Bosa – where Sardinians enjoy themselves

At last, the dull, grey days are over, spring has officially arrived and delights the eye with its colourful blossoms. What could be more fitting than to introduce you to the most colourful place in Sardinia, if not in all of Italy?

The village of Bosa on the west coast of the island resembles a basket full of Easter eggs, as its inhabitants have painted their houses in a variety of bright pastel shades. The houses in the medieval quarter of Sa Costa nestle against a hill crowned by a 12th-century castle. The climb is worth it for the magnificent view alone.

The picturesque old town is reflected in the waters of the Temo, Sardinia's only navigable river. With this view, it is no wonder that Bosa is on the list of Italy's most beautiful places (I Borghi più Belli d'Italia). Strolling through the pretty alleys, many visitors will be drawn to the shop windows displaying fine, local products. Bosa is famous for its coral jewellery, made from coral that grows just off the coast. The baskets woven from affodil according to centuries-old tradition are also beautiful. The olive oil from the region is also of excellent quality. Wine connoisseurs will appreciate the Malvasia di Bosa, one of the island's most renowned wines. A glass of this fine wine is a wonderful way to recover from the exertions of shopping.

Art history enthusiasts can enjoy two remarkable churches in Bosa: the Church of Nostra Signora de Sos Regnos Altos in the castle has magnificent frescoes from the 13th century, whose colours seem to anticipate the colourful houses of the old town. And on the south side of the river is the oldest Romanesque church on the island, San Pietro, built in the 11th century.

Nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy in the area around Bosa. With a little luck, you may even spot the imposing, rare griffon vulture in the Capo Marrargiu nature reserve.

And as if all this were not enough, Bosa also has a beautiful beach. Located 2 km from the old town, in the district of Bosa Marina, it stretches for a kilometre with fine sand and is ideal for families with small children thanks to its shallow waters. Those who prefer small, romantic bathing bays will find what they are looking for at Capo Marrargiu. There you can hike along small paths to several wonderful swimming spots.

With a Sardinian ‘Adiosu’, I bid you farewell for today

Yours, Joachim Waßmann

Images: View of Bosa, Gzzz CC BY-SA 3.0 ; Bosa with Ponte Vecchio: Ugeorge CC BY-SA 4.0 ; Frescoes: Sailko, CC BY-SA 3.0,