If you have chosen a car, motorcycle, or scooter rental in Cagliari, the itinerary to Sulcis is one of the most complete: white beaches reminiscent of the Caribbean, seaside villages with Ligurian charm, and a thousand-year history. A tour that combines the wonder of Porto Pino with the authenticity of Sant'Antioco island.
How to get to Sulcis from Cagliari
The journey southwest is fast and scenic. You will cross the wetlands of the Santa Gilla Lagoon, where you can admire pink flamingos, before entering the rural landscapes of lower Sulcis.
- Distance to Porto Pino: about 75 km.
- Time: approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Roads: SS 130 ➤ SS 293 (towards Giba) ➤ SP 73.
Porto Pino: White Dunes and Crystal Clear Waters
Once you have parked your rental vehicle, prepare for a unique scenario. Porto Pino is famous for its Sand Dunes (Is Arenas Biancas), hills of very fine sand reaching 30 meters in height, surrounded by a rare Aleppo Pine forest.
- The Beaches: The First and Second beaches are ideal for relaxation, with shallow waters perfect for children.
- Advice: The dunes are only accessible during certain times of the year (military zone); always check availability before leaving!
Sant'Antioco and Calasetta: An Island within an Island
Get back on your scooter or car and in just 25 minutes you will reach Sant'Antioco, connected to the mainland by a convenient road bridge.
Do not miss:
- Sant'Antioco Town: Visit the Phoenician-Punic Tophet and the Basilica with its early Christian catacombs.
- Calasetta: Located on the northern tip, it is called "The White" for its candid houses. The historic center and the port have a magical atmosphere, recalling the Tabarchine (Ligurian) origins of its population.
- The Cliffs: Reach Nido dei Passeri or Arco dei Baci with your vehicle to admire cliffs overlooking the sea and unforgettable sunsets.
Suggested Stop: The Village of Tratalias Vecchia
On the way back to Cagliari, we recommend a stop in Tratalias. The ancient village, spared from floods of the past, houses the splendid Cathedral of Santa Maria di Monserrato, a jewel of Sardinian Romanesque architecture immersed in an atmosphere of absolute peace.
Team Note: This itinerary is extremely pleasant by car, motorcycle, or scooter of at least 250 cc or higher (not suitable for 50 cc or 125 cc scooters) thanks to wide, well-paved, and very scenic roads crossing the Porto Botte salt pans.
Discover Sulcis in total freedom
Thanks to our car, motorcycle, and scooter rental service in Cagliari, you can combine Porto Pino and Sant'Antioco in a single day, which is impossible with public transport. Organize your stop for a tuna-based lunch in Calasetta and enjoy the freedom of the road!
🌿 Protect the Dunes Together
The dunes of Porto Pino are a protected and extremely fragile ecosystem: it is strictly forbidden to walk on them, slide on them, or remove sand. Respect the boundaries and the marked paths. Remember to shake your beach towels well before getting back into your rental vehicle to leave every grain of sand in its natural habitat. The nature of Sulcis thanks you!
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