About Alghero

Alghero appeals to those looking for something a little bit different in their holiday destination. After all, this is an Italian town where the road signs are in Catalan and where the locals craft coral into jewellery despite the fact that none exists in the Sardinian sea.

Despite being a bit eccentric, Alghero's attractions are quite mainstream. There are superb beaches here, each lapped by azure sea water rated as some of the cleanest in the world. Another drawcard is the inimitable island cuisine; dishes such as Catalan lobster and the spicy pecorino cheeses garner rave reviews from the increasing number of visitors.

Charming though it is, Alghero works equally well as either a holiday base or a destination in itself. The city is ideal for easy access to the numerous attractions of Northern Sardinia, and mainland Italy is only a short flight away.

The cycle of life in Sardinia is heavily dependent on the seasons. This phenomenon is particularly apparent in Alghero and north along the Costa Smeralda. During the summer months (Apr-Sep) Alghero and its environs are hives of activity, where people socialise into the early hours and the beaches are filled with holidaymakers and loafing locals.

In winter you will need to offset cheap hotels and flights against the knowledge that most restaurants and bars remain closed for months at a time. All the same, if you want to get away from the tourist hordes, come to Alghero over December.

If you have the time, take a drive into the hilly interior and experience rugged farming country. It is a harsh landscape, but the good soil and wonderful clean air ensure a ready supply of excellent quality fresh produce and a thriving wine industry - making for a healthy lifestyle that may explain why Sardinia statistically has a higher proportion of centenarians than anywhere else in the world.