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Porto Pino and the South of Sardinia

Between the sea, nature, archaeology and traditions

Located in Porto Pino, in the municipality of Sant’Anna Arresi, the Hotel Cala Dei Pini It enjoys a strategic position in the southwest of Sardinia. A perfect base to enjoy the crystal-clear sea and, at the same time, explore the wonders of Sulcis and the surrounding coast.

A territory with a thousand faces: fine sandy beaches, iconic dunes, pine forests, reserved lagoons and coves alternate with a hinterland rich in charm, featuring archaeological sites, millennia-old caves and the fascinating heritage of mining archaeology.

Whether it’s relaxing by the sea, boat trips, excursions to the nearby islands of Sant’Antioco and San Pietro, or cultural visits to Nora and Monte Sirai, Every day offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Hotel Cala dei Pini, Santanna, Arresi, Sardinia, territory of Porto Pino

Porto Pino and Sant’Anna Arresi

Nature and authenticity of Sardinia

The coastline of Porto Pino extends for over 5 km, From First Beach to Second Beach, to the famous dunes of Is Arenas Biancas.

Along the coast they are successively wonderful coves, Like Porto Pinetto, Spiaggia dei Francesi, Candiani and Su Portu de Su Trigu

The Islands of Sulcis

Sant'Antioco, San Pietro (Carloforte) and Calasetta

A day exploring the Sulcis Islands offers a perfect combination of millennia-old archaeology, charming seaside villages, and a gastronomic culture unique in the world.

The Island of Sant'Antioco (about 30 minutes by car from the Hotel)

Connected to the mainland by a convenient bridge, Sant'Antioco is a perfect synthesis of sea and history. Its historic center encompasses millennia of civilization: from the Stone Age to the Renaissance. Basilica with the Catacombs of Saint Anthony the Martyr al Tofet and Necropolis of Sulky, Until Hypogeo Village and at Archaeological Museum. Along the coast there are alternating coves and crystal-clear beaches such as Maladroxia, Coaquaddus and Cala Sapone.

Calasetta and the Island of San Pietro with Carloforte (about 45 minutes until boarding)

Continuing north on the island of Sant’Antioco you will encounter Calasetta, a picturesque village with typical white houses overlooking the sea. From here you board the ferry to reach Carloforte, the only inhabited center of the’Isle of San Pietro. Carloforte will welcome you with its identity tabarchina (a fascinating fusion of Genoese and North African traditions), its picturesque alleys, the imposing cliffs that tower over the sea, and a cuisine renowned worldwide for its dishes made with red tuna.

What to do during the excursion:

  • History & Culture: Visit the Basilica, the Catacombs, the Phoenician-Punic Tofet and the Hypogean Village in Sant’Antioco.

  • Walks in the Villages: Stroll along the seafront in Sant’Antioco and lose yourself in the colorful alleys of Calasetta and Carloforte.

  • Sea & Excursions: Take a dip in the most picturesque coves or book a boat trip to admire the cliffs and marine caves of San Pietro Island.

  • Taste & Tradition: Enjoy the specialties of Tabarchina cuisine in Carloforte (such as tuna and cascà) paired with the great wines of the area.

Hotel Cala dei Pini Santanna Arresi Sardinia territory of Carloforte
Hotel Cala dei Pini, Santanna, Arresi, Sardinia, territory chia 100

The South Coast: From Teulada to Chia

The most scenic and breathtaking coastline in all of Sardinia

 Teulada and Capo Teulada (about 15 minutes by car from the Hotel)

Just 20 km from the hotel lies the territory of Teulada, a genuine gateway to the wonders of the south. This stretch of coastline offers fairytale-like scenery such as the famous beach of Tuerredda, Chief Malfatano, Capo Spartivento, Porto Tramatzu and the evocative Cala S’Ortixeddu. It is the ideal coastline for those who love the crystal-clear sea, boat excursions, snorkeling, or simply for strolling along the scenic coastline between the sea and the Mediterranean vegetation.

Chia (about 45 minutes by car from the Hotel)

Continuing eastwards, you come across the renowned resort of Chia, famous for its stretches of golden sand surrounded by dunes and wetlands frequented by the local fauna. Dominated by the iconic Torre di Chia, This coast includes seaside pearls such as About the Jew, Cala Cipolla, Porto Campana, Cala del Morto, Monte Cogoni e In Colonia.

What to do along the South Coast:

  • Diving in postcard-like waters: Relax on the iconic beaches of Sardinia such as Tuerredda and Su Giudeu.

  • Excursions & Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant underwater life or navigate by boat around Cape Malfatano and Cape Spartivento.

  • Panoramas & Photography: Take the scenic road along the South Coast and snap memorable photos with the Torre di Chia tower and the wild coves in the background.

  • Nature & Relaxation: Stroll through the Mediterranean scrub and golden dunes in a natural environment still untouched by man.

Inside the land and archeology

History and Archaeology of Southern Sardinia

For those who wish to alternate their days at the seaside with the discovery of the culture, millennia-old history, and gastronomic traditions of Sardinia, the territory of Sulcis offers extraordinary itineraries within a short distance of the Hotel Cala Dei Pini.

Santadi, Is Zuddas & Montessu (about 20 minutes by car from the Hotel)

In the heart of the hinterland is located Santadi, Famous for its spectacular Is Zuddas Caves, A masterpiece of nature rich in stalactites, stalagmites and rare eccentric aragonites. Within a short distance, in the territory of Villaperuccio, the Necropolis of Montessu represents one of the complexes of Domus de Janas (rock-cut tombs) more impressive and fascinating than those of Sardinia. Santadi is also the temple of local gastronomy: an oasis famous for the cheeses of its dairy farm, the great wines of its winery, and the typical lunches in an agriturismo.

The Archaeological Park of Monte Sirai (about 30 minutes by car from the Hotel)

Built on a panoramic hill that overlooks the entire Sulcis region, the Phoenician-Punic settlement of Monte Sirai (founded in the 8th century BC) houses the remains of an ancient fortified city with residential quarters, squares, necropolises and the characteristic Tofet.

Nora and Pula (about 1 hour by car from the Hotel)

Situated directly on the sea near Pula, the ancient city of Nora It offers a fascinating journey through Phoenician, Punic and Roman ruins. Walking among its submerged docks, cobbled streets and the picturesque Roman theater located by the water makes the visit a truly unique landscape and cultural experience.

What to do between History, Nature and Taste:

  • Underground Exploration and Prehistory: Discover the rooms of the Grottoes of Is Zuddas and the more than 40 prehistoric tombs of the Montessu Necropolis.

  • Archaeology on the Sea and in the Channel: Visit the Punic-Roman ruins of Nora overlooking the sea and the archaeological park of Monte Sirai with panoramic views of the surrounding area.

  • Tradition and Gastronomy: Book tasting tours at the Santadi Winery and Dairy or enjoy authentic Sardinian cuisine in a local agriturismo.

Hotel Cala dei Pini Santanna Arresi Sardinia territory 29
Hotel Cala dei Pini Santanna Arresi Sardinia territory 18

The mining epic of Iglesiente

From Carbonia to Porto Flavia

A fascinating journey through the industrial archaeology of Sulcis-Iglesiente, where human ingenuity meets the wild nature overlooking the sea.

Carbonia and the Great Mine of Serbariu (about 25 minutes by car from the Hotel)

Born in the 1930s around the extraction of coal, Carbonia retains its memory in its architecture. Museum of Coal within the Great Mine of Serbariu. The guided tour through the underground galleries and the period rooms offers an authentic immersion into the life of the miners.

Iglesias and its Historical Center (about 45 minutes by car from the Hotel)

A medieval city and historical mining capital, Iglesias welcomes visitors with lively squares, characteristic alleys, and ancient churches. It is the ideal starting point for exploring the coast of Iglesias and historical sites such as Henry Gallery in Buggerru.

 The coast of Nebida, Masua and Porto Flavia (about 1 hour by car from the Hotel)

A coastal stretch among the most spectacular in the Mediterranean, where the remains of extractive activity splash on the turquoise sea:

  • Unwanted: Famous for its scenic walk and impressive Laveria Lamarmora, Situated on the cliff.

  • Masua and Porto Flavia: A unique engineering feat in the world: a gallery carved into the rock that overlooks the sea in front of it. Pan di Zucchero, the highest limestone rock in the Mediterranean.

What to do along the Mining Coast:

  • Unique Underground Tours: Descend into the galleries of Porto Flavia overlooking the sea and follow in the footsteps of the miners at Serbariu.

  • Panoramas & Photography: Take a walk to the Nebida viewpoint to capture the Laveria Lamarmora and Pan di Zucchero at sunset.

  • Boat Tours: Navigate beneath the cliffs of Masua to admire the natural monuments and the caves from the sea up close.