Alghero Hotels and Attractions on the Island of Sardinia
The Costa Smeralda or Emerald Coast of Sardinia has been a popular resort for the European jet set since the 1950s when it was developed by the Aga Khan.
Today, it's one of the most glamorous and expensive Mediterranean destinations.
Alghero, which is located on the northwestern side of the island, is more laid back.
It's a charming spot to visit and compared to the Costa Smeralda, Alghero hotels are a bargain.
It was first settled by the Genoese in the tenth century.
They had to defend themselves against the Moors for possession.
It blossomed in the 14th century under Spanish domination.
In fact, because of the presence of the Catalan dialect and the Spanish-influenced architecture, Alghero is sometimes referred to as "Little Barcelona.
" Its narrow, cobbled streets, winding lanes, and quaint pizzas are inviting places to stroll, dine, shop, or enjoy a glass of wine.
The old town, which dates from the 16th century, is surrounded by fortress walls.
And there are a couple of towers with good views, and two churches worth visiting - the Duomo and San Michele.
North of town, there's an excellent beach, and a spectacular cave called Neptune's Grotto.
Filled with fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, it's a short boat ride from Alghero.
The best Alghero hotels for enjoying the area.
Most of the hotels in Alghero are right on the water and have beautiful ocean views.
Landscaped with Mediterranean gardens, they're very attractive, and several are bordered by the 13,000-acre regional park.
Villa las Tronas is a turn-of-the-century villa that was once of the home of the Italian royal family when they visited Sardinia.
Jutting into the sea from a rocky promontory, it has just 25, five-star rooms and suites.
Surrounded by park-like grounds, it's a brief walk from the town.
There are plenty of gorgeous sunbathing spots on the ocean-front terraces, and the interior is decorated with antiques, crystal chandeliers, marbles floors, and fine paintings.
If you want to be pampered, there's a full-service spa where you can arrange a variety of treatments.
If money's not an object, Villa las Tronas is the most luxurious hotel in Alghero.
Overlooking the Capo Caccia cliffs on Nymphs Bay, El Faro adjoins the nature park and marine reserve.
It's a few miles north of town, but it's a great choice if you enjoy the water because you can rent water sports equipment or mountain bikes for exploring the area.
Some of the island's best beaches are nearby.
With tennis, two salt-water swimming pools, a private beach and a fitness center, there's plenty to do.
Guest rooms have satellite TV, mini bars, and Internet access.
Many have ocean-view balconies and executive rooms have big terraces.
There's an excellent seafood restaurant on site.
Not far from Villa las Tronas, Carlos V is also a short walk from the center of town.
The hotel was renovated in 2006 and it also has five stars.
The beautifully decorated, spacious rooms have balconies overlooking the sea or the resort's gardens.
There are stunning views from almost all the public areas, including the pool, dining room, and bar.
The huge, salt-water pool is fabulous.
Those looking for an affordable hotel in Alghero will appreciate the 20-room San Francisco.
The hotel was originally the 14th-century convent of the church of the same name.
You can see a few of the original Roman columns in the cloister area.
The rooms are simple, but clean.
And the old town location is convenient for shopping and restaurants.
Today, it's one of the most glamorous and expensive Mediterranean destinations.
Alghero, which is located on the northwestern side of the island, is more laid back.
It's a charming spot to visit and compared to the Costa Smeralda, Alghero hotels are a bargain.
It was first settled by the Genoese in the tenth century.
They had to defend themselves against the Moors for possession.
It blossomed in the 14th century under Spanish domination.
In fact, because of the presence of the Catalan dialect and the Spanish-influenced architecture, Alghero is sometimes referred to as "Little Barcelona.
" Its narrow, cobbled streets, winding lanes, and quaint pizzas are inviting places to stroll, dine, shop, or enjoy a glass of wine.
The old town, which dates from the 16th century, is surrounded by fortress walls.
And there are a couple of towers with good views, and two churches worth visiting - the Duomo and San Michele.
North of town, there's an excellent beach, and a spectacular cave called Neptune's Grotto.
Filled with fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, it's a short boat ride from Alghero.
The best Alghero hotels for enjoying the area.
Most of the hotels in Alghero are right on the water and have beautiful ocean views.
Landscaped with Mediterranean gardens, they're very attractive, and several are bordered by the 13,000-acre regional park.
Villa las Tronas is a turn-of-the-century villa that was once of the home of the Italian royal family when they visited Sardinia.
Jutting into the sea from a rocky promontory, it has just 25, five-star rooms and suites.
Surrounded by park-like grounds, it's a brief walk from the town.
There are plenty of gorgeous sunbathing spots on the ocean-front terraces, and the interior is decorated with antiques, crystal chandeliers, marbles floors, and fine paintings.
If you want to be pampered, there's a full-service spa where you can arrange a variety of treatments.
If money's not an object, Villa las Tronas is the most luxurious hotel in Alghero.
Overlooking the Capo Caccia cliffs on Nymphs Bay, El Faro adjoins the nature park and marine reserve.
It's a few miles north of town, but it's a great choice if you enjoy the water because you can rent water sports equipment or mountain bikes for exploring the area.
Some of the island's best beaches are nearby.
With tennis, two salt-water swimming pools, a private beach and a fitness center, there's plenty to do.
Guest rooms have satellite TV, mini bars, and Internet access.
Many have ocean-view balconies and executive rooms have big terraces.
There's an excellent seafood restaurant on site.
Not far from Villa las Tronas, Carlos V is also a short walk from the center of town.
The hotel was renovated in 2006 and it also has five stars.
The beautifully decorated, spacious rooms have balconies overlooking the sea or the resort's gardens.
There are stunning views from almost all the public areas, including the pool, dining room, and bar.
The huge, salt-water pool is fabulous.
Those looking for an affordable hotel in Alghero will appreciate the 20-room San Francisco.
The hotel was originally the 14th-century convent of the church of the same name.
You can see a few of the original Roman columns in the cloister area.
The rooms are simple, but clean.
And the old town location is convenient for shopping and restaurants.
