Archaeological sites to see near Porto Cervo

Unique treasures telling stories of ancient civilisations and vanished cultures

In the hinterland of Porto Cervo, it will be easy to get lost exploring the remains of millenary civilisations with a glorious and fascinating past. Here is a small guide.

Parco archeologico Arzachena (ph. Dario Garofalo)

• Necropolis of Li Muri

It is the oldest site in the archaeological park, and dates back 6000 years, and is among the oldest testimonies of western European megalithism. In Sardinia this type of tomb seems to be common only in the area of Arzachena.

• Tombs of the Giants of Coddu Vecchiu

Impressive burial structures, featuring large stone blocks arranged in the shape of dolmens, date back to the Bronze Age. The tombs of the Giants of Coddu Vecchiu are among the most spectacular on the island and include a tunnel tomb built between the 21st - 19th centuries BC and an exedra, i.e., a semicircular space in front of the tomb, was added at a later date, 18th - 17th centuries BC.

Tombe dei Giganti di Coddu Vecchiu (ph. Dario Garofalo)

• Nuragic complex of La Prisgiona

The site includes an impressive nuraghe and a nuragic village. The life of the village and the nuraghe spans a long chronological period, from 14th century BC to early 8th century BC. A brief frequentation period in Roman times followed several centuries later.

• Complex of Nuraghe Albucciu

Inhabited from the late Middle Bronze Age to the Iron Age, i.e., from 14th to 7th century BC, the complex includes a nuraghe (a megalithic stone structure), a village, and a Tomb of the Giants.

Complesso di Nuraghe Albucciu

• A finding of 4th century AD coins

A large number of follis (large bronze coins) dating back to the early 4th century AD was found in the seas around Arzachena. According to an initial estimate based on the total weight of the finding, the coins amount to around 30,000-50,000. The discovery was made by a private citizen during a dive, when he noticed metal remains at a shallow depth, not far from the shore.