Alghero

Bosa is located on Sardinia's west coast in the Temo Valley. The colorfully painted houses of the Sa Costa district stretch up the Serravalle hill to the Malaspina Castle. On the left bank of the river, the former tanneries stand.

Oristano, provincial capital in western Sardinia, was in the Middle Ages capital of the Judicate of Arborea. The old town, with Piazza Eleonora, the cathedral, and the Tower of Mariano II, is small. In the neighboring municipality of Cabras lie the Sinis Peninsula with the excavations of Tharros and beaches like Is Arutas, Maimoni and Mari Ermi.

Sardinia is, after Sicily, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and lies west of the Italian mainland. It is known for its coast with sandy beaches and clear waters, from the Costa Smeralda in the northeast to the bays of the Golfo di Orosei in the east. The island's interior is mountainous and sparsely populated; here stand many Nuraghe, stone tower-structures from the Bronze Age, among which the Su Nuraxi complex near Barumini is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sardinia has its own language, Sardinian, and in Alghero, an old form of Catalan is still spoken today. Ferries connect the island to Genoa, Livorno, and Civitavecchia, among other places, and airports are located in Cagliari, Olbia, and Alghero.

Olbia is located on a bay in northeastern Sardinia. The port is the island's most important passenger harbor, and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport lies south of the city.CityThe most significant building is the Romanesque Basilica di San Simplicio, mostly of granite.HistoryPhoenicians and Greeks came to the coast; the Carthaginians built a fortified city, and the Romans followed later. The Archaeological Museum at the harbor displays Roman ship parts; nearby are a well sanctuary and a giant's tomb.

The city of Bonifacio in Corsica captivates with its spectacular location on white limestone cliffs that rise steeply from the Mediterranean Sea. The medieval citadel majestically overlooks the sea, inviting exploration with its narrow streets and historic buildings. Particularly impressive is the rock-hewn Stairs of the King of Aragon, a testament to the town's eventful history. From the upper part of the town, you'll enjoy expansive views over the Strait of Bonifacio to Sardinia, while the sheltered natural harbor forms a lively center. For the best perspective on the steep cliffs and sea caves, a boat trip is highly recommended. Plan your visit in spring or autumn to experience Bonifacio's unique atmosphere without the summer crowds.