North-West · Città metropolitana di Sassari

Things to do in Santa Maria Coghinas

Santa Maria Coghinas, Sardinia: Casteldoria hot springs, the Doria castle, kayaking on the Coghinas river, festivals and nearby beaches.

Santa Maria Coghinas, Sardegna — © Japs 88 · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Santa Maria Coghinas is a small town of around 1,300 people on the west bank of the Coghinas river in north-west Sardinia, among hills that frame a fertile alluvial valley. It lies in Anglona, but its language and traditions come from neighbouring Gallura. It is known for the Casteldoria hot springs and the ruins of the Doria castle; with the sea of the Gulf of Asinara about 5 km away, it is ideal if you want to mix wellness, river nature and beach time.

What to see in Santa Maria Coghinas

Casteldoria castle

On a red granite hill above the valley stand the remains of the fortress built by the Doria family in the Middle Ages. The highlight is the pentagonal tower, more than 20 metres tall, along with stretches of wall, a cistern and the ruins of the old village. The castle was demolished in the late 18th century, but the view over Anglona and the coast is worth the climb.

Church of the Madonna delle Grazie

Romanesque in origin with a Gothic-style façade, the church is the village's spiritual heart and keeps the statue of the Virgin carried in procession at the main festival.

The Coghinas river

The river flows between reed beds, cork oaks and Mediterranean scrub. Along its banks you can spot herons, ospreys and freshwater turtles.

Things to do in Santa Maria Coghinas

The classic experience is a warm soak at the Casteldoria hot springs: in a bend of the river below the castle, salt-bromine-iodine waters rise at over 70°C at the source. Known since Roman times, they now supply a spa centre. The Coghinas is great for kayaking and canoeing, birdwatching and fishing; the hills for walks and bike rides. Nearby, the Gulf of Asinara offers sailing and windsurfing. Find the experiences offered by local operators below and book your day on the river.

History

The area was inhabited in prehistoric times, and in the Middle Ages it belonged to the Judicate of Torres, when the Doria built their castle. The village was resettled in the 19th century by shepherds from Gallura, who brought their dialect and customs. Once part of Sedini and, from 1960, of Valledoria, it became an independent municipality in 1983.

What to eat and buy

The valley is planted with vineyards and artichoke fields: the artichoke is the symbol of local farming. The cooking reflects Gallurese roots, with hearty soups, meat, cheese and traditional sweets.

Festivals and traditions

The most heartfelt festival honours the Madonna delle Grazie, with a procession of the Virgin's statue on 1 May. Legends of hidden treasure and a secret passage surround the castle; even the writer Grazia Deledda told them in the late 19th century.

Nearby

Viddalba, about 1 km away, with its archaeological museum.
Valledoria, with its marina and San Pietro a Mare beaches.
Badesi and its long sandy beaches.
Sedini, with the Domus de Janas La Rocca.
Perfugas and Bulzi, in inland Anglona.

Getting there and when to go

Santa Maria Coghinas is about 50 km from Sassari. The nearest airports are Olbia and Alghero, each a little over an hour's drive; the handiest port is Porto Torres, about 45 minutes away. The springs can be enjoyed all year, even in winter; summer is perfect for combining river and sea, while spring and autumn are best for birdwatching.