Car Rental Alghero

Alghero is located beautifully near the wonderful bays Rada di Alghero and Baia di Porto Conte. As early as the classical era people appreciated the beauty of this area, but also its strategic characteristics. Divers can indulge in the sea at Alghero, particularly at Punta del Giglio, Capo Caccia and Punta Ghisciera (a marine preserve).

The city has become increasingly popular as a holiday destination over the last few years. Yet Alghero has retained its character. A character somewhat Spanish. This is a remnant of the Spanish conquest of the city when in the 14^th century it was conquered by King Pedro IV of Aragon. This Spanish influence can also be found on the menus of the local restaurants. Many serve excellent paella, but also aragosta alla catalana (lobster in Catalan). But of course you can taste Sardinian specialties as well, predominately fish dishes, like spaghetti ai ricci di mare and totanus umpritz (stuffed squid).

You can spend hours wandering through the old walled city, where the winding streets and alleyways are interspersed with intimate piazzas (squares). The multicolored mosaic on the dome of the San Michele church and the steeple of the San Francis church dominate the cityscape. At sea, you can find the imposing and beautifully restored defensive tower of San Giacomo. And you will have a beautiful view of Capo Caccia, the access to the bay of Porto Conte.

The center of the old town is the Piazza Civica. Incidentally, most of the old town is a pedestrian area; motorized traffic has limited access. The octagonal bell tower of Cathedral of Santa Maria was built in the 16^th century and is a fine example of Catalan Gothic architecture.

In and around Alghero

The area around Capo Caccia is a nature reserve. The drive to it takes you over a beautiful coastal road, but once on the peninsula, you will be overwhelmed by the rugged nature. Near the lighthouse of Capo Caccia you can find a car park, but in the summer the capacity is insufficient. You may then park your car along the road. The main attraction here are the Neptune's Grotto Grotta di Nettuno. 656 steps lead to the caves. These were carved into the rocks in 1954 and are referred to as Escala del Cabirol, or goats stairs. A tour starts every hour, taking you to the impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The tour takes about forty minutes.

Located to the north of Capo Caccia is a small lake, Lake Baratz, where many different bird species have their (temporary) home. South west of this lake you can find the rocky coast of Porto Ferro, popular with windsurfers.

Bosa is a seaside resort south of Alghero. You can drive there in your rental car taking the SP292 or the SP49. The first leads through mountains, where you have a wonderful view of Alghero and surroundings. The second road runs along the coast. Along the way you will find a beautiful sandy beach at La Speranza and near Bosa are entrances to beaches in small coves. Near Bosa itself lies a beautiful sandy beach, but it is also nice to walk around the charming town with its historic center and river sections of the river Temo. High above the town is the Castello Malaspina from the 12^th century. Near Bosa a sherry like wine is produced, Malvasia di Bosa.

Another seaside resort with a wide beach is Stintino, located fifty kilometers north of Alghero on the northernmost tip of Sardinia. The town has no central square, most restaurants and bars are available at the two ports Porto Nuovo and Porto Vecchio. Of course you can enjoy excellent fish dishes and other seafood there. The beach north of Stintino gets very busy in the summer. South of the town lies the beach Le Saline, which is quieter and sometimes colonies of flamingoes gather here. From Stintino you can take boat trips to the small island Piana and the larger Asinara. The latter island is a nature reserve and access is limited.

Close to Alghero you can see remains from prehistoric times. North of the town are the remains of a Nuragic village Nuraghe di Palmavera with a defensive tower. Along the road to Sassari a graveyard has been discovered, that probably already was in use around 3000 BC! Over thirty tombs can be viewed here.

Parking

The center of Alghero is largely pedestrianized. You can park your car on the outskirts of the town and explore by foot from there. Or leave your car at the hotel, because Alghero isn't big and you easily explore the town without a car. Near the sights there are typically constructed parking lots (for which, sometimes, you have to pay) and if they are not there, you can park along the road.

Alghero Airport

The Alghero airport is primarily a destination for budget airlines. The airport is located twelve kilometers north of Alghero and is easily accessible. Alghero Airport is located right along the road SP44.