Alghero

Alghero is the tourism capital of Sardinia, in Italy’s northwest. Whilst visitors flock to this town, especially in the summer months, it has retained its old world charm and distinctive history and character. Eminently explorable, the old town contained in its sea walls will make you feel like you’re in an old fairytale fortress being protected from the outside world.

The 16th century sea walls that protect the centro storico (old town) are the city’s main feature and best attraction. Not only are they topped by a walkway which allows visitors to stroll along it, gazing down at the city on one side and the ocean on the other, they are also home to plenty of bars and restaurants. Nothing says ‘I’m on holiday’ like sipping a cocktail atop an ancient wall.

When you come down off of the wall, take a stroll through the medieval pathways of the centro storico. There are many more bars and restaurants here for your second round of beverages. Churches and other historic buildings are dotted through the streets, many of them galleries or museums that you can duck into if you so choose. The high-end shops and boutiques can be found around the glorious Piazza Civica square in Porta a Mare.