It took four buses to get from Cabras to Alghero which sounds more complicated than it was. The buses came like clockwork: Cabras-Oristano-Macomer-Sassari-Alghero. No changing of stations; just get off one bus and on to another and watch the scenery go by.

The Zia Amalia Villa Asfodelo (what a stupid name. Who can remember it?) was ideally located near the bus stop and the old town. The room was slightly musty but the hospitality was first-rate.

We were immediately taken with the walled Spanish town and spent several hours wandering the streets. Even though there were plenty of shops (mostly selling red coral from the Red Sea which is apparently legal), somehow the medieval palaces remained as impressive as ever.

Even better was a walk along the port.

But the piece de resistance was a walk along the bastions at sunset.

After a morning stop at another Chinese merchant for more cheap but necessary stuff, we boarded an afternoon boat for “Neptune’s Cave” despite the chilly, cloudy skies. It was exhilarating to be on the sea and the cave was majestic.

It was like the backdrop to a Russian ballet. I could easily imagine white tutus to come fluttering from the shadows.

It was Sunday night and the town was relatively busy with visitors from Milan. There are direct flights and apparently a lot of Milanese have bought second residences in Alghero. I can sure understand why.

The following day we headed to Bosa a much beloved former fishing village about a one-hour bus ride from Alghero. The coastal scenery was spectacular. I was glad to look at the scenery without having to keep my eyes peeled on that winding coastal road.

So when you see a street that straight you can only think–Romans! I love those guys with the straight streets. Later the Spanish came of course and now it’s mostly tourists that come. October is quiet though.  Many shops had closed for the season but I can imagine the crowds in summer. There wasn’t a lot to see but what there was, was gorgeous.

No visit to Alghero is complete without a stop at the beach. But my bathing suit had been stolen! There was not a bathing suit to be had off-season on the entire island. Until. . . back to the Chinese merchant who got me sorted out right quickly for only €12! On to the beach. How good it felt to walk on fine white sand.

The water was clean, calm and not too cold for swimming either.

And, as if Alghero wasn’t perfect enough, we found an all-you-can-eat Japanese lunch for only €15. Unlimited sushi! This is the place for me. What a perfect ending to a turbulent trip.