Visit Bosa Sardinia: Best Things to Do, See & Plan on a Trip

Visit Bosa and you’ll wonder how this town isn’t packed with paparazzi. Perched along Sardinia’s west coast and wrapped around the slow-flowing Temo River, Bosa is the place where time naps in the sun, cats own the alleyways, and every photo looks like a vintage postcard. The Malaspina Castle watches from above while locals sip Malvasia di Bosa, the area’s iconic wine that tastes like summer in a glass. Want to feel like you’ve discovered something no one else has? Walk through the old tannery district, dip into family-run trattorias, or hop between wine tastings and wineries in Sardinia where the barrels come with a view. You’re day-tripping from Alghero or setting up base to explore the coast, Bosa is the kind of place that doesn’t try to impress.

Visit Bosa Sardinia: Best things to do

Explore the iconic Malaspina Castle

Built in the 12th century by the Malaspina family, this hilltop castle dominates Bosa’s skyline and delivers some of the best views in town. From the ramparts, you can see the Temo River winding below and the colorful houses stacked along the hillside. Inside the castle walls, the small Church of Nostra Signora di Regnos Altos holds a rare set of 14th-century frescoes, unexpected, atmospheric, and worth the climb.

Walk to the old tanneries along the Temo River

Take a walk on the leathery side of Sardinia’s past at Bosa’s 19th-century tanneries, once the economic engine of the town. These riverside buildings are among the best-preserved industrial sites in Italy, and you can still see the original stone tanks where hides were soaked, scraped, and dyed. It’s a surprisingly cool dive into local history, gritty, hands-on, and nothing like your average museum.

Wander through Bosa’s colorful old town

Bosa’s old town, Sa Costa, is a maze of narrow alleys, pastel facades, and balconies overflowing with flower, and it’s ridiculously photogenic. Wander without a plan and you’ll stumble into hidden wine bars, artisan workshops, and street corners that feel like film sets. It’s not curated, it’s lived-in, and that’s what makes it great.

Stroll across Ponte Vecchio

The old bridge over the Temo River, known as Ponte Vecchio, connects the marina to the historic center and is one of the most recognizable landmarks when you visit Bosa. Built from red trachyte stone, it’s been standing here for centuries and still serves as the main pedestrian link into town. From the bridge, you get a front-row view of pastel houses stacked along the hillside, the river flowing below, and Malaspina Castle keeping watch overhead.

Best Things to Do Around Bosa Sardinia

Visit the Romanesque Church of San Pietro

About 1.2 miles outside the village, the Church of San Pietro is a must-see when you visit Bosa. This 12th-century Romanesque site is one of the oldest Christian churches in Sardinia. Set in a quiet, open area by the river, it’s a peaceful detour with serious historical weight. No crowds, no fluff, just clean lines, carved stone, and centuries of silence.

Relax at Bosa Marina Beach

Looking for a solid beach right next to town? Bosa Marina delivers with soft white sand, calm turquoise waters, and a laid-back vibe that makes it one of the best beach options when you visit Bosa. Just across the old bridge and a short walk from the center, it’s ideal for a quick swim, an afternoon aperitivo, or renting a kayak.

Discover Cane Malu’s natural pools

Cane Malu sits just outside Bosa on the volcanic coast, 2,5 miles. This white limestone basin looks almost lunar, carved by sea and wind. Come here for a swim in deep turquoise water, cliff jumps, or to just watch the light bounce off the rock. It’s raw, quiet, and unlike any beach you’ve seen in Sardinia.

Discover the ancient Nuraghe village near Macomer

Less than an hour’s drive inland from Bosa Sardinia, near the town of Macomer, you’ll find some of the island’s most fascinating Nuraghe sites, like Nuraghe Santa Barbara. These prehistoric stone towers, built over 3,000 years ago, offer a glimpse into the mysterious Nuragic civilization that shaped Sardinia’s ancient history. The road to Macomer winds through rugged landscapes and open pastures, revealing the island’s inland charm far from the beach crowds.

Wander the medieval streets of Alghero

Under an hour’s drive from Bosa, visit Alghero Italy, one of the most distinctive towns on the island, shaped by Catalan heritage and medieval architecture. Alghero’s cobblestone streets, sea-facing bastions, and lively marina make it a top day trip from Bosa. Explore the historic center, grab seafood along the waterfront, and step inside the Cathedral of Santa Maria. The coastal drive from Bosa to Alghero is one of Sardinia’s most scenic roads, with cliffs, coves, and wide-open sea views connecting two of the island’s most vibrant and colorful destinations.

Good to Know before visiting Bosa