Arzachena, Sardinia: 9 Top Attractions And 5 Best Beaches

Arzachena is one of the most important towns in the Gallura Region of Sardinia and the main town of the Emerald Coast. This small town in northern Sardinia is mostly famous for its beaches and tourist resorts, and has been recently recognized as part of the Sardinia blue zone. But it has much more to offer.

I have been to Arzachena countless times – one of my mom’s best friends is from there, so we’d visit regularly as I was growing up, and fell in love with it, so I continued going as an adult. I was there just a couple of weeks ago, again!

Did you know that the Arzachena area is one of the richest in prehistoric sites on the whole island? And that this territory in the far extremity of Gallura was home to a unique civilization with its own rituals and traditions? And were you aware that a few super-rare birds use this area as a place of nesting?

Continue reading this post for a selection of fantastic beaches in one of the most popular destinations in Sardinia. You will also find information about the rest of the attractions that many never visit.

Let’s find out together how many different activities you can enjoy in Arzachena and its vicinity.

A Brief History Of Arzachena

Remains show that people lived in Arzachena already during pre-nuragic times. This was a village of great importance during the Roman era as well. There are plenty of ruins, both Nuraghe and remains from the unique culture I mentioned earlier, called “Ozieri Culture”.

This civilization thrived before the Nuragic one and consisted of small communities of farmers, who seemed to have a semi-democratic society.

The almost complete absence of defensive walls around the villages and the fact that the archeologists seldom found weapons inside the tombs suggests that these communities weren’t at war with each other and lived rather peacefully – a rarity for Sardinian populations, which have always been famous for their pride and rapidity to fight off any intruder.

Arzachena remained s an essential city during the Giudicati era – it even became the capital at a certain point during the history of Sardinia – but, around the 14th century, it gradually, then drastically, lost all of its inhabitants because of the combined effect of the pirates’ invasions, droughts, and epidemics.

It started to be repopulated during the Savoy era. However, it really flourished in modern times, when a group of entrepreneurs created an exclusive holiday area in a heavenly part of Sardinia.

Let me now show you some of the main attractions in the village, and in the nearby area.

What To See And Do In Arzachena

Take a picture at Roccia del fungo

This mushroom-shaped rock is the symbol of Arzachena. Located on a hill right next to the newest buildings of the village, the place was used as a shelter since Nuragic times, as the remains show. It was, in fact, a broad and safe structure, ideal to cover a small group of people.

There is even a Nuragic village near the rock, to show how important it was back then. It kept its role during the Roman domain. Back then it was used as a road mark for travelers, who would know they had reached Arzachena upon seeing the rock. Now it’s a pretty famous photo spot.

Explore the city center

The center of Arzachena is a real gem. It’s warm, colorful, and makes you want to explore. The typical houses, made with a granite façade and often colored with pastel tones, are all worth a few pictures and contribute to the cozy atmosphere.

You should definitely head towards Piazza Risorgimento and visit the churches in the area, starting from Santa Maria della Neve church, which is located precisely in that square.

Santa Maria della Neve/Santa Maria Maggiore Church

Built in 1776 and enlarged in 1864, this church has the typical aspect of most of Gallura’s religious structures. Although looking very simple from the outside, some details of the inside, such as the wooden altar and the relics, will surely catch your eye.

Right next to this Church you will find the small San Pietro Church and a bit further you will admire Santa Lucia Church, famous for the rainbow staircase leading to it.

Make sure to read my post The Most Beautiful Churches In Sardinia.

Ethnographic – Mineralogic – Paleoanthropological Museum

This museum intended to create an archive for human knowledge in the area and currently hosts a large collection of minerals and fossils. Curators are trying to bring more archaeological remains to the museum, especially after some fruitful excavations performed in the last few years.

The new city administration is pushing to make this museum more tourist-friendly. The place features some rare rocks and crystals, but not many people are interested in minerals!

Check out my post The Best Museums In Sardinia.

Nearby attractions

The area of Arzachena is rich in ruins from pre-Nuragic and Nuragic times and has quite a few well-preserved buildings and complexes

La Prisgiona Nuraghe

La Prisgiona Nuraghe complex is one of the most important in the North of Sardinia. It consists of a Nuraghe and the village around it. It offers, like many Nuraghe locations, a great view of the surrounding territory.

Nuraghe Albucciu

Another famous Nuraghe in the Arzachena area is the Nuraghe Albucciu. It’s a sort of “connection building” between the pre-Nuragic and the Nuragic styles. Its rectangular shape is, in fact, unusual for a Nuraghe but there are some features (such as the tholos dome) that will later evolve in the Sardinian towers’ classic structure.

Check out my posts A Guide To Nuraghe La Prisgiona and The Most Impressive Nuraghe In Sardinia for more information on nuraghe on the island.

Giants’ Tombs

If you are looking for some great Giants’ Tombs, the two best sites are Coddu Vecchiu and the Li Muri Necropolis. The first one was probably the burying site of the people from the nearby Prisgiona complex, while the latter has a bit more history.

It was built by the Ozieri Culture people and consists of single tombs – while the majority of burials in Sardinia are collective.

Each dead person, here, was buried in their personal space and had a burial kit. Similar tombs have been found in Corsica and Crete. This is proof that, even in such early times, Sardinians communicated with other Mediterranean populations.

You can have a full tour of the archeological remains in the area. For more information, check the website of Arzachena Archaeological Park.

Read my post The Best Archeological Sites In Sardinia for more places to visit during your trip.

The Best Beaches Near Arzachena

Since Arzachena is the beating heart of Gallura, it is no surprise that there are plenty of wonderful beaches in the area – some of the best beaches in Sardinia indeed. Here are some beaches you may want to check out near Arzachena.

Capriccioli

This beach is located 17 km (10.5 miles) from Arzachena, not far from Porto Cervo, and overlooks the La Maddalena Archipelago.

Its two coves will always give you a safe spot to swim because when the wind blowing makes the water dangerous in one, the other one will always be calmer.

The beach has everything you might need and there are plenty of top-star hotels in the vicinity, making it a real holiday heaven.

Liscia Ruja

Although many consider it a single beach, Liscia Ruja consists of several smaller beaches and coves. The water is crystal-clear and shallow and the sand is soft and golden, as you would expect from any place in this part of Sardinia.

Petra Ruja

This is one of the most secluded beaches near Arzachena. It’s close to Liscia Ruja. You will access it via a paid parking lot, from where you follow an easy trail for about 1 km (0.6 miles) to get to the beach.

It’s a small cove with nice, fine sand and shallow, clear waters, surrounded by vegetation. There’s a kiosk where you can get food and drinks, but it’s so expensive that you’re better off bringing your food and drinks from home.

Le Piscine

One of the most recent additions to the list of protected beaches in Sardinia, access to Le Piscine is capped between July and August, and to access, you will have to reserve via the official website 72 hours in advance. You will have to pay for your parking spot in advance, indicating your license plate.

Le Piscine is actually made of two coves, known as Le Piscine North and Le Piscine South. The first one has a sandy shore, and it’s where you can hang out. You aren’t allowed to hang out on the Piscine South, but you can swim there.

Pevero Beach

Another location nearby Porto Cervo, this beach is surrounded by the most typical Mediterranean plants, giving off a wild and peaceful vibe.

The bottom is mainly sandy but some rocks in the water make the view even prettier. There are smaller coves along the beach, and, behind it, you will find a golf course.

Spiaggia del Principe

This location is famous not only for its beauty but also because it was supposedly Prince Karim Aga Khan favorite spot in the area – hence its name which translates to “Prince’s Beach”.

The rocks that emerge from the sand and go all the way to the water contribute to the unique beach’s atmosphere.

Sunset is magnificent here! Remember that, like many other beaches in the area, this one is often pretty crowded, so be sure to get there early to grab a nice spot.

Practical Information To Plan Your Visit

How to get to Arzachena

Arzachena is about 26 km (16 miles) away from Olbia, where you’ll find the nearest airport and harbor with connections to the rest of Italy and Europe.

The best way to get there is definitely by car. You just need to follow State Road SS 125 – it will take you about 30 minutes to get there.

If you are traveling by public transport, you can hop on bus 601 that has regular departures from Olbia Porto Isola Bianca station. The journey lasts about one hour-

My post How To Travel By Public Transport In Sardinia will provide more information on how to move around by bus or train in Sardinia.

Where to stay in Arzachena

Here are a few suggestions for places to stay. There’s no need to tell you that this area is overabundant with any kind of accommodation option, meeting every customer’s needs:

Monis Hogar (apartment) – For those who want to be totally independent and feel at home, an apartment is definitely the best choice. This one features free parking, free Wi-Fi, and quite a lot of positive ratings from previous guests. It’s also located in a nice spot.

Dolce Luna (Bed and Breakfast) – This small bed and breakfast has a swimming pool, free WiFi, free parking. It’s also pet-friendly and offers gluten-free breakfast options upon request. The location is excellent and especially loved by couples.

Stazzo Lu Ciaccaru (Hotel) – This hotel is located inside an old, traditional Sardinian house that has been completely renewed and is immersed in nature, although being inside Arzachena’s municipality. It features luxurious suites, a swimming pool, airport shuttle service, and all the comforts you might expect from such a place.

Monti di Jogliu (Bed and Breakfast) – Another excellent place in an excellent location. It features private bathrooms in each room, free parking, and even a car hire service. Guests love the location, immersed in nature.

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