Who would have ever expected this small town to become one of the most popular and touristic in Sardinia, somehow it can be second only to the Costa Smeralda area. You must know that until the 1960s in this area there were only shepherds' houses and small fishermen's shacks along the coast, from about 1960 everything changed. Construction dominated the Villasimius area when the locals, and not only, noticed the beautiful beaches a maximum of one hour from Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia and where most of the business is concentrated. Villasimius continues to be a small and "new" village with its 3700 inhabitants that quadruple in summer for tourism. Despite the recent constructions, in Villasimius there is something interesting to see and discover, as well as clearly surprise us with its beautiful beaches.
What to see in Villasimius
INDEX
1) VILLASIMIUS
Those who stop in Villasimius usually do it to visit the neighboring beaches, in any case in this first section we recommend something interesting to see that are not beaches. The first site of above all historical interest is the Archaeological Museum of Villasimius , a small building in which it is possible to analyze the most important phases of the history of this territory thanks to the various finds found both at sea and in the hinterland. The museum is small but the exhibits are well positioned and with excellent explanations and captions, do not forget to take a look at the various videos, they will also make you understand how the area was an important crossroads of commercial and military towers.
Another site to see is the old fortress , perhaps as a return from a beautiful day at the beach. Positioned towards Capo Carbonara and on the southern tip of the tourist port. A fortress built around the 14th century and used to guard the area from possible enemy incursions, was subsequently modified and reused over time. I also recommend a visit inside the fortress itself, it will be worth it I guarantee it. Another tower of both natural and historical interest is that of Porto Giunco , known above all for the magnificent view of the entire coast of Porto Giunco. I advise you to take the slightly longer route from the parking lots of the Porto Giunco beach, you will also pass near abandoned buildings probably used during one of the recent wars, and then from up there the view will leave you breathless.
2) THE BEACHES IN THE AREA
For me it was a continuous discovery. Villasimius and the entire coastal area is a set of colors that intertwine giving life to real travel postcards. The beaches are truly terrestrial paradises, with clear and polychromatic waters, granite rocks, white sands with lagoons behind them, Villasimius is worth seeing, exploring, living. I start immediately with the most popular beach, Porto Giunco, a strip of white sand with beautiful crystal clear water also suitable for families with children. The view from the tower of Porto Giunco is beautiful, you will also notice the pond behind the beach, habitat of pink flamingos. To the north there are the beaches of Simius and Traias , up to the fantastic Punta Molentis , the incredible jewel of Villasimius.
These beaches just mentioned are not the only ones, on the contrary, they are the most popular. Below you will see a sequence of remote beaches that can be reached by car or by trekking and which are located in the immediate vicinity of Villasimius. Don't forget us travel planner we absolutely encourage the discovery of remote and off the beaten track areas, but not only that, we also recommend choosing a beach based on the weather condition (may or may not be exposed to winds), based on kind of travellers (perhaps if you are a family I would prefer to recommend a beach with services rather than a remote one that can be reached after 50 minutes of trekking) and at your needs and passions. Choosing our service will be fundamental, before and during your vacation. Enjoy the show.
3) WHAT TO DO (OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES)
A mountain of outdoor activities, or rather 7 mountains. In fact, we start from the excursions by land that are many to do one of all those in the splendid park of the 7 brothers in the hinterland of Villasimius. You can in fact agree on different types of tours inside the park, both in 4x4 , both mountain bike and simple walks or trekking . You will surely be captured by the beautiful nature that surrounds this protected oasis, I initially recommend the town of Maidopois where you can admire the Sardinian deer perhaps while drinking in the beautiful lake. Not only deer but also mouflons, fallow deer and a luxuriant flora among oak woods and numerous other species.
Beyond the park of the 7 brothers there are several coastal paths, frighteningly beautiful views perhaps in the Capo Carbonara area or fun will be guaranteed with one of the quads that can be rented on site. At marine level, the “classic” excursion towards Capo Carbonara + islands is very interesting, with stops for snorkeling and maybe you will be lucky enough to see some underwater treasure (some finds are inside the archaeological museum of Villasimius). Also beautiful are the sea trips with the vintage schooner , an interesting alternative to boats and rafts.
4) HISTORY AND TRADITION
The territory of Villasimius is rich in historical and archaeological evidence, dating back to the period prior to the "Nuragic Civilization" with the presence of domus de janas (or tombs carved into the rock), in many cases united to create real necropolis with other structures positioned in the vicinity like Mehir . Their construction is to be linked above all to religious purposes concerning the solar cult; sacred places for the nuragic tribes for which they represented both the male divinity and fertility in the cult of their religion.
One site that I recommend to visit is that of Cuilli Piras , in the Muravera area, an important archaeological area with menhirs in a circle dating back to the Neolithic period and an annexed nuraghe from the Middle Bronze Age. Not only the pre-Nuragic age but also the Nuragic age. One nuraghe of all and impossible not to "notice" is that of Asoru . In my opinion it is totally neglected, no information on the matter and no caption on the spot that explains at least a minimum of this extraordinary site, with the central tower completely intact and clearly visible from the provincial road. Another testimony of recent history that has created in me pure emotion and strong attraction for the incredible charm and mystery is the village of Montenarba, a set of abandoned buildings in the San Vito area that testify to the mining life of the area and beyond. alone. We still have so much to see, to discover and above all to learn both in Villasimius and throughout Sardinia.
5) TYPICAL DISHES
In Villasimius it is important to enjoy the beautiful unspoiled nature, the beautiful beaches with crystal clear water, the various archaeological sites and the many outdoor activities. I will disappoint you if I told you that there is not only to see, there is also to savor, as the area enjoys an excellent reputation also on a culinary level. Let's start with a substantial dish like the Malfatti with ricotta and spinach , gnocchi mixed with local ricotta and spinach on a tasty tomato sauce. Try the Villasimius focaccia , a bread with tomato but incredibly tasty thanks to the contrast with the inside and the crunchy surface. At sea level they range from mussels and clams hoe, to seafood first courses such as spaghetti with clams and bottarga and to finish with the second almost all restaurants both in Villasimius and especially on the coast make splendid and rich fried mixed fish . The sweet? Yes, fried ravioli , puff pastry with ricotta inside (instead of cheese as in seadas) and a decoration of honey after it is fried. Bon Apetit.
