Typical of the area:
In Sant'Antioco and Carloforte there are numerous shops of Sardinian artcraft and ceramics.

Small island, 60 kms away of the coast of Sardinia, inter connected by a bridge. It's got interesting archaeological sites, Tophets and a small catacomb.
In the city of the same name, which was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century b. C. , you can find today modern bars, Pizzerias and awesome seafood restaurants. In the spring you can buy fresh Sardinian tuna, that is mainly exported directly to Japan.

In 1102 was built by monks on a paleo-christian foundation from the 5th Century above old catacombs, remnants of old frescoes as well as the relics of the holy Sant'Antioco, patron saint of Sardinia.

In the 18th century the Ligurian fishermen (N.B.: Liguria is a region in the North of Italy) who came from the Tunisian island of Tabarka, settled down in this part of the island. Their local tradition and culture are still visible nowadays. This is reflected not only in the dialect and in the architecture, but also in the typical dishes, like for instance in the dish " Cassulli Alla Carlofortina " (Pasta with tomato sauce, Pesto and tuna) or also in the " Tonno Alla Carlofortina " (tuna Carloforte way) and, finally, in the " Couscous Alla Carlofortina ".

Approximately 6 kms away from Carbonia. This plateau was already inhabited in the nuragic era. Around approx. 650 b. C. was colonized by Phoenician. Monte Sirai became later during the centuries by Carthaginian, then by Roman used mostly as a fortress. Today the Acropolis (approximately 180 hectares), necropolis as well as the Tophet are worth a visit.

Probably the most important prehistoric chamber-necropolis of Sardinia. 40 holes carved in a cliff and part of very impressive burial chambers (the so named " Domus de Janas "- Houses of Fairies), in the midst of a natural basin, similar to an amphitheater close to Villaperuccio.

Day trip in direction of Iglesias / Fluminimaggiore (SP126): antique temple consecrated to the Sardinian God Sardus Pater (Sid Adir Babbai) in the middle of a bucolic landscape.

The winegrowers company of Santadi produces some of the best Sardinian wines. For example the " Terre Brune ".

On the highway SP195 in direction of Teulada: these limestone caves (' Is Zuddas' and ' Benatzu o Pirosu ') are among the biggest in Sardinia.

Before Masua (about 50 kms of distance), it's an island rising steeply above the sea, named by the Sardinians "Bread of Sugar". The local ruins of the "La Marmora" mine can be visited on a walk with a view of the sea and Pan di Zucchero.

This Panoramic tourist route starts in the small fishing harbour of Teulada, about 54 kms of distance, and then goes past the cape of Spartivento, Saracen Towers and sandy bays like for instance Tuerredda, before it ends on the beaches of Chia.

About 99 kms away is the island capital. With interesting museums, a historic castle quarter, beautiful panoramic terraces, a botanic garden, animated shopping streets, trattorias, restaurants, as well as a salty lake where pink flamingos live all year round .

Diving / Excursions / Horse Riding

On the 1st May takes place a very suggestive procession to honour the city patron Sant'Efisio. . It's one of the most famous festivity on the island, especially in Cagliari. Where numerous regional costume groups from all over Sardinia participate.
The event starts on the 1st of May, when the procession take the statue of the saint to Nora and Pula in the south coast, and then returns on the 4th May in Cagliari.

15 days after Easter is celebrated in Sant'Antioco the oldest festivity of Sardinia (since the 12th century d.C.), to honour the patron saint of the island.
The legend says, that the martyr Antioco found refuge here in a cave, just before the Romans from North Africa could find him (end of the 1st Century d.C.). There he lived as a Christian since he died in 125 d.C.. He was then buried in the catacombs under the parish church of San'Antioco.

Big festival on the last weekend of May rich in tradition. Tunas live in swarms and every year follow their routes of migrations for mating and breeding. One of their migratory routes ends by the flat sea between the islands of S.Pietro and S.Antioco. That's when the fishermen block off the sea with nets and trap the tunas. Now the "Mattanza" (slaughtering) begins under the command of the Rais, a captain who is elected among the fishermen. They spear the fish with harpoons and the sea becomes red foam. Then the fish is cut into pieces in the Tonnara. It's then cooked and preserved in oil or exported fresh to Japan. In the evening you can have a sample of the delicious tunas in the "Sagra".

Sant' Antioco, Calasetta