Venue
Conference location
The conference will be held at the University of Sassari, Department of Architecture, Design and Urban Planning, Alghero Campus.
Bastioni Pigafetta, 07041 Alghero (SS), Italy
Getting there
Alghero-Fertilia Airport (AHO) is located approximately 10 km from the city center. The airport has direct connections to several European cities including Rome, Milan, London (Stansted), and Barcelona. From the airport, you can reach the city center by bus (ARST line, about 20 minutes) or taxi (approximately €25–30).
Alternatively, Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB) are larger airports on the island, each roughly 2.5–3 hours by car from Alghero.
The nearest ferry port is Porto Torres, about 35 km from Alghero, with connections to Genoa, Barcelona, and Civitavecchia (Rome). Buses and taxis connect Porto Torres to Alghero.
Alghero is well connected by road. Car rental is available at the airport and is useful for exploring the surrounding area.
Book flights early, especially during summer months when Sardinia is a popular tourist destination. Ryanair operates frequent low-cost flights to Alghero from several European cities.
Accommodation
Below are some recommended hotels in Alghero. The conference venue is located on the Bastioni Pigafetta, along the old town's seafront walls.
View venue and all hotels on Google Maps →
September is still high season in Sardinia. Book accommodation well in advance to secure availability and better rates.
Local transportation
Alghero's old town is small and very walkable. The conference venue and most recommended hotels are within a 10-minute walk of each other. Walking is the easiest way to get around.
Taxis are available but limited in number. It is advisable to book in advance, especially for airport transfers. A ride from the airport to the city center costs approximately €25–30.
Local and regional buses are operated by ARST. The bus from the airport to the city center runs regularly during the day.
Meals
Conference organizers witll provide lunches on both conference days and a conference dinner the first day of the conference. Details about the dinner location and menu will be communicated at a later point.
Alghero is renowned for its Catalan-influenced cuisine and fresh seafood, especially lobster (aragosta alla catalana). The old town is full of excellent restaurants, particularly along the seafront bastions and in the narrow streets of the centro storico.
Practical information
Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are readily available throughout the city.
Italian. English is spoken at hotels and tourist areas, though less commonly in smaller shops and restaurants.
September in Alghero is warm and pleasant, with average temperatures around 23–28°C (73–82°F). Rain is infrequent. Light clothing is recommended, with a light layer for air-conditioned conference rooms and cooler evenings by the sea.
Italy is part of the Schengen Area. Visitors from the EU/EEA do not need a visa. Citizens of many other countries (including the US, Canada, UK, Japan, Australia) can enter visa-free for stays up to 90 days. Please check with your nearest Italian consulate for specific requirements.
Wi-Fi will be available at the conference venue. Eduroam is available at the University of Sassari campus for participants with eduroam credentials.
General emergency: 112 · Police: 113 · Ambulance: 118 · Fire: 115
Sightseeing
Grotta di Nettuno (Neptune's Grotto)
A planned group excursion to the Grotta di Nettuno is being planned for conference participants Sunday before the conference starts. Neptune's Grotto is a spectacular sea cave located at the base of the Capo Caccia cliffs, about 24 km from Alghero. The grotto features dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, an underground salt lake, and stunning rock formations.
The most scenic way to reach the grotto is by boat from Alghero's harbour (approximately 40 minutes each way). Boats depart regularly during the season. Alternatively, the grotto can be reached by car or bus, followed by a descent down the 654 steps of the Escala del Cabirol (a staircase carved into the cliff face).
We plan on using a boat, wind permitting.
The grotto maintains a constant temperature of about 16°C (61°F), so bringing a light jacket is recommended even in September. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are advised. The guided tour inside the grotto lasts about 30–40 minutes. Further details about timing and logistics for the group excursion will be communicated to registered participants.