Today I discovered a brand new "favourite place" in Sardinia (yes, yet another one)!There are all sorts of ways you can experience Sardinia; exclusive Northern coastlines, pretty tourist villages, bustling cities or just relaxing by a pool in complete privacy...
However, for those looking to discover a taste of authentic Sardinia, Bosa is an absolute must. You won't see too much about it in the guidebooks, and only a handful of foreign holidaymakers even know it exists.
I fell in love with it on first sight... having driven through rolling hillsides full of drystone walls, cows and cork trees, I rounded a corner to see the beautiful pastel shades of the mediaeval old town arranged over a hillside presided over by the majestic old castle. Rows of palm trees line the river (apparantly the only navigable river in Sardinia) and the "ponte vecchio" eases you gently into the cobbled streets of the centro storico.
This isn't an area that has been prettied up and sterilised for the tourists; it is still relatively untouched by the holidaymakers who flock to our beautiful island every summer. The lanes are too narrow for cars to pass through and I had to discard my heels in favour of some more sensible footwear to navigate the cobbles.
The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly... a myriad of great restaurants and cafes line the lanes and my English friends who live there enthused about the friendliness of the town. During carnivals and holidays you are more than likely to be adopted by a group of friendly locals and whisked off to join in the dancing, enjoy a coffee or grappa in their favourite haunts or even be priviledged enough to be invited home for a traditional Sardinian meal with the family. Today, I was more than happy to sit quietly in a cosy little restaurant enjoying a plate of lobster pasta and a nicely chilled glass of wine watching the world go by.
Sun worshippers will enjoy the wide sandy beach at Bosa Marina and the local hills, waterways and vineyards provide plenty of entertainment whatever the length of your stay.
I also managed to find the perfect townhouse right in the centre of the old town. Rambling over four glorious storeys, Il Boemo has been lovingly and painstakingly restored by the owner. Every nook and cranny overflows with treasures from her travels, the beds are piled high with cushions in jewelled colours and you could spend entire days gazing at the artwork lining the walls.All in all an incredibly special place, and although live a mere two hour drive away, I've already picked out a one week slot for myself at the end of the season in Il Boemo so I can share my new favourite with my nearest and dearest.
For more details of Il Boemo and to make bookings just follow the link below to the Sardinia Villa Collection website
http://www.thesardiniavillacollection.com/view.php?id=ilboemo
