When you think of Italy, your mind likely wanders to Rome, Venice, or Florence. While all are beautiful, many are struggling with overtourism. To combat soaring visitor numbers, Rome has introduced a €2 entry fee for the Trevi Fountain. Venice has doubled its tourist tax, while Florence has cracked down on short-term holiday rentals in the historic centre. So as much as we love these places, we are keen to give them a breather by highlighting others that are actively seeking visitors. Enter Alghero, an ancient city on the northwest coast of Sardinia. Filled with prehistoric ruins, terracotta villas and sparkling turquoise waters, the city has a rich Catalan heritage which sees locals affectionately refer to it as 'Little Barcelona.'
Natural wonders
Sardinia is famous for its spectacular scenery, and many of the most beautiful spots happen to be in and around Alghero. Just 30 minutes from the city is Porto Conte Regional Natural Park, a coastal oasis that covers an area of five thousand hectares. Alongside forests, beaches, marine-protected areas, and archaeological sites, there are plenty of hiking trails and cycle routes to explore. Capo Caccia is a dramatic limestone cliff famous for its lighthouse and Neptune's Grotto, a spectacular sea cave filled with stalactites that gets its name from the Roman god of the sea, Neptune. Taking a boat is the most popular and scenic way to reach the cave (which has a £15.50 entry fee). Plenty leave from Alghero marina and the pier at Cala Dragunara in Porto Conte Park. However, you can also get to the grotto by climbing down the 654 stairs of Escala del Cabirol, a renowned scenic viewpoint which also offers panoramic views of the surrounding Mediterranean.
A historic centre
Alghero is surrounded by ancient walls that date back over 900 years. In 1354, the city was captured by the fleet of the Crown of Aragon, and repopulated with Catalan families. So for 400 years, Alghero was ruled by Spain. Today, it is clear that everything from the architecture to the dialect (known as Algherese Catalan) has been influenced by Italy's Mediterranean neighbour. The city has a blend of Catalan-Gothic and Renaissance styles, though the former is the most prominent. The 16th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria in the Old Town's centre is perhaps the most famous example of Alghero's Catalan colonisation. Alghero is walkable — its Old Town is mostly closed to traffic, meaning you can wander through the narrow, cobblestone alleyways at your own pace. Spend an afternoon browsing through artisan boutiques or diving into cafes for coffee and a cake. Fancy a sunset stroll? The sea walls that frame the city provide a wide, paved walkway with unspoiled views of the ocean and the aforementioned Capo Caccia cliffs.
Fly and flop
All that walking calls for some R&R. Luckily, Alghero has several pristine beaches. For sea and sand close to the marina, try Spiaggia di San Giovanni. This is the closest to the centre and part of a long stretch of sand that curves around the bay. Perfect for families, hire SUPs and kayaks, or fly and flop on one of the many available sun loungers. Word of warning: this beach gets busy, so if it is peace and quiet you are after, you may have to edge further away from the Old Town. Spiaggia di Maria Pia is another stunning beach around a 50 minute walk from town. Here you will find crystal clear waters surrounded by dunes and lush trees. Just six miles up the coast you will reach Le Bombarde, considered Alghero's most iconic beach with beach clubs and bars to boot.
Catalan cuisine
Alghero's cuisine is not solely Catalan style, but there are a few staples you need to try while you are there. The first, Catalan lobster. Reports say the recipe was invented by Lepanto Cecchini in 1949 in Alghero, and spotlights Mediterranean rock lobster boiled and tossed with raw red onions, tomatoes, olive oil, and lemon juice. Because it is so popular, you can taste the dish at almost any local seafood restaurant. Trip Advisor touts Ristorante La Lepanto on the seafront as one of the best eateries for lobsters and oysters, plus fish and pasta. Paella Algherese is another Sardinian fusion dish blending Catalan and Italian traditions. Essentially a twist on paella, it swaps rice for toasted Sardinian couscous. All that food requires refreshments, so why not head 15 minutes north to Sella & Mosca Winery, one of the largest vineyards in Europe. Tours and tastings are available for as little as £12.95. Do not leave without trying the local Torbato and Cannonau wines.
Day trip to Bosa
Bosa, one of Italy's most picturesque towns, is a short drive from Alghero. Defined by multicoloured houses perched along the mouth of the River Temo, it is the ultimate romantic destination. Explore the medieval hilltop Castle of Serravalle, wander the cobblestone streets or take a walk along the harbour. You can take the bus from Alghero to Bosa using the direct ARST (line 9312). The journey time is around one hour, and tickets cost between £2.50 and £4.30 one-way. The bus runs four to five times daily.
