A guide to the most beautiful beaches in the south-west of Sardinia

The Sulcis-Iglesiente region in the southwest is still a largely unknown holiday destination in Sardinia. Yet this region, like all the others on this fascinating Mediterranean island, offers long, white sandy beaches, wonderful hidden bays and unspoilt nature with fragrant Mediterranean scrub and shady forests in the island’s interior. Particularly impressive are the numerous abandoned mines, witnesses of a long-standing mining tradition, which in the past made Sulcis-Iglesiente one of the most advanced (and also richest) regions of Sardinia. The closure of the last mines in the 1970s was followed by economic decline, which is now being addressed by sustainable tourism in contact with nature, history and traditions.

We would like to introduce you to the fascination of this part of Sardinia and hope that perhaps after reading this you will consider a holiday here or at least plan a nice day trip from Cagliari.

From Torre dei Corsari to Masua, 5 breathtaking beaches in the west of the island

We recommend to follow the west coast from Torre dei Corsari to Masua to discover 5 of the most beautiful beaches:

• Spiaggia di Torre dei Corsari is an almost 2 km long beach between Torre dei Corsari and Pistis. It is made of fine orange sand mixed with tiny pebbles that resemble grains of rice, hence its name “Golden Beach” or “Golden Sands”. The open sea is always clear and it is advisable to go there when the mistral wind is not blowing. There are several bars and kiosks that also rent deckchairs and umbrellas in high season.
• Scivu beach is situated in the municipality of Arbus. This 2.2 km long beach is characterised by very fine sand, the sea is shallow and the water clear and transparent. The beach and the coast, characterised by high sand dunes, are part of the WWF oasis of the same name, which is also home to the Sardinian deer. Here you can enjoy dreamlike sunsets and relax far away from the hustle and bustle. There is also a service area for campers.
• The beach of Portixeddu begins at the small, sleepy coastal village of the same name and stretches for kilometres (the beach is then called San Nicolao) along a landscape of dunes almost to Buggerru. This village, still lively today, was one of the mining centres of the region, and there are bars, restaurants, shops and a small harbour from which boat trips along the coast with stops for swimming are offered. The beaches are also perfect for surfing, so it’s no wonder that there is one of the most renowned surf schools in Sardinia.
• Shortly after Buggerru you will then find one of the most beautiful bays in Sardinia, called Cala Domestica and surrounded by steep cliffs: the fine sand remains dark due to the minerals, the water is crystal clear and it is an excellent place for snorkelling. There is a charge for parking in the summer months and the access (once the car park is full) is limited. In the low season, however, you can take in the beauty of this place almost on your own.
• Continue along a winding panoramic road that winds through a mountainous landscape from Buggerru to Masua, the former centre of mineral production in the region. Masua beach, overlooking the white rock formation Pan di Zucchero, is a small bathing bay surrounded by abandoned mining buildings. The mines of Masua, by the way, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Parco Geominerario della Sardegna, and very close by is the interesting and unique seaport of Porto Flavia with its tunnels about 600 m long that end perpendicularly above the sea.

Places to stay in Iglesias and the surrounding area

If you want to stay longer in this region, you will find some nice accommodations in our online catalogue, be it self-catering, with breakfast or even half board:

In Torre dei Corsari is the family-run Hotel Villa Belfiori with pool. Guests can choose between standard rooms and superior rooms with sea view for up to 4 people. The nearby cliff beach can be reached quickly on foot, while the long sandy beach is better reached by car.

In the midst of the still almost untouched nature of the Costa Verde, the beach hotel Le Dune di Piscinas, which was created from a former ore deposit, is situated in a unique position. The buildings have been lovingly renovated and furnished with great charm.

The Sabbia Bianca holiday flat is located directly in Portixeddu next to the central piazza overlooking the long sandy beach. The accommodation is on the first floor and has 2 bedrooms, a large and bright living room and an eat-in kitchen.

Agriturismo Fighezia is located in the hills between Fluminimaggiore and Portixeddu and offers its guests stays dedicated to relaxation, creativity, the beautiful sea and good food. Breakfast and dinner are served in the main house, while guest rooms with private bathrooms and small studio flats are located in the outbuildings.

The Capo Pecora holiday home with its two comfortable flats is located in the greenery of southwest Sardinia, not far from the sea and the beautiful beaches of the region. Due to its hillside location, the house offers a wide and unobstructed sea view.

The villa Golfo del Leone for up to 16 people is not only suitable for a beach holiday, but also for exploring the southwest of Sardinia. The absolute highlight of this villa is the beautiful pool area: here you can really relax in a peaceful landscape.

From Nebida via Sant’Antioco to Porto Pino, the southwest beckons

From Masua, the coastal road quickly takes you to Nebida (where you should definitely make a stop and walk around the beautiful Belvedere with its unique views of the fantastic coastline and the Pan di Zucchero) and Fontanamare, then on to Gonnesa and the Sant’Antioco peninsula with the main towns of Sant’Antioco and Calasetta. Our last stop then takes us back to the mother island of Sardinia to the sleepy Porto Pino right by the sea, surrounded by sand dunes and shady pine forests.

• Before you reach Gonnesa, you will see a long sandy beach, the central part of which is also known as Sa Punta e S’Arena (“sandy point”) and offers a car park, kiosk and beach service. The beach is about 700 m long and is characterised by medium-grained golden sand. The shades of the sea vary from green to turquoise and the clear water shows a sandy and medium seabed with an interesting variety of marine fauna and flora for snorkellers. Part of the long beach is also classified as a dog beach!
• Sa Punta e S’Arena beach is followed to the south by Porto Paglia beach, which is located next to the former tuna fishing facility, Tonnara, and the remains of a Spanish tower. The beach is characterised by its light sand and the adjacent headland protects it from most winds.
• Portopaglietto is the small, hidden main beach of Portoscuso and is located in a small bay surrounded by rocks. This place is particularly suitable for families with children thanks to its position protected by the mistral and its shallow seabed. There is a kiosk and paid parking. Portoscuso is a pretty little place, but the industrial sites of nearby Porto Vesme are often a deterrent, so unfortunately many tourists still give this destination a wide berth.
• Sant’Antioco, the fourth largest Italian island, is connected to Sardinia by a causeway and has a large number of beautiful sandy and cliffy beaches and bays. We recommend a visit to Cala Sapone: there are many easily accessible rocks on the sides, and the colours of the sea range from mint green to bright blue, with spectacular scenery for snorkellers and divers.
• The impressive dune beach at Porto Pino is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. Once you have walked over the immense dunes of fine white sand, nothing will ever be the same again. Porto Pino is located in the Gulf of Palmas and makes part of the municipality of Sant’Anna Arresi, surrounded by lagoons where, among other things, the pink flamingos nest. The surrounding area is rather flat, so it’s also good for cycling.

The best accommodation between Sant’Antico and Porto Pino

Although the region is still rather unknown to tourists and has fortunately been spared noisy mass tourism, there are of course also comfortable accommodations here, ideal for a holiday for two, with the family or with friends.

Holidays in the authentic ambience of an old fishing village: the Antico Borgo near San Giovanni Suergiu offers authentically renovated holiday flats and is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and vegetable gardens. The flats consist of a living room with table and chairs and a simple kitchenette. And a sleeping area separated by a partition with a double bed.

The Penthouse Terrazza sul mare with its beautiful veranda with sea view is located on the Sant’Antioco peninsula in Calasetta. The sandy beach is about 60 m away. Calasetta also has a marina, and ferries cross daily from here to the neighbouring island of San Pietro.

The modern Lu Hotel Maladroxia with pool and sea view, just 50m from a small sandy beach, is ideal for a beach and active holidays. You can choose bright and comfortable rooms, some with balcony or terrace.

The Agriturismo Dimora di Sant’Antioco is also located on Sant’Antioco and offers comfortably furnished rooms with private bathroom and breakfast and small self-catering bungalows.