ATTRACTIONS
SAN GIOVANNI DI SINIS, THARROS, CAPO SAN MARCO & SAN SALVATORE
The spectacular village of San Giovanni di Sinis, with its characteristic fishermen's wooden and reed houses, embellished by the ruins of the ancient city of Tharros, represents a historical-architectural jewel of inestimable value. We recommend spending one or two days here, starting from the small church and the main square, then heading towards the archeological site of Tharros. Founded in the 7th century BC, probably on the initiative of Carthage, it became one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean. You can then take a walk towards the Spanish tower of San Giovanni and continue to Capo San Marco till the lighthouse, the tip of Sinis peninsula. Wherever you look, the view is breathtaking. When the land begins to taper, the sea can be seen on both sides. The sea on the left, on which the ruins of Tharros are visible, is called Mare Morto (dead sea) because it's located inside the Gulf of Oristano and it's sheltered from the prevailing wind; the sea on the right is outside the gulf, exposed to the main wind, and for this reason it's more frequently rough or choppy. Now take some time to relax on the beach, from Capo San Marco you can head down to one of the coves (La Caletta is enchanting!) or go back to San Giovanni to the main beach. The waters are shallow, ideal for families and snorkelling enthusiasts. There is also a little panoramic tourist train available with two routes: the first from the church to the archaeological area of Tharros, the second, more panoramic, which takes you to the slopes of Capo San Marco.
Coming to San Giovanni, you can't miss San Salvatore. This medieval village recalls the American far west and it's known for the Corsa degli Scalzi (the barefoot race), one of the most evocative and heartfelt identity events in Sardinia that takes place in September (the rest of the year the village is almost uninhabited). The procession involves over 800 people in white robes, who take the statue of the saint barefoot on a long dirt road from the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cabras to the village. The heart of the small town is the church which houses a precious hypogeum.
For history buffs, along the road that leads to San Giovanni di Sinis, you will find the Civic Archaeological Museum "Giovanni Marongiu" of Cabras which hosts a large collection of archaeological finds of the Nuragic era, particularly the statues of the giants in Mont'e Prama. We are talking about human statues, over two meters high, dating back to three thousand years ago: the most important archaeological discovery in the Mediterranean of the twentieth century.
FUNTANA MEIGA & OASIS OF SEU
Proceeding north along the coast, from San Giovanni di Sinis, you reach the tourist settlement of Funtana Meiga. We are in the Marine Protected Area of the Sinis Peninsula - Mal di Ventre Island, more precisely in the Natural Reserve of Flora and Fauna of Seu. Its name means "fountain" or "water source" "medicinal" or "miraculous" as it is believed that there was once a thermal water source today below sea level. The beach is protected behind it by a small red cliff, beyond which the countryside and the village unfold. From here, due to the elevated position, the view is spectacular, wherever you look. The entire coastline of Funtana Meiga is characterised by shallow waters, very clear and transparent (perfect for snorkelling), with reflections ranging from emerald green to turquoise blue.
Continuing to travel northwards along the coast you arrive at the oasis of Seu. The area is a former hunting reserve that later became a wildlife oasis managed by the WWF and contains its naturalistic, environmental and historical heritage for an extension of about 115 hectares. The oasis is characterised by shrubs of rosemary, cistus, brooms, mastic, myrtle, juniper, dwarf palms and Aleppo pines. From the fauna point of view, turtles, rabbits, hares, hedgehogs and foxes coexists together with numerous birds such as the partridge, the hoopoe, the lark, the buzzard and the hawk. The Nuragic people certainly lived there, then the Carthaginians and later the Spanish who built the Sevo tower hence 'Turr'e Seu', from which you can admire a breathtaking panorama (from Capo San Marco to the three ‘jewels’ of the Sinis peninsula - Maimoni, is Arutas and Mari Ermi). The small beach of Seu is a true paradise of clear sand and crystalline sea, while the nearby beach of Caogheddas offers a wider and more fascinating landscape, enriched by the presence of a small island and the wreck of an ancient steamboat, an ideal destination for snorkelling enthusiasts.
mal di ventre island, is arutas, mari ermi & maimoni
Uninhabited and uncontaminated, the island of Mal di Ventre is a small oasis of peace with white sands and transparent waters and it is part of the marine area of the Sinis peninsula (it's located about 9 km from the Sinis coast). Now it's known as Mal di Ventre, perhaps a mistranslation from the original name 'Malu Entu' which means 'bad winds', and it was given because of the persistent winds, especially the mistral, which often make navigation dangerous. The island is a flat granite expanse, covered by plants typical of the Mediterranean scrub and populated by rabbits, tortoises and various birds. On the surrounding seabed lie some wrecks of ships from different historical periods and the remains of a nuraghe and other ruins demonstrate that the island was once inhabited. Although not all geologists agree, it is thought that the particular sands of the beaches of Maimoni, Is Arutas and Mari Ermi which are located opposite the island were generated precisely by the slow crumbling of this outcrop. What makes these beaches suggestive and unique is the enchanting sand characterised by quartz grains. Is Arutas is the most famous beach in the marine area of the Sinis peninsula, followed by Mari Ermi and Maimoni. For sea sports enthusiasts, these beaches are the ideal place to do kitesurf and windsurf. Also, the water here is deep just a few metres from the beach and it's so clear that it is perfect for those who love snorkelling.
COMING SOON
S'Arena Scoada, Putzu Idu, CAPO MANNU, SA MESA LONGA & SA ROCCA TUNDA
Continuing along the coast, we come across S'Arena Scoada and further up, Putzu Idu, where the fine, white quartz sand frames a beautiful, clear blue sea with shallow waters. In front, you can admire the stunning island of Mal di Ventre, while behind, you’ll find the town and the surrounding farmland, where the Sale 'e Porcus and Salina Manna lagoons develop, representing a habitat of great natural value. Here, you can observe various examples of protected flora and fauna, including the pink flamingo. Along the coast, breathtaking cliffs and limestone formations, such as the fascinating S’Architteddu arch. On calm days, the sea resembles a natural pool, perfect for swimming and snorkelling, though it is often stirred by the wind, making it a favourite destination for kite-surfers and windsurfers.
Going further north, we reach Capo Mannu, a rocky promontory, famous for being one of the best surf destinations in the entire Mediterranean, where dozens of surfers gather every year to try and ride the biggest and longest waves. On foot or by bike, the view is worth all the pleasure of the walk. Along the way you will encounter the Torre Sa Mora, then the Capo Mannu lighthouse and the Torre di Capo Mannu. At the foot of the cape, in the northern part of the Sinis Peninsula, two more gems: Sa Mesa Longa, characterised by a long rocky platform—sa mesa—which can be reached by swimming as it’s just a few metres from the shore. Its shape resembles a vast shallow pool, making this beach enchanting and spectacular. And Sa Rocca Tunda, a small, wild and uncontaminated village of houses and dirt roads with a wide long beach and crystal-clear sea with shallow seabed; here time seems to stand still...
IS ARENAS & S'ARCHITTU
Among the most beautiful and uncontaminated beaches on the west coast, Is Arenas is characterised by both the clear and pure waters of the sea and the extensive green area with a pine forest. Is Arenas literally translates as “sandy dunes” and it's a very long beach (about 6 km). The big dunes and the golden fine sand render Is Arenas similar to a desert; the territory has been the subject of a vast reforestation since 1950, carried out in order to protect the hinterland from the covering of sand moved by the strong winds that beat the area. It is indeed hit by the strong mistral very often, therefore frequented all year round by windsurfing enthusiasts.
Just north of Is Arenas beach, you'll find the coastal village of S'Archittu which is known for an arch-shaped rock, approximately 15 m high, forged by the sea and wind. The arch is one of the 24 natural monuments established and protected by the Sardinia Region and it was once a cave that nature has transformed over the centuries into its current form. It's completed by three small islands, smoothed by the waves, in the shape of mushrooms. It can be easily reached on foot directly from the tourist village, via a paved path north of the town. The arch of S'Archittu dominates and protects from the winds a small cove made up of medium-grained sand, pebbles and gravel. The sea is green with a rocky seabed. However, the small beach that gives its name to the village is located a few hundred meters further on. The charm of the place is all about the arch at sunset, when the sun creates suggestive effects right under the arch ensuring your photographs will be truly remarkable. Take a walk along the seafront, framed with local houses, bars, restaurant and small shops.
Also not to be missed is Torre del Pozzo which is the seaside village between Is Arenas and S'Archittu. Its name derives from the presence of the characteristic Hispanic watchtower and from a natural well dug by erosion from the whale-shaped promontory.
ORISTANO & torregrande
The main city in the central-western part of Sardinia, Oristano, with its culture, art, history, nature, sports, and food and wine, offers its visitors a unique and fascinating experience, in all seasons. Oristano is also home to one of the best known equestrian events in all of Italy, held every year during Carnival: the Sartiglia. A walk in the historic center is a must, composed of dozens of monuments and various museums. Among the main attractions, visit the Tower of Mariano II, the Monument to Eleonora d’Arborea, the Cathedral, the Church of San Francesco and the museum Antiquarium Arborense.
Ten kilometres away from Oristano, you'll find Torregrande which is named for the town in the main square founded by farmers and fishermen. It's the best-equipped beach on the Oristano coast, long and wide, perfect for relaxing with your family or for beach and water sports. The long tree-lined promenade adjacent to the beach is animated by discos, events, live music, karaoke, shows, competitions, exhibitions, markets, festivals, bars, pizzerias and restaurants.