This geographical aspect and the strategic position of Alghero on the north west coast of Sardinia led to the construction of massive sea facing city walls to guard against maritime threats from this direction.

Alghero marina is situated just outside the walls and immediately beyond is the town beach of Alghero also known as the Lido. This long expanse of white sand stretches for 3 miles to the town of Fertilia and is backed by numerous hotels and apartments.

Note: To view Alghero beach on the map below either click and drag the image down or zoom out.

Click the images below to enlarge.
		1. Walls A stroll along the town walls provides some wonderful views towards Capo Caccia and makes a refreshing alternative to the narrow lanes of the old town (allow around 20 minutes). This is a favourite evening pursuit as the west facing direction of Alghero means that stunning sunsets can often be enjoyed from one of the many bars or restaurants along the route.
		2. Marina Directly to the north of the old town is the marina. This is home to an eclectic flotilla of yachts (in all shapes and sizes), fishing boats and tour cruisers. It also functions as a watersports centre. The main destination for boat trips is Neptune's Grotto some 30 minutes north along the coast.
		3. Bastione La Maddalena The first notable landmark for visitors approaching Alghero along the coast from the north is the Bastione La Maddalena at the end of the town walls. This impressive structure is actually an empty shell and is occasionally used for open-air cinema during the summer months.
		4. Piazza Civica Entering the old town from Bastione La Maddalena leads to the Piazza Civica, one of the larger open spaces containing a number of boutiques and restaurants. It was here, at the Palazzo d'Albis, that the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V delivered a famous speach to the townspeople before departing Sardinia to fight the Turks in Africa.
		5. Alghero Cathedral Cattedrale di Santa Maria, founded in the 14th century, was restructured in the style of Catalan Gothic when Alghero gained city status almost two hundred years later. Today, the five radiating chapels of the original building still represent the gothic period, the centre is largely renaissance whilst the neoclassic facade was added in the 20th century.
		6. Via Carlo Alberto This lane is home to the church of San Francesco, thought to be the most important Catalan example in Sardinia. Summer concerts are hosted here whilst exhibitions take place in the old refectory at other times of the year. Near the southern end of the lane, set in Piazza Ginnasio, the 17th century church of San Michele is of Jesuit origin.
		7. Via Principe Umberto Running parallel to Via Carlo Alberto from the southern end of the cathedral is the quieter Via Principe Umberto. The Teatro Civico can be found here amongst a number of historic buildings. Performances are limited to the winter but it is possible to take a thirty minute guided tour of the building.