Bosa is unique in a literal sense. It is so because it stands on the mouth of the river, the only village in Sardinia to have developed on the banks of a waterway.

Whether one arrives by the coastal road from Alghero — 30 miles or so of curves that follow one another over beautiful view of sea and unspoiled nature, as well as heights where the very rare griffon vultures hover —
or come by the roads that among the trachyte, vineyards and olive groves from the interior lead to the coast,
the Malaspina castle dominates a landscape found nowhere else on the island and, in color and morphology, is almost unparalleled.

A summary of the History

Bosa boasts a very ancient history. Founded by the Phoenicians, but becoming important under the Romans,
Bosa suffered major raids by Arab pirates during the early Middle Ages, which put it to the test.
But from the 12th century it had a revival thanks to the Tuscan family of Malaspina, which built the castle
that can still be visited today.

A final important chapter in the history of this town occurred in the 19th century, when the Savoy family
had some tanneries opened along the Temo River for leather processing;
the buildings of which can still be seen today by becoming part of the Unesco heritage.

Bosa is a town that has therefore undergone several changes over time, even undergoing a marked shift from its original location. The current historic center, in fact, doesn't stand in the area where the town was originally founded,
but is the result of the migration of the population that, in order to seek protection from invasions,
went to settle on the opposite bank of the river, on the hill at the foot of the castle. What is currently the point
of greatest interest is precisely this cluster of dwellings, one more beautiful than the others,
filling the hill that houses them with color.

Bosa is a place where the watchword is to wander aimlessly,
letting your instincts carry you, enchanted between glimpses.

Sa Costa: the historical part

The historic core of Bosa, the Sa Costa district, lies on the western bank of the Temo River.
When admired from the opposite bank, the optical effect is extremely pleasant, almost bewitching,
to the point that it becomes difficult even to look away from it.
In a way, the feeling is that of being in front of a painting, almost too perfect to be true.

Once you enter the narrow streets, the pleasant feeling is amplified by the details that each house possesses:
the care with which these houses are preserved, the heterogeneity and contrast of colors, the embroidered curtains,
the finished and inlaid doorways make each building a small masterpiece.

If you are lucky, you may come across one or more women who are still dedicated to the ancient art of Bosa's filet
embroidery creating works of art entirely by hand on a net embroidered with fine linen, cotton or silk yarns.
Stop and observe their designs that reproduce the symbols of the tradition of this area.

The Malaspina Castle

Continuing slowly along the steep streets of old Bosa, we come to the fortified complex of the Castle of the Malaspina family, lying right on top of the Serravalle hill, in a dominant position over the rest of the village.
From here you can admire the beautiful panorama below: the dense rooftops,
the old tanneries and the long river that reaches down to the sea.

This castle was erected between the 12th and 13th centuries by the Tuscan family of the same name as a defensive form from Saracen raids. Enclosed within the imposing walls, among the tall stone towers, is the charming 14th-century
small church dedicated to Our Lady of Regnos Altos.

Ancient Leather Tanneries

On the eastern bank of the Temo River one can see the buildings that housed until after the war the old Tanneries, called in Sardinian language San Conzas, one of the most important places in Bosa. Declared a National Monument in 1989, they represent an important example of industrial architecture of Sardinia. Dating back to the 19th century, they were built on the banks of the river to ensure the supply of water needed for leather processing.

They housed immersion tanks for hides on the ground floor and finishing rooms on the second floor.
The products made in these tanneries were then exported and appreciated not only throughout Italy,
but also throughout Europe. After more than a century of activity, the last tannery was closed in 1962,
and today the Tanneries Museum has been set up in one of the buildings. Inside you can see how
the process of leather processing took place, photographs, old machinery, old objects of the workers,
and learn more about this ancient Sardinian craft, which some even trace back to the Romans.

The Old Bridge

A beautiful stone bridge, dating back to 1871, built over the Temo River to allow a connection between
the center of Bosa and the southern part of the town. Bosa's Ponte Vecchio is so beautiful and interesting
that it's on the list of Italy's 30 most beautiful bridges, along with such well-known ones as the Rialto and Sospiri
bridges in Venice, the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, the Ponte di Pietra in Verona, the Milvio and Sant'Angelo bridges in Rome, and others.

Right on this bridge is one of the most beautiful vantage points from which to admire
and photograph the colorful village of Bosa up close.

Cathedral of St. Peter Extramuros

Outside the town center (thus outside the walls, as the name of this church implies), in the locality of Calameda,
stands the Basilica of St. Peter Extramuros, dating back to the 11th century.

Its importance is high as it is considered the oldest Romanesque church in Sardinia.
The cathedral was built between 1062 and 1073 near the ancient necropolis of Bosa Vetus, the ancient city founded by the Romans. The earliest records of the church date back to a 1073 inscription by Bishop Constantine de Castra.
In the Judicial period the church was the seat of the Diocese of Bosa until, following the founding of the nearby
medieval village (present-day Bosa), it was moved to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

The river, sea and beaches

Bosa is one of the pearls of the province of Oristano, an authentic medieval town in Sardinia,
with wonderful beaches, wide white sandy shores as well as pebbly coves with crystal clear waters.
There are beaches suitable for children, dog beaches and areas accessible to the disabled.

The only navigable river in Sardinia

The Temo River has its source on Mount Calarighe (Villanova Monteleone - SS) and, after a course of about 34 miles,
arrives in Bosa offering the possibility of navigating it for about 4 miles, reaching the ancient ruins of the Roman bridge, not far from the Romanesque cathedral of St. Peter, dating back to 1062: an exciting journey in the heart of the most unspoiled nature, specially designed by this waterway that bisects the town of Bosa itself.

Bosa Marina Beach

Its long expanse of golden sand, combined with the crystal clear waters of the sea, make it a perfect place
to spend a relaxing day at the beach. Constantly awarded the Blue Flag and the 5 Sails by LegaAmbiente
is located just 1 mile from the historic center of Bosa.
The facilities at your disposal are numerous; in fact, here you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas to enjoy the sun
without worries, or simply stretch out on the sand in complete relaxation.

But not only relaxation and rest: the beach at Bosa Marina is also a great place for water sports enthusiasts.
Wind and sea conditions are often ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
The promenade also offers numerous bars, restaurants, and stores that overlook the beach.

Turas Beach

Turas Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Bosa Marina. It features a long stretch of golden sand with healing properties and crystal clear waters; but also by several rock and sand coves that watch the sunset and a dog beach.

Porto Alabe beach

Porto Alabe beach, located a few miles north of Bosa Marina, offers breathtaking views of the crystal clear sea
and the surrounding nature. The ideal place for lovers of tranquility: here you will find an intimate
and relaxing atmosphere, far from the confusion of the more crowded beaches.
The bay, in fact, represents a true refuge in tranquility, where you can enjoy the sea and unspoiled nature.

Cane Malu Natural Pools

Cane Malu is a famous natural pool carved out of white stone:
the scenery is almost lunar, the waters are crystal clear, protected by the wind-shaped rock walls.

S'Abba Druche Beach

It is one of the wildest beaches and is located about 2 miles north of the town, in the direction of Alghero.
The beach of S'Abba Druche (fresh water) is one of the most popular and well-known beaches in Bosa,
and actually consists of three beautiful coves separated by rocks and surrounded by wilderness.
The first is a wide beach of pinkish-purple pebbles; the second, larger and more open, is called "Su Calighe"
(the wine goblet) because its shape resembles that of a chalice.
The sea, an extraordinary blue color with aqua-green hues, is gathered between small headlands and
is characterized by fairly shallow and sandy seabed with the presence of a few rocks.
Here it's possible to hike along the coast or simply enjoy a day of sun and sea, with the presence of the bar,
restaurant, BBQ and pizza. There is also a service and parking area for campers here.

The beautiful cove of Cumpoltitu

Cumpoltitu Cove is a little piece of paradise surrounded by unspoiled wilderness.
A handkerchief of white sand lapped by crystal-clear waters changing from turquoise, to green and then to blue.
Surrounded by beautiful headlands that slope down to the sea and protect it from the winds, it features shallow, sandy seabed. It's located about 4 miles north of Bosa and offers panoramic views of the Bosa coastline.

The coast of Tentizzos and Torre Argentina

This location is a succession of inlets, caves, coves and white cliffs that, placed a short distance from each other, alternate between sand and flat rocks. The shallow, clear waters are an extraordinary cobalt blue.
Strongly recommended snorkeling as the seabed is particularly interesting.
One of the best known beaches is Sa Codulera with a pebbly bottom, shallow and clear waters,
dominated by the Tower that, raised above a promontory, gives the locality its name.

Managu Bay

Cala Managu is located along the coast from Bosa to Alghero.
Hidden among lush Mediterranean vegetation, it is characterized by very fine sand of a clear amber color
that, receding inland, gives way to beautiful polished pebbles. The waters that bathe it, always calm,
are a beautiful transparent blue-green indicated for those who love diving. Well sheltered from the winds.
The small island that emerges in front of the beach makes it particularly striking and unique.