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The Bosano area is in north-western Sardinia, and includes the municipalities of Bosa, Montresta, and small portions of Suni. In the area around Bosa, it is possible to recognize many different types of landscape.

There,s the river landscape, for example, characterized by the Temo River and its valley mainly cultivated with olive trees, then there are some volcanic reliefs, with mountains peaks and some 25-mile coastline; the latter environment includes cliffs overlooking the sea and particularly beautiful beaches, such as Bosa Marina, Cala Managu, and Turas – they all feature dark and grainy sands – as well as “S’Abba Drukke”, which has thin sand and three quite evocative coves.

FLORA AND FAUNA

The surroundings of Bosa have remained largely wild throughout the centuries, with extremely typical flora and fauna. The vegetation is mainly made of euphorbia, mastic trees (Pistacia lentiscus), almond-leaved pear trees (Pyrus amygidaliformis), olive trees (Olea europea “olivaster”) and some cork oaks (Quercus suber).

On the other hand, tree wormwood (Artemisia arborescens) grows near the rocky protrusions. Spring is always blessed by the colours and scents of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), rock roses, and spiny broom (Calycotome spinosa).

In this pristine environment, wild boars, foxes, wild cats, hares and wild rabbits have found their ideal habitat. It is also easy to spot partridges, spectacled warblers, hooded crows, common ravens, western jackdaws, common blackbirds, hoopoes, buzzards, and barn owls.

In this area, there is also the only native colony of griffons, the last species of vultures left in Europe: those birds actually nest in the cracks between the rocks and the cliffs of the steep mountain slopes in this area. They can fly as far as Supramonte, where carrions and small animals are abundantly available in non-anthropized areas. In addition to griffons, there are other sea birds of prey such as peregrine falcons, the kestrels, the Northern goshawks and the golden eagles.

Local craftsmanship is another interesting feature of this area, in particular filigree jewellery such as buttons for shirts, exquisite “ganceras” decorations for shawls, amulets made with gold and silver, and the most unique Bosano filet, an elaborate embroidery with flora and fauna inspired decorations on carpets, blankets, vases, and wall paintings.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)