Chiesa di San Francesco | pasqua ad Alghero con Dranexperience.com

Easter in Alghero: 8 Places you absolutely must see

The bells ringing in celebration instill joy and hope of new life in all hearts.

In our beautiful town of Alghero, the rites of Holy Week are moments steeped in the meditation of grief, but also silence and much reflection. In fact, the local people have been recounting the Passion of Christ for centuries through stories and legends that link the city to Spain. That of Holy Week in Alghero is a long story that should be told in an ad hoc article, while this blog post will focus on the places you should definitely see and activities to do during Easter in Alghero. An year full of excitement, including activities, culture, history and local legends.

#1 TOUR OF THE CHURCHES IN THE HISTORIC CENTER

Chiesa di San Francesco | pasqua ad Alghero con Dranexperience.com

The historic center of Alghero is absolutely unique identity heritage in Sardinia and Italy between civilization, language, history and anthropology. The center has a Catalan imprint visible everywhere, from the buildings to the narrow streets, from the restaurants to the local dialect. La Easter in Alghero is religion and rituals, which is why our suggestion is to make a tours among the churches of the historic center, from the magnificent St. Mary’s Cathedral to the Church and Convent of St. Francis, but also St. Michael’s Church with its spectacular colorful dome and St. Carmel Church. The visit to the historic center in this “post-covid” 2023, with its churches, and during the Easter season in Alghero, is definitely one of the activities to do.

To help you with that, we are here. In fact, you will have the opportunity to choose between our Walking tour with a local guide or a visit to the historic center on your own, following an exclusive brochure of the “historic center of Alghero,” which we will give you for free . To receive the brochure all you need to do is contact us, also by e-mail and register for our newsletter.

#2 COOKING EXPERIENCE IN A SMALL VILLAGE

Clienti e prodotti tipici | Cooking class Alghero con Dranexperience.com

I like to call it that, Cooking Experience. Take a look the calendar and book this experience, and it is definitely one of the things to do at Easter in Alghero, to experience the territory in the surrounding area, the culture, the food, the connection with the local people. On this tour you will showcase your skills in preparing one of the traditional Sardinian “Breads” during the Easter season: Is Coccoi with Egg, which was once made and given as a gift but has slowly lost its value with the advent of Easter Eggs.

Find out the details of the tour below and have an unforgettable experience with us, and with a family of shepherds from Montresta, which with just over 300 inhabitants, is a small place to see absolutely.

#3 ESSENTIAL ALGHERO

Grotte di Nettuno | pasqua ad Alghero con Dranexperience.com

In order to discover Alghero and the peculiarities of the area, it is important to know what this beautiful city has to offer. Alghero Experience, is definitely the best platform regarding places to see even during the Easter period, and our advice is to take a look at the portal.

Within the site, which is nothing more than an e-commerce platform of Alghero Tourism, you can purchase tickets for museums, attractions and places of interest so that you can experience the city and its territory. It goes from the Archaeological Museum to the Neptune Caves, from the Coral Museum to the Le Prigionette Nature Oasis, you will have easy access to the most important attractions in Alghero and also you can participate in events, exhibitions, shows so as to make your vacation unforgettable.

#4 WINE TASTING IN A VINEYARD

Degustazioni di vino in Sardegna ed escursioni

Alghero is the city of oil but also the city of wine. In fact, there are numerous small and large companies operating in the area and providing products of the highest quality. On this tour, we will visit a local winery, from its history to learning about all stages of wine production, and finally to the tasting room where 3 glasses of wine accompanied by local products will be enjoyed. And after the wine tour? A beautiful coastal walk that will allow us to discover the nature and geology of the Coral Riviera coast, in front of a wonderful sunset.

Don’t you think this is one of the activities to do in Alghero for Easter? Contact us to book it

#5 MONTE DOGLIA AND CAPO CACCIA

Monte Doglia e Porto Conte | pasqua ad Alghero con Dranexperience.com

Monte Doglia, on the road to Capo Caccia, is a magnificent location that has much to show you about the history and nature of the area. Think about the fact that around the 1930s the whole of Sardinia underwent intensive fortification of the coast and the near hinterland aimed at hindering the landing of any enemies. It has also happened here in Alghero, and in this area it is possible to take a walk through well-trodden and well-visible paths to see decisions and dozens of artifacts that date precisely from World War II. Besides that, the scenery in front of you will be magnificent, a postcard on the gulf of Porto Conte.

Continuing along the road you will arrive at Capo Caccia, one of the symbols of Alghero, amid imposing limestone cliffs, crystal clear water and a unique landscape. Are you planning to enjoy a wonderful sunset? Here is one of the must-see places during your Easter in Alghero.

#6 CAPO MARRARGIU HIKE

Griffons, one of the world’s rarest and most majestic wildlife species, have been living here for decades. Our trek will be in one of the most scenically beautiful areas between Alghero and Bosa, a rugged coastline of volcanic nature, including coves, ravines and crystal clear sea. A medium-level physical activity, through paths immersed in the Mediterranean maquis among myrtle, mastic trees and a landscape totally different from the neighboring area.

Here you will enjoy moments of incredible silence, in the midst of the wilderness, definitely a place and activity not to be missed, during your Easter vacation in Alghero. We have set the date for our trek, Bernardu’s hike,  for a different and original Easter.

#7 INLAND SARDINIA

Territorio di Villanova | pasqua ad Alghero con Dranexperience.com

You have a huge opportunity, which is to visit the Sardinia that matters, the one that is authentic, characteristic and still maintains ancient traditions. The traveler who goes to Sardinia in April is not looking for the sea, beaches and snorkeling, but is looking for culture and connection with the land and the people. That’s why among our suggestions of places to absolutely see during your Easter in Alghero is the hinterland. Move toward Villanova Monteleone (here is our article about it) and you will have the feeling of being in a magical place among necropolis and old ruins of Romanesque churches.

Going toward Sassari and Porto Torres you will instead discover Monte D’Accoddi, an archaeological unicum of Mediterranean history. The beautiful area of Martis and Chiaramonti, on the other hand, will take you on a journey through time, from the Nuragic period to the Romanesque period, via magnificent paths of local taste and art. There is also Castelsardo, with its castle and strategic location, all the way inland in Gallura where granite reigns over the enchanting landscape.

If you need support on organizing your trip, I suggest you visit the site Travel Planner Family, you will be followed during the planning of your travel itinerary in Sardinia, directly by local experts.

#8 BIKEXPLORE ALGHERO

Aren’t you planning to do some physical activity? Alghero is gorgeous in the April time of year and is perfect for biking around. Our Bikexplora, between nature and history is undoubtedly one of the activities you will benefit from during your stay in Alghero, Easter. On this splendid guided tour, with bike rental included in the price, we will take you on a ride through ponds, enchanting coastal areas, majestic nuragic sites and ancient Spanish towers until we finish the ride in a forest park amidst the scents and colors of the Mediterranean maquis.  What are you waiting for? Take a look at the details, there are a few places available

Botti del vino | degustazione vini ad Alghero con Dranexperience.com

The best wine tasting in Alghero

The best thing about the wine is that, for the next 2 ours, your problems are not your anymore

Are you curious to visit a local winery where thousands of bottles are produced every year according to an ancient tradition? Under the Sardinian sun, in the shade of Alghero and surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, you will find out more about the story of a local winery. This winery has been producing wine for dozens of years and this will be one of the most exciting tours focus on the Alghero’s nature, as well as wine tasting tour. After the visit, a local guide will take you near Capo Caccia, where a panoramic walk will show you amazing places, between coves, cliffs, the Mediterranean scrub, in front of the sunset.

#1 ONE WINERY, ONE STORY

A big chance to discover the wine processing behind the tradition, the history and some legends about this winery and all families that worked with love and passion for many years, making it one of the most popular all over Sardinia Room after room we will understand more about the process, all the wine processing phases, the quality of the land and grapes, the peculiarities and the tradition that leads this wine to be one of the best in Sardinia. Finally, in a relaxing atmosphere, you will have the best wine tasting in Alghero (3 different glasses) discovering the authentic soul of Sardinian wine.

#2 THE WINE AND THE SEA

You will know the history and the reasons why the sea is so important for this winery. You will know the history and the reasons why the sea is so important for this winery. With Akènta Sub, the Sardinian spumante aged under water. The sea is the element that most differentiates Sardinia and makes it what it is: with Akènta Sub, the island helps to create a unique spumante. A limited number of bottles of Akènta spumante wine, produced from a selection of Vermentino di Sardegna DOC grapes, are left to age at a depth of around 40 metres. Thanks to this singular underwater ageing process, l’Akènta becomes Akènta Sub Unique emotion, as Akenta SUB

#3 NATURE AND SUNSET FOR A PERFECT END

Not just a visit and a wine tasting in Alghero, our tour has many new features for you. We will move to Capo Caccia area, a few km from the winery, looking at this place and enjoying the beauty of the area. Cliffs shaped by time overhanging the sea, caves, endemic flora and fauna, fossil-rich limestones and a breathtaking panorama at sunset. The second part of the Wine tour & photo tour will be the story and the view of a high value natural heritage, between nature, history and legends.

#4 QUALITY AND FEEDBACK

We make tours with a mission: promote off-the-beaten path spots in Sardinia through highly emotional guided tours that will leave an imprint to the traveller’s vacation We really want to make a unique experience and for this it is important to make a good relationship with our travellers. You can also take a look at what other travelers say about our service and we currently have just over 70 reviews spread between Google, Tripadvisor and AirBnB. Take a look it.

Take a look Google page for more details. Still thinking what to do? The best wine tasting in Alghero is waiting for you, just find out more visiting our page Wine Tour & Photo Tournèè

Canyon Sa Entale | i dintorni di Alghero, Villanova con Dranexperience.com

Surroundings of Alghero: Discover Villanova Monteleone

Amigu fidau, teniddu preziosu. Translated from Sardinian, “Trusted friend, keep it precious.”

Alghero is a great hub for exploring the surrounding area, from the coast to the hinterland, from the sea to the mountains, from maritime culinary traditions to land-based ones, so we wanted to create several articles about the surroundings of Alghero, such as the Villanova Monteleone area.

This small village, with a population of less than 2,500, has a wonderful history and certainly a better future than, unfortunately, its cousins in Monteleone Roccadoria (a few dozen kilometers from Villanova). Let’s cut to the chase, because DRAN Experience has specially prepared an article for you

VILLANOVA MONTELEONE: WHAT TO KNOW

Villanova Monteleone was a battlefield of many struggles, beginning in 1200 CE, and because of this there was inevitable displacement especially during the wars between the Doria and Aragonese. Those who saved Villanova Monteleone were the inhabitants of the then wealthy Monteleone Roccadoria who moved to the village with the goal of repopulating it, and they succeeded unfortunately at the expense of Monteleone Roccadoria, which currently has just under 150 inhabitants and is a village destined for extinction. Villanova Monteleone is absolutely one of the must-see villages around Alghero, including climbs, descents, steps and narrow streets.

Drop by both the beautiful parish of St. Leonard and the historic church of Our Lady of Interrios, located 3 km from the village. Wander through the small alleys and stop at one of the bars and trattorias in the village; it will be wonderful to hear the old, spry and healthy people discussing in Sardinian about local chronicles, politics and sports. Don’t forget to take a nice picture of the stunning staircase positioned in the center of Villanova, and if you are passing through the area in a hot spell rest assured, there will be a few drinking water fountains coming from the nearby mountains nearby. What can we see near the village? Here are some suggestions.

S’ENTALE WATERFALL

Actually located in the municipality of Padria but a few kilometers from Villanova Monteleone, you can admire, making sure beforehand that there is water, a beautiful natural gem made of flora, fauna, canyons and waterfalls: it is Sa Entale. The Rio Sentale is one of the tributaries of the Temo River and before flowing into the greater river it passes through a beautiful and striking canyon formed millions of years ago, just imagine the beauty of this location. Among all the scenery, beyond the waterfall, what catches the eye is the beautiful canyon that creates an evocative landscape of vegetation, water, and endemic wildlife to be respected.

The path to get there is traced only through the little stone men, it is not difficult to get there, just hear the sound of the waterfalls and you will understand that you are immersed in nature. Do you feel like taking an evocative trek with a local guide? Contact us, we will be glad to help you.

OASIS OF MOUNT MINERVA

Villanova (the historical region in which the village of Villanova Monteleone is located) is also the area adjacent to the Meilogu, another subsonic region and the greatest evidence of Sardinia’s geological history. Near Villanova Monteleone, also in the vicinity of Alghero, it is easy to find evidence concerning the history of the geology of Sardinia in the form mainly of extinct volcanoes, solidified lava areas, and actual volcanic cones.

This is the case of Mount Minerva, a spectacular bastion with a flat top wrapped in forest and characterized by a beautiful naturalistic landscape with a network of trails. The ‘oasis of Mt. Minerva is of extraordinary importance for many aspects, both naturalistic and historical between necropolis and prehistoric tombs. From the top you can have a magnificent view of Lake Temo, of Monteleone Roccadoria, of the landscape below all the way to Bosa and the sea. Here the spectacle is assured.

NECROPOLIS OF PUTTU CODINU

Do you know anything about the domus tombs of Sardinia? There you have it, the necropolis of Puttu Codinu is an example among limestone rocks and lots of history to tell. They are hypogeic domus de janas tombs and distinguishable into 2 separate areas: one with 2 tombs and the other with 8 tombs. A wonderful area definitely worth visiting with a local guide to describe the area, history and legends, there is so much to say and explore especially about tomb number 8 which externally has 2 mehir and internally features an antechamber, the main cell, and side compartments where the dead were placed.

Of the tombs in which there are fascinating symbols such as the “false door” typical of necropolis representing the afterlife. The site is excellently preserved and cared for in every respect, and I forgot: it is believed that people began using the site from the Recent Neolithic (3500 B.C.).

NURAGHE APPIU

Also easily accessible from Alghero toward Bosa, but certainly closer in the vicinity of Villanova Monteleone. This site was for most of the time hidden and immersed in the countryside, now the nuraghe Appiu revealed its uniqueness: the courtyard, or the space between the central tower (or keep) and the rampart, is covered. The only, small opening is at the top, intended to allow light to filter in and, probably, to allow smoke to escape when hearths were lit.

The building is a quadrilobate, with a main entrance leading to the covered courtyard, from which several openings lead to the keep and side towers. The central tower is 15 meters high, and you will be able to observe the tholos roofs of two overlapping chambers. In addition to the Nuraghe, the complex includes a village of 200 huts, another nuraghe but a single tower, a Giants’ tomb, two small dolmens and, not far away, a megalithic enclosure with a megaron temple.

Strategically located and facing the magnificent natural site of Capo Marrargiu, home of our Hike – Il Cammino Di Bernardu. Who knows, and who knows if such a fortress does not hide further surprises, as many environments remain to be discovered. One thing is for sure: it is worth a visit.

CHURCH SANTA MARIA DI CUROS

Tucked away in the midst of nature and absolute silence, over the decades the ruin of this church sees only sheep, shepherds, and the occasional explorer, like us at DRAN Experience. We have inquired about it, despite the difficulties in finding information, and currently know very little about the church of St. Mary of Curos.

This church is thought to have been built around 1200, and through a text from 1440 a certain “Village of Curos” is mentioned. , which may have a connection with the church. If you feel like exploring the area, with just a little sense of direction, you can see a historical monument and go back, for a few minutes, to the past. Between nature and nuraghi, in and around Alghero there is also the Roman history of Villanova Monteleone. If you are curious, you can get more news and information about the hinterland of Sardinia by visiting the Travel Planner Family.