Cruise Holidays To Alghero

Overview

Tucked away on the north-west coast of Sardinia, Alghero was founded in 1102 by the Genoese Doria family. As a result of invasion by Catalan colonists in the 14th century, this quaint city offers an enticing mix of both Italy and Spain; indeed the ruling families even gave Alghero the nickname Barcelonetta; and even today the street signs are bilingual.

Anchoring off the port's breakwater, tenders take passengers past the bastioni (city walls) to the compact Old Town, crammed with narrow, medieval streets. Principal sights include the 16th century Cathedral of St. Mary, which reflects the various architectural styles incorporated since its inception in 1570; the Church of San Francesco; and the Aragonese-style palace overlooking the lively main square.

Excursions head to the fortified town of Castelsardo, founded in the 12th century by the maritime Republic of Genoa. Here structures of military defence have been preserved, as well as the 16th century Gothic-style Cathedral, set on a cliff edge. At the fascinating prehistoric site of Nuraghe Palmavera lies a settlement that consists of a so-called 'palace', surrounded by approximately fifty stone cottages, most of them circular in shape.