Sardinia is one of the most popular European destinations for sun and beach seekers. The Italian island has everything to make tourists fall in love, since not only can they take a relaxing dip in its waters, but they can also enjoy the gastronomy of a country that boasts of its Mediterranean status.
In addition to talking about its coast, it is worth talking about cities as important as Alghero , which is located in the northwest of Sardinia, in the province of Sassari. It is a city with a lot of history that the people of Algiers affectionately call "Barceloneta", since in the Middle Ages the settlers who repopulated it came from Barcelona. Hence, words are still heard in Catalan, which is recognized as an Alghero dialect.
Two days are enough to visit it
Alghero is one of the most important cities in Sardinia. It has a population of around 45,000 inhabitants , although in the summer months that figure is far exceeded. In a couple of days you can get to know it in depth by visiting the most important places, which are the ones that I wanted to collect in this article so that you don’t miss any of them.
The best beaches in Alghero
How could it be otherwise in the case of a coastal city, I have to recommend a visit to its best beaches. They may not be the best on the island, but it is worth taking one morning to enjoy them.
The most popular are that of San Giovanni , which is ideal to go with children, and that of María Pia Pineda , which, as its name suggests, is full of pine trees that usually make it quite crowded in August.
In the direction of Fertilia, a few kilometers from Alghero, is the Bombarde beach . It could be defined as paradisiacal because its waters are crystal clear and the landscape is very beautiful, so it is worth traveling there. There is free and paid parking.
The Port of Alghero
Without moving too much from the water, although taking off our swimsuit to put on our clothes, we came across the port, which we could say is on the outskirts. It is a place full of bars and restaurants where there is usually a lot of life, especially at night. There are those who relax contemplating the sea a few meters away, while others prefer to hire one of the excursions that are offered to navigate the area.
The Towers and the Wall
The article should have started the same at this point, since we are talking about a medieval city that boasts its towers and wall as a symbol of resistance . In total there are 7 towers and 3 forts, the majority rebuilt by Fernando El Catolico, who considered that the old Genoese wall was too weakened.
The stone walls are of great architectural value and the towers offer you the possibility of enjoying privileged views of Alghero.
The Cathedral of Saint Mary Immaculate
It is the main church. It was built in the 16th century and is in the historic center. It stands out for its large octagonal bell tower, which you can climb to enjoy panoramic views of the city. The main entrance is in the small square of the Duomo, from which you can see the mixture of Catalan Gothic canons with brushstrokes of Valencian Gothic style.
The Cloister of San Francisco
It is not only a cloister, but it is also a church and a convent. The buildings that you will see clearly show the influence that Catalan architecture had on Alghero. The construction took place in the year 1300 AD, although over the years there were up to two reforms. The visit allows you to know various aspects of the Franciscan monks.
Alghero Diocesan Art Museum
As in any city that boasts, in Alghero there are also must-see museums. The Diocesan Art is wonderful because it shows us what life was like in the Middle Ages through a great variety of objects of sacred art. Relics and ornaments that had a lot of religious prominence at different times are exhibited, as well as a collection of paintings and sculptures that tend to entertain the less museum-loving tourist.
Via Principe Umberto
Strolling around is an obligation . Especially when you can do it through streets such as Principe Umberto, which draws a route lined with beautiful old buildings in the Renaissance style such as the Casa Doria (in Renaissance style), the Palace of Curia (it is beautiful) or the Church of Mercy, which It is in the highest part of the street and it preserves a beautiful Santcristus, which is the statue that symbolizes Holy Week.
Recommended articles:
– Essential visits in Sardinia
– Tours and excursions in Sardinia
– The best beaches and coves of Sardinia