James Gaston

3 posts match "Alghero" - select title or scroll down to see posts

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1. Orosei to Alghero, Wednesday, 23 October 2019 ~ Alghero, Italy, Sardinia

Oct 23, 2019

Sardinia, Italy, Alghero

2. Around Alghero, Thursday, 24 October 2019 ~ Alghero, Italy, Sardinia

Oct 24, 2019

Sardinia, Italy, Alghero

3. Hiking near Alghero, Saturday, 26 October 2019 ~ Alghero, Italy, Sardinia

Oct 26, 2019

Sardinia, Italy, Alghero

1. Orosei to Alghero

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 ~ Alghero Italy, Sardinia

1. Orosei to Alghero

, Wednesday, 23 October 2019 ~ Alghero, Italy, Sardinia

Alghero

Today we drove west from Orosei to Alghero. It should take about two hours though if you check google nav's "avoid highways" box it will take you somewhat longer.

Alghero is the third largest town on the island with about 45,000 residents. It's known for its well-maintained old town and waterfront promenade. Like other Sardinian towns, Alghero is old, it has been occupied by humans since prehistoric times. But unlike the rest of Sardinia, many residents are descendants of Catalans and the Catalan language is recognized as an official language. Not that it matters to me as I speak neither Italian nor Catalan.

On the road to Alghero

It's cooled down to 18

We're not in Oregon

Filling up in Sardinia is largely a do it yourself affair, sometimes with no attendants at all.

We're not in Oregon

Filling up in Sardinia is largely a do it yourself affair, sometimes with no attendants at all.

We're not in Oregon

Filling up in Sardinia is largely a do it yourself affair, sometimes with no attendants at all.

Alghero waterfront

Alghero's waterfront features a many-kilometer-long promenade that wraps around the old walled city and extends far beyond. It is beautifully maintained and very popular with pedestrians.

Alghero waterfront

Alghero's waterfront features a many-kilometer-long promenade that wraps around the old walled city and extends far beyond. It is beautifully maintained and very popular with pedestrians.

Alghero waterfront

Alghero's waterfront features a many-kilometer-long promenade that wraps around the old walled city and extends far beyond. It is beautifully maintained and very popular with pedestrians.

Alghero centro storico

This cafe-filled square is a few meters from our doorway.

Alghero centro storico

This cafe-filled square is a few meters from our doorway.

Alghero centro storico

This cafe-filled square is a few meters from our doorway.

Alghero waterfront

Street musician

His cello playing filled our apartment with beautiful music and drew us out to the street for a listen.

Street musician

His cello playing filled our apartment with beautiful music and drew us out to the street for a listen.

Street musician

His cello playing filled our apartment with beautiful music and drew us out to the street for a listen.

How to choose...

2. Around Alghero

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 ~ Alghero Italy, Sardinia

2. Around Alghero

, Thursday, 24 October 2019 ~ Alghero, Italy, Sardinia

Today we explored the old town. We wanted to climb the cathedral tower, which promised nice views of the town, and which according to our guidebook and the signs posted in the church was open from 4 to 7 in the afternoon, but the entrance was locked. We finally found someone in the church and were told it was closed.

Kitchen table in our apt

Street view from apt

Alghero cathedral

Catapults defend the old town

Blue staircase

3. Hiking near Alghero

Sat, 26 Oct 2019 ~ Alghero Italy, Sardinia

3. Hiking near Alghero

, Saturday, 26 October 2019 ~ Alghero, Italy, Sardinia

Our last full day in Alghero, and the halfway point in our travels. It is sunny and warm so we headed north in the Fiat, first to the lighthouse at Faro di Capo Caccia and then for a seven km hike to the point at Punta Giglio.

Alghero has been a delight. The old town is beautiful, whether out on the streets or sitting in a cafe on one of the many squares. The shops and cafes feature exposed stone and arched ceilings and pretty window displays. It is also well lit at night, with many streets having decorative birdcages hung overhead.

Living room of our apt

The apartment on via Carlo Alberto is spacious and comfortable and fully equipped. Great location, too, though the views are limited as the streets are so narrow.

Living room of our apt

The apartment on via Carlo Alberto is spacious and comfortable and fully equipped. Great location, too, though the views are limited as the streets are so narrow.

Living room of our apt

The apartment on via Carlo Alberto is spacious and comfortable and fully equipped. Great location, too, though the views are limited as the streets are so narrow.

Plaque in front of our apt

View from SP55 to park

Capo Caccia

We drove out to this point, just north of town, with the intention of hiking to the lighthouse. We found it closed off, however, so we took a few photos and headed to another place to hike.

Capo Caccia

We drove out to this point, just north of town, with the intention of hiking to the lighthouse. We found it closed off, however, so we took a few photos and headed to another place to hike.

Capo Caccia

We drove out to this point, just north of town, with the intention of hiking to the lighthouse. We found it closed off, however, so we took a few photos and headed to another place to hike.

One old, one new

One of many defensive towers that are sprinkled along the coast. We saw similar towers on the west coast of Corsica. This one is in the process of being restored.

One old, one new

One of many defensive towers that are sprinkled along the coast. We saw similar towers on the west coast of Corsica. This one is in the process of being restored.

One old, one new

One of many defensive towers that are sprinkled along the coast. We saw similar towers on the west coast of Corsica. This one is in the process of being restored.

Hike to Punta Giglio

We hiked out to the rocky point called Punta Giglio and saw many war-related ruins along the way.

Hike to Punta Giglio

We hiked out to the rocky point called Punta Giglio and saw many war-related ruins along the way.

Hike to Punta Giglio

We hiked out to the rocky point called Punta Giglio and saw many war-related ruins along the way.

Watch tower at Punta Giglio

I climbed up and took a look around from the top of the lookout tower.

Watch tower at Punta Giglio

I climbed up and took a look around from the top of the lookout tower.

Watch tower at Punta Giglio

I climbed up and took a look around from the top of the lookout tower.

View from top of tower, Punta Giglio

Art representing red coral

The local red coral is prized for its beauty and made into jewelry. The artist covered a side of a tower in Alghero's old town with a representation of the coral.

Art representing red coral

The local red coral is prized for its beauty and made into jewelry. The artist covered a side of a tower in Alghero's old town with a representation of the coral.

Art representing red coral

The local red coral is prized for its beauty and made into jewelry. The artist covered a side of a tower in Alghero's old town with a representation of the coral.