Costa Verde in brief – tourist information and more

Costa Verde is a 30 miles long coast stretch on the west coast of Sardinia, best known for high sand dunes, extended deserts, long beaches, steer cliffs and an unspoilt lush nature. The Green Coast extends in the south from Capo Pecora and Portixeddu to Torre dei Corsari and Capo Frasca in the north. The main holiday destinations of this fascinating area are Arbus and Guspini in the interior, and Nebida, Buggerru, Portixeddu, Fluminimaggiore and Torre dei Corsari near the sea.

The dunes are among the largest ones in Europe. Abandoned mines and settlements add a special charm to this hilly and amazing landscape, with a lot of winding panoramic roads curling down to the coast. In consequence the Costa Verde is the right place for adventure and activity holidays, and to explore a different side of Sardinia.

The best beaches in Costa Verde

The Costa Verde offers a lot of beaches and bays, and we will list the most beautiful ones from south to north.

Not far away from Buggerru is the amazing bay Cala Domestica with high cliffs. In high-season there is a beach service and a kiosk, The near parking place is with payment.

From Buggerru to Portixeddu there are the miles long sandy beaches of San Nicola and Portixeddu.

A 5 miles long coast stretch with high sand dunes extends from the Capo Pecora to Piscinas, the main beaches are the one of Scivu and Piscinas. These extended dunes are among the highest ones in Europe. A strong Mistral wind often blows here and forms the imposing dunes every day anew. The dunes became a nature reserve, and were classified by the UNESCO as worth protecting for mankind, because it is home to numerous endangered plants and animals, such as hares, falcons, eagles, crows and foxes, Sardinian deers and sea turtles. The beaches can only be reached by car or motorbike on lanes, that leads through this impressive and unspoilt landscape.

From Piscinas to Torre dei Corsari the coast is more wild with steep rock walls and cliffs. Nevertheless there are smaller beaches at Portu Maga, Marina Gutturu ‘e Flumini, Funtanazza and Porto Palma.

Finally, in the north of Torre dei Corsari, one can admire the extended beaches of Torre dei Corsari and Pistis beach with high sand dunes

Best things to do in Costa Verde

Mining has been active in the Costa Verde area for a long time, however the mines were closed in the 1960 and 1970s. About 9 miles away from Arbus and half-way o the Piscinas Dunes is situated The Villaggio Minerario di Ingurtosu, an abandoned mining settlement. Another mining site worth a vistit is the one of Montevecchio, about 4,5 miles north-west of Arbus. Both sights make part of “Parco Geominerario” project and can be visited with guided tours.

Near Fluminimaggiore we recommend to visit the cave Grotto Su Mannau and the Roman-Punic temple Tempio di Antas from the 2nd century BC.