ALGHERO

Small but perfectly formed, Alghero’s medieval citadel, with atmospheric cobbled streets, has an enviable setting against the fantastic coastal scenery of the Coral Riviera (named after the coral found on the seabed). The most important tourist draw in north-west Sardinia, Alghero is the envy of the island’s other cities, being both beautiful and wealthy enough to throw a string of festivals.

The islanders are laid-back, hospitable and proud to be Sardinian – rather than Italian – and Alghero is something else again. It is the most Spanish of Sardinia’s cities: Algherese, the local dialect, is close to Catalan; the street signs are in Catalan, as well as Italian; and the great monuments are impressive reminders of 300 years of Aragonese rule, which started when the Genoese Doria family was overthrown by Pedro IV of Aragon in 1354.

Most of Alghero’s sights are in the lively citadel, where bars and restaurants spill out on to the car-free streets. Seven defensive towers divide the old and new towns; the 14th-century Porta Terra is a good starting point. The key building, though, is the Catalan-Gothic Cathedral (piazza Duomo), at the junction of via Roma and via Umberto. Nearby, in similar style, is the 16th-century Palazzo Albis (piazza Civica), once home to Alghero’s governors. The restored 14th-century Chiesa di San Francesco (via Carlo Alberto) is the city’s most enchanting church.

A long, sandy beach, sheltered by quiet pine forests, stretches beyond the marina, fringed with bars and hotels. Watersports and boat trips abound, and the surrounding coast is a paradise for nature lovers and divers. Inland, the city is flanked by leading vineyard Sella & Mosca (www.sellaemosca.com, 079 99 77 00), which offers tours of its museum and wine cellar.

Isola Rossa (Red Island)

The kilometre long beach in Isola Rossa is the stuff of dreams. Imagine soft white sands slipping through your fingers as the sun kisses your brow and slow waves stroke the shore. The water is so clear that sunbeams can be seen dancing on the sea bed. The incredible clarity coupled with an amazing variety of fish and coral make diving and snorkelling extremely popular. Strap your mask on, kick your fins and prepare to be dazzled by Sardinia's underwater playground.

CASTLESADO

This is an extremely interesting medieval town; perched on the top of an imposing promontory overlooking the sea, it offers an extraordinarily beautiful view. The rock and the castle of the Dorias, which now contains the Museo dell'Intreccio Mediterraneo, (Museum of Mediterranean Basketry) can be reached only on foot passing under arches, climbing narrow stairways and following streets where you can still see women weaving baskets and many shops exhibiting the best in local handicrafts.

The impact of the scene is repeated with a visit to the cathedral of Sant'Antonio Abate, which was built in the 16th century and which contains many treasures of art, among which the prestigious 15th-century retable by the anonymous Maestro di Castelsardo.

The island's oldest crucifix, the Black Christ, which is carried in procession in the renowned feast of Lunissanti, is kept in the small church of Santa Maria.

Besides the quarter known as the Citadel, or Casteddu, and the modern one of Pianedda, there is a third along the coast, the Marinas, where the new accommodation facilities are located.
Dominated by the torre di Frigiano we find the marina of the same name, which is also used for fishing spiny lobsters

Badesi

Surrounded slope overlooking the Gulf of Asinara by a landscape dominated by granitic rocks.

Looking towards the sea we can recognize the famous sand dunes which, with the long golden beaches, represent the main attraction for visitors in this area.

Between Castelsardo and Santa Teresa di Gallura,at 50 km from Porto Torres and 85 km from Olbia, the town is equipped with the modern infrastructures necessary to satisfy an expanding tourist industry. In the last few years the area's economy has witnessed a decrease in animal husbandry in favour of agriculture, especially vineyards, which produce wines of the finest quality

Elephant Rock

Just off the road to Castelsardo (worth visiting in itself), there's an eroded rock called Elephant Rock that everyone stops to photograph. Elephant Rock has a Domus de Janas, a "witches house" that was used as a tomb in prehistoric times.