Top 5 outdoor experiences to do in Sant’Antioco

In Roman times known as Isola Plumbaria, Italy’s fourth largest island is still a treasure to be discovered.

Administratively, it is divided into two municipalities, Sant’Antioco, which gives the island its name, and Calasetta, which we will tell you about in the future.

But now we will let you discover what we think are the five things not to be missed on this beautiful little island.

1. Discovering the thermal waters at Maladroxia Beach

If we take into account the beaches of Calasetta, there are about 18 beaches on the island of Sant’Antioco, some lagoon-like, others rocky, and still others sandy. But we have no doubt which is the best known: the beautiful beach of Maladroxia, which overlooks a bay protected from the prevailing winds. Considering the windiness of the area, it was already a safe harbour in the event of storms in olden times. The name is said to derive from the Phoenician term Malat Rosh, meaning shelter of the chief.

Another feature for which this area was known is certainly the thermal waters that today flow near the shoreline. It will happen to you if you stop at this beach, to see people digging in the sand, looking for the hottest spot or the bubbles coming out of the seabed (it could even be us on one of our kayak trips). In fact, it is enough to dig a few centimetres for thermal water to come out of the hills in the interior of the island. Also not to be missed is the beautiful nuraghe of s’Ega ‘e Marteddu, which dominates the hill above the beach and the seaside village of Maladroxia.

2. Exploring the Salt Marshes Area

Once arriving in Sant’Antioco, from the 126 state road, the attention is drawn to the town reflected in the lagoon, creating a picture postcard landscape. Few, however, turn their attention to the opposite side! Before crossing the bridge to the island, there is in fact a fantasy world of pinkish-coloured ponds, salt ponds and salt piles! Here,you can spot many sea birds, from the Black-winged Stilt to the Kingfisher, passing by the rare Purple Swamphen and the notoriously elegant Pink Flamingo. Recommended at sunrise and at sunset!

3. Walking through the hidden archaeological wonders

Sant’Antioco is an ancient land of fascinating and mysterious sites. We would like to recommend two in particular. The first, located in the oldest part of the town, is the Villaggio Ipogeo. Here, there are ancient Punic tombs that were converted into private houses, to hide from pirate raids. Today, only some of the dwellings that until not too long ago were the residence of some of the inhabitants can be visited. The second recommended site is the Grutti ‘e acqua complex, located between the Canai plain and Porto Sciusciau, which includes a Nuraghe, a sacred well and a mysterious Nuragic lake! Not to be missed!

4. Diving into the transparent waters of Turri

The south-western part of the island is certainly the wildest. From the top of the Semaphore, there is a breathtaking view of the islets called Toro, Vacca and Vitello. All around, fragrant Mediterranean scrub opens up to rugged coves overlooking an iridescent blue sea. The pearl of the south coast is undoubtedly the beach of Turri, sometimes covered with white sand, sometimes with pebbles. Here the sea is wonderful. It has a turquoise colour that invites you to dive in and admire the island’s volcanic seabed.

5. Diving off the West coast cliffs

Battered by the prevailing mistral wind, the west coast features imposing basalt cliffs. These spectacular rocky bastions are interrupted only by two sandy coves, the beautiful Cala Lunga, a kind of fjord where the sea occupies the former river valley, and the striking Cala Sapone.

Between these two, we find many rocky coves, much sought after by the locals, where they can sunbathe or take incredible dips in the blue sea. The most popular is Cala della Signora, while the more fearless prefer Cala Tuffi. For snorkelling in an iridescent green sea, we recommend Cala Grotta.

If you happen to have one of these adventures on the island, let us know which was your favourite!