ALGHERO, once a stronghold of the Genovese Doria family, then an Aragonese domain; here we shall spend the night.
The Catalan Gothic Cathedral stands in a typical medieval setting, with San Fran-cesco (16° century cloister) and Casa Doria; on the sea front rises the round Torre di Sulis, a remnant of the Renaissance fortifications.
From Alghero a trip of 13 km. (8 mi.) northwards takes us along a fascinating coastline to Capo Caccia, an extraordinary cliff of pink limestone overlooking the sea, in which opens the unreal, magical Grotto of Neptune, one of the natural wonders of the Mediterranean.
Returning to Alghero we now take State Highway SS 292 which rises towards Monteleone (many nuraghi in the neighbourhood) and on through fine hill country to Padria (49 km. - 30 mi.), an ancient town of prehistoric origin, with the church of Santa Giulia, Aragonese Gothic (1520). A short trip of 12 km. (7 1/2 mi.) brings us back on to State Highway SS 131.
Just before the road junction is Semestene, where stands the small Romanesque church of San Niccolo di Trullas. Following the state highway for another 17 km. (10 3/4 mi.) we arrive at MACOMER.
