Strictly Sardinia Podcast Episode Summary

Host: Claudia Tavani
Episode Title: Must-Visit Archaeological Sites In Sardinia
Date: October 23, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Claudia Tavani, Sardinian local and founder of the Strictly Sardinia blog, explores the most significant and unique archaeological sites of Sardinia. She emphasizes that the island offers much more than beautiful beaches and hiking trails—its millennia-old history is reflected in numerous ancient sites ranging from mysterious nuraghe towers to Phoenician and Roman ruins. This curated guide is designed to spark curiosity and help travelers plan a memorable trip that goes beyond the typical tourist path.

Key Discussion Points & Highlights

The Unique Heritage of Sardinia

• Sardinia is the only place in the world with nuraghe, megalithic towers built between 1900 and 730 BC.
• The island's archaeological wealth also includes relics from the Phoenician, Punic, and Roman eras.
• Claudia reminds listeners that this is only a shortlist—there are thousands of archaeological sites to discover ([02:30]).

Must-Visit Nuraghe Sites

1. Su Nuraxi di Barumini

• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 ([03:10]).
• Considered the most spectacular and complex nuraghe on the island.
• Features a central yard, multiple towers, and a surrounding Bronze Age village.
• Only accessible via guided tour (about 1 hour, included in entry ticket).

“Of the 7,000 nuraghe that are left standing in Sardinia, Su Nuraxi...is the most beautiful one.” — Claudia ([03:00])

2. Nuraghe Santu Antine (Torralba)

• Home to the tallest nuraghe tower (over 54ft, originally up to 79ft).
• Visitors can climb the tower for sweeping countryside views.
• Open daily for a small fee ([06:45]).

3. Nuraghe Palmavera (Alghero)

• Exceptionally well-preserved with a main building from different eras.
• Notable “council room” and 50 huts.
• Combine visit with nearby necropolis ([36:10]).

4. Nuraghe La Prisgiona (Arzachena)

• Large park with nuraghe, giant tomb, and necropolis; features a bastion and ancient well still active today ([37:25]).

Other Notable Prehistoric Structures

5. Monte d’Accoddi

• Near Sassari; thought to be the only “ziggurat” in the Mediterranean, though built of stone, not brick.
• Built between 4500–3200 BC; features a pyramid-like temple and ramp ([19:10]).
• Requires a guided tour for the first 45 minutes, after which visitors are free to explore.

“It’s incredibly old. In Logudorese Sardinian...Monte d’Accoddi means ‘mountain or hill of the stones’…” — Claudia ([19:40])

6. Montessu Domus de Janas (Santadi)

• UNESCO Heritage Site as of 2025 ([25:20]).
• Prehistoric rock-cut tombs (necropolis) from 3400–2700 BC; features 40 well-preserved chambers.
• Open Tuesday–Sunday; guide recommended.

7. Tomba dei Giganti di S’Ena e Thomes (Nuoro region)

• Ancient “giant’s tomb” on private farmland near Dorgali and Doliana ([29:15]).
• Not actually for giants, but collective burials; rustic and atmospheric site.

8. Tiscali Nuragic Village

• Hidden inside a collapsed cave (dolina) between Dorgali and Oliena ([31:40]).
• Access requires a moderate hike; features remains of circular huts from the 15th–18th century BC.
• Visitor panels available, guided tours can be booked online.

Ancient Cities & Phoenician-Roman Ruins

9. Tharros (Sinis Peninsula)

• Claudia’s favorite ([11:00]).
• Originally Bronze Age, then Phoenician (8th c. BC), Punic, and Roman settlements.
• Major finds: necropolises, tophet with 5,000+ urns, temples, Roman baths.
• Guided tours strongly recommended; must be booked in advance.

“It’s perched on the west coast...an open-air museum that has still active excavations.” — Claudia ([11:00])

10. Nora (near Pula, South Sardinia)

• Easily visited as a day trip from Cagliari ([15:00]).
• Phoenician, Punic, then Roman city; highlights: Tophet necropolis, temple of Tanit, “Nora Stone” (with ancient Sardinian name spelled: SHRDN), Roman baths, mosaics.

11. Cagliari’s Tuvixeddu Necropolis

• Among the largest Punic necropolises in the Mediterranean ([33:54]).
• Free entry, always open, within walking distance of the San Pancrazio historic district.
• Many information panels; guided tours available.

12. Roman Amphitheater, Cagliari

• Central city landmark ([35:35]).
• Once held up to 10,000 spectators.
• Only partially open due to restoration, but still impressive.

Special Archaeological Sites

13. Temple of Antas (Fluminimaggiore)

• Ancient Punic-Roman temple, close to Iglesias ([39:10]).
• Roman columns visible; original Punic sanctuary ahead of it.
• Dedicated to god Sardus Pater; surrounded by forest and adjacent nuragic village and necropolis.
• Visit includes pamphlets; guided tour not necessary.

Sardinia’s Mining Archaeology

14. Porto Flavia (Iglesias area)

• Unique 20th-century mining site built into a cliff face, only visible from the sea ([42:07]).
• Named after the designer’s daughter, with two 600m tunnels for ore transport.
• Accessible via boat tour, kayak or paddle; interior visits by guided tour only.

“This one is special because you can actually see it from the sea...” — Claudia ([42:15])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Sardinian archaeological diversity:

  “Sardinia is rich and has a history that dates back millennia...There are oh so many [sites].” ([01:40])

• On why you should take guided tours:

  “Because of the complexity of this site [Su Nuraxi], you will want to have a guide.” ([05:00])

• On the magic of Monte d’Accoddi:

  “It was an important gathering area where people celebrated rites of fertility.” ([21:00])

• On the uniqueness of Tiscali Village:

  “This makes it one of the most unique archaeological sites in Sardinia. Inside the caves, the remnants and the remains of various circular huts and dwellings were found.” ([32:15])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:30] — Beginning of archaeological discussion
• [03:10] — Su Nuraxi di Barumini
• [06:45] — Santu Antine
• [11:00] — Tharros
• [15:00] — Nora
• [19:10] — Monte d'Accoddi
• [25:20] — Montessu Domus de Janas
• [29:15] — S’Ena e Thomes
• [31:40] — Tiscali Nuragic Village
• [33:54] — Tuvixeddu Necropolis
• [35:35] — Roman Amphitheater
• [36:10] — Nuraghe Palmavera
• [37:25] — La Prisgiona
• [39:10] — Temple of Antas
• [42:07] — Porto Flavia

Claudia’s Tips & Final Notes

• Always check official sites for tours in English and book well in advance.
• Many sites require or strongly benefit from guided tours, especially for first-time visitors.
• Some necropolises and tombs are found on private land—don’t be surprised by grazing animals!
• Porto Flavia can only be accessed from the sea—plan a boat or kayak outing for the best view.
• Her blog has extended details and she offers personalized travel consultations ([44:50]).

Next Episode Preview

Claudia teases next week’s episode:

“Next week I will be talking to you about the famous Sardinia Blue Zone and explain why Sardinians live longer than most people in the world.” ([45:50])

This episode is a must-listen (or read!) for travelers eager to unlock the mysterious and ancient heritage of Sardinia, with practical advice and storytelling from someone who truly knows the island.