Alghero

Alghero is one of the most popular resorts on Sardinia, yet retains the charm and atmosphere of a working fishing village. It manages to cater for all tastes, with cultural sites and plenty of amenities. It is less glitzy than the busy Costa Smeralda on the north coast of the island, but has plenty to offer those wanting sun, sand and sea - with clean beaches, and a lively clutch of bars and restaurants. The medieval old town is the most picturesque on Sardinia, and has a fascinating Catalan heritage: a legacy of centuries of Aragon rule. Street signs are in both Italian and Catalan, and much of the architecture is distinctly Spanish. There are plenty of things to see and do within a short distance of Alghero, and it offers a stylish base for exploring the rest of Sardinia.

British package tour operators have included Alghero in their brochures for some years, but it has escaped the ‘fish, chips and lager' commercialisation that has plagued other resorts. Budget airlines now offer direct flights from the UK, so many visitors are still British - frequently couples seeking romantic or relaxing holidays. It is also a popular destination with holidaying Italians. Alghero is an excellent winter destination, as it is a working fishing port, so still functions out of season.

Alghero is on the northwest coast of the Italian island of Sardinia, which lies immediately south of Corsica. The resort is 12.8km (8 miles) from Alghero airport, and 172km (107 miles) from the island's capital, Cagliari, in the south.

The 1,000-year-old port sits on a headland, the old town surrounded by a thick medieval wall. Sandy beaches stretch north from the village, while the road south offers dramatic cliff-top views of the sea.

Alghero offers lovely, unspoilt beaches: long, sandy and etched with cool fragrant pine trees. The longest stretch of sand is just north of the old town, one of the largest beaches being San Giovanni. The coast also offers plenty of possibilities for sailing and diving.

Stroll around the old town, which the medieval Catalans named Barcelonetta, or Little Barcelona. The most striking building is the cathedral (Piazza Duomo), which was built in the 16th-century in Catalan-Gothic style. A boat trip along the coast offers the chance to see the spectacular caves at Capo Caccia, known as Grotta di Nettuno - or Neptune's Caves. This limestone cave system, hidden beneath a sheer cliff face, has jagged stalactites and stalagmites and a deep, clear lake. The round trip lasts around three hours. Diving enthusiasts can make for Porto Conte, which has equipment hire and runs diving excursions.

Alghero is a resort that offers a relaxing, traditional family holiday. The beaches are unspoilt, there are plenty of family friendly restaurants, and children should enjoy the boat trip to the Grotta di Nettuno. There are also plenty of opportunities for family walks and cycle rides in the unspoilt countryside that lies inland.

Alghero has a great choice of small shops lining the narrow streets of the old town. The main shopping street is Via Carlo Alberto. There are plenty of chic clothes shops, and small stores selling Sardinian ceramics and delicious local foods - Sardinian wines and olive oils make great gifts. The area is famous for its red coral, which you can find in many jewellery shops - but this is not an environmentally acceptable option these days. On the last Saturday of the month, there's an art and antique market in Piazza Civica.

Alghero has a low key night-time scene, with most people happy to sip early evening cocktails, stroll through the old town's narrow streets or along the seafront, and enjoy a lazy meal in a restaurant. Those who want to dance till the small hours should head out of town, where the main clubs (which open in the summer months) are situated. There is Il Ruscello, about 10km (6 miles) from Alghero on the road to Olmedo, and La Siesta on Scala Piccada, also around 10km (6 miles) from town.

Sardinia has a unique character, a blend of Italian and Catalan influences that is reflected in its food. There are plenty of places offering distinctive local dishes, such as panadas - a pie made with meat or eels, and malloredus - a saffron flavoured pasta served with tomato sauce and sausage or cheese. Fish is a speciality, as Alghero is noted for its rock lobsters; however you can also find lots of cheaper pizza places. The old town is the best place to track down traditional food. Some venues have terraces with great views of the sea.

The old town is easily explored on foot, while bus services run to many of the best beaches. Bikes can be hired for trips into the countryside, but to really explore the island - especially the isolated interior, it is best to hire a car. Trains do connect Alghero to the main towns on the island but the railway station is outside the centre.

There's a lovely coastal drive going south from Alghero to the town of Bosa, which has a medieval centre and a striking castle that dates back to the 12th-century.  Another option is to take a tourist train from Alghero to the town of Sassari - the scenery is stunning, and in Sassari there's a museum (via Roma) that contains archaeological finds from prehistoric Sardinia.

In summer, when it's in season, splash out on a lobster meal (it's priced by weight in Sardinia) at one of Alghero's finest restaurants. Good options are La Lepanto (Via Carlo Alberto) or Il Pavone (Piazza Sullis) - which also does a good line in squid ink pasta.

Alghero Airport (AHO)