This fishing village on Sardinia’s dazzling southern coastline has become a sunny resort, attracting thousands every year with its blue skies and turquoise seas.
Delight in the warm air of Villasimius, which is perfumed by the myrtle and juniper growing on the hills surrounding it. Relax in the sunshine and splash around in the calm sea of this peninsula jutting out from the coast east of Cagliari.
Once a sleepy fishing village, Villasimius’ stunning location and friendly atmosphere now attract thousands of visitors for the summer, especially during holiday periods. Stay here for an ideal base to spend your days exploring the region of South-Eastern Sardinia.
Pristine beaches, such as Campulongu and Porto Giunco, abound on the coastline that stretches away from Villasimius. Rest in the warm sun on Spiaggia del Riso, a stretch of shimmering quartz sand with a campsite nearby where you can sleep under the stars. Swim with fish in the shallow water of Simius Beach or drive further down the cape to enjoy the protected marine park of Capo Carbonara, where clear waters and secluded bays make for perfect conditions for diving and snorkelling.
From the top of the cliffs that line the water look for the tower of Fortezza Vecchia, which dates back to the 14th century. Visit Villasimius’s Museo Archeologico (Archeological Museum) to learn about the ancient cultures of Sardinia and see objects rescued from shipwrecks of centuries past. Venture out on to the water to dive 36 feet (11 metres) underwater as you visit the mysterious submerged statue of Madonna del Naufrago (Madonna of the Castaway). Every year in July the villagers lead an aquatic procession to worship here.
Spend a day watching pink flamingos wading in the salt lake at Timi Ama. Visit the rocky landscape of Cava Usai, the region’s historic granite quarry. Take a boat trip to one of the nearby islands, Cabbage Island or Isola di Serpentara, to see more of the region.
In Villasimius you can choose between a luxury hotel or a number of smaller guest houses in town. Spend your evenings in one of the many bars or restaurants. Villasimius is a 50-kilometre (31-mile) drive from the town of Cagliari.
