catalan cream in the rest of the world, the milk version of creme brulee), and different Sardinian biscuits (amaretti, pirichitti, papassini).

Wine lovers are definitely in for a treat with the underwater aged Akenta Sub of Vermentino di Sardegna DOC. This unique spumante (bubbly wine) comes to life after an ageing process in a cellar 40 metres below sea level. This doesn't only create flavour like no other but also traces patterns on the packaging so that there are no two bottles alike.

Tipping

Most restaurants and cafes in Alghero are family-run. You can leave some change as a tip or reward good service more generously. However, tipping is not usually expected.

What To See In Alghero

Centuries-old ruins, a walled city promenade, cobblestone streets, picturesque landscape all-around, beaches, and even a grotto - you can find them all in Alghero.

Nuraghe Palmavera

This village built around a complex of towers dates back to the Bronze and the Iron Ages. The limestone towers survived time, fire, and destruction. It is estimated that the main tower is over 3000 years old. More recent signs of Punic and Roman presence were discovered in the form of broken pieces of pottery. Presently, the area is an archaeological site, attracting visitors from all over Italy and Europe.

City Walls

A coastal walk is best to admire the weather-worn outside of the city walls. Golden and beige bricks have stood guard ever since the 16th century, along with two defensive towers. The entryway to the historical city centre is through Porta a Mare.

Bombarde Beach

The most popular (and therefore crowded) beach in Alghero is Bombarde Beach. Locals and tourists alike make a mental note to rent sunbeds and umbrellas ahead of time to enjoy the Mediterranean breeze.

The Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju

Discovered by accident in 1903 and turned into an archaeological site, the Necropolis offers guided tours of its excavated tombs and artefacts dating from pre-Nuragic times (starting in the Palaeolithic or the Old Stone Age).

Cattedrale di Santa Maria

The 16th century Saint Mary's Cathedral is located in the heart of the old city. Its distinctive pyramid-shaped bell tower makes it hard to miss, as does the mixture of Gothic design, neoclassical facade, and Renaissance and baroque interior.

The Public Gardens

All the sightseeing and getting from one landmark to another can use a restoring break in the Public Gardens of Alghero. Enjoy the lawns that connect the old city to the modern district and the street vendors' goods.

Neptune's Grotto

Grotta di Nettuno in Italian, Cova de Neptu in Catalan is an accidental 18th-century discovery by local fishermen. The stunning stalactites are worth a trip outside Alghero.

Best time to visit Alghero

Alghero has warm summers and mild winters due to the presence of the Mediterranean Sea. The hottest months are July and August (with an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius), which bring in the most visitors. Other warm months recommended for travelling are June and September, with averages around 27 degrees Celsius.