Fortezza Vecchia

Southeastern Sardinia


Perched on cliffs close to Capo Carbonara, this ruined 14th-century fortress dates back to the time the Aragonese controlled the island. The views over the bay to the green, macchia-tufted mountains are more striking than the stronghold itself.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Southeastern Sardinia attractions

1. Stagno Notteri

0.7 MILES

This lagoon often hosts flamingos in winter. On its seaward side are several stunning beaches including Cala Giunco and Spiaggia del Simius with its…

2. Cala Giunco

0.85 MILES

The pick of Villasimius' spiagge (beaches), Cala Giunco is a vision of beach perfection: a long strip of silky white sand sandwiched between tropical…

3. Capo Carbonara

1.71 MILES

If you embark on just one excursion from Villasimius, make it the 15-minute drive south to Capo Carbonara, a protected marine park. The promontory dips…

4. Museo Archeologico

2.05 MILES

Villasimius’ archaeology museum harbours a small but interesting collection of Roman and Phoenician artefacts, as well as various odds and ends recovered…

5. Spiaggia Costa Rei

10.51 MILES

In front of the eponymous resort, the Spiaggia Costa Rei is a lengthy strip of dazzling white sand lapped by astonishingly clear blue-green waters.

6. Spiaggia Piscina Rei

11.57 MILES

To the north of Costa Rei, this fabulous beach impresses with its blinding white sand and turquoise water. A couple more beaches fill the remaining length…

7. Monte dei Sette Fratelli

13 MILES

Clad in thick forest, the mountain massif known as the Monte dei Sette Fratelli dominates the remote Sarrabus area. Its granite peaks and woodlands…

8. Poetto Beach

19.17 MILES

An easy bus ride from the centre, Cagliari's fabulous Poetto beach extends for 7km beyond the green Promontorio di Sant'Elia, nicknamed the Sella del…