South-west Sardinia: Costa del Sud, mines and the Piscinas dunes
Roman Nora and the beaches of the Costa del Sud, the island of Sant’Antioco, the cliff mines of Iglesiente and the wild dunes of Piscinas.
- Distance
- 200 km (124 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 45 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- Italy
- Updated
- August 6, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 200 km (124 mi) with 9 stops, from Cagliari to Arbus. About 2 h 45 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Italy · More road trips from Cagliari
Route description
Leave Cagliari south-west on the SS195 along the lagoons and salt pans to Pula. Nearby, Nora was a Phoenician and then Roman town on a headland, with mosaics, baths and a small theatre by the sea. Beyond Chia, the SP71 Costa del Sud is a panoramic road that twists along the cliffs above coves and beaches such as Tuerredda, with parking areas that charge in summer.
The road turns inland around the military zone of Capo Teulada and continues to Sant’Antioco, an island joined to Sardinia by a causeway, so no ferry is needed. The town has Phoenician tombs and Christian catacombs under its basilica. From Calasetta, at its north tip, ferries go to the island of San Pietro, a possible side trip. Then drive north to Iglesias, the old mining capital.
West of Iglesias, the SP83 coast road passes Nebida and Masua, where abandoned mine buildings stand above the sea. At Porto Flavia, tunnels built in 1924 inside the cliff loaded ore straight onto ships; guided visits must be booked, and the gallery opens straight onto the Pan di Zucchero sea stack. The road continues north over the hills to Buggerru, a former mining village with a small harbour.
The Costa Verde north of Buggerru is one of Sardinia’s wildest coasts. Reach Piscinas through the valley of the Ingurtosu mines; the last stretch is an unpaved road that fords a stream, fine for cars in dry weather but not for large motorhomes. Behind the beach, sand dunes rise far inland. End in Arbus, the small inland town above the coast. May, June and September are the best months.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Cagliari
Italy - 235 km
Nora archaeological site
HistoryPula, ItalyA Phoenician and Roman town on a low headland, with a small theatre, baths and floor mosaics next to the sea and a beach on each side. Guided visits run through the day; there is a car park at the entrance.
- 325 km
Tuerredda beach
NatureTeulada, ItalyA curved beach of white sand and shallow turquoise water facing a small island on the Costa del Sud. The car parks above it charge in summer and fill by mid-morning in August.
- 446 km
Sant’Antioco
Italy - 535 km
Iglesias
Italy - 614 km
Porto Flavia
OdditiesIglesias, ItalyA 1920s mining port built inside the cliff, where tunnels loaded ore straight onto ships, opening onto the sea stack of Pan di Zucchero. Visits are guided only and must be booked; the approach road from Masua is narrow.
- 79 km
Buggerru
Italy - 820 km
Piscinas dunes
NatureArbus, ItalyHigh sand dunes behind a long, empty beach on the Costa Verde, reached by a road through the ruins of the Ingurtosu mines. The last kilometres are unpaved and not suited to large motorhomes.
- 916 km
Arbus
Italy
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Cagliari → Tuerredda beach · 60 km · 0 h 50 minOn the way: Nora archaeological site.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Torre Chia (6 km); Camping Cala D'Ostia (15 km).
- Day 2: Tuerredda beach → Sant’Antioco · 46 km · 0 h 38 minOvernight nearby, for example: Tonnara Camping (9 km); Camping Le Saline (8 km).
- Day 3: Sant’Antioco → Porto Flavia · 48 km · 0 h 40 minOn the way: Iglesias.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Ortus de Mari (12 km); Sosta Camper Buggerru (7 km).
- Day 4: Porto Flavia → Arbus · 45 km · 0 h 37 minOn the way: Buggerru, Piscinas dunes.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Sciopadroxiu (11 km); Camping Ortus de Mari (18 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and December. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is South-west Sardinia: Costa del Sud, mines and the Piscinas dunes?
4-day road trip of about 200 km (124 mi) with 9 stops, from Cagliari to Arbus. About 2 h 45 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for South-west Sardinia: Costa del Sud, mines and the Piscinas dunes?
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 45 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does South-west Sardinia: Costa del Sud, mines and the Piscinas dunes start and end?
It starts in Cagliari and ends in Arbus.
Which countries does South-west Sardinia: Costa del Sud, mines and the Piscinas dunes pass through?
Italy.
Where can you camp along South-west Sardinia: Costa del Sud, mines and the Piscinas dunes?
OpenStreetMap lists 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camper Cagliari Park, Camping Flumendosa and Camping Cala D'Ostia.
When is the best time for South-west Sardinia: Costa del Sud, mines and the Piscinas dunes?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
