Alghero, also known as ‘l’Alguer’ in Catalan or ‘s’Alighera’ in Sardinian, is a charming city nestled in the province of Sassari.
Dubbed as the Sardinian Barceloneta, Alghero proudly maintains the use of Catalan language, with 22.4% of its residents conversing in the local Algherese dialect, officially recognized as a minority language by both the Italian Republic and the Region of Sardinia.
The city even hosts an institutional delegation from the Generalitat de Catalunya, Catalonia’s regional government.
As the fifth most populous city in Sardinia with 44 thousand inhabitants, Alghero stands out as a major entry point to the island through Fertilia Airport, renowned for its captivating historic center, panoramic sunset views from ancient walls, and breathtaking natural beauty along its emerald coastlines and beaches.
The approximately 9-kilometer coastline is famously known as the Coral Riviera, boasting an abundance of high-quality red coral harvested by underwater coral fishers. This trade has played a significant economic and cultural role over centuries, so much so that it is depicted in the city’s emblem.
- Le Bombarde and Il Lazzareto beaches are among the most popular ones, featuring crystal-clear waters and sandy seabeds.
- A bit further away lies Mugoni Beach in Porto Conte bay while within city limits lies the splendid San Giovanni Lido continuing into dunes adorned with ancient junipers at Maria Pia beach.
No trip to Alghero would be complete without exploring the Neptune’s Grotto, accessible either by land through Cabirol Stairway or by sea via boats departing from the marina.
