Alghero holidays are bursting at the seams with fine food, ancient architecture and – of course – sandy beaches.
An ancient prize by the sea
Occupying armies squabbled like siblings over Alghero for centuries, and it's easy to see why. It's a postcard-perfect town in the north-west corner of Italy's Sardinia, where a ruggedly handsome coastline and high cliffs overlook white sandy beaches. For the adventurous, a visit to the stalactite-filled Neptune's Grotto is a must.
Sardinia's Spanish connection
Nestled on Sardinia's coast, Alghero's sights are firmly set on a Spanish horizon – the Balearics. In the cobbled streets of the old quarter, you'll also feel hints of Barcelona bubbling up as locals chat away in their very own Catalan dialect. It's no wonder the place was once dubbed 'Barceloneta'.
Sumptuous suppers by the sea
The Spanish influence trickles into Alghero's eateries, where tempting Catalan cuisine often features on the menu. For carnivores seeking out local specialities, try roast suckling pig. This famous Sardinian dish is extra delicious when washed down with a glass of wine from one of the vineyards on the north of the island.