A beautiful medieval city in northwestern Sardinia, nestling beside the 90km stretch of the Coral Riviera, Alghero is beloved by families and surfers alike, who flock in droves for its beaches and charming historic centre. A labyrinthine maze of narrow cobbled streets lined with Gothic palazzi, Renaissance churches, terrace bars and restaurants, all wrapped in sturdy and bright golden sea walls. The heart of the Sardinian coral industry, you will find that there is a distinctly Spanish vibe to the city, largely a remnant of its time as a Catalan colony. Spend days sunbathing on the sweeping white sand beaches, surfing in the aquamarine sea, checking out the wealth of Bronze Age sites scattered throughout the hinterland or taking a romantic stroll along the walkway of the ancient walls. The best places to stay in Alghero all jut out into the sea and provide breath-arresting views.

What not to miss

• Take a romantic walk along the old sea walls.
• Head to Le Bombarde, a famous beach, beloved by surfers and families alike.
• Visit the wealth of prehistoric sites scattered throughout the region, from the complexes of Palmavera to the necropolis of Anghelo Ruju.
• See the Cathedral of Santo Maria - a marvellous building of 14th century design.
• Find solace in the Church of San Michele, with its colourful ceramic dome.
• Learn about the local coral industry at the Museo del Corallo.
• Just get lost in the Old Town, amongst the terrace bars and restaurants, the cobbled lanes and medieval townhouses.

Picturesque, romantic and steeped in history - it's no wonder why Alghero draws so many people every year. Find out more by browsing our list of the best places to stay in Alghero.