Sardinia: Day trips from Bosa

MY HUSBAND AND I ARE VISITING SARDINIA FOR A WEEK IN JUNE. WE ARRIVE IN CAGLIARI AND WILL RENT A CAR TO DRIVE TO SANTA TERESA GALLURA FOR THE FERRY TO CORSICA. AFTER TWO NIGHTS IN CAGLIARI WE WILL DRIVE UP THE WEST COAST AND WOULD LIKE TO FIND SOMEWHERE TO BASE OURSELVES AND DO DAY TRIPS. CAN YOU SUGGEST A LOCATION?

J. BOURCHIER, WAGSTAFFE

The Costa Verde is the southern quarter of Sardinia's west coast, and while it's lovely, the beaches don't hold a candle to our own. From Cagliari my pick would be the village of Bosa, which sprawls along a riverfront to the north of Oristano, about a two-hour drive from Cagliari. It's a gorgeous place, a pastel-coloured town with cobblestoned squares dominated by the hilltop Castell Malaspina, a 12th century citadel, big enough to have a decent choice of cafes and hotels but small enough for two-footed exploration. Midway between Alghero and Oristano, Bosa is a good base for exploring both. Alghero is one of the island's most popular tourist resorts, a pretty town with a treasury of historic architecture. Don't miss Neptune's Grotto, where the sea has gnawed phantasmagorical caves from the limestone cliffs. From Bosa you could even make the dash across the island to dazzlingly gorgeous Costa Smeralda and check out the lifestyles of the rich and richer. Since you're planning two nights in Cagliari, you could easily spent the rest of your week in Sardinia in Bosa. It's relaxing, you've got beaches on your doorstep if you want them and it's an easy drive to the ferry at Santa Teresa Gallura. For accommodation, take a look at Su Dandaru (sardiniabandb.com).