Territory

GEOGRAPHY
Alghero is situated on the north-western coast of Sardinia within the homonymous gulf. A large part of its territory stretches on the Nurra plain; at the western point of it, rises the karst-formation of “Capo Caccia, Punta Giglio” and “Monte Doglia”. On its southern point, lays the vast tableland of Villanova Monteleone made up of volcanic hills. From the hills of Villanova Monteleone, passing through the fertile plain, flow down several rivers which, since distant ages, have made possible human settlings in that area. The town of Alghero is surrounded by plentiful olive grove and vineyards whose products once, made up the basic local economy of the town.

CLIMATE
Alghero has a sub-tropical warm climate with long dry summers and mild damp winters. Prevalent winds come from western quarters: trade winds mitigate summer heat. From fall to spring libeccio and western winds bring rain, while mistral wind may blow strongly any time of the year. Between december and february, for few weeks, eastern winds bring clear climate, nights are cold and days are sunny. This period of time is called “secche di gennaio” and it’s considered as a prelude of summer in the middle of the winter.

FLORA
Once vegetation consisted of evergreen woods made up of holm and oak trees. Nowadays it consists of mediterranean shrubland. Pine woods stretch on the coast line while the alguerese plan, because of constant man presence, shows a partly modified landscape.

COAST
The most representative part of the area is the coast between Fertilia and Porto Ferro in the north-west of Alghero. The internal side of the gulf has beautiful sandy shores; among the nicest ones we recall “Maria Pia” beach and “S. Giovanni” beach with its white sand shores along which has been growing the bathing resort of the town.

REGIONAL AND NATURAL PARK OF PORTO CONTE-CAPO CACCIA 
Proceeding towards west, beyond “Le Bombarde” and “Lazzaretto” beaches, the coast line becomes higher and higher changing into cliffs. You first meet with the promontory of Punta Giglio which delimitates estwards the bay of Porto Conte (once called Nimphs’ Port) considered the widest natural bay of the mediterranean sea. Within the bay after the beach of Mugoni, the coastline slowly rises till Punta Semaforo and Capo Caccia where the coast falls perpendicularly at a high of 204 m and 326 m. respectively above the sea level. Inside this jurassic and cretaceous limestone promontory you can admire several caves with its beautiful rooms and chalk-stones.

THE SOUTH
The coastline between Alghero and Bosa is very different from the north western coast of the town. For those who love nature and wild landscapes, it offers a wild and enchanting view. The central tablelands descend over the sea level forming high volcanic cliffs, among them nidifie a colony of griffon vultures as well as different species of birds of prey whose cries break the silence of this pure nature. You can enjoy the peaceful nature in the beautiful sandy and rocky inlets (reachable only by sea) washed by the emerald green sea. The best period of time to enjoy such a beautiful natural sight is spring when the mediterranean shrubland bursts with its colours and heady scents. 
It is worth while seeing the beach of “la Speranza”, situated between Alghero and Villanova Monteleone .