Chia 20 km

At the beginning of the splendid Costa del Sud, the provincial road touches on the beautiful tower of Chia and the homonymous, tiny seaside resort, which still keeps “man-sized”: the “old” village is still formed by few villas, shaded by large fig trees. From the height where the tower stands one can admire, eastwards, the little beach of Chia and Cardulinu islet, joined to the mainland by a sandy strip; westwards, the spectacular expanse of beaches and dunes colonized by age-old junipers, the hill of Cogoni, the promontory of Porto Campana and the beach of S'Acqua Dulci. The latter faces the unmistakable, big Scoglio Su Giudeu, the name of which is to be found either in its rock’s dark colour or in its being populated by the octopus, called pruppu giudeu by local people. The islet is reachable on foot, crossing a sandy, shallow sea-bed, so as to admire, from above its 18 metres, the incredible, crystalline transparence of the emerald-green water surrounding it and washing the long, golden, sandy shore.

Chia 20 km

At the beginning of the splendid Costa del Sud, the provincial road touches on the beautiful tower of Chia and the homonymous, tiny seaside resort, which still keeps “man-sized”: the “old” village is still formed by few villas, shaded by large fig trees. From the height where the tower stands one can admire, eastwards, the little beach of Chia and Cardulinu islet, joined to the mainland by a sandy strip; westwards, the spectacular expanse of beaches and dunes colonized by age-old junipers, the hill of Cogoni, the promontory of Porto Campana and the beach of S'Acqua Dulci. The latter faces the unmistakable, big Scoglio Su Giudeu, the name of which is to be found either in its rock’s dark colour or in its being populated by the octopus, called pruppu giudeu by local people. The islet is reachable on foot, crossing a sandy, shallow sea-bed, so as to admire, from above its 18 metres, the incredible, crystalline transparence of the emerald-green water surrounding it and washing the long, golden, sandy shore.

Temple of Antas

Don't miss the temple of Antas, in the homonym valley at only 10 minutes from Fluminimaggiore: it is surely one of the most interesting place of Sardinia. Under the empire of Caracalla, at the beginning of the III century B.C., the Romans built it up in the shelter of a Punic temple dated from 500 B.C., in order to adore the God Sardus Pater Babai. The local nuraghic populations had adored the God Sid Addir and, under the dominion of the Punics arrived from Cartagine, they began to adore the divinity Sid Addir Babai. ?However, even the nuraghic peoples had chosen that zone for their sacred rituals, as it is proved by some findings. Still visible are the remains of a mosaic pavement and eight columns with Doric capitals, beyond the two bathtubs for the ablutions. The temple of Antas was uncovered in 1836 by the general Alberto La Marmora.

Porto Paglia 35 km

The coasts of Gonnesa, a little further south of the beach of Funtanamare, are scattered with the dunes, beaches and reefs of Porto Paglia, overlooked by the stupendous architecture of the homonymous Tonnara (= tunny-fishing grounds). These buildings, at one time in a state of semi-neglect, included the old houses of the tonnarotti (= tunny fishermen) and the docks where boats and equipment were sheltered. The Tonnara has been transformed into a tourist village.
Not far from the tonnara, there is the beach of Is Arenas, with its vast dunes, which continues northwards as far as Funtanamare, thus forming a splendid shore, 4 kilometres long. The coast is higher and rockier towards the south: here the small church of tunny fishermen stands on a rock, lapped by the waves, which has about the same dimensions as the church, Certainly, it is the only one in Sardinia that is accessible directly from a boat, which can be anchored to the tiny quay of the “churchyard”. It is also reachable on foot. crossing a shallow sea-bed and jumping from a reef to the next one

Island of Sant'Antioco

A 20 km Cala Lunga, a little, deserted inlet with a sandy beach and beautiful sea-beds, and Porto Sciusciau, with its wilder, natural environment and its high, big rock. The beach is pebbly and the hinterland, as far as Cala Lunga, is scattered with arid pastures but also with small, residual woods of lantisks and, above all, junipers which are very rare over the rest of the insular territory. Further southwards, also the coastal stretch named Su Cavu de su Logu is to be pointed out. Its volcanic origin is testified by a long cliff of very dark lava, scattered with boulders of various dimensions incorporated by dark tuffaceous rocks, which strongly chararterize the deserted nature of the whole area.

Museum of Mine of Serbariu in Carbonia

Serbarìu, the interest in coal in an area of Sulcis
Serbariu (Carbonia): the interest catched by the coal field of this portion of Sulcis during the fascist period, carried to the foundation of the town of Carbonia, inaugurated by Benito Mussolini on the 18th December 1938. It is the most important example of planned mining centre of Italy. The economy of the territory revolved around the exploitation of the carbonaceous rocks mines: beside Serbariu we must mention those antecedents of Nuraxi Figus, Seruci and Cortoghiana (together they gave an employment to little less than fifteen thousand miners). Some decades ago, the community restrictions decreed the end of this field: the Sardinian coal had an high percentage of sulphurous compounds, judged highly polluting. The castles of the extraction pits and the loading rig have become nostalgic symbols of that period, that has recently increased the unemployment.

Masua e Nebida 35 km

The pretty mining centres of Masua and Nebida, on the coast of Iglesias, boast of one of the most enchanting coastal panorama in Sardinia. The coast, next to the two small villages is made up of metalliferous rocks of an unusual violet colour, in sharp contrast with the white of the three calcareous islets named S'Agusteri (the northern one and the middle one) and Il Morto (the larger, southern one), which rise from the facing sea. The view is then closed by the rocks of M. Nai, from which, in remote geological eras, the splendid cliff of the Pan di Zucchero (Sugar Loaf) detached.
This is undoubtedly one of the most scenographic corners of all the Sardinian coasts: the islet, rising 132 m above sea level, is as high as the dome of S. Peter's Church in Rome. The whole area is made up of metalliferous limestone: numerous mines were opened in the past. Today, it is still possible to admire that of Porto Flavia, the entrance of which is half way the wall, tens of metres high above sea level. Even the Pan di Zucchero was once object of mining research and exploitation, as some remains of steps and cables for carrying minerals show; another particularity is represented by two arches of rock, on the islet’s northern and southern sides, under which boats can pass.

Masua e Nebida 35 km

The pretty mining centres of Masua and Nebida, on the coast of Iglesias, boast of one of the most enchanting coastal panorama in Sardinia. The coast, next to the two small villages is made up of metalliferous rocks of an unusual violet colour, in sharp contrast with the white of the three calcareous islets named S'Agusteri (the northern one and the middle one) and Il Morto (the larger, southern one), which rise from the facing sea. The view is then closed by the rocks of M. Nai, from which, in remote geological eras, the splendid cliff of the Pan di Zucchero (Sugar Loaf) detached.
This is undoubtedly one of the most scenographic corners of all the Sardinian coasts: the islet, rising 132 m above sea level, is as high as the dome of S. Peter's Church in Rome. The whole area is made up of metalliferous limestone: numerous mines were opened in the past. Today, it is still possible to admire that of Porto Flavia, the entrance of which is half way the wall, tens of metres high above sea level. Even the Pan di Zucchero was once object of mining research and exploitation, as some remains of steps and cables for carrying minerals show; another particularity is represented by two arches of rock, on the islet’s northern and southern sides, under which boats can pass.

Masua e Nebida 35 km

The pretty mining centres of Masua and Nebida, on the coast of Iglesias, boast of one of the most enchanting coastal panorama in Sardinia. The coast, next to the two small villages is made up of metalliferous rocks of an unusual violet colour, in sharp contrast with the white of the three calcareous islets named S'Agusteri (the northern one and the middle one) and Il Morto (the larger, southern one), which rise from the facing sea. The view is then closed by the rocks of M. Nai, from which, in remote geological eras, the splendid cliff of the Pan di Zucchero (Sugar Loaf) detached.
This is undoubtedly one of the most scenographic corners of all the Sardinian coasts: the islet, rising 132 m above sea level, is as high as the dome of S. Peter's Church in Rome. The whole area is made up of metalliferous limestone: numerous mines were opened in the past. Today, it is still possible to admire that of Porto Flavia, the entrance of which is half way the wall, tens of metres high above sea level. Even the Pan di Zucchero was once object of mining research and exploitation, as some remains of steps and cables for carrying minerals show; another particularity is represented by two arches of rock, on the islet’s northern and southern sides, under which boats can pass.

Masua e Nebida 35 km

The pretty mining centres of Masua and Nebida, on the coast of Iglesias, boast of one of the most enchanting coastal panorama in Sardinia. The coast, next to the two small villages is made up of metalliferous rocks of an unusual violet colour, in sharp contrast with the white of the three calcareous islets named S'Agusteri (the northern one and the middle one) and Il Morto (the larger, southern one), which rise from the facing sea. The view is then closed by the rocks of M. Nai, from which, in remote geological eras, the splendid cliff of the Pan di Zucchero (Sugar Loaf) detached.
This is undoubtedly one of the most scenographic corners of all the Sardinian coasts: the islet, rising 132 m above sea level, is as high as the dome of S. Peter's Church in Rome. The whole area is made up of metalliferous limestone: numerous mines were opened in the past. Today, it is still possible to admire that of Porto Flavia, the entrance of which is half way the wall, tens of metres high above sea level. Even the Pan di Zucchero was once object of mining research and exploitation, as some remains of steps and cables for carrying minerals show; another particularity is represented by two arches of rock, on the islet’s northern and southern sides, under which boats can pass.

Cala Domestica 38 km

The south-western coast of the province of Cagliari hides another corner with a wild aspect: the calcareous cliffs of Cala Domestica follow one another for many kilometres just between Buggerru and Nebida. It is the only, true inlet of this area, formed by a large beach and a small one, called La Caletta. The ruins of subsidiary buildings of the near abandoned mines are next to the main shore. They once were at the end of a light railway line for carrying minerals to be loaded onto ships. La Caletta, accessible through a small gallery excavated by miners, has a small beach which is well sheltered from northern winds. Opposite, on the barren, calcareous peninsula, a Spanish tower overlooks the whole coast. Another environment of indubious interest, where the wild fascination of the Sardinian coasts still shows itself unchanged. is the cove named Porto di Canal Grande, with the grotta delle Spigole (grotto of the Basses) which goes through the whole cliff. Mineralizations, here, are indeed noteworthy, with splendid, particular colours on the schystous rock walls. Also Portu Sciusciau - still south of Cala Domestica, but between the latter and Porto di Canal Grande - offers a uniquely wild, fascinating view with its high, yellowish- limestone walls, embroidered with small grottoes and rock arches.

Cala Domestica 38 km

The south-western coast of the province of Cagliari hides another corner with a wild aspect: the calcareous cliffs of Cala Domestica follow one another for many kilometres just between Buggerru and Nebida. It is the only, true inlet of this area, formed by a large beach and a small one, called La Caletta. The ruins of subsidiary buildings of the near abandoned mines are next to the main shore. They once were at the end of a light railway line for carrying minerals to be loaded onto ships. La Caletta, accessible through a small gallery excavated by miners, has a small beach which is well sheltered from northern winds. Opposite, on the barren, calcareous peninsula, a Spanish tower overlooks the whole coast. Another environment of indubious interest, where the wild fascination of the Sardinian coasts still shows itself unchanged. is the cove named Porto di Canal Grande, with the grotta delle Spigole (grotto of the Basses) which goes through the whole cliff. Mineralizations, here, are indeed noteworthy, with splendid, particular colours on the schystous rock walls. Also Portu Sciusciau - still south of Cala Domestica, but between the latter and Porto di Canal Grande - offers a uniquely wild, fascinating view with its high, yellowish- limestone walls, embroidered with small grottoes and rock arches.

Funtanamare

The coasts of Gonnesa, a little further south of the beach of Funtanamare, are scattered with the dunes, beaches and reefs of Porto Paglia, overlooked by the stupendous architecture of the homonymous Tonnara (= tunny-fishing grounds). Not far from the tonnara, there is the beach of Is Arenas, with its vast dunes, which continues northwards as far as Funtanamare, thus forming a splendid shore, 4 kilometres long. The coast is higher and rockier towards the south: here the small church of tunny fishermen stands on a rock, lapped by the waves, which has about the same dimensions as the church, Certainly, it is the only one in Sardinia that is accessible directly from a boat, which can be anchored to the tiny quay of the “churchyard”. It is also reachable on foot. crossing a shallow sea-bed and jumping from a reef to the next one.

Funtanamare

The coasts of Gonnesa, a little further south of the beach of Funtanamare, are scattered with the dunes, beaches and reefs of Porto Paglia, overlooked by the stupendous architecture of the homonymous Tonnara (= tunny-fishing grounds). Not far from the tonnara, there is the beach of Is Arenas, with its vast dunes, which continues northwards as far as Funtanamare, thus forming a splendid shore, 4 kilometres long. The coast is higher and rockier towards the south: here the small church of tunny fishermen stands on a rock, lapped by the waves, which has about the same dimensions as the church, Certainly, it is the only one in Sardinia that is accessible directly from a boat, which can be anchored to the tiny quay of the “churchyard”. It is also reachable on foot. crossing a shallow sea-bed and jumping from a reef to the next one.

Funtanamare

The coasts of Gonnesa, a little further south of the beach of Funtanamare, are scattered with the dunes, beaches and reefs of Porto Paglia, overlooked by the stupendous architecture of the homonymous Tonnara (= tunny-fishing grounds). Not far from the tonnara, there is the beach of Is Arenas, with its vast dunes, which continues northwards as far as Funtanamare, thus forming a splendid shore, 4 kilometres long. The coast is higher and rockier towards the south: here the small church of tunny fishermen stands on a rock, lapped by the waves, which has about the same dimensions as the church, Certainly, it is the only one in Sardinia that is accessible directly from a boat, which can be anchored to the tiny quay of the “churchyard”. It is also reachable on foot. crossing a shallow sea-bed and jumping from a reef to the next one.

Island of San Pietro 25 km

This area of the beautiful island of San Pietro is overlooked by the magnificent Capo Sandalo, on which the homonymous lighthouse stands. The colour of the trachytic rocks varies from yellowish to grey. Further south, in the wide Cala di Caporosso, the homonymous mountain (173 m) is unmistakable, on the sea side, with its wide, deep-red scarp, plentifully marked by mineralized soils. Nearby, there are the abandoned mine and the stupendous mining village of Becco, overlooking all the coast; then the Scogli delle Spine (Reefs of theThorns) and the homonymous cliffs as far as P. dei Laggioni, still characterized by dark trachyte rocks, rising sheer from enchanting beaches made up of boulders and rounded pebbles.
Further south, beyond P. dei Cannoni, there is the beautiful beach of La Caletta, one of the most frequented on the island, with white sand in strong contrast with the surrounding, dark trachyte rocks. A dense pine-wood vegetates behind the coast and dunes. With regard to the enchanting corners of the southern coast, we cannot help mentioning the famous Colonne, powerful trachyte pillars; then the beautiful inlet of the Mezzaluna, bordered by a massive rocky wall on the eastern side of which various grottoes open; lastly, the Scogliera La Conca (cliff), with its narrow gorge looking like a fiord in miniature, with a natural, transparent, deep pool and a series of flat rocks which are perfect for diving.

The dunes of Piscinas 45 km

On Sardinian southwestern coasts, at Arbus, there are two marvellous corners where an intact, desert-like nature reigns: the dunes of Piscinas, heart of the Costa Verde and the dunes of Pistis-Torre dei Corsari. In fact, the strength of the mistral wind has powerfully pushed towards the hinterland the sand accumulated by the sea onto the coast, thus forming “hills”, up to thirty metres high and over. The very fine, yellow sand, the “waves” shaped by the wind and few, twisted, drought-dried trees testifies to the region’s unusual climate, almost comparable to that of a “little Sahara”. At Piscinas-Ingurtosu, a walk among the dunes - preferably at dawn or sunset, so as to avoid the great heat of summer months, or out of season - allows fully enjoying a marvellous panorama.
The sand’s white, golden colour contrast with the surrounding landscape, where the eye is catched by green of the thick Mediterranean macchia covering the hills on the trees sides of the hinterland (north, east and south). The sea, on the western side, washes over two kilometres of solitary beach. The same characteristic exist in the other dunal sector, which is a little smaller. Furthermore, on its southern and northern sides there are the two tourist resorts of Torre dei Corsari and Pistis, however far away from each other. This stretch of coast, situated a little further to the north of Piscinas, appears deserted and wild as well. Is Arenas 'e S'Acqua 'e S'Ollastu (the sands of the wild-olive source) is the long, poetic name of these dunes.