June 4 Castelsardo and Bonifacio - from one country to the next

 

Apropos of nothing at all - this rock formation intrigued everyone

As we have traveled through Sardinia there’s been an interesting mix of cultures - Sardinian, Italian and here in Algheto, Catalonian; this small region on the west coast was ruled by the Catalonians for a long time. But it was time to move on. This morning we left Alghero and wound our way north to the rather picturesque Castelsardo in northern Sardinia - and yes it has an ancient castle. It is purported to be famous for its basket weaving although on our wander through the narrow streets of this medieval citadel we didn’t see any. We did however see lots of shops selling coral. The Mediterranean no longer has the great coral reefs that thrived 60 million years ago but it is home to more than 200 species of coral some of are endemic to the region.

Approach Castelsardo, quite stunning on its peninsula

Thankfully a bus took us to this point; the rest was was by foot

There were a lot of ups and downs

Prickly pear everywhere. The flowers are very pretty

Occasionally there has to be a flower!

These steps led to a museum but we had climbed enough

We found a delightful spot sheltered by umbrellas to sit out a torrential downpour which blow in while we were there.

A sandwich and coffee with splendid views

Then came the soaking rain

That afternoon we had a mad dash to catch the ferry which would take us across the water to Corsica (France). We only just made it but they wouldn’t let the bus on board so our poor driver Paolo had to wait for the next one due a few hours later.

Corsica and Bonifacio in the distance

A huge citadel overlooked the harbour

As we approach Bonifacio the citadel and fortifications loom high, perched overlooking the sea, guarding the entrance to a cozy narrow harbour. The harbour moorings were choked with huge yachts and cruisers - a giant marina.

View from our window

The hotel was cramped but cute and we had a marvellous view over the harbour. That night we dined royally.

Entree was mussels gratin and eggplant followed by an osso buco of fish, most unusual.

Neighbouring diners had crepes. I was entranced watching the fire leapt up to the jug of brandy