From Alghero the coast road can only be described as a drivers dream, weaving its way along stunning cliff tops, with wonderful views down to the azure sea below. The journey should take around 40 minutes but you could find it takes much longer as you are tempted to stop at the many view points along the way.

At the end of this drive you will arrive at the historical city of Bosa. Set on the banks of the River Temo, the only navigable river in Sardinia, its origins go back to Phoenician times. The old historical centre of Bosa spreads up the side of the hill away from the river and is topped by the Malaspina Castle. The houses here are multi coloured and are built in a traditional tall, thin design. The walk up through the cobbled street leading up to the castle is well worth the effort. The views from here encompass the whole of Bosa and Bosa Marina, the river to the sea.

The promenade beside the river is palm tree lined and from here you can look at the many fishing and pleasure boats moored on the river banks. Bosa has many pavement bars and cafes, as well as shops and museums, churches and a cathedral.

It is possible to buy many examples of local, traditional crafts which still exist today such as the fine filigree lace work 'filet', baskets, filigree gold and silver, coral, cork and rugs and tapestries. Bosa is also famous for its wine 'Malvasia' which is only produced in a small area around the town. A wonderful wine, can be either sweet or dry and make a great accompaniment to the local pastries or on it's own as a dessert wine.
Although Bosa has a lot to interest and entertain the visitor it is, above all, a living and working town. It is still possible to see old gentlemen sat outside weaving lobster pots and old ladies, dressed in black, sat at their looms weaving patterns from ancient tales onto the famous Bosa filet.

Not a 5 minute drive from Bosa is the sea side resort of Bosa Marina. The main attraction here is the long, wide strip of gently shelving beach leading into crystal clear water. Here, not only will you find a variety of beach bars, restaurants and shops but there are facilities for many water sports, wind and kite surfing, jet and water skiing etc. The small town behind the beach also has good restaurants and bars plus there is a small train station from which a tourist train runs trips into the countryside and back. From the 2 marinas it is possible to hire boats, take fishing and diving trips and make the journey up river to get a different view of Bosa, from the water, to the Romanesque church of St. Peter.

A further 5 minute drive from Bosa Marina will lead you to another sea side resort, Porto Alabe. The wide arc of sandy beach narrows as it stretches along the coast and turns into a mixture of sand and rocks. Porto Alabe is built on a hillside, sloping down towards the sea, giving the houses wonderful sea views. Any property here is only a short distance from the sea which can be reached down one of the many sets of steps from the through road.

A ideal place for a relaxing beach holiday Porto Alabe is quite self contained during the holiday season with bars, restaurants and mini markets but has limited amenities out of season. There are two bars and a mini market open all year so it is advisable to hire a car if more choice is required. As Bosa is less than a 10 minute drive away things are still close to hand.

The village of Tresnuraghes is less than 5 minutes drive inland from Porto Alabe. This is a traditional Sardinian village where time seems to have stood still! Strangers are looked on with curiosity but the locals are very friendly if you give them a cheery 'Buongiorno'. There is everything you need here, minimarkets, butchers, bakers and bars .

Not a 2 minute drive away from Tresnuraghes is the village of Flussio. This small village is famous for it's basket weaving and on warm summer nights you will see many of the inhabitants sat outside working at their craft. Baskets are hung outside by the doorways and it is possible to buy them directly from here. In May you can see the raw material, the stems of the local Asphedol plant, laid out on the pavements to dry.
Continuing along the same road you enter Tinnura, so close you may miss the join. This village is well worth a visit. It has some marvellous murals, sometimes taking up the whole walls of houses. There are a couple of small piazza's that are decorated with colourful tiles and murals and delightful fountains. The sound of the running water is very cooling on hot days.