We spent the second week of our holiday in Sardinia in Alghero, on the northwest coast of the island.
Alghero pretty Big City by the standards of Sardinia, there is even international Airport,
although it is not as large as in Olbia and Cagliari, but you can still fly here directly.

The main attraction in the vicinity of Alghero are the caves of Neptune,
they are best reached by tourist boats from the port in Alghero.
The second option to get into the caves is to arrive by car and go down the Roe Stairs.
Going down a very long staircase consists of 656 steps.
We were not particularly interested in the caves, but the staircase promised interesting views - so we decided to get to it in the evening.
Going down all the way down was not part of our plans, we wanted to walk and take a photo.

We drive to Cappo Caccia, and on the way there is a wonderful lookout with excellent views of the steep rock.
It is behind the rock that the Roe Stairs is located.
1.

But upon arrival we were greatly disappointed.
We wanted to watch the sunset at sea from the stairs, but access to it is closed after 7 pm.
This bald Italian spoiled all our plans for the evening by kicking us out of the stairs and locking them :)
He probably climbs the stairs every day, we envy his health :)

Looking at the navigator for the nearest places near the sea, we arrived at amazing place- the bay of Porticiollo.
The views from here are amazing, I will make a separate story about it.
3.

And what sunsets in Porticiollo
4.

The village of Osilo in the interior of the island with a very scenic views and fortress.
5.

From the fortress you can even see a piece of the sea.
6.

There is an old church on the hill next to the village.
7.

Chiesa di Nostra Signora di Bonaria is the name.
8.

On the same day we reached one of the largest fortresses in the north of the island - Castel Sardo.
The fortress can be reached by car!
We left the car below and went on foot, as a result, there was no strength left in the fortress :)
9.

Bosa is another one of the cities worth seeing. A very beautiful Italian town.
10.

From the fortress open great views to the city and the river.
This is the only navigable river on the island, you can swim a couple more kilometers inland on it :)
11.

Oh those rooftops
12.

Just south of Bosa there are two wonderful beaches Mari Ermi and Las Arutas
We went to Mari Ermi. It's empty and very beautiful.
13.

These are the so-called "rice beaches" - the sand here consists of small grains of dazzling white color.
14.

Think it Vacation home? No, this is the famous Sella & Mosca winery.
We stopped by here to buy a few bottles of wine, although the prices at the factory are the same as the prices in the shops, there is much more choice.
I really liked Cannonau and Tanca Farra. Tastings are also held here, but you must pre-register for them.
There are also factory tours.

La Pelosa beach is probably one of the most popular on the island.
Of course, it is very beautiful, but because of the large number of people, we came here only once.
16.

But on this beach we spent almost all the remaining days.
La Saline is a 30 minute drive from Alghero, but what a great place!
17.

Sardinia is a wonderful island :)
18.

Other stories about Sardinia.

A holiday in Sardinia is a real adventure, exciting and unforgettable. This piece of paradise is ready to open its arms to all those who love to bask on the beach, go hiking or cycling, go in for water sports and make excursions to the most wonderful corners of the planet.

Every year more and more tourists come here who want to spend in a wonderful paradise at least a few days. The island offers many resort areas to choose from and lots of entertainment.

What is Sardinia? This is an island of the Mediterranean, an island part of Italy, which is famous for its mild climate, almost two hundred meters of beaches and a comfortable stay. The northeastern part of the island is a prestigious area, where the houses and villas of the most famous and wealthy people from all over the world are located.

According to an ancient and very beautiful story, the island of Sardinia appeared from the footprint of the great Creator when he stepped into the water. The resulting piece of land had a bizarre shape, and an unusual beautiful nature: white sandy beaches, flower fields, crystal clear lakes and lush greenery. This is how this corner appears to all those who decide to visit it. Alghero is on the list of cities that you should definitely visit on the island.

City of Alghero, Sardinia: location

Alghero is located in the province of Sassari, its population reaches 44 thousand people. It is one of the main cities in Sardinia, as it has an international airport.

The coastline of the city is called Riviera del Corallo - "Coral Riviera". A large colony of red corals lives here, which made the city of Alghero famous far beyond Italy. The collection and sale of coral is of great importance in the life of Sardinia - both economic and cultural.

The development of the culture and language of the inhabitants of Alghero has long been influenced by the Spaniards, so the streets here have double names, and many residents are fluent in two languages.

Weather

Alghero stretches right on the seashore, so the climate here is quite mild, and two capes (Punto Giglio and Capo Caccia) reliably protect the city from strong winds.

In winter, the weather in Alghero is quite warm: average temperature often stops at -10 o C. In summer, the thermometer rises to +22 o C.

Nature of the city and its environs

The rich landscape is represented by cliffs with sharp and flat stones, sandy beaches, luxurious mediterranean vegetation. Vast olive groves grow in the vicinity of the city.

The territory of Capo Caccio is popular because of the large number of caves and gorges, most of which are still poorly explored. The most famous of them is the cave of Neptune with hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites. The territory of this cape has recently turned into a nature reserve.

The coasts of Sardinia in Alghero are in great demand among divers. Immersion allows you to see the incredible beauty underwater world: corals, eels, moray eels, huge lobsters and many other underwater inhabitants. Even the most sophisticated divers will surely want to see the Nereus Grotto with their own eyes - the largest sea ​​cave throughout Europe.

natural attractions

Alghero Sardinia is not only a paradise for divers, there are many natural attractions here for those who are not going to dive with a mask and scuba gear.

Capo Caccia is a cliff whose shape is very reminiscent of the silhouette of a sleeping giant. It is from there that you can admire the magnificent landscapes and visit the magnificent caves in the nature reserve.

Reserve Noah's Ark (Arcadi Noè). This place fully justifies its poetic name. Lives in a small area a large number of animals and birds different types. Pink gulls, kestrels, cormorants, peregrine falcons and many other birds nest here. Often you can meet groups of wild boars, wild horses, fallow deer.

Historical monuments of culture

After exploring the natural beauties of the island, be sure to visit the famous historical monuments that will tell you about the rich cultural heritage Sardinia.

• Cathedral of Alghero. This building is located in the historical center of the city and is considered its main building. It is often called the symbol and main attraction of Alghero. The cathedral was erected in the 16th century. The building is made in the style of the late Renaissance, and the interior fascinates and delights with its grandeur and luxury.

• Church of St. Michael. The famous Chiesa di San Michele, like the previous cathedral, is located in the historic center of the city. It was first mentioned in the XIV century, and now it has become one of the local attractions. Its distinguishing feature is the octagonal dome, completely covered in brightly colored ceramic tiles.



Nuraghe Palmavera ( megalithic complex). A few kilometers from the city of Alghero there is a monument of the Bronze and Iron Age. The oldest part of this building is the limestone central tower.

The beaches of Alghero

Beach holidays are one of the main reasons why thousands of tourists come to Sardinia every year. The province of Sassari (where Alghero is located) is famous for its luxurious beaches. Both the Italians themselves and the locals like to come here. European states. Quite often, you can meet Russian-speaking travelers here, as many tour operators are actively promoting this tourist destination.

There are several beaches on the Coral Riviera in the city of Alghero.

Spiaggia del Lido. Central city beach. The coast here is covered with fine clean golden sand, the water is crystal clear. This option is perfect for families with children - the entrance to the water is gentle.

Maria Pia. This beach is located somewhat south of the previous one. Here you can also relax on the fine sand. This place is suitable for those who want to relax without fuss, savages. However, there are also well-equipped swimming areas.

Burantin. This beach is located 5 km north of Alghero. In addition to fine golden sand and warm waves, Burantin is famous for its bizarre shape, very reminiscent of a heart.

Regardless of which beach tourists choose to relax, they are guaranteed a great mood and a lot of entertainment. On the beach you can go yachting, boating or water skiing ah, scuba diving, try your hand at surfing. On the territory of the beaches there are many bars where you can order a cocktail and have a bite to eat.



Here you can also rent equipment for water sports. Moreover, an experienced instructor will certainly teach everyone to dive or surf. Even if a vacationer is going to stand on the board for the first time, he will certainly be successful and have a lot of impressions.

Entertainment

After relaxing on the beach and trips to the sights, tourists will surely be looking for something else to see in Alghero. There is enough entertainment here. For a family trip, it is recommended to visit the Luna Park, which is located on the territory of the port.

Children will be delighted with a trip to the aquarium - this wonderful fauna museum is located in the city. Here you will see huge turtles, moray eels, poisonous stone fish, sharks and many more unusual tropical fish.

You can have a great time on horseback riding, traveling on a yacht or canoe.

There will also be entertainment for adults. There are many nightclubs and incendiary night discos in Sulis Square. Special attention clubs worth paying attention to: Maracaibo Cocktail Bar and Bar Gilbert. Here you can not only have a good time, but also try excellent cocktails.

Before deciding where to stay in Alghero, choose your preferred comfort level and calculate your budget. Remember that the cost of living is affected by the remoteness of the hotel from the beach and the city center. It is also important what accommodation features the hotel offers ("all inclusive", breakfast only, no meals).



If the task is to relax inexpensively, it makes sense to choose three-star hotels in Alghero in Sardinia.

So, accommodation in Hotel Villa Piras is estimated at about 90 euros. This hotel is located in a quiet area, just a 20-minute walk from the city centre.

Domominore also offers budget rooms (about 80 euros). This option is suitable for those who want to settle near the airport. In this case, it may be inconvenient long distance to the city center.

Hotel Pa Blanc offers rooms with an ensuite bathroom and a shared kitchen. This accommodation option will appeal to couples with children, because in the kitchen you can always prepare a suitable dish for a child.

More comfortable rooms are offered by 4-star hotels. In these apartments, the cost per night varies between 130-170 euros. Among the most popular:

Hotel Corte Rosada;

Hotel Portoconte;

Hotel Oasis (located near Marina Pia beach).

Those who are accustomed to relaxing in style will certainly appreciate 5-star hotels with top-level service. Accommodation price per night - from 190 euros. The list of such hotels includes:

• Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa.

As a rule, such hotels offer all-inclusive services, so guests are unlikely to experience a lack of anything.



Holidays in Alghero (as well as throughout the island of Sardinia) can be called a real journey to paradise. In addition to the mild climate and breathtaking landscapes, tourists are waiting for entertainment for every taste and budget.

How to get to Alghero

Alghero - major resort and historical city in the northwest of Sardinia. There is everything for a comfortable stay from white sandy beaches to all kinds of entertainment. In the old part of Alghero you can find a lot historical monuments and attractions, while the new one has hotels, restaurants, cafes, diving and surfing schools, an aquarium, as well as a spacious coastline.

Alghero has a local arrival airport, but flights from Russia are not operated here, so the nearest place where you can fly by plane from Moscow is the city of Olbia, also located in the north of the island. The distance between Olbia airport and Alghero is about 125 km. Several direct flights per week fly from Moscow to Olbia in the summer. Flight time is 4 hours 15 minutes, flights depart from Domodedovo Airport. You can also fly to Olbia with a transfer at European cities any day of the week. The flight schedule can be viewed on aggregators Aviasales , Buruki and others.

How to get from Olbia to Alghero

From Olbia Airport to Alghero can be reached by public transport. So, for example, a direct bus of the company runs from the airport three times a day sun lines, travel time will be three hours and a little. This is a convenient option, but only if your flight schedule coincides with the bus schedule, as there are only 3 bus services per day to Alghero.

You can also get to the resort by taxi or transfer. You can find a taxi car at the exit from the airport, or you can order an individual transfer service in advance, then the car with the driver will already be waiting for you by the time of arrival. You can find information on transfers and book a suitable option at various international services, such as , and others similar.

In addition, at Olbia airport you can rent a car and get to Alghero on your own. In this case, you will need a basic package of documents - an international driver's license, a passport, bank card to pay for services and block the deposit. You can read more in the article on . Olbia Airport and Alghero are connected by highways No. SS597 / SS729 and SS729 (distance - 126 km, approximate travel time - 1 hour 25 minutes).

wiseguy71/Alghero, view from the water

Alghero Hotels

In Alghero, all hotels are divided into urban (within the old city) and beach (on the coast). In the first case, bed and breakfast hotels intended for short stays are more popular. In the second case, 4 * and 5 * hotels, as well as apartments, prevail.

For a beach holiday, hotels such as:

• AlmadiAlgheroHotel 4* (first beach line, outdoor pool with hydromassage on the roof, bar, family rooms, meals - breakfast, private paid parking, free Wi-Fi);

• HotelCalabona 4* (adult and children's pools, restaurant, private beach, bar, meals - breakfasts of the type " Buffet", free private parking);

• Hotel &ResidenceEuropa 3* (located 100 m from the beach, has family rooms with free Wi-Fi, breakfasts are paid extra, you can choose from standard rooms, studios or apartments with one or more bedrooms);

• HotelElBalear 3* (located in the city center, but has access to a small concrete beach, the hotel has a restaurant, bar, meals - breakfast or half board, there is free public parking nearby).

To budget options placements that received best reviews also include:

• B&BaCasadaMarco (bed and breakfast hotel, located near the beach, free Wi-Fi, meals - breakfast);

• L`EderadiGavinaGuesthouse (guest house, located on the promenade, 100 meters from the beach, free Wi-Fi and free parking are included).

Francesca Cappa/Views of Sardinia

Sights in Alghero

Alghero is not just beach resort, there are quite a lot of preserved monuments of history and archeology, so the city is perfect for excursions. Historical Center Alghero consists of architectural monuments different eras: here and medieval city ​​fortress and gates, churches and temples in the Gothic and Renaissance style. On the streets of Alghero you can also find a considerable number of elegant palazzos, sort of mini-palaces. These include, in particular, Palazzo Carcassonne, Palazzo Mackin, Palazzo Serra, Palazzo Lavagna, Palazzo Civico, Palazzo Balata and Palazzo Simon - all of them are interesting architectural objects.

For the archaeological sites of the city, it is better to go to its surroundings. So, in small the settlements of Palmavera and Sant'Imbenia ancient mysterious nuraghes are located. It is believed that the local nuraghes are more than a thousand years old.

Of the natural attractions in Alghero are interesting Capo Caccia and below it Grotto of Neptune. You can get into the grotto only when it is completely calm on a special staircase leading directly from the parking lot on the cape. Inside the grotto are bizarre stalagmites and stalactites. In summer, the attraction is extremely popular among tourists. Of course, one of the main natural attractions of Alghero is its beaches, more about them later.

Teresa Grau Ros/On the streets of Alghero

The beaches of Alghero are picturesque strips of sand by the sea, partly hidden in bays, partly extending for several hundred meters. Coating local beaches- white sandy, as in almost all of Sardinia, the entrance to the sea is gentle, in some places off the coast corals can be found. Most of the beaches are free, apart from a few private areas owned by hotels. On the beaches of Alghero, you can find various water activities everywhere - rental of catamarans, scooters, water skis. Also off the coast there are several schools of diving, surfing and kiting, all three sports are very popular in Sardinia, and in Alghero in particular.

The most popular beaches in Alghero are Spiaggia delle Bombarde(a bay framed by low cliffs, the beach is covered with fine white sand, the entrance to the water is gradual ), Spiaggia di Maria Pia(white-sandy spacious beach, rather extensive shallow water off the coast), Spiaggia di S. Giovanni(a rounded bay with a gentle entrance to the sea, there is an equipped area for sun loungers and umbrellas), Lidobeach(the most popular city beach, spacious, stretching for several hundred meters, coverage - White sand, ideal for families with children).

Unlike other parts of Sardinia, where the beaches are hidden away from settlements, in Alghero there are no particular problems in order to get to the beach. Even if your hotel is located far from the coast, you can always get there by public transport, which distinguishes Alghero from other resorts of the island.

toastbrot81/Beaches of Alghero

On the northwest coast of Sardinia lies one of the most major cities islands, a beautiful resort and the historical treasure of Alghero. Incredible beauty medieval city attracts tourists from all over the world to relax in "Little Catalonia", as Alghero is affectionately called locals. And this is not surprising, because most of the population of Alghero speaks the Catalan dialect, many families honor Catalan customs, holidays and traditions of Catalonia. Resting in this amazing resort, you will enjoy not only the magnificent beaches framed by rocky cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation, but also plunge into the atmosphere and culture of mini-Catalonia and feel its real spirit. If you prefer beach holiday in a mild climate with wonderful landscapes at a very pleasant temperature of water and air, combined with informative and exciting walks along historical places cities, feel free to book, because in this beautiful resort of Sardinia you will find all this and even more. Even from the sea you can find majestic impregnable fortress walls, towers and forts, miraculously preserved to this day and creating the feeling that you are entering a beautiful medieval castle. And the bastions located on the coast are romantically named after the great travelers Christopher Columbus, Marco Polo and Magellan, as if inviting all passing ships to their backwater.

As in any other city rich in sights, acquaintance with Alghero should begin with the old city, where the main historical and cultural monuments are concentrated. One of the most famous and recognizable sights of Alghero and all of Sardinia is the Gothic Cathedral Mary, located in Piazza Duomo. Its famous bell tower, made in the Gothic Catalan style, towers proudly over Alghero. In summer, be sure to climb to its top, and you will see an incredible panoramic view of the most picturesque surroundings. And connoisseurs of organ music will be interested in the fact that a unique old organ is kept in the walls of the Cathedral in an atmosphere of rich interior decoration.

The hallmark of Alghero, which flaunts on all the photos of the city and has become a symbol of its beauty and grandeur, is the Church of St. Michele (Chiesa di San Michele), dedicated to the patron saint of the city, St. Michele. Its octagonal early baroque dome is decorated with colorful majolica and plays in the Sardinian sun like the colorful scales of magical fish. Alghero is a resort that is rightfully proud not only of its valuable historical and cultural monuments, but also of extraordinary natural ones.

Transfer time

15 minutes from Alghero airport, 2 hours 10 minutes from Olbia, 3 hours from Cagliari