ALGHERO
The Town
Alghero, the all-year-round town situated on the North West coast of Sardinia, will be the base for your holiday. It is perfect for everyone, from families, looking for safe sandy beaches and plenty to do, romantic get-aways for couples and activity holidays for those looking for a little more adventure.
The town has access to beautiful safe beaches, an international marina, and the old town (Alghero Vecchio) which has quaint medieval streets and squares with all manner of shops and restaurants to choose from. The old town is surrounded by the town walls where you can take a leisurely stroll any time of the day or night and take in the amazing views of the town and Capo Caccia in the distance.
The Beaches
You are spoilt for choice if it's beaches that you want. For convenience, the local beaches of San Giovanni and Maria Pia offer facilities within walking distance of the town and are within a 5-minute drive from Villa Serena.
San Giovanni beach is nearer the marina and the port and is flanked by hotels and a few cafes and bars.
Maria Pia is nearer the outskirts of Alghero (Lido). La Pinetta beach is the nearest beach to the Villa and is surrounded by pine forests.
If you've got a car and are happy to travel further afield, then there are a number of lovely beaches within a half an hour drive. Le Bombarde and Lazzaretto beaches are about 10 minutes away. A little further away (about a 30-minute drive) you'll find the stunning beach of La Peloso near Stintino which is a sight to behold. It has been voted as one of the 10 best beaches in the world and lives up to its name.
The beaches have small bars where you can get panini and other refreshments, beach showers and have lifeguards. Sun loungers and parasols are available for rent at about 12 Euros per day.
Local Amenities
The villa is in the countryside but literally on the city boundary so it's only a short drive to all the local amenities you could need. There are plenty of good family restaurants in the nearby Lido quartiera offering pizza, pasta and local delicacies. For amazing seafood restaurants head to Fertilia. (Aquatico). If you want to self-cater then there are several good supermarkets for you to get all your provisions and there is a daily food market in the town for a more eclectic variety of produce.
For a truly amazing eating experience visit San Giuliano Agriturismo restaurant for a true taste of Sardinia. Make sure you don't eat much beforehand because you will be there for a few hours and a few courses!!!....delicious and well worth a visit.
There is a weekly street market every Wednesday morning in Viale Europa in Lido and is worth a visit to get local produce, beachwear and towels and things usually found in bustling street markets.
You will need a car as the villa is in the countryside but bicycle hire is available for shorter local journeys to the beach or supermarket. There are dedicated cycle lanes that go from Alghero port to Fertilia and onward to the Nuraghe Majore site - about 10 km.
Never leave Alghero without a trip to Capo Caccia and the Grotte di Nettuno (Neptune's Grottos)! You can take a boat trip from the port to the grotto and spend a few hours in awe of nature's wonders. Visit www.navisarda.it