“Thirty minutes from Porto Torres lies a lake as vast as a fjord, where flamingos are reflected in the still water. Most tourists don’t know about it. It’s always been that way.”
Lake Coghinas is Sardinia’s third-largest artificial lake by area — a body of water covering 30 km² nestled amongst the granite hills of the Sassari and Goceano regions. It is no mere pond: it is as vast as a small inland sea, with deserted shores, coves of white gravel and depths inhabited by pike, carp and enormous eels.
It is located about 35 km from Porto Torres and 40 km from Sassari — easily accessible from the SS131 motorway. Despite its proximity to the towns in the north, it remains a place virtually unknown to organised tourism.
The Temo is Sardinia’s only navigable river — a geographical distinction that few are aware of. It rises from Lake Temo (another stunning artificial reservoir) and flows down to Bosa, where it empties into the Tyrrhenian Sea, passing through the historic heart of the city. The stretch from Bosa inland is navigable by canoe and kayak for several kilometres.
Bosa on the Temo is one of Sardinia’s most beautiful towns — with its colourful houses, the medieval Malaspina Castle and the historic hamlet of Sa Costa. The river that runs through it is an integral part of the town’s identity: fishermen’s boats moored at the jetties, the washerwomen of yesteryear, and today’s kayakers.
The stretch of river from Bosa inland is one of the most beautiful kayaking routes in Sardinia — reed-lined banks, herons, and silence. Kayaks available for hire at Bosa marina. Low difficulty, suitable for everyone.
One of Sardinia’s best fishing lakes — European pike (island record), carp, perch and eel. A regional licence is required. Several access points along the SS127bis. Bream fishing and spin fishing.
The wetlands around the Coghinas are home to pink flamingos, white herons, marsh harriers and numerous species of ducks. October to March is the best time to see migratory birds. Binoculars are essential.
There are several public access points along the banks of the Coghinas, each with small pebble beaches. The water is warm in summer (25–27°C). There are no facilities here — bring everything you need.
| Period | Coghinas | Temo / Bosa | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| April – May | Top birdwatching spots | The ideal kayak | Cool, lush greenery, no crowds |
| June – July | Swimming and fishing | Kayak + Bosa | Warm waters, long days |
| August | Intense heat | Crowd at Bosa | Early in the morning or late in the afternoon |
| September – October | Excellent fishing | Kayaking + autumn colours | ⭐ The absolute best moment |
| Winter | Flamingos | Bosa: deserted and beautiful | For photographers and birdwatchers |
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