Once a quiet fishing village surrounded by pine trees, Villasimius is now a popular resort town on the edge of Sardinia’s Capo Carbonara. It’s renowned for its stunning beaches and idyllic waters and is near the Sardinian capital and the ancient ruins of Nora.
Things to do in Villasimius
Explore the hidden beaches and granite promontories of Capo Carbonara, a marine protected landscape hugging Sardinia’s south-east coast. Admire the whitewashed lighthouse of Faro di Capo Carbonara and snorkel or scuba dive to discover the seagrass meadows and local marine life.
Relax on the powdery white sands of stunning Spiaggia di Porto Giunco, where the crystal-clear waters are watched over by a 16th-century tower. Rent a sun lounger or stroll to the nearby pond of Notteri that’s inhabited by pink flamingos, shearwaters and gulls.
Make a day trip to the buzzing capital of Sardinia, Cagliari, to admire the Pisan-Romanesque facade of the Cagliari Cathedral. Take in the city views from the medieval Castello quarter and visit the fascinating Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari, where Roman ceramics, Byzantine jewels and the famous Nora Stone are displayed.
Continue along the coast to the Nora Archaeological Site, which encompasses the ruins of a pre-Roman town founded by Phoenicians in the 8th century BC. Wander through the open-air museum’s cobblestone streets to see the crumbling amphitheatre, a mosaic-filled nobleman’s house and the remains of thermal baths.
Getting around Villasimius
Villasimius is around one hour’s drive from Cagliari Elmas Airport and connected by regular trains to the centre of Cagliari. The town of Villasimius is small enough to explore on foot, but having your own vehicle is best for accessing the surrounding sights.