Iglesiente/Sulcis
Dilapidated mine facilities near Ingurtosu
The region has repeatedly been targeted by foreign invaders.
The mineral resources in particular attracted conquerors yet in the antiquity, who mined lead, zinc and silver here.
Later, the deposits of brown coal, iron, magnesium and antimony also became interesting.
During the industrial revolution in Europe, mining experienced its greatest heyday here. When mining was no longer profitable, the mines were closed. Only under Mussolini was there a slight upswing again, when the low-grade brown coal was to become an energy supplier.
Today, many of the mining settlements are abandoned, the old tunnels and pits are at best still of interest to amateur geologists.
The region is almost undeveloped for tourism. The beaches are extremely beautiful, but almost without infrastructure and virtually untouched.
Especially the Costa Verde, the “Sahara” of Sardinia with its high sand dunes, is extremely attractive.
There are two larger islands off the Sulcis – the Isola di Sant’Antioco and the Isola di San Pietro.
The latter is quite scenic, but has almost no bathing beaches.
On the Isola di Sant’Antioco there are numerous historical sights – mainly from the Punic period. There are also some beautiful beaches here.
On the south coast of the Sulcis, there is the magnificent Costa del Sud. Although the area is still poorly developed for tourism, the proximity of the capital Cagliari means that the beaches are very well frequented.
In the Phoenician port town of Nora
Between the Costa del Sud and Cagliari there is the excavation site of the Phoenician port town of Nora.
The settlement was later taken over by the Romans and was larger than Cagliari at that time.
In addition to an amphitheatre, the thermal baths and mosaics of Roman villas are still preserved.
For nature lovers, a visit to the Monte Arcosu reserve is certainly highly interesting.
This reserve, initiated by the WWF, was created primarily to preserve the Sardinian deer. Today, it covers an area of about 4,000 square kilometres, but there are plans to expand it.
Apart from the deer, numerous bird species, amphibians and mammals are characteristic for Sardinian life here. The area is densely forested and provides an insight into the original nature of the island.
Hiking trails have been laid out for visitors. Guided tours are also offered.
August and September are the deer mating season – then the reserve is closed to visitors.