Embedded Files
Photography: Geraldine Rodríguez
Alghero – Sardinia (Italy)
The Mediterranean city with its own identity
Where history, culture, and faith converge
There are cities we get to know upon arrival, and others that begin to win us over long before, at the moment the port fades from view and the horizon becomes the only line in sight. This was how our journey to Alghero, on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, Italy, began: the captivating Sardinian city known as Sardinia’s Little Barcelona. It was an experience organised with the support and outstanding collaboration of Grimaldi Lines, the Comune di Alghero and Fondazione Alghero, and marked by the warmth and approachability of Javier Felez, Commercial Director for Passenger Services at Grimaldi Lines Spain.
During this journey, Fondazione Alghero played a vital role as the organising body and as a leading force behind the city’s cultural and tourism profile. Wholly owned by the Comune di Alghero, the foundation works to preserve and promote the destination’s distinctive identity, strengthen its cultural programme, organise events and promote Alghero in tourism markets. Its work brings together heritage, culture, gastronomy, Catalan tradition and international promotion through a cohesive vision that is deeply rooted in the territory.
A very special mention must be made of its President, Graziano Porcu, whose commitment was decisive to the outstanding development of the entire experience. Professional, attentive, approachable and possessed of a kindness that is difficult to put into words, Graziano Porcu was far more than a contact person: in every encounter, he embodied Alghero’s hospitality, facilitating access to its spaces, traditions and key figures. His knowledge of the destination, constant availability and commitment to presenting the city at its very best gave this journey an especially human and memorable dimension.
Our point of departure was Barcelona, Spain. The outbound crossing to Porto Torres took place aboard the Cruise Barcelona, one of Grimaldi Lines’ major passenger vessels. The return journey from Porto Torres allowed us to continue the experience aboard the Cruise Roma, its sister ship. Far more than simple sea crossings, both voyages became an essential part of the story: an unhurried, comfortable and distinctly Mediterranean way of reaching Sardinia.
Grimaldi Lines has succeeded in transforming navigation between the mainland and the islands into an offering that combines connectivity, comfort and high-quality services. A European leader in the maritime transport of passengers, vehicles and freight, the company has a long history on Mediterranean routes and maintains close ties with Sardinia. Its ships bring destinations closer, while also demonstrating that the journey can begin long before disembarkation.
The Cruise Barcelona and Cruise Roma impress through their scale, but above all through the attention they give to the traveller experience. At 254 metres in length, with capacity for thousands of passengers and a comprehensive range of dining, relaxation and leisure facilities, they resemble floating hotels designed for enjoying the sea at a leisurely pace. À la carte restaurants, self-service dining areas, bars, a swimming pool, sun deck, gym, spa, sauna, Jacuzzi, shops and entertainment areas ensure that the hours at sea become time well spent.
Hospitality on board was one of the journey’s most memorable elements. Dinner during the outbound overnight crossing, breakfast overlooking the Mediterranean and, on the return voyage, lunch, an Italian aperitivo of cheeses, cured meats and local drinks, and the farewell dinner offered a particularly appealing gastronomic experience. It was not simply about eating well, but about enjoying a carefully curated offering, served with warmth and with the sea as a backdrop.
Arriving in Porto Torres opened the door to a region of striking landscapes. The journey to Alghero took the group along the Porticciolo coast and to the Capo Caccia viewpoint, where cliffs rise above a sea of shifting hues. There, the Escala del Cabirol descends towards the renowned Neptune’s Grotto, a cavern of stalactites, saltwater lakes and rock shaped by water over centuries. It is one of those places that compels you to remain silent for a few moments before attempting to describe it.
Yet Alghero is not only about nature. It is a city of walls, stone lanes, balconies, squares and scents that blend Italy, Sardinia and Catalonia. Its great distinction is Algherese, a variety of Catalan that remains alive in everyday conversation, street signage and the memories of many families. Walking through its historic centre is like exploring an Italian city with an unexpectedly Catalan cultural heart.
The visit also coincided with the celebrations of Sant Miquel, Alghero’s patron saint. The festive atmosphere transformed the streets and reinforced the historical bond between the two shores of the Mediterranean. The joint performance by castellers from Catalonia and Alghero was one of the programme’s most moving images: human towers rising in the heart of a city that has preserved its identity while continuing to look out towards the world.
Photography: Geraldine Rodríguez
Gastronomy was another of the journey’s central themes. By the sea, in Porto Conte and on Mugoni Beach, fish and seafood offered an unforgettable freshness. In Alghero’s centre, local focaccia provided a simple yet delicious pause. At dinner, the flavours of Sardinia emerged in all their authenticity: local produce, family recipes, cheeses, meats, wines and a hospitality that turns every table into a celebration.
A visit to the Poderi Guardia Grande winery revealed another side of the territory, as well as the refined style and design for which Italy is known. Its wines reflect the influence of the sea, the strength of the wind and the character of Sardinian soils. The tasting was not merely an opportunity to sample wines, but a conversation about landscape, cultivation and tradition. Later, at the Barbagia agriturismo and Mabrouk restaurant, local cuisine confirmed that travel also means sitting at the table and understanding a place through its flavours.
Alghero also preserves a valuable artisanal legacy. Red coral, known as the Mediterranean’s red gold, has shaped the activity and identity of the Riviera del Corallo for generations. In one of the workshops in the historic centre, this craft continues to be passed on with patience and precision. Each piece is a reminder that the most interesting destinations are those that safeguard their communities’ knowledge and traditions.
But history was also present in the visit to the Nuragic village of Palmavera and the Anghelu Ruju necropolis, adding an essential historical dimension to the journey. Long before the Catalan walls and the Roman presence, Sardinia was already home to a civilisation of its own—profound and mysterious. Its stones, tombs and structures invite visitors to view the island from a broader perspective, understanding that every landscape contains many layers of time.
Ultimately, this journey was an invitation to discover Alghero without haste: to listen to its language, admire its cliffs, savour its gastronomy, speak with those who preserve its traditions and let the sea guide the experience. Grimaldi Lines’ collaboration was crucial in giving coherence to the entire journey: the ship was not simply a means of transport, but the first and final setting of an itinerary designed to be enjoyed.
Sardinia leaves lasting, luminous memories: Alghero’s golden stone at sunset, the deep blue of Capo Caccia, the taste of freshly served seafood, a glass of wine overlooking the vineyards, voices speaking Algherese, and the silhouettes of the Cruise Barcelona and Cruise Roma sailing across the Mediterranean. There are destinations that are visited. Alghero, without question, is one of those places that are truly experienced—and that invite you to return.
Author: Geraldine Rodríguez and the TSTT team
This site uses cookies from Google to deliver its services and to analyze traffic. Information about your use of this site is shared with Google. By using this site, you agree to its use of cookies.
Report abuse