Travel Guide Alghero

This superb fortified town benefits from its seaside location, its Catalan heritage and its privileged link with the red coral. Alghero's old town stretches out flat against the bay. With its seafront promenade and towering white houses, it's reminiscent of Essaouira in Morocco or Cadiz in Spain. The French prefer to compare it to Saint-Malo, although it shares neither its colors nor its physiognomy. The town was completely repopulated in the 14th century during the Aragonese conquest, when the king expelled the local population to settle Catalan families. A quarter of the population are said to still speak Alguérois, a form of ancient Catalan mixed with Sardinian. The inhabitants proudly claim their origins, and Catalan flags can be seen everywhere, alongside bilingual street names and signs. The old town, with its cobbled streets, perfectly-kept churches and palaces, exudes an incredible charm, despite its heavy tourist traffic. Souvenir stores, bars, restaurants and museums all rub shoulders in a way that is unusual in Sardinia. The old town is nonetheless beautiful and pleasant. Last but not least, Alghero is a romantic destination par excellence just for watching the sun set over the sea from the ramparts. It's magical!