Things to do in Masainas

Masainas is a farming village in the Sulcis, in south-west Sardinia, home to about 1,200 people and set on a plain between the hills of the Sulcis massif, coastal lagoons and the Gulf of Palmas. Its territory reaches the sea at Is Solinas, a white-sand beach among dunes, junipers and Aleppo pines. It's a destination for natural, quiet beaches, birdwatching in the lagoons and the country cooking of artichokes and Carignano wine.

What to see in Masainas

Church of San Giovanni Battista

The village's main monument, in Gothic-Aragonese style; it may stand on an older place of worship linked to Benedictine monks. Two stone sarcophagi are kept here.

Is Fais nuraghe

The area has about ten nuraghi: the best known is Is Fais, with four towers arranged in a cross.

Porto Botte and Baiocca lagoons

The wetlands between the village and the sea host flamingos, herons, little egrets, cormorants and rare species such as the marsh harrier and the purple swamphen.

Things to do in Masainas

The seaside here is simple and natural: sunny days and swims at Is Solinas, walks on the dunes and through juniper-scented scrub. The lagoons are perfect for birdwatching, especially in spring and autumn. Inland you can go hiking or cycling among hills of scrub, holm oak and strawberry trees, and visit wineries making Carignano del Sulcis. The Gulf of Palmas is also good for kayaking and boat trips. Scroll down to find experiences offered by local operators, ready to book.

Beaches of Masainas

The Masainas coast is about two kilometres long, half sand and half rock.

• Is Solinas: fine white sand, high dunes separating the lagoons from the sea, and junipers and Aleppo pines behind. It's a natural, barely developed beach, ideal if you love peace and nature; with children, bring a beach umbrella and supplies, as facilities are limited.
• Rocky stretch: low rocks to explore with mask and snorkel on calm days.

History

Traces of the Neolithic (including at Is Solinas), the Nuragic age, and Phoenician-Punic and Roman times have been found here, including sarcophagi, coins and two rock-cut tombs at Serra Lepuris. Benedictine monks were active around 1200. The modern village grew around the little church of San Giovanni at the end of the 18th century; in the countryside you can still see furriadroxius, small shepherds' hamlets typical of the Sulcis. Masainas became an independent municipality in 1975.

Food and what to buy

Masainas is the land of artichokes, celebrated with a food festival, and of Carignano vineyards, the Sulcis red wine. Try the cheeses from local farms too.

Festivals and traditions

• Artichoke festival: in spring, between late March and April, with tastings of traditional dishes.
• San Giovanni Battista: 24 June.
• Madonna della Salute, the patron: early October, one of the most heartfelt feasts in the Sulcis.

Nearby

• Porto Pino (Sant'Anna Arresi), with its white dunes.
• Sant'Antioco, an island linked by an isthmus, with its museum and Punic necropolis.
• Tratalias, with the Romanesque cathedral of Santa Maria di Monserrato.
• Giba and Piscinas, neighbouring villages of the lower Sulcis.

Getting there and when to go

Cagliari-Elmas airport is about an hour and a quarter by car, via the SS130 and Carbonia. The nearest ferry port is Cagliari. Come from June to September for the sea, in spring and autumn for migrating birds, hiking and the artichoke festival.

FAQ

Is Is Solinas beach good for families?

Yes, the sand is fine and the setting peaceful, but facilities are few: bring shade and water.

Where can I see flamingos in Masainas?

In the Porto Botte and Baiocca lagoons, between the village and the sea.

How many days do I need?

One or two days cover the beach, lagoons and village; more if you use Masainas as a base for the Sulcis.