DISCOVERING COSTA REI
When speaking about Costa Rei we think of the nice scent of sea daffodils and the salty smell of the sea or the long beaches of fine sand interspersed with palms and Mediterranean vegetation, that offer an authentic and unforgettable scenery made of wild views. In the past this area was swampy and waterlogged but thanks to the work of the detainees of the prison in Castiadas the swamp was drained and became what it is now. The coast had been named “Costa dei Rei” (the coast of the criminals) because of the presence of the prisoners, the name changed over the years into “Costa Rei”.
If you imagine to travel around this beautiful area, you will first meet Santa Giusta beach, that is well-known for the Scoglio di Peppino, a giant rock that surfaces from the sea, and then Monte Turnu and its beach, where the sand is amber-colored. Going ahead to Cala Pira you can admire the eighteenth-century lookout tower that is located only few steps from the beach, and last but not least, the beautiful city of Villasimius and the fascinating views in the nature reserve of Capo Carbonara.
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CAPO FERRATO
A scenic promontory , where silence and sea rule
Even though the area of Capo Ferrato isn’t very famous and consequently less visited, it is one of the most beautiful places in the south of Sardinia and the ideal destination for anyone who loves hiking and discovering fascinating and breath-taking views that overlook the wild little bays of the area. Walking along marked trails you can reach the famous lighthouse in Capo Ferrato, that was built in 1925 and it is today surrounded by nature, evergreen plants, big cacti and cliffs. You can admire here a wonderful view that goes from the beach of Ferraxi in the north to Serpentera Island in the south.
3km | 5 minutes by car
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COLOSTRAI POND
One of the most fascinating bird nature reserve ever
The Colostrai pond, connected to the nearby Ferraxi pond, rises in San Priamo valley, behind the most isolated side of the homonymous beach, where the sand is silver and the surrounding nature can boast bright colors. In this beautiful nature reserve, that is located close to some attractions such as the San Priamo Sanctuary, live some species of herons, hawks, ducks, river kingfishers and the majestic pink flamingos. During some periods of the year the luckiest ones can even witness how white storks fly away and take some picture of this magical moment in one of the several viewpoints of the area.
25km | 23 minutes by car
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THE COAST OF VILLASIMIUS
40-kilometer long coast: untamed sea and paradise beaches
The coast of Villasimius is one of the most fascinating and famous of Sardinia. It extends for 40 kilometers inside Capo Carbonara marine park and owes its name to the small village Villasimius, once called Carobaxa because of the coal mines. In the last 20 years it became one of the most important tourist destinations in Sardinia thanks to the beautiful landscape and amazing beaches. The coast can boast many little bays and lovely little beaches with crystal-clear water and a seabed with a gentle slope, like those of the renowned “Piscine di Villasimius”.
26km | 27 minutes by car
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PORTO GIUNCO
A small piece of land with shades of pink, that looks like a paint
Porto Giunco was ranked one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Italy. It is located at the foot of a rocky promontory and made of tiny pink granite debris, whose result is a pink beach. The beach divides the pond of Notteri from the crystal-clear water of the sea. It is dominated by a Spanish lookout tower that can be reached on foot through a trail that goes uphill. From the top of the hill it is possible to admire, when the sun goes down, a breath-taking view of the colors of the sea that contrast with those of the lagoon.
29km | 30 minutes by car
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SERPENTARA
A legendary island in the heart of Capo Carbonara marine park
The shape of the island Serpentara reminds of that of a long winding snake. According to some legends the island was the hiding place of pirates, evildoers and wanted criminals. The coast was difficult to reach because of the rocks and the wild flourishing vegetation was a perfect refuge. The island is uninhabited today, the only remaining building is a Spanish lookout tower called “Torre di San Lorenzo”, which is surrounded by stones and old shrubs and was designed with the aim to monitor the ships of the enemy. Today Serpentara houses wild rabbits, rare species of birds and dolphins.
22km | 20 minutes by car + 20 minutes by boat from Monte Turnu
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ISOLA DEI CAVOLI
A small fascinating island overlooked by an imposing tower
Despite being 43- hectare wide, the Isola dei Cavoli is considered a little gem for its biodiversity. The backcountry is the nesting place for peregrine falcons, cormorants, Scopoli’s shearwaters and seagulls, whereas the crystal-clear seawater houses schools of dolphins and barracudas. The fishers might appreciate the seabed of this area where they can find lobsters, fish and shellfish. The island is also known for its lighthouse that was built in the Nineteenth century on the highest hill with pieces of colorful stones and for the traditional procession in the sea in honor of the Virgin Mary, worshipped by the sailors, whose statue is laid down on the seabed.
30km | 32 minutes by car + 35 minutes by boat from Monte Turnu
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