Things to do in Maracalagonis

Maracalagonis is a village of about 8,000 people some 15 km from Cagliari, at the foot of the Punta Serpeddì and Sette Fratelli mountains. Its territory is surprisingly varied: from the farming and crafts village it stretches down to the sea of the Gulf of Angels, including part of Torre delle Stelle and the beach of Baccu Mandara. It's a great choice if you want clear water away from city crowds, wild nature and living traditions.

What to see in Maracalagonis

Church of the Vergine degli Angeli

In the village centre stands this church of Romanesque origin, consecrated in 1237 and reworked over the centuries: the oldest building in town.

Parish church of Santo Stefano

Consecrated in 1925, it holds the relics of the patron, Saint Stephen, deeply venerated by the community.

Country churches

Out in the countryside are the small churches of San Basilio and San Gregorio, lovely goals for walks among olive groves and hills.

Archaeology

The area has the Copper Age necropolis of Cuccuru Craboni, the pre-Nuragic village of Cann'e Sisa, remains of many nuraghi and, at Carroi, traces of a Punic temple that yielded two sandstone statues of the god Bes, now in Cagliari's National Archaeological Museum.

Su Fenugu tower

On the coast stands the Su Fenugu watchtower, part of the network of coastal towers built in the late 16th century against pirate raids.

Things to do in Maracalagonis

In summer life moves to the coast, along the scenic road to Villasimius: swimming in crystal-clear water, snorkelling among the rocks, kayak or boat trips to the coves of the gulf. The rest of the year belongs to the hinterland: the Sette Fratelli massif, with holm-oak woods, Sardinian deer and panoramic trails, is a paradise for hiking and mountain biking. Scroll down to discover experiences offered by local operators: boat trips, hikes and outdoor activities to book.

Beaches of Maracalagonis

The coast is about 25 km from the village.

• Torre delle Stelle: shared with Sinnai, with two beaches, Cann'e Sisa and Genn'e Mari, divided by a headland; pale sand and clear water, great for families.
• Baccu Mandara: soft golden sand and green-turquoise water, tucked between the hills.
• Geremeas: shared with Quartu Sant'Elena, with wide sandy beaches close by.

History

The earliest traces date from the Copper Age, with the Cuccuru Craboni necropolis; then came nuraghi, a Punic temple and, in Roman times, wheat fields. In the Middle Ages the area belonged to the Giudicato of Cagliari, then to Pisa and Aragon. The name comes from the union of two villages: Mara, a shepherds' settlement, and Calagonis, whose people moved to Mara after it was abandoned. A fief of the County of Quirra, it bought its freedom in 1839; from 1928 to 1946 it was part of Sinnai.

Food and shopping

Maracalagonis has a strong craft tradition: handmade traditional sweets, local bread, woven baskets and precious Sardinian costumes in brocade.

Festivals and traditions

The main event is the feast of the patron Santo Stefano, in early July: several days of religious rites, a procession with the relics through the streets accompanied by traditional music and folk groups, and a party in the square.

Nearby

• Sinnai, a neighbouring village known for crafts.
• Sette Fratelli park, for nature hikes.
• Villasimius and its sea, further east along the coast.
• Cagliari, about 20 minutes from the village.

Getting there and when to go

Cagliari-Elmas airport and Cagliari port are about 25-30 minutes from the village. You reach the centre from Cagliari via Quartucciu; the coast is along the SP 17 coastal road to Villasimius. Come June to September for the sea, spring and autumn for hiking.

FAQ

Does Maracalagonis have beaches?

Yes: the municipality includes part of Torre delle Stelle and Baccu Mandara, about 25 km from the village.

Is Maracalagonis good for families?

Yes, the Torre delle Stelle beaches are sheltered and easy with children.

When is the Santo Stefano feast?

Traditionally in early July, over several days.