Alghero holiday apartment: Alghero old town

We stayed in this apartment for four nights in July and it proved the perfect base from which to explore Alghero and its surroundings. It is conveniently situated in the old town, very close to the sea walls with their stunning views.

Claudio, the owner, is incredibly helpful and friendly. We arrived in Alghero by car but parking in the old town is difficult so we parked in the main town free car park five minutes' walk away and Claudio picked us up and took us to the flat with all our luggage. He did the same when we checked out which we really appreciated. He also provided us with good tips as to which sites and beaches we should visit, both around Alghero and in the next town we were visiting.

The flat is a small, clean and homely studio. It has a TV, gas hob and fridge. This suited us fine, you could cook dinner there but we opted to eat out. We did, however, stock up on breakfast goodies at the big SISA supermarket on Via Don Minzoni. The bed is comfortable. There is a small nightclub over the road on Via Cavour but it wasn't noisy on the nights we stayed there (including a Friday and Saturday). There was some gentle chattering outside on the street but we couldn't hear it when we shut the window. The flat is quite cool and a fan is provided. The bathroom is basic, what you'd expect for the price really.

Claudio came up with good recommendations as to where to eat and drink. Our favourites were King's Pub near the flat on the seafront, where we enjoyed many a refreshing Ichnusa beer before dinner - they do very good (free) bar snacks to go with your drink e.g. salami, cheese, pasta salads. Dinner wise, our absolute favourite was Mabrouk on Via Cavour which Claudio recommended. It's fish only and it's a set menu (no choice at all) for antipasti, first course (pasta), second course (fish) and then there is a choice of pudding. You get a litre of wine (colour of your choice) and a big bottle of water. It comes to €40 a head, not cheap but worth it if you like fresh fish and want to treat yourself on holiday. There were lots of good trattorias around too if you're looking to eat out more cheaply.

Alghero has great beaches nearby - Porto Ferro is lovely. A bit further away is La Pelosa, about an hour by car, which is stunning beyond words although very busy at peak times.

All in all, we could not recommend it highly enough. It was good value and perfect for our needs. We definitely hope to go back at some point.

The apartment is in the old town, only one row of apartments back from the 'promenade' - you could hear the sea quite clearly and if it hadnt been for building opposite being one story higher, you would see it. Anyway, what you have to realise is that you are staying in the same buildings as other locals who go to work, have friends round, take their kids to school etc and that the old town is actually quite busy with the recycling trucks calling early in the morning, people walking their dogs, deliveries for the numerous restaurants. Quite a husstle and bustle but this is 'authentic' living as the natives do, not some kind of purpose built holiday complex falsehood. Because of this you are getting a real feel for the place, the location is excellent. There is a fish/fruit/veg market down via Sassari selling local produce for reasonable prices and I cooked some great meals which where delicious. There is also a supermarket a bit like Spar down via Sassari. Just round the corner (3rd left, via Gilbert Ferret) and walk down a bit is a great bakery that does fresh bread and crossants. The local transport is good and cheap also. We went to Bosa for an afternoon and also Porto Torres (one good beach) for an afternoon for about 5 or 6 Euro. We also hired a tandem from the harbour guy for 20 Euro for the day and cycled round to Cape Caccia. There is a lovely little beach near cafe there (you can do same journey by bus!) The caves boat trip is also well worth it but remember if its choppy they cant dock and you will have to come back the next day. Claudio texted me and emailed me and kept me informed. I paid the deposit via Paypal - he made it all so easy and was very helpful. Its now warming up so take high factor sun cream or if you prefer it cooler wait until end of September or even October. You can get by on minimal Italian if you are concerned. Most people are quite friendly and there is a general holiday feel to the place. Evenings are magical particularly around sunset. Sit by the harbour near the restaurant playing chillout music with your own wine is no problem. I love the swifts (swallows?) that race around the rooftops in the morning and evening and the sound of the sea, all very relaxing. Claudios place is quaint and quirky and has a charm all of its own. You cant get that in the new town, for any money. I recommend this if you are even just thinking about self catering. My flights and acomm came to £240 pp and spends £150 Euro. A bargain indeed!

I strongly recommend that great apartment, where we had a great time. It has a great location in the heart of beautiful old town of Alghero. Apartment is very cosy for one couple, even with a child. Its fully equipped (TV, Hi-Fi, Washing machine) - even spices, coffee an cooking oils are provided ! I strongly suggest self catering - it's 5x cheaper than going out. Open air market with fresh fruits, veggies, meat and fish is just 5min walk! Its not allowed to drive in the old town streets but free car park is just 10min walk. Claudio, the owner, was extremely helpful and very very friendly. The only small downside of the apartment is quite noisy club next doors. But its opened only Friday and Saturday evenings - best solution is to buy earplugs (3 Euro in in the local Farmacia) . Alghero is a perfect location to explore northern and central Sardegna, with all major attractions in easy driving distance: Grotta di Nettuno (0.5h), Stintino and Asinara Ilands (1h), Castelsardo (1h), Bosa (1h), Costa Smeralda (2.5h), Cala Luna + caves: Grotta di Ispinigoli and Grotta del Bue Marino (3h), Supramonte (3.5h). Enjoy!