Things to do in Tresnuraghes

Tresnuraghes is a village of around 1,000 people on the border between Planargia and Montiferru, about 10 km from Bosa, with land running down to the sea. It combines a centre of low houses clustered around the parish church, an unexpected museum and a crystal-clear coast with Porto Alabe beach and the Foghe tower. Ideal if you want to mix quiet sea days, archaeology and traditions, away from the crowds of better-known resorts.

What to see in Tresnuraghes

Old town and churches

The heart of the village is the parish church of San Giorgio martire, the patron saint, with low houses gathered around it. There are several smaller churches, including Santa Croce and San Lorenzo, and about 3 km away the country sanctuary of San Marco, a pilgrimage site.

Casa Deriu Museum

It recreates the life of a well-to-do family in the 18th and 19th centuries, with original furniture and around a thousand antique books, and tells the story of Sardinian journalism and printing, fashion and travel.

Foghe tower

An Aragonese coastal tower about 5 km south of the village, on a headland at the mouth of the Riu Mannu. It was part of a lookout chain with the towers of Ischia Ruja and Columbargia. In ancient times there was a landing place here.

Archaeology

The village's name recalls three nuraghi (Bronze Age stone towers); today you can visit the nuraghi Martine, Nani and Tepporo. Along the road to San Marco are a giants' tomb and domus de janas (rock-cut tombs), plus Su Ju Malmuradu, a rock formation tied to a legend: a farmer who kept working as the procession passed was turned to stone with his yoke of oxen.

Things to do in Tresnuraghes

• Swimming and snorkelling among coves, rocks and clear seabeds.
• Boat or kayak trips along the Planargia coast, sea permitting.
• Malvasia tastings at local wineries.

To enjoy sea and countryside with people who really know them, browse the experiences offered by local operators just below.

Beaches of Tresnuraghes

Porto Alabe

The village's seaside hamlet and best-known beach: a long stretch of fine, pinkish sand broken by coves and rocks, with a small settlement behind. The name is said to come from Catalan for seagull. It faces the mistral wind: on calm days it is perfect for families, on windy days it draws wave lovers.

Foghe coast

Further south, towards the mouth of the Riu Mannu, the coast turns wilder, with cliffs and small access points, ideal if you want peace.

History

Settled in pre-Nuragic, Nuragic and Roman times, the area may have been home to ancient Ciddilis, near the Foghe landing. In the Middle Ages it belonged to the Giudicato (medieval Sardinian kingdom) of Torres and from 1308 to Arborea; it then became an Aragonese fief, held by the Villamarina family and later part of the Planargia marquisate, until it was bought out in 1839.

Food and shopping

The star product is Malvasia di Bosa DOC, the Planargia's sipping wine. Local cooking shines during religious feasts, with traditional breads, meats and sweets.

Festivals and traditions

• San Giorgio martire, the patron, in late April.
• San Marco, on 25 April, with a pilgrimage to the country church and offerings of blessed bread, meat and wine.
• Sant'Antonio da Padova, in late August.

Nearby

• Bosa, about 10 km away, with Malaspina castle and the Sa Costa quarter.
• Magomadas and the Malvasia Wine Route.
• Flussio and its asphodel basket weaving.
• Cuglieri and the coast of Santa Caterina di Pittinuri.

Getting there and when to go

The nearest airport is Alghero-Fertilia, about an hour's drive via Bosa; Cagliari-Elmas is about two hours away. Oristano is about 50 km away. The village has a stop on the Trenino Verde tourist railway, which runs only in certain periods. Come June to September for the sea, April for the San Giorgio and San Marco feasts.

FAQ

What is the beach of Tresnuraghes?

Porto Alabe, the village's seaside hamlet, with fine pinkish sand and coves among the rocks.

Is Tresnuraghes good for families?

Yes, especially on days without the mistral, when Porto Alabe is calm.