The colourful houses on the Temo and the Malaspina castle
On the western coast of Sardinia, about two kilometres from the sea, Bosa is one of the most beautiful villages on the island and one of the "Borghi più belli d'Italia". It stands on the banks of the Temo, the only navigable river in Sardinia, and its old town, Sa Costa, climbs the slope of the Serravalle hill with a cascade of tall, narrow houses painted in bright colours, pink, yellow, blue, green and ochre, which are reflected in the water of the river, a picture-postcard view.
At the top of the hill stands the Castello Malaspina, built in 1112 by the Malaspina family of Lunigiana, with walls and towers and, inside, the small church of Nostra Signora de sos Regnos Altos, with a cycle of fourteenth century frescoes discovered in 1972. From the castle the view sweeps over the town, the river and the sea. Along the river, the old tanneries, the "Sas Conzas", buildings of the nineteenth century where hides were processed, are a reminder of a past industry, and a museum is dedicated to them. Bosa is also known for filet, a traditional lace made by the women of the town, and for the Malvasia di Bosa, a sweet or dry dessert wine. The coastal road from Bosa to Alghero is one of the most spectacular in Sardinia, with griffon vultures nesting on the cliffs.
Tip: the cathedral and the Romanesque church of San Pietro Extramuros, along the river, are worth a visit; Bosa Marina has a beach with a Spanish tower.
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