Alghero, Porto Torres & north west

Alghero and the Riviera del Corallo

Alghero is the natural centre of north west Sardinia, and one of the island's most likeable towns. Its old quarter sits behind golden sea walls, and centuries of Catalan and Aragonese rule still show in the street names, the churches and a local dialect of Catalan you will hear around the harbour. Evenings here mean a walk along the ramparts at sunset, then dinner in the lanes.

The coast either side is known as the Riviera del Corallo, after the red coral long worked by local craftsmen. North of town the bay of Porto Conte has calm, shallow water, while the headland of Capo Caccia drops sheer into the sea. Below its cliffs lies Neptune's Grotto, reached by boat from Alghero or by a long flight of steps cut into the rock.

Stintino, Asinara and Castelsardo

Further north, the fishing village of Stintino looks out to La Pelosa, a beach of pale sand and very clear, shallow water that is ideal for young children. Just offshore is the island of Asinara, a former prison colony that is now a national park, home to small white donkeys and visited on day trips by boat.

Porto Torres is a working port with ferries to the mainland, but it also has Roman remains and the Romanesque basilica of San Gavino. Along the coast to the east, Castelsardo climbs a rocky promontory to its castle, and a long tradition of basket weaving in the old town. Inland, Sassari, the island's second city, has a lively centre and good markets.

Food, wine and getting here

The cooking mixes the sea and the countryside: spiny lobster prepared the Catalan way with tomato and onion, roast suckling pig, pecorino and seadas, fried pastries filled with cheese and drizzled with honey. Vineyards around Alghero produce crisp Vermentino and Cannonau reds.

Alghero's airport is just a few minutes from town, which makes this one of the easiest parts of Sardinia to reach for a short break as well as a longer stay. Summers are hot and dry, while May, June and September are ideal for walking and swimming without the August crowds.

The area suits families, couples and anyone who wants a real town on the doorstep as well as beaches. Explore more of Sardinia, or browse the villas listed below to find your base in the north west.