Bosa — Sardinia's Most Colorful Village

Bosa is one of the most picturesque small towns in Sardinia — and the entire Mediterranean. On the banks of the Fiume Temo (Sardinia's only navigable river), pastel-colored houses in pink, ochre, sky blue, and lavender cling to a hill, overlooked by Malaspina Castle (12th century, named after the Tuscan noble family). The image of Bosa — the river, the colorful houses, the castle above — is one of the most iconic in Sardinia.

The old town (Sa Costa) consists of steep, winding alleys that climb the hill to the castle. Here, centuries-old stone houses stand, blooming bougainvillea hangs over balconies, and cats sun themselves on warm steps. In Malaspina Castle, you find the remains of a Gothic chapel (Nostra Signora de Sos Regnos Altos) with rare 14th-century frescoes. From the battlements, there is a panorama over the rooftops, the river, and the mountains in the hinterland.

Along the riverbank are the Sas Conzas — former tanneries from the 18th/19th century, now partly converted into art galleries and cultural centers. Bosa is also known for its Malvasia di Bosa — an amber-colored dessert wine, aged in chestnut barrels by traditional methods, and considered one of Italy's best sweet wines. A tasting in one of the small cellars is part of the Bosa experience.

The coastal road from Alghero to Bosa (SP105, 45 km) is one of the most spectacular coastal roads in Sardinia: It winds over cliffs, through macchia, and past secluded bays, with the deep blue sea 100 meters below you. The beach Bosa Marina at the river mouth is wide, sandy, and family-friendly, with an old island church (Isola Rossa) at the southern end.