Alghero: Riviera del Corallo, Old Town and Nuraghi
Accommodation in Alghero
Alghero combines a long coastline with historic buildings, museums and an old town full of its own atmosphere. If you would like to combine culture and landscapes on your trip, you will find very different points of interest here: from the historic centre and archaeological sites to protected stretches of coastline and the Grotta di Nettuno.
Historic Centre and Cultural Impressions
The historic centre of Alghero is a labyrinth of narrow streets leading to lively squares. The yellow walls and old houses recall the city’s Catalan origins. A prominent part of the city’s history is the Torre di Porta Terra. It is the only surviving part of Alghero’s landward walls, which were completely dismantled after 1867. Today, the tower houses an information point that presents and enhances Alghero’s cultural heritage.
The towers and walls of Alghero also have a contemporary cultural function: they are currently used for the planning of cultural events and numerous other activities. This connection between the city’s history and performance began at the Teatro Civico as early as 29 November 1862. On that day, the theatre opened with Giuseppe Verdi’s melodrama “I Masnadieri”.
Museums of Coral, Archaeology and Sacred Art
The Museo del Corallo is housed in an elegant Liberty-style villa. It presents the history and biology of coral, as well as the economy created through its processing. This places a natural material at the centre that is also closely connected with the regional culture.
The Museo Archeologico di Alghero preserves finds from the area’s earliest human settlements. The period covered ranges from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages. The historic centre is also home to the Museo Diocesano d'Arte Sacra, located in the former Church of the Rosary. Its collection includes liturgical silverware from the cathedral, wooden sculptures from the 16th to the 19th century, and paintings from the 17th century.
Palmavera: Nuragic Complex by the Sea
The Palmavera Nuragic complex is just a few steps from the sea, in the heart of Porto Conte Park. The archaeological site includes the remains of a complex nuraghe, originally consisting of three towers, as well as a village. A pentagonal wall surrounds the nuraghe and separates it from the village huts.
The main tower is particularly impressive: it dates from 1600 BC and has fully preserved its chamber with its characteristic false-dome vault. Palmavera therefore combines archaeological evidence with a distinctive coastal landscape, without requiring you to focus on just one area of interest.
Coast, Dunes and Protected Landscapes
Alghero’s approximately 90-kilometre-long coastline is known as the Riviera del Corallo. A large part of the coast is protected by the Capo Caccia–Isola Piana marine area. At Maria Pia, just outside Alghero’s built-up centre, there are sand dunes covered by centuries-old juniper trees.
Le Bombarde also reveals another side of the coast: the beach has transparent water and a clear, sandy seabed. When planning your trip, Alghero can therefore be explored through both historic cityscapes and coastal features, dunes and protected marine areas.
Grotta di Nettuno and Visiting Conditions
The Grotta di Nettuno can be reached via the Escala del Cabirol, a staircase with 654 steps. By sea, you can reach it by boat, with daily departures from Alghero marina or from the Cala Dragunara landing stage in Porto Conte.
Entry to the Grotta di Nettuno is permitted only when weather and sea conditions allow it. The cave therefore offers a specific choice between access via the long staircase and travelling by boat, while natural conditions remain decisive for the visit.
More Destinations for Planning Your Trip
For further orientation, you can also include Sennori, Sedini, Ittiri, San Nicola, Cheremule, Banari, Pattada and Campanedda in your plans.
For the overarching travel overview: Sassari.
