Bosa
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 26 September 2023
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Quiet and unassuming as the seaside town of Bosa is, it delivers a knock-out punch as soon as you gaze upon its incredible nest of brightly-coloured buildings.
Situated in the Province of Oristano in Sardinia, Bosa lies on the banks of the River Temo, a few kilometres inland of its beach resort called Marina di Bosa. The town can boast a beautiful Baroque cathedral as well as a 12th century castle, loftily perched in a commanding position. |
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Cross Bosa's main bridge, the Ponte Vecchio ("old bridge" - there are numerous bridges in Italy that carry that name but not to be confused with the uber-famous one in Florence), and you arrive on the northern banks of the River Temo. To the left and right you'll find some lovely places to eat by the water, but carry on ahead at this stage to visit the Cattedrale dell'Immacolata. The mainly Baroque cathedral was built in the 15th century; it has a Rococo facade and a beautiful dome of multi-coloured majolica tiles.
Turn left out of the castle along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II for a few minutes and you'll eventually reach Piazza Costituzione at the heart of the centro storico (the historic centre). This is the buzziest square in the old town with its fountain and elegant buildings surrounding the restaurants with their al-fresco dining options.
After a snack, coffee or lunch, depending what time of day it is, you can make your way into the heart of Bosa and gradually work your way up to the castle, Castello Malaspina which offers the best possible vantage point over the town. Some stamina is required as it's steep in places but there's a good chance you won't notice any fatigue as you're too busy enjoying the surroundings. The houses are painted in a variety of colours and as they're so tightly-packed together, you'll find plenty of shady spots and some of the town's best restaurants away from the hotter, busier areas down below.
I always recommend renting a car to get the very best out of Sardinia but Bosa is a place that can easily be visited by public transport. From the town centre you can catch a bus to the bustling town of Alghero, a journey time of just over an hour.
Turn left out of the castle along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II for a few minutes and you'll eventually reach Piazza Costituzione at the heart of the centro storico (the historic centre). This is the buzziest square in the old town with its fountain and elegant buildings surrounding the restaurants with their al-fresco dining options.
After a snack, coffee or lunch, depending what time of day it is, you can make your way into the heart of Bosa and gradually work your way up to the castle, Castello Malaspina which offers the best possible vantage point over the town. Some stamina is required as it's steep in places but there's a good chance you won't notice any fatigue as you're too busy enjoying the surroundings. The houses are painted in a variety of colours and as they're so tightly-packed together, you'll find plenty of shady spots and some of the town's best restaurants away from the hotter, busier areas down below.
I always recommend renting a car to get the very best out of Sardinia but Bosa is a place that can easily be visited by public transport. From the town centre you can catch a bus to the bustling town of Alghero, a journey time of just over an hour.
Comune di Bosa
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Province: Oristano
Region: Sardinia Population: 7,539 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023) Total size: 128 km² Highlights: multi-coloured houses, Cathedral, Castello Malaspina Close by: Alghero, Oristano, Nuoro, La Pelosa Beach, Asinara Recommended hotel: Palazzo Pischedda |
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: Tra Fiume e Mare (Between River and Sea)
Listing headline: Tra Fiume e Mare (Between River and Sea)
