Nora

If you have chosen a car or scooter rental in Cagliari for your holiday, one of the must-see stops less than an hour from the city is undoubtedly Nora. Located in the municipality of Pula, this location represents the perfect mix of Phoenician-Punic archaeology and breathtaking maritime landscapes.

How to get to Nora from Cagliari by Car or Scooter

The journey from Cagliari to Nora is extremely pleasant and straightforward. Taking the State Road 195 "Sulcitana" heading southwest, you can enjoy the view of the Santa Gilla Lagoon, often populated by pink flamingos.

• Distance: about 35 km.
• Travel time: 40-50 minutes (ideal for a scooter trip).
• Tip: Along the road, you will find several lay-bys to take panoramic photos of the South Sardinia coast.

What to Visit in Nora: A Dive into History

Nora is considered the first city of Sardinia. By conveniently parking your rental vehicle in the dedicated area, you can access the Nora Archaeological Area, an open-air museum overlooking the sea.

Highlights of the Archaeological Park:

• The Roman Theatre: the only Roman theatre still intact on the island, which still hosts prestigious summer festivals.
• The Mosaics: perfectly preserved floorings that decorated ancient patrician villas.
• The Temple of Eshmun: fascinating remains testifying to the cultural layering between Phoenicians and Romans.
• Coltellazzo Tower: a Spanish tower dominating the promontory, offering a 360-degree view of the bay.

Landscape and Nature: The Lagoon and the Promontory

Beyond history, Nora charms with its natural context. The Church of Sant'Efisio, located right on the beach, is the beating heart of Sardinian religious traditions. Don't forget to visit the Nora Lagoon, where you can go canoeing or visit the cetacean and sea turtle recovery center, a perfect activity if you are traveling with family.

Pula and Surroundings: Shopping and Relax

After visiting the excavations, jump back on your scooter or rental car to reach the center of Pula in just 5 minutes. This village is famous for its lively squares, local craft boutiques, and restaurants where you can taste typical Sardinian cuisine.

Team Note: If you love wild beaches and white sand dunes, continue your itinerary south: the Chia area is only 20 minutes from here (discover our dedicated guide to the beaches of Chia on the next page).

Explore South Sardinia in Total Freedom

Don't be tied down by public transport schedules. Thanks to our car and motorcycle rental service in Cagliari, you can reach Nora and the wonders of Pula with complete autonomy. Book your vehicle today and start your adventure!