South West Itineraries
A Journey to South-West Sardinia
From the Sand Desert of Piscinas to the Historical Fascination of Cagliari
Southwestern Sardinia offers spectacular and unique landscapes, with golden sand dunes, abandoned mines, and historic villages. It’s an ideal itinerary for those who want to immerse themselves in the island’s wild nature and millennia-old history.
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Places to Discover
Piscinas: Giant Dunes and the Sardinian Deer
The Piscinas Beach, located on the Costa Verde, is one of Sardinia's natural wonders, featuring some of the highest sand dunes in Europe, sculpted by the mistral winds and reaching up to 60 meters in height. At dawn, you may experience the unique thrill of spotting the Sardinian deer venturing to the shoreline—a striking image that reflects the untouched beauty and harmony between humans and nature. This is the perfect destination for those seeking a direct connection with nature in an almost desert-like setting.
Porto Flavia and Montevecchio: Discovering the Mines
Continuing along the coast, you’ll come across the mines of Porto Flavia and Montevecchio, historic mining sites that reflect the island’s industrial past. These ruins evoke Wild West-like settings, with abandoned villages and imposing structures silhouetted against the sky. Don’t miss a visit to Masua Beach, offering a stunning view of the iconic Pan di Zucchero, a 133-meter-tall limestone stack and one of the symbols of the southwestern coast. These mines tell a story of human toil and ingenuity, a journey back in time that takes you over a century into the past.
Carloforte and the Island of San Pietro: Traditions and Girotonno
Visit the Island of San Pietro and discover the charming village of Carloforte, renowned for its maritime traditions and unique identity, blending Sardinian and Ligurian influences. Every year, Carloforte hosts the Girotonno, a festival dedicated to bluefin tuna, the island’s symbol and key resource. During the event, chefs from around the world compete in creating tuna-based dishes, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience.
Is Arenas Biancas: A White Sand Paradise
Is Arenas Biancas, also known as the White Dunes, is a stretch of dunes spanning a kilometer, with hills of light sand reaching up to 30 meters in height. This slice of paradise is located between Porto Pino and Teulada, offering breathtaking views and a turquoise sea that completes a dreamlike landscape—perfect for those seeking relaxation and a connection with untouched nature.
Pula and the Nora Archaeological Area
Heading further south, you’ll reach Pula, a charming village known for its lively squares and the archaeological site of Nora. Here, you can explore the ruins of Sardinia’s oldest Phoenician city, a fascinating place where ancient remains overlook one of the island’s most scenic stretches of coastline. Nora offers a journey through history, taking you back to the Phoenician era and through the Roman period, with a well-preserved theater and mosaics framed by a breathtaking natural landscape.
Cagliari: Art, Culture and Movida
The journey concludes in Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, a vibrant city full of charm. Stroll through the streets of the historic district of Castello, visit art galleries, and enjoy shopping at local boutiques and artisan workshops. The Poetto Beach offers eight kilometers of relaxation with its sandy shore and crystal-clear waters, while Via Roma and the Bastione di Saint-Rémy are perfect for a sunset aperitif with views over the Gulf of Cagliari. The city offers a perfect blend of historic beauty and modern atmosphere, making it the ideal place to end your Sardinian journey with an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Discover South West Sardinia
From the wild allure of Piscinas to the millennia-old history of Cagliari, southwestern Sardinia is a land of contrasts and timeless beauty, waiting to be explored.
