From the first traces of mankind dating back to the Lower Palaeolithic, through to the Phoenician, Carthaginian, Roman, Byzanthine or Spanish eras you will find in Sardinia numerous reminders of its glorious historical past. ( http://www.sardiniapoint.it/2714.html )

The province of Sassari is one of the most interesting parts of Sardinia and Alghero the only place where people speak Catalan, which was introduced by the Spaniards who ruled the city for over 400 years. The historic centre, with its Aragonese Palaces and splendid catalan-gothic churches from the XIV - XV centuries, and the impressive surrounding fortified walls and towers, plus all the nearby beaches, caves and cliffs makes Alghero the ideal base from which to explore this fascinating country. And once you have been embraced by the local spririt you'll gladly forget the frenetic luxuries of the Côte d'Azur or the chic "chi-chi" of the Costa Smeralda.

Alghero seems suspended in time and everything has been done to keep the natural glamour of the scenic landscape and countryside famous for its olives groves and vineyards. (Sardinia produces twice as much white wines as red wines. The most famous is the Cannonau Sella & Mosca, a red wine made with the Grenache grape of spanish origin brought in the 14th century).

Villa Las Tronas is the place to stay to fully enjoy a perfect ambiance and gourmet seaside holiday by taking advantage of its dramatic views to the cliffs of Capo Caccia to the distant Bay of Alghero.

Surrounded by pleasant green gardens and the sea, it's the most surprising and unique hotel to be found on the island, standing on a natural peninsula, offering breathtaking views over the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean.

The villa is situated on the outskirts of Alghero and was, until the 1940's, the residence of the Italian Royalty during their holidays in Sardinia. It was then converted into a hotel in 1959 but the present owner has enhanced the charming characteristics of the original house with the addition of carefully chosen antique furniture. Most of the comfortably furnished bedrooms have pretty sea-facing balconies. It's very peaceful and the emphasis here is on an easy lifestyle without a set pattern of "musts" and "don'ts".

This is a smoothly managed secluded gem with a very welcoming atmosphere, ideal for those seeking enjoyment and relaxation.

Excerpt from The Sunday Times, UK
"Stunning beaches, nervous clifftop walks and extraordinary wildlife reserve, as well as some of Europe's best scuba-diving ......There is a huge variety of scenery, sights and activities here, clustered in one short stretch of sculptured coastline and its rolling hinterland. Stroll through the Porto Conte forest, where deer, boar and wild albino donkeys graze, and, if you've got the energy, climb Monte Timidone for views of the entire region.

There is also the stunning Lago di Baratz wildlife reserve, where eagles and vultures follow your progress from above, and lizards and turtles lie basking in your path. Top of any-one's list, however, has to be the sea. The water is sparkingly clear, and there is fine, safe bathing in several little coves, as well as great snorkeling across shallow volcanic plateaus.

The base for all this exploration is the languid, sun-dried fishing town of Alghero. The narrow streets of this small 11th century settlement are excellent territory for a spot of aimlessness - visiting the tiny cathedral and the Museum of Sacred Art, for example - with plenty of breaks for coffe in the town square. And, on the outskirts of town, there is an eerie legacy of Sardinia's first occupants : a necropolis dating to 3,000BC.

Make sure you go to the Saturday-morning food market and spend Saturday night as the locals do, following a long meal with a graceful promenade of Alghero's streets."
(Courtesy of Brian Schofield - The Sunday Times)