The south-west-coast of Sardinia:

An amazing island to discover beautiful beaches and pristine bays. However would you like to get a bit of a feel for the distinct Sardinian culture and perhaps travel and see a little of Sardinia. If you are looking for a place without mass-tourism and and chill out on an uncontaminated beach, you must visit the South west coast of Sardinia. We are living at Gonnesa - surrounded by many hills and only two steps to an arresting white sandy beach of 3,5 km. Next to an enchanting pine forest and miles and miles of green-blue sea, this village in the middle of nowhere is a real paradise on earth. Very friendly indigenous people. Very interesting for climber, hiker, Biker, geologists, surfer, kite-surfer, ....
The immediate vicinity offers you a wide range of trips, trekkings and guided visits in the most important sites of Parco Geominerario (Geological Mining Park
There are historic towns, ancient sites and of course beautiful beaches and about 1800 km of breathtaking coastlines throughout Sardinia. Famous for its mines.

Between the towns of Villacidro, Domusnovas and Iglesias, there are the state forests of Monti Mannu and Marganai where P.ta S. Michele (910 m) and P.ta Campu Spina (939 m) rise. These rocky ramparts, which stand over the area and offer breathtaking views to visitors.

Here is only a small assortment of places to visit and things to do at the South-west-coast:

Old town Iglesias: was founded in the 13th century linked to the re-opening of Roman mines (precious metals: silver and lead) by the Pisans. It is a homey but not over busy regional city with old churches.


Castello di Acquafredda: near Siliqua: built in the 13th Century by Count Ugolino, a notorious figure of ancient Pisan society

In the Sulcis Iglesiente area is the largest natural Mediterranean forest in Europe. It consists of thousands of square kilometers, which are managed by the "Azienda Forestale della Regione Sarda". There are hundreds of kilometers of paths and unpaved roads. It offers to you several sport activities and picnic areas in a natural environment with springs. A real paradise - especially for mountain biking, hiking and climbing (Masua, Domusnovas....)

The natural beauty of this area arouses extraordinary emotions. Contrasting with this natural beauty are the various mining villages and mines. In the late seventies, the slow disengagement of the mining firms generated the end of the extraction activity and the abandonment of the mines.
These abandoned villages are still attending renovation, and will hopefully be part of a geo mining open-air museum.

The Antas temple: an ancient Punic-Roman ruin, located in a natural paradise in the wonderful Antas Valley. It is also worthwhile visiting the caves of Su Mannau, near Fluminimaggiore. There are thousands of paths which cross this area giving access to cyclists. The most interesting places and the most beautiful woods are all easily accessible.

Moving towards the sea, we reach Buggerru, Nebida and Gonnesa, another mining area with 4 mining sites: the Henry Gallery at Buggerru, Porto Flavia at Masua and the mine and grotto at St. Barbara near Gonnesa/Iglesias and the Mine of St. Giovanni at Domusnovas.

Cagliari: Other places of interest for a trip to Cagliari include the Torre di San Pancrazio, the Chiesa di San Michele, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria and the Archaeological Museum.


Plagemesu (Gonnesa, province of Carbonia-Iglesias):
Take the SS 126 direction to Iglesias. Then continue forward to Plagemesu. You arrive the beach after 3 km. Plagemesu beach overlooks the Gulf of Gonnesa. The long sandy bay is surrounded by reefs that create little natural swimming pools, where children can play peacefully. In windy days it is the ideal place for surfers and kite-surfers.

Northwards along the main road via Fontanamare passes close to the wonderful beaches of Masua, Cala Domestica and Portixeddu, with its dunes covered by the massive reforestation of umbrella-shaped pines. In the Arbus territory are the wonderful beaches of S'Acquadroxiu-Pischeredda, near the beautiful dunes of Scivu, and the area of Ingurtosu and Piscinas. The dunes of Piscinas are the jewels of this part of the island called The Green Coast…
The white sand dunes are fantastic, real hills that imitate a desert landscape.

Rock Climbing at the South west: the most interesting climbing area in the whole of Sardinia is in the mountains and cliffs to the north west of Domusnòvas, Gonnesa and Iglesias which are situated in the south western corner of the Island with about 600 routes. Only at the Domusnovas area you find more than 400 routes and numerous slabs for all levels of difficulty. In autumn and spring you find a perfect clima to go rock climbing.
Gonnesa: Limestone: about 35 routes, da 5c a 7b+
Masua: Limestone: about 146 routes, da 5a to 8a+
Buggerru: Limestone: about 47 routes, da 4c to 7b+
Domusnovas: Limestone about 440 routes, da 4b to 8b