Spring in the villages
The historic centres flourish and come alive, the excellent artisan products are on show and delicacies can be savoured, all surrounded by the enchanting landscapes of Sardinia
The explosion of spring colours on the island are in harmony with one of its most typical ‘picture postcard’ views: the colourful houses of Bosa. Walking along the Temo River, you can admire their reflections in the water, climb the hill dominated by the Malaspina Castle and, by crossing the Ponte Vecchio bridge, you will reach the south bank and discover the ancient tanneries. You will be welcomed by a glass of malvasia wine and impressed with coral jewellery, asphodel baskets and precious textiles. Bosa is a concentrate of history and craftsmanship, industrial archaeology and special treats. Do not miss the churches: the ‘cathedral’ of the Immacolata Concezione, Nostra Signora de sos Regnos Altos inside the castle, and san Pietro extra muros, at the centre of Bosa vetus. And then there is the natural beauty: the park of capo Marrargiu , the reserve of Badde Aggiosu and, on the coast, Bosa Marina, s’Abba Druche and Compoltitu.
An aura of spirituality unites two villages in a setting of breathtaking landscapes: Galtellì and Laconi. The first lies at the foot of Mount Tuttavista, with the statue of Christ standing on its peak, a destination for pilgrimages. As you climb, you will come across the Preta Istampata, a rock with a 'window' overlooking the valley. You can walk through the village streets and admire the stone houses positioned around five churches, ‘watched over’ by the ruins of the Castle of Pontes. This setting inspired Nobel prize-winner Grazia Deledda: this bond is honoured by the parco letterario deleddiano, a literary park dedicated to Grazia Deledda.The village of Laconi, surrounded by greenery next to the Sarcidano hills, revolves around Saint Ignatius. Other places not to be missed are the Menhir Museum and the Aymerich Park, with a spectacular waterfall and the ruins of a medieval castle.
In the heart of the island, two villages shine in the spring sun. Gavoi is protected by forest-covered mountains and is embraced by Lake Gusana. Strolling amidst the granite houses, you can savour some Fiore Sardo cheese, bread and Fresa cheese, as well as some local pastries. You will be captivated by the balconies full of flowers, from which literary personalities and actors perform during the L'Isola delle Storie (Island of the Stories) festival. If you want to get to know the traditions, there is Casa Porcu Satta, with beautiful Gavoi gowns, toys from the past and musical instruments, like Su Tumbarinu. Just as beautiful is Oliena, which preserves the essence and charm of Barbagia.. Skillful artisans are the true richness of this location: they create silk shawls and filigree jewellery. Around it, there are mountains and valleys, like that of Lanaittu, a paradise for trekkers, in which there is the village of Tiscali and the grottoes of Sa Oche and Su Bentu. OIther outdoor destination not to be missed are Mount Corrasi and the Su Gologone spring, which is a national monument. At the table, you can taste the excellent Nepente Cannonau wine of Oliena.
Aggius, deep in the Gallura region, will charm you with its stone houses, textile art and typical stazzi buildings around the residential area. It is famous for the village choir and the Holy Week rituals. Other things to be added to the picture are the Ethnografic Museum filled with history and traditions, the Museum of Banditry, which is one of a kind, and the Nuraghe Izzana, the biggest in Gallura. A different setting but the same charm in Medio Campidano, at Sardara, the border between the Giudicati of Arborea and Calari. A symbol from that period is the Castle of Monreale. The village is currently linked, as it was in ancient times, to the thermal springs, which the Romans called the Aquae Neapolitanae. You can relive ancestral Nuragic rituals in the sacred well at the Sanctuary of Sant'Anastasia, the artefacts from which are kept in Abbas Villa. The residential area with its Campidano houses, prestigious villas and churches of San Gregorio Magno and of the Beata Vergine Assunta are all very evocative.
Not to be missed in the springtime in Sardinia is Castelsardo, in the centre of the Asinara gulf: it is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and has kept the noble status of fortified 'signoria' (seignory). In the Middle Ages it was an unassailable stronghold built around the Doria castle, where the Museum of Mediterranean Weaving is currently located, symbolizing the village's artisan vocation. The fortress was home to the bishops until the building of the Cathedral of Sant'Antonio Abate that stands out with its bell tower overlooking the sea and a majolica-tiled dome. There are numerous attractions: the megalithic rock faces of Mount Ossoni, the Elephant Rock, the 'red' cliffs and the beach of Lu Bagnu. The sea also comes to the table: lobster, spiny lobster, sea urchins and shellfish. During Holy Week, Spanish-style rituals take place, among which the Lunissanti.
