Alghero, often called "Little Barcelona", is a city whose architecture and culture are reflected in centuries-old Catalan influences. A popular resort on the Coral Coast of Sardinia, it is also known for its beautiful buildings and the production of red coral jewelry.
The city was founded in Roman times and was an important point on the trade route leading through the Mediterranean Sea. In the Middle Ages, there was constant competition for these areas related to the strategic location and the possibility of controlling trade routes.
In the mid-fourteenth century, Alghero fell under the rule of Aragon. The local population was displaced deep into the island, and settlers from Catalonia were brought in its place. To this day, the Catalan language is widely used by the inhabitants of the city, the colors of the provinces are in its coat of arms, and the local architecture and urban layout are much more reminiscent of the cities of northern Spain than of Italy.
The center of Alghero is a picturesque maze of narrow streets and squares. They are surrounded by massive remains of city fortifications with dummy cannons directed towards the sea. Among the most interesting monuments are the Cathedral of Santa Maria and numerous city palaces.
An extremely picturesque place and one of the main attractions of Alghero is the Capo Caccia headland. It is an excellent vantage point, and there are rock grottos on its slopes. The most famous is Neptune's Grotto with a lake inside.
Alghero and its surroundings are also a great place to relax. There are sandy beaches with good facilities, warm, fairly calm sea and plenty of water sports opportunities. The most popular beaches in the area include Mugoni Beach, Bombarde Beach and San Giovani Beach.
