Tharros - The Sands of Time in Sardinia

Sublime Beaches, Fabulous Festivals, and Timeless Archaeology in Sardinia

Tharros is an ancient Phoenician-Roman Port on the finger of land jutting out to sea forming a natural breakwater for the Bay of Oristano. The setting couldn't be more spectacular. Tharros is surrounded by white sand beaches; one called Is Arutas is said to be the cleanest in Italy.

Tharros Information

The archaeological zone of Tharros is more like an open air museum than a site. There are no interactive displays to distract or to enlighten you. There is a small gift shop. Bring your swim suit, you can take a break from wandering the ruins by just walking to the sea and diving in.

In a way, The occupation of Tharros--founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, followed by Punics, Romans, and eventually destroyed by Saracen raiders--brings to sharp focus the realization of the native population that invaders always attacked from the sea. If you want to know the true Sardinian culture, you head inland.

The Cardo Maximo, seen on the right, was the principal road to the city. It is a typical road in the style of the Romans, built to last forever while running straight up a hill. You didn't waste time skirting hills in Roman times, you just plowed straight ahead, making your road the shortest distance between two targeted points.

Many travelers find that Tharros one of the most beautiful places in Italy. The setting, Capo San Marco, is certainly compelling--the sea pounds the western coast, while the more peaceful waters glisten in the summer sun on the Gulf of Oristano side.

There is an elevation change if you wander the whole site, so be prepared for more difficult walking than you might expect.

Want a view of Tharros and the Sinis Peninsula from the air? Wikimap Tharros

Artifacts from Tharros Excavations

Many of the Artifacts from the excavations are found in the large and rather cluttered Archaeological Museum in Cagliari. Cabras has a small Archaeological Museum as well, and it's only 9km from Tharros.

Other Attractions near Tharros

San Salvatore is a small town used for the filming of many spaghetti westerns. If you are in the area near the first Saturday of September, you'll not want to miss the Festival of San Salvatore, or Santu Sabradore. Young men in robes run barefoot carrying the simulacrum of San Salvatore from the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cabras to the rural church of San Salvatore, celebrating the saving of the statue from the Saracen raids that brought down Tharros. The church was built on an ancient Nuragic underground temple, and is worth a visit. Read more: San Salvatore, spaghetti westerns and the festival.

Cabras

The town of Cabras skirts a marshland which is known for its Mullet. Fishermen use single person reed boats in the marsh, mostly to fish for gray mullet. Mullet are eaten, and the roe is dried and used by grating over pasta or other dishes. It's called Bottarga di Muggine (Gray Mullet Roe).

The entire area shown in the map is popular to bicycle around.

Sardinia Travel Information

For more on travel to Sardinia, see our Sardinia Travel Directory.