Alghero, Sardinia. Photo: Shutterstock Italian beaches, including those in Sicily and Sardinia, are considered the most beautiful in the Mediterranean thanks to their white sands, clear waters, and feeling of endless freedom. So it's no surprise that one particular seaside town in Sardinia is shaping up to be the big hit of the season.
The travel website Expedia ranked the destinations that are surging in searches since the beginning of the year, and the city of Alghero in northwestern Sardinia came in first place.
Despite the present Italian character, the city was under Catalan rule for centuries, and the influence is still felt in the Catalan-influenced language, architecture, and overall atmosphere.
The narrow alleys in the old city are surrounded by ancient walls facing the sea, and the sunsets will make you fall in love with the place.
Beyond its beauty and rich history, Allegro is also a popular summer destination with white beaches, excellent fish restaurants, and a relatively relaxed nightlife scene.
Sardinia, Italy. Photo: ShutterstockAnother attraction is the stalactite cave "Neptune's Grotto", which can be reached by boat or by a steep descent on foot.
What other destinations are on the list of popular destinations that are jumping in searches? After Alghero, which jumped by 560%, is none other than Ankara, the capital of Turkey, with a jump of 295%. In third place is Toluca, Mexico, with a jump of 225%. In fourth place came Nha Trang, Vietnam, with a jump of 185%, and in fifth place came the island of Naxos in Greece with a jump of 160% in searches.
Naxos Island. Photo: Shutterstock