Alghero is a coastal city and municipality in the Metropolitan City of Sassari in northwestern Sardinia, Italy. With a population of 41,765, it is the fifth-largest city in Sardinia and sits on the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Riviera del Corallo (Coral Coast). The city is notable for its unique cultural identity, shaped by historical Catalan influence; the local dialect, Algherese, is a form of Catalan spoken alongside Italian, and the architecture reflects a blend of Catalan, Sardinian, and Italian styles.
The city's historic center features 16th-century defensive structures, including the Bastioni Marco Polo towers and the Torre del Portal, while the Cattedrale di Santa Maria offers views from its bell tower. Beyond the old town, significant archaeological sites include Nuraghe Palmavera, a Bronze Age settlement with stone towers dating back over 3,000 years, and the Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju. The nearby Grotto di Nettuno, a sea cave within the Capo Caccia cliffs featuring stalactites and underground pools, is accessible via 654 steps or by boat and requires paid admission.
Alghero serves as a base for coastal activities rather than as a beach destination itself; nearby beaches include La Pelosa in Stintino (50 minutes away) and Spiaggia di Maria Pia, accessible by local bus service. The Porto Conte Regional Natural Park offers e-bike tours, catamaran excursions, and coasteering activities. The local cuisine reflects Sardinian and Catalan traditions, featuring seafood specialties such as langoustine pasta and paella algherese, alongside regional products like suckling pig and pecorino cheese.