Alghero lies southwest of Sassari in the northwest corner of the rugged and unspoilt island of Sardinia, perhaps the only region of Italy without motorways! It was founded in 1102 by the Doria family of Genoa and became a Catalan colony under Peter IV of Aragon in 1354. Emperor Charles V took up residence there in 1541. The town blends the appeal of a modern beach resort with the Catalan charm of its battle worn historic quarter, clustered around the picturesque port. Traces of the Aragonese architectural style can be seen in the 16th-century cathedral and the 14th-century Church of San Francesco. From here you can visit the 12th century fortress town of Castelsardo with its spectacular cliff top views over sea and mountain.