Alghero Fly Drive: Things To See Do Around Alghero Sardinia
The great thing about Sardinia is……actually thereare many great things about Sardinia which is why doing a fly/drive style escape here is ideal. Not only do you get to delve into its rich historical past laze around on perfect sandy beaches and dine on fabulous fresh seafood but you can do it all witha sense of wild abandonment.
No matter which Sardinia airports youfly into Alghero Airport in the northwest Cagliari Airport in the south or Olbia Airport in the northeastit is possible to arrangecar hire. Ifyour choose to startyour gypsyesque adventure in thenorthwest though the Aghero Airport car hirecompanies are AM Service Avis Easy Europcar Hertz Maggiore Midarent Ruviolo Sardinya Sicily and Thrifty.
Alghero itself is a great place to start although not the most traditionally Sardinian. This area is heavily influenced by the Catalonians withCatalan still the official language. Although a mecca for sun worshippers and marine enthusiasts with awide range of water sports available from windsurfing through to yachtingSardinia ispacked full of archaeological and architectural wonders that are worth exploring.
Possibly the closest of these treasures and not far from Sardinia Alghero Airport itself is Anghelu Ruju a necropolis discovered only in 1903.This network of underground tombs date backto Neolithic times and are intricately decorated inside with pillars fascias and even bulls heads. Although the findings have been removed replicas can be found at the Museo e Tenuta Vitivinicola situated 1km further up the Porte Torres road. There are no refreshments on sale at the tombs however so if you plan to have a good look round bring your own refreshment with you. Tickets cost around 2 euros.
A 45 minute drive further north up the coast is Argentiera an old abandoned mining town. From the Roman era until as late as 1963 silver was minedhere when production ceasedas the source ran out. Everything that was once used from the shafts to the miners quarters and chapel remain intact but without human occupation the atmosphere is eerie and unsettling.
If the experienceat Argentiera leavesyou with a chill thenhead to the powder white beach of La Pelosa near Stintino an hours drive from Algherro on the northwestern tip. Tourists are wellcatered for here withrestaurants and cafes. From here though there is also an option to go totally native byhiring a boat across to thebeaches of the Asinara National Park where small albino donkeys wild sheep and pigs roam.
Going in the other direction travelling south on the SP49 for 45 minutes from Alghero is Bosa. The only river side town in the whole of Sardinia Bosa is relatively unspoilt by tourism and provides a wonderful way to wile away an afternoon strolling through the cobbled streets and admiring the charming squares and 16th century grand houses. Overlooking the town is the Castello Malaspina the remains of a medieval fortress and to the south is the Cathedral whose mixed heritage of styles affords it a great example of rococo architecture. Wander down to the marina for lunch and admire the stunning Spanish Watchtower while you eat.
An hour on and you come to Tharros an archaeological treat. Founded in the 8th century BCby the Phoenicians and later inhabited by the Romans before being abandoned in 1000AD the area is now treated as an open air museum where you can walk around the tophet outdoor sacred area baths temple houses and artisan workshops. Excavations are still being done here and much of the artifacts discovered are displayed at the Antiquarium Arborense Museum in nearby Oristano worth a visit in itself for its for itselaborate Gothic and baroque architecture and home to the famous equestrian tournament in February called Sartiglia.Ifyoure ready to visit a beach again thenthe popular Torre Grande is minutes away and has the biggest tower in Sardinia with a base diameter ofalmost 20m.
Back inAlghero and a trip to this thriving port would not be complete without a visit to the Grotta di Nettuno Neptunes Grotto. The caverns can be reached by boat or by road andare located at the bottom of 656 steps cut into the cliff wall. The views are spectacular both on the way down looking out over the seaand once inside as thestalactites and stalagmites are lit upto for maximum impact.Tours last around 45 mins and costapproximately 10 euros.
About the writer: Michelle Elkins is contributor to the SardiniaAirportGuide.com which provides the cheapest quotes on Sardinia Alghero Airport car hire to Sardinia Alghero Airport transfers plus all other relevant information to Sardinia Alghero Airport.
Related posts: