Welcome to Bosa, a charming town on Sardinia’s west coast. It’s a colorful, laid-back spot with history, beaches, and tasty food. Here’s a clear guide to help you plan your trip. Let’s get started!
Where Is Bosa?
How to Get There
- By Plane: Fly into Alghero-Fertilia Airport (55 km, 1-hour drive). Rent a car for the scenic SP49 road. Check car offers at DiscoverCars here
- Other Airports: Cagliari (175 km, 2.5 hours) or Olbia (133 km, 2 hours).
- By Ferry: Porto Torres (90 km) main route connects to Italy Genoa-Porto Torres; drive or bus from there.
- By Bus: ARST buses run from Alghero to Bosa. Check arst.sardegna.it for times
- Tip: A car’s best for exploring: rent a car at Alghero airport
Quick History
Bosa’s old—think Phoenicians and Romans. The Malaspina Castle went up in 1112, and by the 1800s, it was big on leather tanning along the river. Today, it’s one of Italy’s prettiest villages (Borghi più belli d’Italia).
Top Things to See
✔️ Malaspina Castle
Built in 1112 by the Malaspina family, the castle overlooks the town of Bosa from the Serravalle hill. Expanded over the centuries by the Pisans, Aragoneses, and Spaniards, it has a circular structure with light trachyte walls and lookout towers. The central keep, or Queen’s Tower, is still intact. Inside, the Regnos Altos chapel features 14th-century Tuscan frescoes.
✔️ Sa Costa District
The medieval quarter of “Sa Costa” surrounds the conical Serravalle hill, rising above the Temo River valley, where the Malaspina Castle is located. The area features narrow, winding streets following the hill’s contours, connected by steep stairways.
✔️ Ponte Vecchio & Lungotemo
- Old Bridge crosses the Temo River.
- Walk the palm-lined promenade past old tanneries.
✔️ Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Built on a 12th-century cathedral, restored in the 15th century, and fully renovated after its 1809 consecration. It features a single nave, a raised presbytery with a broken barrel vault, and a side chapel wing ending in a domed apse.
✔️ Archaeological Site of S’abba Druche
Located about 4 km from Bosa along the Bosa-Alghero road, this site spans from the Nuragic to the Roman Imperial period. Ongoing excavations have revealed a complex Nuragic structure, a poorly preserved well with a staircase and a “Tholos” chamber. Roman structures, partially built over the Nuragic settlement, form rectangular rooms typical of a residential center. About 150 meters away, a large “work-production” area was found, featuring three well-preserved structures with rectangular rock-cut basins connected by holes and surrounded by wide channels.
✔️ San Pietro Church
The church, built in stages, has a three-nave layout with rectangular pillars, vaulted aisles, and a single apse. Its façade features a niche, three rose windows, pointed arches, and carvings of the four Evangelists. The limestone architrave depicts St. Peter, St. Paul, the Madonna and Child, and St. Constantine.
Beaches
- Bosa Marina: 2 km from town, sandy, shallow, clean (Legambiente Blue Guide rated).
- S’Abba Druche & Cumpoltitu: Wild beaches toward Alghero, 10-15 min drive.
- Cane Malu natural pools: excellent spot for diving in cristal clear waters
Food to Try
- Seafood: Lobster (aragosta a Bosa), fregula with clams, fish in garlic sauce
- Wine: Malvasia di Bosa—sweet, local.
- Where to eat: Sa Nassa – traditional seafood restaurant (riverside)
Best Activities in Bosa
Practical Info
- When to Go: Spring (April-May) or fall (Sept-Oct) for mild weather. Summer’s busy (June-Aug).
- Getting Around: Walkable town; comfy shoes for cobblestones.
- Parking: Near center
- Stay: search on the booking.com map for latest offers
Events
- Carnival (Karrasegare): Feb/March—parades, costumes.
- Festa di Santa Maria del Mare: August—boats on the river.
Why Visit Bosa?
Bosa’s small (8,000 people), peaceful, and gorgeous. You’ll love the castle, river, and relaxed vibe. It’s perfect for a day trip or a few nights. Get ready for a Sardinian adventure you won’t forget!
👉 Singles: Bosa’s chill vibe is perfect for solo travelers. Wander Sa Costa’s alleys, sip Malvasia at a riverside bar, or hit Bosa Marina for a relaxing beach day. Small size makes it easy to meet locals or other travelers.
👉 Families: Safe, shallow beaches like Bosa Marina are kids-friendly. Lots of activities in the nature. Affordable B&Bs suit family budgets.
👉 Couples: Romantic sunsets at Sa Costa, cozy dinners by the river, and quiet beaches make Bosa a lover’s retreat. The castle view is a perfect date spot.
👉 Nature Lovers: The Temo River, wild coastal drives, and nearby beaches like Cumpoltitu offer rugged beauty.