Call it "Barceloneta" (Little Barcelona). Walking through the cobblestone alleys of Alghero, you might hear a strange, musical language spoken. It's not Italian, and it's not Sardinian. It is ancient Catalan. Alghero is not just a seaside city: it is an island within an island, a medieval fortification diving into the deep blue of the Coral Riviera.

It is a mandatory stop for anyone visiting Northern Sardinia. But to truly experience it, you need to know its secrets (and know when to leave to find peace again).

1. Gothic Charm and the Majolica Dome

The beating heart of Alghero is its historic center, enclosed by ancient walls. Here, Gothic-Catalan architecture reigns supreme. Look up at the sky: you cannot miss the Church of San Michele. Its dome, covered in polychrome majolica tiles glistening in the sun, has become the symbol of the city. It is the perfect spot for a photo that captures the chromatic essence of Sardinia.

2. Red Gold: The Real Coral

Alghero is the only city in Sardinia where a "souvenir" is a work of art. The seabeds here are rich in Corallium Rubrum, the most precious red coral in the Mediterranean. Don't just look at the shop windows: seek out the historic workshops of certified artisans, where "red gold" is still crafted by hand and combined with yellow gold into timeless jewelry.

3. Beyond the Walls: Capo Caccia and Neptune's Caves

If the historic center is culture, the surroundings are pure natural power. A few kilometers from the city stands the promontory of Capo Caccia, a limestone giant rising sheer from the sea. Here you have two choices:

• For the sporty: Walk down (and then back up!) the spectacular Escala del Cabirol (656 steps) carved into the cliff face.
• For the romantics: Take the boat from the port. Both roads lead to Neptune's Caves (Grotte di Nettuno), a subterranean geological cathedral of stalactites and stalagmites that will leave you breathless.

4. The Sunset Ritual (and the parking problem)

There is an unwritten rule in Alghero: the aperitif must be had on the Bastions (ramparts) at sunset. Watching the sun "dive" into the water behind Capo Caccia is a unique emotion. However, there is a flip side. In high season, the center of Alghero becomes a traffic trap. Finding parking is a nightmare, and the noise of the nightlife lasts until late at night.

The Smart Strategy: Visit Alghero, Sleep at Villa Malvasio

How can you enjoy the magic of Alghero without the stress of crowds and the inflated prices of downtown hotels? The solution is choosing a smart logistical base.

Villa Malvasio B&B, located in Sassari, is the perfect starting point.

• Close: In about 25 minutes by expressway (smooth and curve-free), you are on the Bastions of Alghero.
• Strategic: You can visit the city, shop, and have dinner, then leave the chaos behind.
• Relaxing: Upon your return, you won't find honking cars or loud music, but only the silence of our park and the private pool ready to welcome you.

Don't settle for a standard vacation. Choose the perfect mix of discovery and relaxation.

Do you want to plan your visit to Alghero starting from Villa Malvasio? Ask us for advice at breakfast: we will show you where to park easily and the restaurants where you can eat the real Paella Algherese (the good one!).

👉 Check the availability of our Suites now.