From village to village, on the west coast

From Fertilia airport, head towards the village, just a few kilometres away. The road passes through cagnulari vineyards that fade into the horizon. The cellars of the estates are open to visitors: drop in for an apéritif. Today Fertilia, located a few kilometres from the centre of Alghero, is considered one of the best examples of twentieth-century rationalism, and has become a home to famous architects and young artists. To immerse yourself in its unique vitality, experience it beyond the summer months: soak up the sun in solitude on the cliffs of Punta Negra or at the nearby Bombarde beach.

From Bosa, take provincial road 49 for 50 kilometres: you'll see nothing but pure unspoiled nature, with marvellous cliffs and enchanting little-visited coves, which can be reached on foot. If you are here between April and November, stop for a swim in the Cane Malu natural pool, embedded between smooth rock slabs. You can also experience another fairy tale: Bosa. The mediaeval town, with colourful houses perched overlooking the sea, is dominated by Malaspina Castle. You can spend the night in small hotels or in the guesthouses scattered around the alleyways, where the life of the Bosani people unfolds, always ready to offer you their special wine, Malvasia. 

Following State Road 292 in the direction of Oristano, the cliffs of Santa Caterina di Pittinuri come into sight. On the outskirts of the town you come to the car park for su Riu de sa Ide, a five-minute walk to discover another heavenly spot, a lunar spectacle in a marine environment: the Sinis peninsula. Here you can enjoy unique experiences, such as strolling through the ancient city of Tharros, lying among the quartz grains of the is Arutas and Mari Ermi beaches, or on the soft sand of San Giovanni beach, or visiting the village of San Salvatore. In this area there is a high concentration of open-air megalithic archaeology, above all, the Mont'e Prama site, which continues to reveal pieces of the statues of the Giants. 

A day of excitement awaits you: destination Sulcis, a land dotted with remains of mining archaeology, now a tourist attraction. Proceed along State Highway 126. After Arbus, stop in the mining village of Ingurtosu, a charming place that will amaze you before you arrive at Piscinas beach. Back on the 126, after driving about an hour and a half, you'll come to Portoscuso, a town poised between a seafaring tradition and industrial modernity, where you board the ferry for Carloforte. A few miles and you come ashore, with small hotels to stay in and excellent restaurants to enjoy traditional dishes. After this itinerary, you'll leave the west coast feeling that you haven't merely been on a holiday but on a journey of discovery.