Alghero
A Catalan-influenced coastal gem with coral traditions, sea walls, and golden sunsets.
About Alghero
Alghero is unlike anywhere else in Sardinia—or Italy. This fortified coastal town was colonised by Catalans in the 14th century, and the influence endures: locals still speak Alguerès (a Catalan dialect), the old town's architecture is distinctly Iberian, and street signs are bilingual. The honey-coloured ramparts overlooking the sea are perfect for an evening passeggiata, and the old town's cobbled streets are lined with restaurants, coral jewellery shops, and wine bars. Alghero is the centre of Sardinia's red coral tradition—divers have harvested precious coral from the nearby Riviera del Corallo for centuries. Nearby, the dramatic Neptune's Grotto sea cave and the Nuraghe di Palmavera add natural and archaeological wonders.
Best Time to Visit
May to October. Summer for beach life and the lively old town atmosphere. September offers warm seas and fewer crowds. Spring is ideal for Neptune's Grotto and coastal walks.
Local Tips
- Walk the sea walls at sunset.
Alghero's bastions offer the best sunset views in Sardinia, looking west over the Mediterranean. A local will time the walk and book a table at a rampart restaurant for seafood with a front-row sunset seat.
- Visit Neptune's Grotto.
This spectacular sea cave is reached by boat or by descending 654 steps carved into the cliff. A local will advise on sea conditions, boat times, and the best time of day for the cave's dramatic lighting.
- Discover the coral tradition.
Alghero has been the centre of Mediterranean coral diving for centuries. A local can arrange a visit to a coral workshop where artisans carve this precious material into jewellery using age-old techniques.
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders . The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
