Alghero, Italy

Capital City

With a population of just over 42,000, Alghero is a small coastal city in northwest Sardinia. The island's Catalan-influenced language and cuisine may captivate some, but the bureaucratic headaches of navigating a bilingual region are a persistent reality. While the mild Mediterranean climate and scenic beaches offer an alluring lifestyle, the city's remoteness means access to international flights and the mainland can be a challenge. Ultimately, Alghero may appeal most to those seeking an authentic, slower-paced Italian experience, but it's no vacation from the typical frustrations of living abroad.