Alghero to Oristano

It was a day of pure joy thanks to the breathtakingly beautiful scenery, empty roads and pretty little towns and villages. It reminded me a little of travelling in New Zealand - espevially on roads like this. It was like our West Coast in that there was sea on one side, with some steepish cliffs, and on the other side mountains. 

It had also relatively lush vegetation- of course different from NZ.

The biggest difference being the many cacti at the roadside.

The other difference was a stop for a herd of goats, not sheep,  to cross the road. They were lucky that nobody came round the corner at that moment. Most of thebtraffic was made up of motorcyclists, who obviously love the winding road, and some crazy cyclists in such extreme heat.

We were really surprised when we arrived at Bosa to find an unexpectedly colourful and picturesque fishing village, the old medieval town having been built in layers up the hillside. 

It was a great place for a lunch stop in the shade. We had a delicious platter of Sardinian meats and cheeses.

Despite our initial decision not to trudge to the top layer of houses in the heat of midday, we found ourselves heading upwards along the maze of narrow streets with their pretty homes and unusual and very decorative post boxes.

Bouginvillea often lined the streets around doors and windows of the simple homes here. What stunning colours!

And cacti seemed to grow in every nook and cranny.

It seems that purple of all shades is the new colour this summer. Even the houses are in fashion! 
Anyway, we made it up the cobbled lanes and steep worn steps, to the top street just below the castle and then once again on flat land, enjoyed the river views , The Temo River,of this fishing village.

It was late afternoon when we arrived in our fabulous accommodation, greeted by the most hospitable person I have met for a long time. He was truly eccentric and his love of people was evident from the start. Our rooms were in what must have been stables at some point. They were spacious, and most importantly cool! Fantastic place. We ate at a pricier than usual restaurant, but the food was magnificent, the wine too. 
Great stay. 



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