Alghero and Riviera dell Corallo

Alghero is a charming coastal city located in the northwest of Sardinia. It is known for its Catalan heritage, which is reflected in its architecture, language, and cuisine. The city’s historic center is surrounded by ancient walls and features narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and medieval churches. One of Alghero’s most famous landmarks is the Cathedral of Santa Maria, which dates back to the 16th century.

Alghero Airport, also known as Fertilia Airport, is located about 5 km (3 miles) from the center of Alghero. It offers direct flights to major Italian cities as well as several European countries, especially during the summer season.

In addition to its cultural attractions, Alghero is also a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches and clear blue waters. The city is situated on the Riviera del Corallo, or the Coral Riviera, which stretches along the northwest coast of Sardinia. The Riviera del Corallo is named after the red coral that is found in the area’s waters and is known for its scenic beauty and pristine beaches.

Visitors to Alghero can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing. The area is also home to several natural parks and reserves, including the Porto Conte Regional Park, which offers hiking trails and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The picturesque marina is a perfect place to settle in for drinks at an outdoor cafe, enjoy seafood pasta or pizza, or just sit and people watch.

Overall, Alghero and the Riviera del Corallo are must-see destinations for anyone visiting Sardinia. With its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and endless recreational opportunities, this region of Italy is truly a gem of the Mediterranean.

Attractions

The charming towns of Alghero and Riviera del Corallo offer a picturesque setting and a wealth of natural, historical and cultural attractions. Surrounded by turquoise waters and white sand beaches, the towns invite you to get lost in their narrow cobblestone streets, explore archaeological sites, visit seaside grottoes and museums, and relax amidst stunning scenery.

Alghero’s centrally located Old Town: Explore the narrow cobblestone streets lined with pink sandstone buildings, arches and columns. See the massive medieval walls, towers and gates like the Porta Terra and Porta Maris gates. Stroll picturesque Piazza Civica and Piazza Sulis, the heart of the Old Town.
Cathedral of Santa Maria: A striking example of Catalan Gothic architecture. Its bell tower rises 65 meters with eight bells. The interior dazzles with elaborate frescoes, statues, paintings and altarpieces like the ‘Miracle of the Thunder’ polyptych.
Coral Museum: Housed in the 17th-century Palazzo Fernandez, this museum contains a renowned collection of colorful coral artifacts, jewelry, sculptures, tools and documents showcasing the history of coral fishing and production in Sardinia for over 4000 years.
Neptune’s Grotto: Located on the stunning Capo Caccia cliffs, this sea cave is considered one of the top underwater attractions. Its turquoise waters, dome-shaped stalactite formations and stalagmites take your breath away. glass-bottomed boats and bridges provide a unique perspective of the marine life
Porto Conte Regional Park: A protected nature reserve with flora and fauna including rare birds and sea turtles. Great for walking, cycling, horseback riding and scenic trails.
Capo Caccia Natural Park: Windswept cliffs and secluded coves offer perfect spots for long walks, bird watching, photography and picnics with panoramic sea views. Hidden ‘calette’ or rocky inlets house scenic beaches. It is also prime territory for rock climbing.
Nuraghe Palmavera: This 3,000 year old archaeological site contains parts of a well-preserved nuraghe tower, several huts and sacred wells. It highlights the distinct Bronze Age culture that flourished in Sardinia, with interesting artifacts like a limestone sacrificial altar.
Market Hall, a charming food market hall opened in the early 20th century. It is a great place to find local agricultural produce, seafood, cheese, meats, wines, oils and more.
Riviera del Corallo Port, a popular port for yachts and cruise ships. Surrounding streets with seafood restaurants, bars and shops. It’s a hub for nightlife and entertainment too.
Porta Terra, the only remaining medieval gate in Alghero’s city walls. Nearby is the Church of San Francesco with a Spanish-Catalan facade.
Boat Tours – Boat trips along the coast allow you to see the Riviera from the sea, visit secluded beaches and coves, and maybe spot dolphins or whales (in season).
Coastal Drives – Scenic roads like the SP105 along the coast offer stunning views of the turquoise waters and coastline.
Fresh Produce – The area is also known for high quality olive oil, wine, cheese, seafood, strawberries, artichokes and much more. Many food and wine tours are available to sample the local delights.
Outdoor Activities – Opportunities for hiking, cycling, sailing, horse riding, golfing and more in the beautiful countryside and coastline.

The attractions of Alghero and Riviera del Corallo offer a compelling mix of history, nature, culture, food, wine and of course, an idyllic Mediterranean coastline with ideal weather and beaches. There are countless opportunities for exploration and creating cherished memories.

Beaches

The Riviera del Corallo in Sardinia, Italy, is home to many beautiful beaches that offer crystal-clear waters, stunning scenery, and a relaxing atmosphere. Here are some of the best beaches to visit in the area:

Maria Pia Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches in Alghero, known for its fine white sand, clear waters, and pine forest backdrop. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Spiaggia del Lido: This beach is located in the heart of Alghero and is known for its calm waters and easy accessibility. It’s a great spot for families with children and is equipped with all the necessary facilities.
Le Bombarde Beach: Located just a few kilometers from Alghero, this beach is known for its clear waters, fine sand, and beautiful pine forest backdrop. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Punta Negra Beach: This is a secluded beach located just a few kilometers from Alghero, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning rock formations. It’s a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, and the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring.
Porto Conte Beach: This beach is located in the Porto Conte Regional Park and is known for its clear waters and beautiful scenery. It’s a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Lazzaretto Beach: This beach is also located near Alghero and is a great place to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. It’s a bit quieter than some of the other beaches in the area, making it a good choice for those looking for a peaceful getaway.
Mugoni Beach: This long, sandy beach is located in the Porto Conte Regional Park and is surrounded by beautiful cliffs and lush vegetation. It’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nearby nature reserve.
Porto Ferro Beach: Located in the Porto Conte Regional Park, this beach is known for its strong winds and consistent waves, making it a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. It can also offer some decent surf on the right day.
La Speranza Beach: This beach is located just south of Alghero and is known for its consistent waves and good surf conditions. It’s a popular spot for local surfers and is also a great place for swimming and sunbathing.

Overall, the Riviera del Corallo has many fantastic beaches to choose from, each with its own unique charm and beauty. Whether you’re looking for a lively beach with plenty of amenities or a secluded cove where you can escape the crowds, you’re sure to find the perfect spot in this stunning part of Sardinia.