Alghero's origin dates back to the 11thC when the Doria family from Genoa fortified it.Due to it's geographical position, Alghero held a very important role in tradings in the Mediterranean,therefore it had to be defended from Pisan and Aragonese ships. It remained in the hands of the Genoans until 1353 when the Arogonese defeated and ousted them, repopulating Alghero with Catalans. It became part of the Kingdom of Aragon and remained so for 4 centuries. Alghero to this day conserves the characteristics of this period which can be noted in it's architecture, fortifications and it's language. To this day may Algherese people speak a form of Catalan!
For those interested in food there are cookery courses that run in Alghero. Sardinia also has lots of Agriturismi, which are farms where you can eat homemade, homegrown produce. The kind of things you see on the menus are wild boar(cinghiale), porcetto(suckling pig),culungiones(potato filled pasta),spit roast lamb,fresh ravioli and lots of cured meats. It is a foodies paradise! Top quality ingredients, expertly cooked and simply served.
Sardinia is famous for it's horsemen and it is possible to go trekking around Alghero and further afield. There is also a go-cart track on the outskirts of Alghero. There is a water park in Sorso Marina on the north coast which is a 40 minute drive away. In July and August the poulation of the island swells to more than double when Italians from the mainland arrive for their summer holidays. They have kept Sardinia a well kept secret for years! Sardinia has many festivals, an opportunity for each village to show off it's traditional costume. Some of the most famous are that of Sa Sartiglia near Oristano at Carnival time (usually February) ,S'Ardia horse race where riders are bare-backed and the Easter celebrations of Alghero. Alghero has open air concerts throughout July and August in it's piazzas and old cloisters.
Other Activities:
Go-Karting, cookery courses, language courses
