Castiadas, history and beaches

Castiadas was founded in the end of the fourteenth century and it remained inhabited for almost 300 years due to the frequent outbreaks of malaria and plague that damaged the city until the end of 1500 . In 1850 a penal colony was established in the area and in 1875, on August 11th, 30 prisoners arrived in the isolated beach of Cala Sinzias. These prisoners, guided by General inspector Eugenio Cicognani, penetrated into the thick forest to reach the hill known as Praidis where they built their first house in a place between two small streams : Gutturu Frasca and Baccu sa Figu .

In 1952, following the birth of the ETFAS (Ente di Trasformazione Fondiaria Agraria della Sardegna) the penal colony was closed; the purpose of this institution was to implement the agrarian reform by purchasing approximately 8,000 hectares and dividing Castiadas in seven companies ( Annunziata , Sabadi , Orteduso , Castiadas , St. Peter, Capoferrato and Tuerra), creating more than 400 farms.

The districts of Olia Speciosa and Annunziata were built up to host services such as schools, churches and social clubs. An important change for the local society came in the ’60s when some Italian refugees left Tunisia and settled down in Castiadas; they changed the social and cultural practices of the community.

Today Castiadas is an autonomous community and some of the most beautiful beaches of Sardinia are part of its territory; Castidias Pro Loco is also particularly active in organizing festivals, exhibitions and events . The fascinating hinterland of Castiadas has a wide range of flora and fauna, including woodpeckers and ravens. In Castiadas there are also lots of archaeological sites, such as the megalithic complex of Cuili Piras with 53 Menhirs dating back to 5000 BC, Nuraghe, Domus de Janas ( Fairy Houses ) dating back to the Neolithic period.

In your holiday at Castiadas, there are several archaeological sites and many places you should visit, we have selected 4 unique beaches not to be missed.

Let’s start our trip from the beach of Cala Sinzias which covers a large area of the coast; its crystal clear waters have been reported to be among the most clear and pristine in Italy (source: Goletta Verde) and the seabed generally low makes it ideal for bathing. There are lots of parking spaces, with access for the disabled, bars and restaurants , as well as services for the rental of umbrellas and sunbeds. The landscape that surrounds Cala Sinzias enriches the beauty of the place, which still holds the authenticity of the wild and unspoiled island. Cala Sinzias will make you taste the most intense flavour of Sardinia and its relaxing and fragrant Mediterranean atmosphere.

Another wonderful beach in the area is the Beach of Monte Turnu is a small and very special bay located in the south coast of Sarrabus near the Beach of Cala Sinzias . This bay will enchant you with the spectacular light effects created by the contrast between the white beach and the background dominated by Monte Turnu, made of dark volcanic rock. The clear waters will allow you to admire small and colorful fishes. The sand is exceptionally clear and fine and along the coast there are lots of facilities, including lifeguards, bars and car parks.

Each beach in the area has its own peculiarity, as the golden sand San Pietro beach, a single stretch of sand, over 3 km long and surrounded by clear blue sea with shades of emerald green. The coast is formed by shallow waters which makes it safe for children; there are services to rent beach umbrellas and chairs. The clarity of the seabed makes it suitable to discover the hidden beauties of the sea.

Continuing our trip southward, we find Cala Pira. Small, outlying and glorious,the beach of Cala Pira stands at the north end of the coast facing onto the Island of Serpentara. Cala Pira beach is characterized by fine white and pink sand, and by crystal clear turquoise sea. Being protected from the winds, and having shallow waters and a sandy seabed, it is particularly suitable for families with children. The beach is preceded by a flat and smooth valley , a feature that gives a particular effect on the landscape of the area, quite unusual for Sardinia. Its proximity to the Protected Marine Area of Capo Carbonara explains the richness of its marine life. Cala Pira is a tiny jewel oriented northwards and nestles in a dell adorned with greenery. Here the coast draws a perfect sandy half-moon, closed off on the right hand side by a high rocky rampart, and on the left by the low coastline, a splash of green Mediterranean maquis and crowned by the spanish Tower of Cala Pira (with a diameter of 14,60 meters, 10 meters in height), built in 16th century and recently restored.

The tower, the dunes, the colour shades of its waters and the surrounding granite cliffs contribute to create an environment of great charm, with the wild nature and the natural landscape in which it is set, especially in the south and north, and a beautiful view make this a wonderful beach that should not be missed.

From “Punta De Is Cappuccinus” to Capo Ferrato there is an inlet along which lies a stretch of thin coastline, with the small ledge of Monte Turno (56 meters), Punta Santa Giusta and the close Scoglio di Peppino, and along which there are some marvellous beaches.

Weather you will spend your holiday at Villa Granito, Casa Due Archi or Villa Panorama, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy a day in one of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia.

Choose Sardinia for your next vacation and live it with Luxury Holidays in Sardinia.