Alghero

Alghero lies on the north-western coast of Sardinia, in the province of Sassari, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The town is known for its fortified old quarter, built on a small promontory, where Catalan-era ramparts and cobbled streets reflect centuries of Aragonese and Spanish rule. Catalan is still spoken by part of the local population, earning Alghero the nickname 'Barceloneta'. The town is well known for its red coral craftsmanship, harvested along the stretch of coast known as the Riviera del Corallo, and for its seafood cuisine, particularly Catalan-style lobster. The surrounding area offers a number of sandy beaches, including Le Bombarde and Lido di Alghero, as well as the protected coastal area of Porto Conte. About twenty kilometres away stands the Capo Caccia headland, home to the Neptune's Caves, limestone formations accessible by sea or a long staircase. The Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers, makes the area suitable for outdoor pursuits such as coastal walking and water sports. An international airport serves the town, providing convenient access from several European countries.