Bosa: the city by the river Temo

Bosa is a medieval village of 8,000 inhabitants climbed on a hill dominated by the ancient castle which overlooks the whole village. It is located on the northwest coast of Sardinia, in the region of Planargia and crossed by the river Temo, the only navigable river of the island.

Coming to Bosa you will first see the River Temo. Along the left bank the buildings Sas Conzas reflect into the river (warehouses once used for tanning and the manufacture of leather). The Old Bridge connects this part with the right bank, on which the city stands. The excessive exposure to the dangerous Saracen raids gave the city the impetus to be perched on the slopes of Colle di Serravalle in order to protect the fortress built in 1112 by the Marquis Malaspina, feudal lords of the village.

The late-medieval area called Sa Costa (the ribs) consists of paths made of basalt and pebbles that follow the curves drawn from the hill interrupted in an asymmetrical way by staircases in trachyte. The living spaces of the old village houses have grown vertically with steep internal stairs linking one room per floor dug into the rock. These houses, often enriched with decorations in red trachyte, have two revenue plans that allow a staggered entrance from the road and another from upstream.

Here and there between the squares and streets you will also see churches. Inside the castle walls is Nostra Signora de sos Regnos Altos that arouses interest for the extraordinary cycle of fourteenth century frescoes found inside. The second weekend of September is devoted to celebrations in her honor. A procession unwinds through the streets of the village decorated with flowers, leaves and flags.

On Corso Vittorio Emanuele, located in the lower part of Bosa and for this reason called Sa Piatta, the houses are all oriented towards the north and arranged in rows parallel to the river Temo, built during '800 with vibrant colors and pastel-iron balconies in wrought iron.

Bosa offers tourists a range of possibilities that make it enjoyable all year round. The sun, the sea, fishing, river, an hinterland comprising rocky areas, forests of corks, holm oaks and Mediterranean vegetation inhabited by various species of birds under extinction (griffon, Bonnelli's eagle, beaver, the sparrowhawk and peregrine falcon). And yet the well known malvasia, fortified wine (sweet or dry) and used for cooking filet, the ancient art of embroidery lace handed down from mother to daughter until today.

Bosa can also boast one of the most famous and valuable treasures in Sardinia: the sea with its beaches including Bosa Marina and the nearby locality of Porto Alabe.

The Costa Verde

The Costa Verde stretches on the west coast of Sardinia for about 47 kilometers. It starts on the north part of Buggerru, in Cape Pecora, and continues until the beach Pistis. It is a succession of long and beautiful beaches occasionally interrupted by rocky coves, dark and imposing cliffs that descend to the sea and deserts of sand that alternate with fragrant maquis.

This extraordinary stretch of the western coast of Sardinia has remained almost entirely untouched, despite the exploited mineral deposits in many parts of this area. The former mining localities of Buggerru, Masua and Nebida are now trying to convert their past activity in tourist attractions and are also trying to become centers equipped with bathing services. An oportunity to create a bridge between past and present and offer tourists a unique holiday.

The name of this coast comes from the presence of a rich vegetation of lentisk, broom, trees and junipers that descends from the mountains to the sea among valleys and dunes of sand. The mountains and shrubs are often shaped by the mistral wind, the true king of this coast. It is not rare to find junipers and other shrubs bent almost to the ground as if wanting to caress it.

Thanks to the constant presence of the wind the beaches of this coast are attractive for surf lovers. The hot spots and the most popular beaches are Piscinas, Scivu and Buggeru, but also Tunari (Porto Palma), Torre dei Corsari and Portixeddu are sought after.

The area still remains a real paradise for lovers of lonely beaches. It is also possible to camp freely (with discretion). In the heart of the Costa Verde is the beautiful beach of Piscinas, which serves as background of a vast area of protected sand dunes high up to 100 meters and rich vegetation. It almost seems a desert by the sea. Given the isolation of the most part of this coast, reaching it is not easy. Without a good means it is impossible to get there.

Delphina Hotels, Resorts and ApartHotels in Sardinia

For those who want to spend a holiday dedicated to wellness and relaxation I recommend one of the Delphina in Sardinia. 7 hotels and residences between the Gallura and the Coast Smeralda to make your stay unforgettable on the Mediterranean.

I have personally tried hotels Delphina, built with full respect for nature, there will be no regret for the choice. They are designed to meet all customers' requirements even the more demanding ones. The Hotel Resort Dune Village in Badesi Marina is located in one of the most suggestive places of North Sardinia; for those who love wellness treatments the Hotel Marinedda Thalasso and SPA is one of the most famous in Sardinia; the Hotel Relax Torreruja is located in Isola Rossa and it is a guarantee for those willing to spend a romantic holiday framed by relax; in the Park Hotel Cala di Lepre in Palau is possible to make wonderful excursions to the archipelago La Maddalena very near the Emerald Coast; the Hotel Capo d'Orso named after the homonymouns Roccia dell'Orso is the ideal place to spend an exclusive holiday; the Hotel Residence Cala di Falco in Cannigione is perfect to spend holidays in Sardinia in the middle of the fun and entertainment of the Emerald Coast.

For those who prefer an apartment for the holidays in Sardinia the Residence Il Mirto in Cala Capra has a beautiful beach, the Resort Valle dell'Erica is located opposite the island of Spargi from which you can admire the archipelago of La Maddalena, and it ensures an exclusive and relaxing holiday.

Rocce Rosse Blues, Arbatax

The bathing locality in the province of Ogliastra, loved by tourists for the clarity of its water, the special beauty of the many bays of the area, the hospitality of the inhabitants and its affordable prices, is enriched from the end of July and during the whole month of August by an event that fans of blues can not miss. We are talking about Rocce Rosse Blues, one of the most important musical summer events that takes place each year in Arbatax, singers and groups of national and international fame: John Lee Hooker Jr., Pyeng Threadgill, Shemekia Copeland, Johnny Winter, etc.. And also: Vinicio Capossela, Caparezza, Bandabard, Menhir, KNA, Ratapignata, Askra, Dr. Drer & CR Posse, Mama Joe, Sud Sound System and many others. The year 2008 edition was proposed in its historical and evocative location from which it takes its name: in front of the famous cliffs of porphyry red of Arbatax offering a whole month of the best blues, hip hop, raggae, songs of Italian authors, emerging groups of the island and even some comic intermezzo with Paul Migone and the Sardinian group of Lapola. Between a concert and the other you should not miss the opportunity to enjoy the excellent cuisine from Ogliastra in the many restaurants nearby: Arbatax, Tortolì, Lotzorai, Santa Maria Navarrese, etc.. and enjoy the tourist sea menu with fresh fish and shellfish caught in these same waters. You can also take advantage of the beautiful beaches such as: Lido di Orrì, Porto Frailis, San Gemiliano to name just a few close by, and also of the many beautiful bays that can be achieved by boats available in the marinas of Arbatax and Santa Maria Navarrese, or with long walks in the midst of nature for lovers of trekking.