Sardinia’s Coral and Emerald Coasts
A beautiful stretch of coastal road leads from charming little Bosa to Alghero – both seaside resorts and picturesque walled medieval towns with a distinctive Spanish flavour following the Spanish conquest of Sardinia in the 14th century. The route then goes inland to the old university town of Sassari. Continuing along the northern coast, Castelsardo is famous for its imposing medieval citadel and handicrafts, while inland the mountain town Aggius is cradled by cork woods and nearby is the moonscape Valle della Luna. Back on the coast, the Arcipelago della Maddalena is a vision of paradise, and the Costa Smeralda has hidden gems.
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5 CAPO CACCIA & GROTTA DI NETTUNO
ACTIVITIES
Follow the wine route around Bosa and Alghero
Delve deep into Neptune’s grotto where fantastical stalactites and stalagmites seem to come to life
Be part of Sassari’s sophisticated café culture
Walk over the lunar landscape of the Valle della Luna
Gaze out over the Straits of Bonifacio to Corsica from the watchtower at Santa Teresa di Gallura
Beg or borrow a boat to discover the jewel-like seas and pearly-white sands of the Costa Smeralda
The sparkling turquoise waters and golden sands of La Speranza along the Coral Coast
A view of Alghero’s atmospheric centro storico across the bustling marina
PLAN YOUR DRIVE
Start/finish: Bosa to Olbia.
Number of days: 4, allowing half a day to explore Alghero.
Distance: Bosa to Olbia 286 km (178 miles).
Road conditions: Generally well paved and signposted with some steep terrain around Valle della Luna. The scenic coastal roads, particularly around the Costa Smeralda, get very busy in high season.
When to go: May, June and September are ideal months. July and August are busy and best avoided.
Opening hours: Shops tend to open Mon–Sat 9am–1pm and 4–7pm or 8pm. Churches are usually open 8am–noon and 4–7pm. Museum opening times vary enormously, but usual hours are 9am–1pm and 4–7pm or 8pm. Many museums are closed on Mondays. Archaeological sites are generally open from 9am to one hour before sunset.
Main market days: Alghero: Wed; Sassari: Mon–Sat; Olbia: Tue.
Shopping: Look out for deep red coral jewellery, straw-woven baskets, bottarga (Sardinian caviar) and delicious Sardinian wines including Malvasia di Bosa and Tanca Farrà.
Major festivals: Bosa: Festa di Santa Maria del Mare, Aug; Festa di Nostra Signora di Regnos Altos, Sep. Alghero: International Summer of Music Festival, Jul–Aug. Sassari: Cavalcata Sarda (medieval pageant), May; I Candelieri (candle procession), Aug.
DAY TRIP OPTIONS
This drive is easily divided into three sections. The medieval seaside town of Alghero and the vineyards that surround it should satisfy culture-and wine-lovers. Those with an interest in history and rock formations will find Nuraghe di Palmavera and the Grotta di Nettuno fascinating and families with children will enjoy island-hopping in the Arcipelago della Maddalena. For full details, see Day trip options.