Alghero Holiday
Founded in the 12th century, Alghero is a delightful, walled old town, drizzled in beauty, culture and history. Occupied by the Catalans for over four hundred years, Spanish influence is everywhere - from the seven defensive towers proudly guarding the harbour to the flamboyant churches visible behind pale bastion walls, from the Catalan street signs to the melodic local dialect, touches of Spain remain. Hiding behind the town walls, you'll discover tiny, cobbled streets meandering beneath wrought-iron, flower-filled balconies and shuttered windows. Cosmopolitan shops, genteel bars and sophisticated hotels add to Alghero's elegant air.
Surrounded by pine forests, orchards, vineyards and the unmistakably blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, history and architecture are not the only reasons to visit. The beaches are glorious whilst the flourishing fishing harbour provides the town with its main source of industry. A stroll from the harbour to the beach is a delight - stunning sea views punctuated by fishing boats bobbing on the waves and waterfront cafés serving local delights.
Beaches
Alghero is located on a gorgeous sandy bay, with powder-soft sand stretching for miles. The Lido beach is the closest to the hotels and old town, and is a glorious swathe of bright, white sand. It can get busy in high season, but you'll easily find a secluded spot on the coarse sand beaches further north.
Shopping
The old town has an abundance of boutiques and craft shops dotted along its cobbled streets, particularly the pedestrianised Via Carlo Alberto and Via Roma. You'll find craftsmen all over the town creating lovely, bespoke pieces from the polished red coral for which Alghero is famous. Other crafts, including pottery and woodwork, also abound.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Alghero tends to focus on enjoying a good meal and a chilled drink although there are a couple of bars offering music and dancing. At least one night of your stay should be spent wandering along Alghero's ramparts admiring the moonlight on the water whilst being entertained by buskers and stalls selling local produce.
Local Specialities
Alghero is a burgeoning fishing port so as you can imagine, the menus of the local trattorias are laden with fruits of the sea, particularly the crustacean variety. One speciality is 'aragosta alla catalana' - lobster Catalan style. Stall holders in the harbour area sell fast food, including sea urchins - a Sardinian delicacy that tastes surprisingly delicious.