Towers with a view of the open sea

faraglioni e torre di Columbargia, Porto Alabe - Tresnuraghes

Towers with a view of the open sea

With its silvery cliffs, green promontories and a crystal-clear sea, the western coast of Sardinia is a series of breathtaking landscapes, dominated by dozens of seventeenth-century fortifications, waiting to be discovered one by one

where the artist is Nature itself

At the foot of provincial road SP 49, one of the most beautiful scenic roads in Sardinia, your journey will begin along stretches of wild coastline, picturesque villages by the sea, natural oases and rural churches surrounded by countryside. Linking the various legs of the journey as far as the Sinis peninsula are ancient watchtowers built during the Spanish domination, once a bastion against pirate attacks and today spectacular, romantic observation points looking to the west, especially at sunset when the sky is filled with warm colours.

Itinerary: 92,5 km

Journey time: 19h30 spread over five days

Bosa Marina

The paths wind in between fragrant bushes, with the solitary Torre Argentina on the right, serving as a reference point, while spectacular coves alternate with each other in front of the cobalt blue sea, like Cala sa Codulera and Compoltitu, white cliffs and flat rocks. Then you can wander between the colourful little houses in Bosa, admire the beach and the tower of Bosa Marina, walk along the golden carpet of sand in Porto Alabe and marvel at the Costa dei Grifoni (Coast of the Griffons) from the promontory of Torre Columbargia.

Bosa Marina

Not only one of art, culture and an agricultural, artisan and trading tradition, this is also the only authentic medieval town in Sardinia, with...

Punta Foghe

Proceeding almost parallel to the coast, you’ll come across rocky outcrops, then the sea stacks and the small, half-hidden beaches of Corona Niedda. You can stop to admire an enchanting view from the tower of Ischia Ruggia, before turning inland to contemplate the peace and tranquillity around the rural church of San Marco. Lastly, once again near the coast, at Punta Foghe, a strip of land between sea and river, with a reddish basalt and vulcanite tower up above.

Punta Foghe

When nature expresses its power to sculpt the landscape, it generates scenarios like the spectacular cliff of Tresnuraghes, in central-western...

Santa Caterina di Pittinuri

Diving into the sea of rio Salighes, in the Cabu Nieddu waterfall, is something unique on the island and very rare elsewhere. To the right stands the Spanish tower of the same name, while to the south the path passes between the high cliff covered in Mediterranean greenery and vast expanses of cultivated fields. Next you reach Santa Caterina di Pittinuri, also guarded by its tower, where you can admire the small medieval church and a fascinating natural monument, the limestone arch of s’Archittu.

Santa Caterina di Pittinuri

A picturesque seaside village surrounded by relaxing beaches overlooking the coast of Montiferru, in the central-western part of Sardinia

Putzu Idu

Six kilometres of sand dunes and a crystal-clear sea, with a pine forest next to it. You’ll encounter this scenario at Is Arenas, which will accompany you towards the promontory of Capo Mannu. It is a microcosm of landscapes and biodiversity, where you will find ponds, salt pans, woods and golden beaches, dominated by the ever-present watchtowers: Scala ‘e Sali, Capo Mannu, Turr’e sa Mora. At their feet, ochre-coloured sand and grains of quartz, like in s’Arena Scoada.

Putzu Idu

At the base of the great promontory that closes the Gulf of Oristano and the Sinis Protected Area on the central-western coast of Sardinia, between...

San Giovanni di Sinis

Su Tingiosu is characterised by spectacular cliffs more than twenty metres high. You can admire them as you head towards the southern part of the Sinis peninsula. Once again, quartz crystals are the protagonists on the beaches of Mari Ermi, Maimoni and especially Is Arutas. The tower of Seu once protected this stretch of coast and is now located inside a natural oasis. You’ll pass through the village of San Giovanni, keeping an eye on the ancient church, then alongside the Phoenician-Punic city of Tharros as far as the tower of San Marco.