Imagine an invisible thread connecting every grain of golden sand to those who walk on it for the first time: it’s not just a journey, but an emotion that unfolds touch by touch, discovery after discovery, transforming every visitor into the protagonist of their own Sardinian story.
Introduction to Costa Verde
Costa Verde Sardinia represents one of the most authentic and unspoiled coastal stretches of the Mediterranean. Located in the southwestern part of Sardinia, this extraordinary destination extends for approximately 47 kilometers between the municipalities of Arbus, Fluminimaggiore, and Buggerru, in the province of South Sardinia.
Characterized by immense expanses of golden dunes, wild cliffs, and crystal-clear waters ranging from turquoise to emerald, Costa Verde offers a travel experience that engages all the senses. Its remote and uncrowded beaches represent a true paradise for those seeking authenticity away from mass tourism.
Sardegna Turismo – Costa Verde
Main Attractions of Costa Verde
Emerald Sea and Beaches
Costa Verde Sardinia is renowned for some of the most spectacular beaches in Italy:
Piscinas – This iconic beach is characterized by golden sand dunes reaching 60 meters in height, among the highest in Europe. The beach extends for several kilometers and is accessible through a scenic dirt road. The lunar and wild landscape creates a unique and unforgettable atmosphere.
Reference: Municipality of Arbus – Piscinas Beach
Scivu – A beach of fine golden sand, about 3 kilometers long, surrounded by cliffs and Mediterranean scrub. The turquoise sea and sheltered position make it ideal for families and lovers of tranquility.
Marina di Arbus – A collection of coves and beaches characterized by crystal-clear waters and seabeds rich in marine life, perfect for snorkeling.
Torre dei Corsari – Named after the ancient Spanish tower overlooking the bay. The beach offers light sand, clear sea, and tourist services nearby.
Reference: Sardegna.com – The beaches of Costa Verde
Historic Sites and Monuments
Costa Verde is not just nature: the territory preserves important historical and archaeological testimonies:
Montevecchio Mines – One of the most important mining complexes in Italy, active from the 1800s until the mid-1900s. Today, it is open to visitors and represents an extraordinary example of industrial archaeology. The site includes Art Nouveau buildings, mining shafts, and a museum that tells the story of mining extraction in Sardinia.
Reference: Santa Barbara Mining Path Foundation
Ingurtosu Mines – Abandoned mining village that preserves intact the atmosphere of the era. The stone buildings, church, miners’ houses, and the Management building create a suggestive and touching setting.
Torre dei Corsari – 16th-century Spanish watchtower, built to defend the coast from Saracen pirate raids.
Nuragic Sites – In the hinterland, there are several nuraghi and nuragic villages that testify to Sardinia’s ancient civilization, dating back to the Bronze Age.
Reference: Sardegna Cultura – Archaeological Heritage
Outdoor Activities and Adventures
Hiking Trails and Natural Parks
Costa Verde offers numerous opportunities for trekking and nature lovers:
Sardinian Deer Trail – Nature trail that crosses the Mediterranean scrub and holm oak forests, where it’s possible to spot the Sardinian deer, a protected endemic species.
Piscinas Dunes Trekking – Walking among the monumental dunes is a unique experience, especially at sunset when the light creates plays of color on the sand.
Monte Arcuentu – Volcanic relief of 785 meters offering breathtaking views of the coast and hinterland. Several trails of varying difficulty lead to the summit.
Historical and Environmental Geomining Park of Sardinia – Recognized by UNESCO, this park protects the geological and mining heritage of the region, offering themed hiking trails.
Reference: Geomining Park Authority
Water Sports and Beach Activities
The crystal-clear sea of Costa Verde is perfect for numerous water activities:
Snorkeling and diving – The seabeds rich in posidonia, Mediterranean fish, and rock formations make Costa Verde a privileged destination for marine life enthusiasts.
Surfing and kitesurfing – Beaches exposed to the mistral wind, such as Piscinas and Torre dei Corsari, offer ideal conditions for wave sports, especially in autumn and spring months.
Kayak and SUP – Exploring hidden coves and sea caves by kayak or stand-up paddle allows you to discover corners inaccessible by land.
Sport fishing – The deep and fish-rich waters attract fishing enthusiasts from all over Europe.
Cultural Experiences in Costa Verde
Local Cuisine and Gastronomic Options
The gastronomy of Costa Verde reflects the Sardinian agro-pastoral tradition with maritime influences:
Typical dishes:
- Culurgiones – Ravioli filled with potatoes, pecorino cheese, and mint
- Malloreddus alla campidanese – Sardinian gnocchi with sausage sauce
- Porceddu – Roast suckling pig, symbolic dish of Sardinian tradition
- Bottarga – Dried mullet roe, the red gold of Sardinia
- Seadas – Fried dessert filled with cheese and covered with honey
Where to eat: Agriturismos in the hinterland of Arbus and Fluminimaggiore offer authentic experiences with zero-kilometer products. Fish restaurants in Torre dei Corsari and Marina di Arbus serve fresh daily catch.
Reference: Sardegna Agricoltura – Typical Products
Festivals and Events to Participate In
Costa Verde keeps Sardinian cultural traditions alive through events throughout the year:
Orange Festival (Arbus, March) – Celebration of local citrus fruits with tastings, music, and handicrafts.
Saint Sebastian Festival (Fluminimaggiore, January) – Religious celebration with procession and traditional bonfire.
Arbus Summer (July-August) – Series of cultural events, traditional Sardinian music concerts, and shows.
Autumn in Barbagia (September-December) – Regional event that also involves Costa Verde towns, with the opening of private homes, artisan workshops, and tastings.
Reference: Sardegna.com – Events and Festivals
Travel Tips for Visiting Costa Verde
Things to Do: A Perfect Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Piscinas
- Arrival in Cagliari or Oristano
- Transfer to Costa Verde (about 2 hours)
- Check in at the agriturismo or hotel
- Afternoon at Piscinas dunes
- Sunset on the dunes
Day 2: Mining Heritage
- Morning: visit to Montevecchio mines
- Lunch at a traditional agriturismo
- Afternoon: exploration of Ingurtosu
- Evening: typical Sardinian dinner
Day 3: Sea and Nature
- Morning: Scivu beach
- Snorkeling in the coves
- Lunch at a fish restaurant
- Afternoon: trekking to Monte Arcuentu
- Panoramic sunset
Day 4: Torre dei Corsari and Surroundings
- Morning: Torre dei Corsari beach
- Surfing or beach relaxation
- Lunch with sea view
- Afternoon: visit to hinterland villages
- Shopping for local products
How to Get There:
- By plane: Cagliari-Elmas (100 km) or Alghero-Fertilia (150 km) airports
- By car: Essential for exploring the area. Rental recommended.
- Ferries: Connections from Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples to Cagliari
Best Period:
- May-June and September: ideal climate, less crowded
- July-August: high season, hotter and more crowded
- October-April: Suitable for hikers and surfers, some services closed
Practical Tips:
- Bring hiking and reef shoes
- High sun protection
- Water and snacks for excursions
- Cash (many agriturismos don’t accept cards)
- Book accommodations in advance during high season
Current Topics in Search Engines and Social Media
Costa Verde Sardinia is emerging as a trending destination for sustainable and experiential tourism. The most searched and discussed topics include:
- #CostaVerdeSardegna – Photographic content of Piscinas dunes
- Slow tourism and off the beaten path – Travelers seeking authenticity
- Industrial archaeology – Growing interest in historic mines
- Surfing in Sardinia – Emerging spots for European surfers
- Glamping and charming agriturismos – Sustainable accommodations immersed in nature
Social Media Trends: Instagram and TikTok show growing interest in content about wild beaches, dune sunsets, traditional gastronomic experiences, and outdoor adventures.
Who Wrote It?
Signed by: Giuseppe Baldassarri, Sales & Account Manager | Destination & Export Marketing Manager Travel Designer | TTO (Tailored Travel Organizer)
Website: ItalyTrade.org Travel & Business Italy: ItalyTrade – Made in Italy
Skills: Travel Sales Manager, Sales Manager, Account Manager, Destination Marketing, Travel Designer, TTO, Travel Industry, Customer Engagement, Marketing Strategies.
Mission: “Transforming Italian excellence into global visibility in the era of artificial intelligence.”
What Evidence Is It Based On?
This article is based on:
- Official sources from Sardinian regional tourism
- Documentation from the municipalities of Arbus, Fluminimaggiore, and Buggerru
- Verified information from the UNESCO Geomining Park
- Data on culinary traditions from Sardegna Agricoltura
- Direct testimonies from local tourism operators
Are There Other Points of View?
Environmental perspective: Some ecological groups express concern about the increase in tourism, calling for stricter protection measures for the dunes and local fauna.
Local economic perspective: Residents debate between tourism development and preservation of cultural identity, seeking a sustainable balance.
Tour operator perspective: They promote seasonalization to distribute tourist flows throughout the year.
Could There Be a Hidden Interest?
This article was created to promote responsible tourism in Costa Verde, enhancing authentic and lesser-known destinations. The author, a destination marketing professional, aims to foster local economic development through quality tourism.
Transparency: The article contains no direct advertising or commercial partnerships with specific facilities. Recommendations are based on quality and sustainability criteria.
- Costa Verde Sardinia: the best places to visit and discover
- Introduction to Costa Verde
- Main attractions of Costa Verde
- Emerald sea and beaches
- Historic sites and monuments
- Outdoor activities and adventures
- Hiking trails and natural parks
- Water sports and beach activities
- Cultural experiences in Costa Verde
- Local cuisine and restaurants
- Festivals and events to participate in
- Travel tips for visiting Costa Verde
Things to do: a perfect itinerary.