We have booked flights to Alghero in Sardinia for four nights in August. Is there a posh hotel nearby with a beach and swimming pool that’s not too far from some local restaurants and bars? Connor Newton, Sheffield

Sunday Times travel expert, Richard Green, responds: You’re in for a treat, as Alghero is a beautiful medieval town that’s away from the crush of the Costa Smerelda. It’s still a working fishing town, with picturesque alleyways, a lovely marina, and imposing 600-year old ramparts. The Spanish occupied the town for four centuries, leaving blend of Spanish influenced Italian culture, with over half the population speaking Catalan.

The best address is The Hotel Villa Las Tronas (00 39 079 981818), a pleasant 20-minute walk south of the town. You’ll be walking in the footsteps of Italian Royalty, who used the villa as a summer retreat before being muscled out by Mussolini. With faux crenulations and turrets, it looks like a giant sandcastle, and occupies a craggy promontory surrounded by crashing waves, landscaped gardens, a small private beach, swimming pool, and unmatched views across the bay. The public spaces are grand, the restaurant excellent, and staff effortlessly obliging, but don’t expect the slickness of Smerelda; here the grandeur is muted and stately, rather than polished and packaged. There are 20 rooms and five suites, all with wrought iron beds and a smattering of antiques and terrific views. B&B doubles in high season start at £199, or £249 for a sea view and terrace.

If you prefer something more clean-lined, just a few minutes walk to the south is the 179-room Hotel Carlos V (00 39 079 97 20 600; B&B doubles in August from £237), with large rooms, a massive pool, and good views. Make sure you ask for one of the recently remodelled executive rooms, as some of the about-to-be refurbished rooms are looking tired.

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