What to do · Bosa and the Planargia
The Coast Road from Bosa to Alghero, past the Torre Argentina and Capo Marargiu
Information
- Price
- Free
- Duration
- 3 h
- Distance
- 45 km
- Season
- All year; best in afternoon light
- Who it's for
- By car or motorbike
Between Bosa and Alghero there are no villages: there is a road that hangs above the sea for about 45 kilometres. It is provincial road 49, which in the province of Sassari continues as the SP105, and Sardegna Turismo counts it among the most beautiful panoramic roads on the island. Without stops it takes under an hour (estimated); with stops, give it the afternoon.
The stops
You leave Bosa heading north. A few kilometres on, the turnings to the coves begin: S'Abba Druche and Compoltitu, small and of volcanic rock, with access from the road itself.
About 7 km from Bosa is the Torre Argentina, on a headland. It is a defence tower from the late 16th century, which had a small garrison and communicated by sight with the towers of Bosa and Columbargia. In front, about fifty metres away, is the islet of sas Crabas. From the tower, paths lead through Mediterranean scrub to the south, to Cala sa Codulera, a pebble beach with shallow, transparent water, good for snorkelling, and to the beach of Compoltitu. At sunset, the dark silhouette of the tower against the light is one of the images of this coast.
A little over 10 km north of the tower you reach the Capo Marargiu area, on the so-called vulture coast. On its cliffs live griffon vultures, golden eagles and peregrine falcons; stop and look at the sky with binoculars. From here the road climbs and drops along the hillside, and to the north you begin to see Capo Caccia, Alghero's cape, and the white trachyte cliffs left behind, south of Bosa.
Out and back or all the way to Alghero
You can do it as an out and back from Bosa, as far as Capo Marargiu, or continue to Alghero and return by the inland roads. If you are staying in Bosa, do the return along the coast at the end of the day: with the sun going down over the sea, the stretch is much prettier.
Bear in mind
It is a narrow, winding road, with small viewpoints to stop at. It is very popular with motorcyclists and cyclists: take care on the bends. On the coastal stretch you pass through no village and there are hardly any services: set off with a full tank, water and something to eat. The access roads to the coves are dirt and stone tracks; watch where you park.
Tips
- Do it in the afternoon The western light illuminates the cliffs and the return coincides with the sunset.
- Bring binoculars For the vultures at Capo Marargiu.
- Stop at the Torre Argentina It is the stop that makes most sense and the start of the path to Cala sa Codulera.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Bosa to Alghero along the coast?
About 45 km and a little under an hour without stops (estimated).
Where can I see griffon vultures?
In the Capo Marargiu area, a little over 10 km north of the Torre Argentina.
Are there beaches on the way?
Yes, small coves such as S'Abba Druche, Compoltitu and Cala sa Codulera.
Are there services on the road?
Almost none: there are no villages on the coastal stretch. Set off with a full tank and water.
