Alghero Sardinia
The exquisite medieval coastal town of Alghero is bursting with charm and local culture. It was once a Catalan speaking city and still retains its uniqueness to the rest of the island. It was here that I landed in Sardinia.
I stayed in Alghero’s well preserved Old Town, a draw to the local scene as well as European tourists. The crowd here was a good mix of boisterous families, roving youths and enamored honeymooners. I’ve come to love places that are alive with relaxed summer sun seekers but devoid of selfie takers and this is one of those perfect places.
Shops and eateries are abundant in the old town and strings of lights keep its narrow thoroughfares warm and friendly. Alghero’s streets fill the moment the heat of the afternoon sun ebbs to a tolerable degree and the party doesn’t stop, nor do the shops close until after midnight. In fact I am not sure when or if the shops close because I was always worn out long before the night crowds quieted.
Sunsets in Alghero are long and languid, the city alights in the last rays of the day as diners and holiday makers stroll along the along the Bastioni overlooking the sea. Along this scenic promenade the temperature is perfect and lights of Old Town begin to glow, ushering in the evening
A trebuchet still sits ready at the waters edge and the old medieval city walls are built into the modern bustle of the old town, its formidable gates now always open to Alghero’s port.
Alghero is a perfect place to embark up the coast by boat, there is much to explore nearby and Sardinia is always exquisite when seen from the water.
I took a tour up the coast to snorkel, cliff jump and explore. Our skipper made us a fresh lunch on the boat, pointed out sites and kept us laughing. We returned at sunset, happily exhausted in that relaxed way of a day spent in salt water and sun.
Alghero was a dreamy place to start and to end a visit to Sardinia, I made friends that I still stay in touch with and I could have easily filled a few more days there. Until next time!
- Chow