Alghero

The seaside town of Alghero is located in the northern part of the island's west coast. Founded in the 12th century, Alghero is surrounded by pine woods, vineyards and orchards. The town's Spanish heritage is reflected in many of its buildings, including the church of San Francesco and the towers and bastions remaining from Spanish fortifications.

In the Old Town narrow, cobbled streets still bear names in both Italian and Catalan. Alghero is very much the tourist capital of the so-called Coral Riviera. Grottoes and caves in the area attract the adventurous visitor for exploration; fishing boats and pleasure craft crowd the colorful harbor; and the crystalline sea is ideal for coral and lobster fishing.