Strictly Sardinia – Episode Summary

Podcast: Strictly Sardinia
Host: Claudia Tavani
Episode: What To See And Do In Alghero
Date: March 13, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Claudia Tavani, a proud Sardinian local and noted travel blogger, opens up her expert guidebook to Alghero—one of Sardinia's most beloved destinations. With her insider perspective, Claudia takes listeners on a vibrant journey through Alghero’s history, unique Catalan culture, stunning natural sites, best beaches, food, and top tips for making the most of a visit to this sparkling coastline city.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Alghero’s Unique Character and History

• Catalan Heritage:
  Claudia shares that Alghero is often called the “Catalan enclave of Sardinia” because Catalan is still spoken by many locals.
  "Alghero is the Catalan enclave of Sardinia... its original name was La Alguerium, or La Alger in Catalan." (01:02)

• Origin Story & Historical Timeline:

  • Founded in the 11th century by the Genoese as a fishing village.
  • Catalan influence began in 1353, with forced migration of the local population.
  • Became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1720; heavily bombed in 1943.
  • Tourism really started booming in the 1960s.

2. Getting There

• Well Connected:
  "Alghero has an airport...well connected to mainland Italy and many other European cities." (03:15)
  Flights available via Rome for travelers from North America.

3. Exploring Alghero’s Old Town (Centro Storico)

• Walk the Bastioni (City Walls):
  16th-century sea walls that run from Porta Amarre to Piazza Sulis, offering stunning sunset views over the coast and Capo Caccia.
  "What I really recommend doing is go there in time for sunset; the view from the Alghero bastions is stunning." (04:25)

• Churches and Piazzas:

  • Santa Maria Cathedral: "16th century Catalan Gothic... the interior is in Renaissance and Baroque styles." (05:15)
  • Bell tower (with panoramic city views, when open).
  • San Francesco, Santa Barbara (oldest), and San Michele churches.
  • Hang out in Piazza Civica, a lively hub with boutiques and cafés.
  • Café Constantino: "One of the most popular places to hang out in the city." (06:20)

4. Boat Tours and Coastline Experiences

• Boat tours run May–September; routes include Porto Conte, Capo Caccia, Isola Florada, Capo Galera, Bombarde & Lazzaretto beaches, and dolphin watching.
• Depart from Alghero harbor—booking ahead is recommended.

5. The Coral Museum and Shopping

• Museo del Corallo:
  “Alghero is the capital of what we call Riviera del Corallo...so obviously coral has a big part in its history and culture.” (09:05)
• Shops selling coral jewelry and local artisan products.
• Antonio Marras Atelier for fashion fans.

6. Food and Wine

• “One dish that you need to try while here is lobster...alla Catalana, Catalan style lobster with slices of tomatoes and very thin onions.” (10:12)
• Sella & Mosca Winery: “Sardinia’s most famous winery...you can go here on guided wine tasting experiences that last up to three hours.” (11:20)
• Favorite wine: Marchese Villamarina (red).
• Restaurant recommendations:
  • Nautilus (overlooking the harbor - “If you manage to get a table on the terrace, you get amazing views.”) (12:10)
  • Trattoria Al Refettorio (historic center, “delicious dishes and desserts”)
  • Trattoria Lo Romani (homely and comforting)

7. Alghero’s Best Beaches

• Le Bombarde & Lazzaretto:
  • "The most famous...they get extremely packed in the summer months." (13:50)
  • Easily accessible by bus or car.
• Water Temperature Tip:
  • "Water in this part of the island...is quite cold. If swimming is the main thing you have in mind, try to time your holiday around July or August." (15:02)
• Local/Quieter Beaches:
  • Mugoni (Porto Conte Reserve), backed by pine forest & less crowded (16:07)
  • Maria Pia (near airport, urban beach for quick visits)
• Further-Beaches:
  • La Pelosa (protected, requires booking, strict rules)
  • Argentiera (isolated, exposed to mistral wind—avoid during windy days)

8. Top Nature, Adventure, and Culture Activities

• Capo Caccia & Neptune’s Caves:

  • "Probably the best sunset location in Sardinia because it's on the west coast."
  • Caves accessed by boat or the Escala del Cabirol, a dramatic 654-step staircase carved into the cliff.
  • "It's stunning. On the way to the caves, it's all downhill; on the way back up, it can be a bit more challenging, but the views are rewarding." (20:35)

• Porto Conte Nature Park:

  • Accessible by car, small admission fee, golf carts for exploration.
  • Ideal for nature and wildlife lovers, especially birdwatchers.
  • "I actually recommend asking for a guide once you get there because there's a lot to see and the guides have a trained eye to spot the wildlife." (22:15)

• Archaeological Sites:

  • Nuraghe Palmavera (3,500 years old, small admission fee, audio guide available)
  • Anghelu Ruju Necropolis (Domus de Janas, 38 tombs carved from sandstone, dating back up to 4,700 years)

9. Day Trips from Alghero

• Sassari:
  • Recommended during May for the Cavalcata Sarda festival: "A famous festival where men and women from Sardinian villages parade through the streets...in traditional costumes." (27:02)
• Bosa:
  • "Probably the most beautiful small town in Italy...so colorful, so quaint." (28:08)
  • Visit the Malaspina Castle, swim at Cane Malu or Compultitu Beach (noted for rugged beauty, accessible by short trails).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Everyone loves Alghero. It's a very popular weekend destination for Sardinians...a lovely place to visit." (00:32)
• "If you're coming here in April, chances are you will be able to find anything. But if you are coming in the picturesque season, just make sure that you hop on a boat and enjoy a boat tour." (07:22)
• "Try local food and wine. Obviously, food and wine are amazing, delicious in Sardinia." (10:00)
• On Sella & Mosca: "I've done it with my friend. I want to say that we ended up being a little bit tipsy after the tour, but, you know, it was worth it." (11:32)
• "Alghero is probably the best sunset location in Sardinia because it’s on the west coast." (18:54)
• "This is all I have to say about Alghero. It's a great city to visit throughout the year. Obviously in the summer there's a little bit more going on, but because it's a place where Sardinians live, everything is going to be open throughout the year." (30:15)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• (00:32) – Introduction to Alghero & its history
• (03:15) – Getting to Alghero (airport & transit tips)
• (04:25) – City walls and sunset at the Bastioni
• (05:15) – Historic churches and piazzas
• (07:22) – Boat tours and beaches
• (09:05) – Coral Museum and shopping
• (10:12) – Food & wine specialties
• (13:50) – Beach breakdown and swimming advice
• (16:07) – Quieter/local beaches
• (18:54) – Capo Caccia and sunset walks
• (20:35) – Neptune's Caves and the Escala del Cabirol
• (22:15) – Porto Conte Nature Park
• (24:18) – Nuraghe and ancient necropolis sites
• (27:02) – Day trip spotlight: Sassari and Cavalcata Sarda
• (28:08) – Day trip spotlight: Bosa and beaches

Tone and Style

Claudia’s narration is warm, lively, and personal—peppered with practical tips, honest local insight, and playful, endearing asides (“a little bit tipsy after the tour... it was worth it!”). She effortlessly balances cultural history, sightseeing recommendations, and personal anecdotes while creating an inviting atmosphere for listeners.

Conclusion

This episode acts as an in-depth primer for anyone planning a trip to Alghero, or for those looking to immerse themselves in authentic Sardinian coastal culture, cuisine, and scenery. Claudia’s wisdom and love for her island shine through, ensuring listeners come away inspired and equipped to make the most of their Alghero adventure.