Alghero, Italy

Alghero is a little bit of Catalonia in Italy. The most charming town in Sardegna has been strongly influenced by the Catalonians. Catalan is still the official language and the culinary tradition of this part of the island also shows a clear influence, but don't worry you will still be able to get a pizza here. The main sights include the old city walls and the seven defensive towers that still stand tall. The Porta Terra is also part of the old defensive system. It was built at the expenses of the Jewish community of Alghero. Via Roma, Via Carlo Alnerto and Via Principe Umberto are the main streets in the old town. You find many small shops, restaurants and bars in the area. At the end of the Principe Umberto you reach the Cathedral which has an impressive dome. A few blocks from here the Palazzo d'Albis (on Piazza Civica) and the Palau Reial (on Via Sant'Erasmo) are good examples of the predominant Catalan gothis style that makes Alghero such an elegant city.