Alghero

Welcome to Alghero: "the Barceloneta" of Sardinia

Welcome to the city of Alghero, located in the northwestern part of Sardinia. Alghero is a municipality of 42,398 inhabitants and is known as "the Barceloneta" of Sardinia. The city boasts the use of the Catalan language, which is a linguistic island, spoken by 22.4% of the population in its dialectal variant, Algherese. Alghero is the capital of the Coral Riviera and owes its name to the fact that there is a large amount of red coral in its Rada, fished by skilled divers. The city's economy has benefited from the activity of underwater coral harvesters since past centuries. The city enjoys a lively cultural and economic community thanks to the presence of universities, the headquarters of the Department of Architecture, Design and Urban Planning of the University of Sassari, and the School for foreigners of Italian language and culture of Alghero.

Alghero: The Barceloneta of Sardinia - history, culture, and Mediterranean cuisine.

The physical geography of Alghero

The territory

Alghero is located in the northwestern part of Sardinia, in a privileged position within theAlghero Rada. The Nurra plain occupies most of the territory to the north of the urban area. The northwest part is dominated by the karst systems of Capo Caccia, Punta Giglio and Monte Doglia. South of the city, the area is characterized by the volcanites that form the plateaus of Villanova Monteleone and Bosa, from which some watercourses originate that have favored agriculture.

The climate

Alghero's Mediterranean climate is mild thanks to the presence of the sea, which mitigates temperatures, especially in winter. There are also two meteorological stations north of the city, where short and medium-term forecasts are made for the entire northern part of Sardinia. The weather situation is also monitored hourly and sent to major national and regional news organizations. According to the Climatic Classification of Italian Municipalities, the municipality of Alghero falls within the C climatic zone, as the degree days of the city are 1001.

How to reach Alghero

The city of Alghero is one of the gateways to the island thanks to Alghero-Fertilia airport, located near Fertilia. It is also possible to reach the city by car, with the Sassari-Alghero expressway, which allows you to reach the city through breathtaking landscapes, such as the Marine Protected Area of Capo Caccia, included in the Regional Natural Park of Porto Conte, where the ancient Roman Villa of S. Imbenia is located.

What to see in Alghero

Alghero is a city with a rich history and culture that make it a sought-after destination for tourists. The city boasts numerous churches, towers, and Catalan-Aragonese Gothic style portals of the 15th century, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Church of San Francesco, and the historic Tower of the City Walls that surrounds the historic center of the city. Along the walls of Alghero, there are also numerous towers, including the Tower of Sulis, the Portal Tower, the People's Tower, and the Tower of San Giovanni.

The city is also famous for its promenade, which offers a breathtaking view of the sea and nearby Catalan cities. Alghero also offers a wide range of entertainment activities, such as concerts, exhibitions, and artistic performances.

Alghero's cuisine

Alghero's cuisine is a mix of Catalan and Sardinian flavors, making it one of the most tasty and original cuisines in Sardinia. Typical dishes include fish appetizers, such as Catalan-style lobsters, and fish-based first courses, such as Sardinian paella and Catalan risotto with seafood. Another popular local dish is roasted suckling pig, served with potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers.

Conclusion

Alghero is a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage, offering a unique experience for visitors. The city has a privileged location, offers numerous places of interest, and a delicious cuisine. Come and visit Alghero and discover this treasure of Sardinia.

Sofia Greco
Wrote by Sofia Greco
Updated Thursday, Apr 7, 2022