Grotto di Nettuno, ‘Neptune’s Grotto’, is a remarkable series of caves just outside Alghero, which can be seen on a 45-minute tour. Boats leave from the marina, and the hour-long journey takes in the dramatic coastline surrounding the limestone headland, Capo Caccia. You can also catch a bus to Capo Caccia and climb down the 654 steps to reach the caves below. But you’ll have to climb back up.

A few miles outside Alghero is the Necropolis Anghelu Rùju, an ancient (3000 BC) burial ground. There are also Nuraghic sites, conical towers of vast stone, left by Sardinia’s Bronze Age civilisation. The best is Nuraghe di Palmavera, a Nuraghic complex. About 15 miles south of Alghero, along a spectacular, cliff-hugging road, is the medieval settlement of Bosa. It is crowned by Castello Malaspina, a 12th-century castle with fantastic views and rare 14th-century Catalan frescoes.

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