Things to do in Santa Giusta

Santa Giusta is a town of about 5,000 people practically joined to Oristano, set on its own lagoon and a few kilometres from the sea. Its emblem is the Romanesque basilica, one of Sardinia's finest, but the town also tells a very old story: the Phoenician city of Othoca stood here. With its lagoon, reed boats and bottarga, it's a perfect stop on any trip around Oristano for lovers of art, nature and tradition.

Things to see in Santa Giusta

Basilica of Santa Giusta

Built between 1135 and 1145 on a rise along the main street, it was the diocesan cathedral until 1503. Its three-aisled interior is lined with reused columns from ancient towns such as Tharros and Othoca. It's dedicated to the martyr who gives the town its name.

Church of Santa Severa

A small church linked to one of the town's best-loved feasts, in late September.

The Roman bridge

Over the Rio Palmas two arches of a Roman bridge survive, a reminder of the road network that once crossed this land.

Santa Giusta lagoon

At about 800 hectares it's Sardinia's third-largest lagoon. It connects to the smaller Pauli Figu and Pauli Majori, ringed by reed beds where avocets, flamingos and purple swamphens nest.

Things to do in Santa Giusta

Explore the lagoon on foot or by bike along its shores, bring binoculars for birdwatching, or watch the regatta of fassonis, the ancient reed boats used by fishermen. The sea, the city of Oristano and the trails of Monte Arci are minutes away. Further down the page you'll find experiences offered by local operators, from excursions to water activities: choose and book.

Beaches of Santa Giusta

Santa Giusta's shoreline faces the Gulf of Oristano with Abbarossa beach, a long, wide sweep of sand that's rarely crowded — ideal if you want space and calm. For more beaches, Torregrande is close by and the Sinis beaches are about half an hour away.

History

Othoca was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC, among the island's first cities alongside Tharros and Sulky, and later became a Roman municipium; its necropolis has yielded rich grave goods. Tradition holds that the saints Giusta, Giustina and Enedina were martyred here in Roman times. In the Middle Ages people gathered around the cathedral under the Giudicato of Arborea; the diocese was abolished in 1503. In 1637 the French, who had attacked Oristano, were driven back near the town.

Food and shopping

The lagoon fisheries produce grey mullet bottarga, the area's signature product, along with lagoon fish. In late September the town celebrates malloreddus a sa campidanesa. Local crafts include baskets woven from asphodel, dwarf palm and wicker, and rugs made on horizontal looms.

Festivals and traditions

• Santa Giusta, the patron saint: mid-May.
• San Giovanni Battista: late June, with a mutton festival.
• Fassonis regatta: in summer, on the lagoon.
• Santa Severa: late September, with the malloreddus festival.

Nearby

• Oristano, with its old town and the carnival Sartiglia.
• Arborea and the S'Ena Arrubia reserve.
• Palmas Arborea and Monte Arci.
• Cabras and the Sinis, with Tharros and the quartz-sand beaches.

Getting there and when to go

Santa Giusta lies on the SS 131 Carlo Felice, minutes from Oristano and its railway station. The nearest airports are Cagliari (about an hour and a quarter by car) and Alghero (about an hour and a half). May is the patron's month; summer is perfect for the beach and the regatta; spring and autumn for lagoon birds.

FAQ

What is there to see in Santa Giusta?

The Romanesque basilica, the lagoon and its birds, and the Roman bridge.

Does Santa Giusta have a beach?

Yes, Abbarossa beach on the Gulf of Oristano.

Is Santa Giusta good for families?

Yes: it's quiet, close to Oristano and has wide beaches and easy walks.