Things to do in Porto Torres

Porto Torres is the port town of north-west Sardinia, on the Gulf of Asinara about 20 km from Sassari. Many people know it only for its ferries, yet it is one of the island's oldest towns: the Roman colony of Turris Libisonis stood here, and it is home to the Basilica of San Gavino, the largest Romanesque building in Sardinia. The island of Asinara, now a national park, also belongs to the municipality. It suits lovers of archaeology and history, anyone wanting a handy swim close to town, and travellers looking for a base on the north-west coast.

What to see in Porto Torres

Basilica of San Gavino

Built in the 11th century on the hill of Monte Agellu, it is dedicated to the local martyrs Gavino, Proto and Gianuario. It is a masterpiece of Sardinian Romanesque with a rare feature: two facing apses, one at each end, and no main façade. Inside, the reused columns come from the town's Roman buildings, and the crypt holds the saints' relics and Roman sarcophagi.

Turris Libisonis archaeological park and Antiquarium

Between the station and the port you can walk among the remains of the Roman town: paved streets, houses with mosaics and large bath complexes, including the one known as the Palazzo di Re Barbaro. The Antiquarium Turritano next to the park displays statues, inscriptions, pottery and everyday objects that show the wealth of Sardinia's only Roman colony.

Roman bridge

Just outside the centre, over the Rio Mannu, stands the 1st-century AD Roman bridge, with seven arches of different sizes. It is one of the best-preserved ancient bridges on the island and was still in use until a few decades ago.

Aragonese tower and harbour

At the harbour entrance rises the Aragonese tower, built in 1325 to defend the port. The seafront and the walk towards Balai are lovely at sunset, with views over the gulf.

Things to do in Porto Torres

The most special experience is a trip to Asinara: boats leave the harbour for Cala Reale, from where you explore the island on foot, by bike, by 4x4 or on a guided tour. You cross scrubland and empty coves, meet the white donkeys, mouflons and wild horses, and visit the former Fornelli prison and the hamlet of Cala d'Oliva. Other ideas:

• Boat and RIB trips along the Asinara coast with swimming stops.
• Guided tours of the basilica, the archaeological park and nearby Monte d'Accoddi.
• Snorkelling and diving in the park's protected waters, where allowed.
• Cycling and walking along the Balai coast and its tufa cliffs.

Below you will find the activities offered by local operators: choose your Asinara or sea trip and book directly.

Beaches in Porto Torres

• Balai: a small town beach beneath pale tufa cliffs, a few minutes' walk from the centre, with clear water. Handy for a quick swim.
• Scogliolungo: sand and rocks close to the centre, popular with local families.
• Renaredda: further east, sand and low rocks along the gulf.
• Asinara coves: the finest in the area, such as Cala Sabina, are reached on an island trip; some zones are protected and open only on authorised visits.

History

The area was inhabited in prehistoric times, as the necropolis shows. In the 1st century BC the Romans founded the colony of Turris Libisonis, which became the main port of northern Sardinia and a wealthy town with baths, temples and an aqueduct. In the Middle Ages Torres was the capital of the Judicate of Torres, one of Sardinia's four kingdoms, but malaria and raids from the sea drove people inland, helping Sassari to grow. The town long remained a simple landing place; it became an independent municipality again in 1842 and was granted city status in 1960. In the 20th century the port and industrial area expanded; today Porto Torres is turning more and more to tourism and to Asinara, a former maximum-security prison that became a national park in the late 1990s.

Food and local products

Seafood rules here: fish soups, fried fish, lobster and, in the cooler months, sea urchins, a passion all over northern Sardinia. From nearby Sassari come fainè, a chickpea flatbread of Ligurian origin, and snails. To take home: bottarga (cured mullet roe), north-west wines such as Vermentino and Cagnulari, cheeses and traditional sweets.

Festivals and traditions

• Festha Manna: the great feast of the martyrs Gavino, Proto and Gianuario around Pentecost, with processions, music and stalls between the basilica and Balai.
• Santu Bainzu Ischabizzaddu: on 25 October, with mass, procession and riders at the little church of Balai lontano.
• Santu Bainzeddu: on 25 April, with the blessing of the fields.

Locals speak Sassarese, here also called Turritano, a language close to Corsican.

Nearby

• Asinara: national park and marine reserve, reached by ferry.
• Monte d'Accoddi (about 10 minutes): a stepped prehistoric altar, unique in the western Mediterranean.
• Stintino and La Pelosa (about 30 minutes): Caribbean-like sea and lateen sailing.
• Sassari (about 20 minutes): old town, Museo Sanna and popular festivals.
• Castelsardo (about 40 minutes): a medieval village above the sea.

Getting there and when to go

Porto Torres has ferries from Genoa, Civitavecchia, Livorno, Marseille, Toulon, Barcelona and Corsica. The nearest airport is Alghero-Fertilia, about 35 minutes by car; Olbia is about an hour and a half away. The town is linked to Sassari by the SS131 road and by rail. The best time is May to October: spring and early autumn are perfect for walking and cycling on Asinara, summer for the sea.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Porto Torres?

One day covers the basilica, the archaeological park and the Roman bridge. Add at least a full day for Asinara.

How do you get to Asinara from Porto Torres?

By scheduled ferry to Cala Reale or on an organised excursion with an authorised operator, which often includes transport and a guide on the island.

Is Porto Torres good for families?

Yes: the town beaches are convenient, the archaeological visits are short and the Asinara trip, with its white donkeys, is a hit with children.