Alghero Hotels, Sardinia

Situated on the north-west coast of Sardinia, Alghero is a small but perfectly preserved fishing town, which retains many fascinating traces of Catalan rule from the 14th to 18th centuries. Though it may lack the entertainment venues of a larger resort, it is car-free, lending a peaceful, unspoilt atmosphere to the medieval centre, which, with its lovely cobbled streets, is full of traditional bars and restaurant, as well as one-off boutique shops.