A Guide To Muravera, Sardinia: 14 Best Attractions

Muravera is a destination that has a lot to offer to any type of traveler. Thanks to its location, people lived in the area since ancient times. It still attracts swarms of visitors year after year, starting from May, when its famous citrus festival takes place, until early fall when the seawater becomes too cold for swimming.

Unknown to many even in Sardinia, the area of Muravera is also a prime spot for birdwatching thanks to the presence of several swamps in the area.

To sum it up, if you are planning a holiday nearby Muravera you will enjoy some unique experiences, varying from heavenly beaches to birdwatching, from bike (or horse) tours of the mountains to thorough explorations of the archeological sites.

Curious to find out more about this interesting destination? Continue reading!

A Brief History Of Muravera

Historians think that the first Muravera village was closer to the sea and it was gradually moved inland away during the pirates’ invasions era. But way before that, the area was a prosperous prehistoric site, as the numerous Nuraghe and Domus de Janas still prove.

The area was a Phoenician, Punic, and Roman colony. It then became part of the Cagliari and Gallura Giudicato and had several powerful noble families as rulers.

The Saracens who kept assaulting the villages and the fields forced these families to build several watchtowers on the beaches, which are still standing.

After Sardinia was annexed to the Reign of Piedmont (later on the Reign of Sardinia) of the Savoy family, Muravera lost most of its importance.

What To See And Do In Muravera

Look for some Nuraghe and Megalites

The area is particularly rich in prehistoric remains. Among the many sites, Nuraghe Scalas is one that’s worth mentioning. Its area includes a multitude of menhirs (43, that were probably used as a calendar) and a Nuraghe, both rather well-preserved.

Another great site is Cuile Piras Menhir Park. Here, 53 menhirs are placed so that the old inhabitants could keep track of the seasons and the sun.

Make sure to read my post A Guide To Nuraghe In Sardinia.

Visit the watchtowers

There are three watchtowers that you can visit in the area of Muravera.

The first one, Torre dei Dieci cavalli (Tower of the ten horses) got its name from the ten horses (and their knight owners) that lived under the hill where it was built. Doing this, they were always ready to act against any pirate’s incursion.

The second one was built to guard off the salt mines (Saline, in Italian). Its name is Torre Salinas. It’s one of a kind here on the island. Indeed it is the only watchtower with a squared base in all of Sardinia. It has been recently restored.

The last watchtower, Torre Montiferru, watches over the natural harbor of Porto Pirastu and is located on a high hill. It you climb up there, you’ll have a wonderful view of the surroundings.

Birdwatching at the ponds

Muravera and Villaputzu’s municipalities share one of the richest marsh areas in Sardinia, the Sarrabus. Thousands of birds and other animals live and nest in one of the ten ponds in the area. You can explore it either with a guide or on your own, as long as you are careful to respect the animals

Muravera’s best spots are the Feraxi and Colostrai ponds: here, you can admire a multitude of both rare and common birds. Among them, you can’t miss the ever-present pink flamingo and the much rarer and shier storks.

Make sure to wear clothes in neutral colors and to be quiet during your birdwatching activities. Many of the birds, if scared, can reach stress levels so high that they won’t lay any eggs for the year. The locals are making a strong effort in order to protect them!

Explore the churches

Many Sardinian villages have a history closely intertwined with faith. When Christianity was brought on the island, it set deep roots that remained until nowadays. Many villages, albeit small, have more than one church and each church in the village is equally important.

Muravera has two churches that are worth a visit: San Nicola di Bari Church and Santa Lucia Church.

San Nicola di Bari Church dates from the 15th century and lays on the ruins of an Aragonese church. There are some important relics in there. The most famous and peculiar one is the silver cross. A men who was freed after being captured and enslaved by the Saracen pirates donated it.

Santa Lucia Church is located in one of the most ancient areas of the village and is rich in relics, especially silver trinkets and velvet clothes for the statues. The locals are very devoted to the Saint and, despite the Church not being the main one, the Masses there are always very crowded.

Find the old mines

The area surrounding Muravera was exploited, up until the 1900s, for its abundance of silver, and there are still the ruins of some old mines. There are no regular guided tours there, but you can visit a mine.

There are still some remains of Baccu Arrodas mine: they are just ten minutes away from the village. If you decide to explore the area, mind your step and be careful.

Sagra degli Agrumi

Taking place each year in April, the Citrus Festival is a celebration of all the citrus fruits – first and foremost oranges – for which the area of Muravera is famous for. If you happen to be in Sardinia around that time, make sure to attend as is very much is a local experience!

Carnevale di Muravera

As much as the Citrus Festival is local, Muravera’s Carnival is strictly for tourists – including tourists from Sardinia!

Taking place each summer around August 10th, the carnival is one of the most popular summer events in South Sardinia. It gives tourists an idea of all the traditional masks of Sardinia’s winter carnival. It’s a fun celebration! Make sure to watch out for the famous mamuthones.

The Best beaches in Muravera

Muravera is rich in beaches and wonderful resorts! If you just want to relax, this is the right area for you. And if you want to also have a bit of adventure both? Still the best area. Here are my top picks.

Costa Rei

Costa Rei is an area with ten kilometers worth of beaches and resorts. Probably the best spot in the Muravera region, its crystal-clear water and white sand will leave you stunned.

Here, you can choose between free beaches for a day trip or private beaches, property of the various hotels, for a longer and more immersive experience.

Make sure to read my post A Complete Guide To Costa Rei.

Piscina Rei

Part of the long Costa Rei shoreline, locals and tourists of all ages love Piscina Rei for its shallow and clear water. It’s safe for kids, beautiful for snorkeling lovers, and it is immersed in nature. The ideal place to spend a day away from worries and stress!

Scoglio di Peppino / Santa Giusta

This beach is the “beginning point” of the Costa Rei coast. Its particular rock (scoglio, in Italian) is the symbol of the beach, which is famous for its fine sand and clear turquoise waters.

Many tourists come here to enjoy its beauty – it’s surrounded by junipers and sea lilies! – and to spend a nice day with family. Just don’t expect to have this spot to yourself: it’s a very popular place!

Tiliguerta dog beach

One of the few fully-equipped dog beaches in Sardinia, the Tiliguerta Dog Beach is a great choice if you want to spend a holiday with your pets.

Here, you will find everything you might need for them. Plus, they can make tons of friends every day!

Check out my post The Best Dog Friendly Beaches In Sardinia.

Colostrai

A long, sandy beach nearby one of the best birdwatching spots: this is Colostrai beach. You will love the scenery: the Mediterranean scrub and the yellow poppies are something worth going there for. Here, you won’t only spend a great day at the beach but also take beautiful pictures!

Cala Sa Figu

One of the lesser known beaches in the area of Muravera, it’s a bit of an effort to get there as you’ll have to partially drive along a dirt road once you past Capo Ferrato.

You won’t find any services at the beach. Don’t expect a kiosk, toilets and the like. Still it’s a nice small cove very protected from the wind, with gorgeously clear waters that make it perfect for snorkeling.

Porto Illixi

Another lovely cove, it’s located right next to Cala Sa Figu but a bit larger and thus more exposed.

Practical Information To Plan Your Trip To Muravera

How to get to Muravera

Getting to Muravera from Cagliari is quite easy. If you are driving, you just need to follow State Road SS 125 and the road signs.

Traveling by public transport? There is a direct bus (Line 103) leaving from Cagliari Central Station once every 90 minutes, every day from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm.

Where to sleep in Muravera

The best accommodation options are all in the area of Costa Rei. If you’d rather stay in the village, you can opt for one of these places:

Centu Concas Bed and Breakfast – Every room in this building has free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom, and there is a common garden and a terrace. Parking is free and the continental breakfast is delicious.

Residenza Petrera – This residence, located in an excellent part of Muravera, offers every comfort and luxury apartments equipped with everything from a microwave to a fridge and a washing machine. Wi-Fi and parking are free, and you can enjoy your time at their pool. The place is also pet-friendly.

Rio Molas Hotel – This hotel is eco-friendly manner. It runs on solar power. The location, surrounded by ancient olive trees, is excellent and so are the services: you can enjoy a swimming pool and nice rooms equipped with every comfort and a balcony. There are also free Wi-Fi and free parking.

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