Beyond the borders: Sardinia & Corsica - Unspoiled nature, paradise beaches and charming villages

Alghero, facing the Coral Riviera in north-western Sardinia, is one of the island's most distinctive towns thanks to its Catalan imprint, the legacy of Aragonese rule still alive in the local speech. The historic centre, enclosed by bastions running along the sea, is a labyrinth of cobbled lanes, towers and churches facing the sunset. The pale-sand beaches and clear waters invite swimming, while Neptune's Grotto, in the Capo Caccia promontory, is reached by sea or by descending a long sheer staircase. Red coral, worked by artisans, is the town's symbol. The cuisine combines fish, lobster and Iberian influences. Picturesque and welcoming, Alghero seduces with its mix of history and sea.