1) The Masua Beach
Masua Beach may not be among the longest stretches of Southern Sardinia, but it is a highly coveted destination, especially for families, as it is an ideal seaside location for young children. The beach is well sheltered from the winds, with shallow waters, crystal-clear water, and fine white sand. Swimming in the waters of Masua and snorkeling is a pleasure, as it feels like doing so in a natural pool due to the transparent nature of its seabed.
The old pier, positioned to its right, ensures some fun for the little ones, teenagers, and adults alike. Masua is also a popular destination for enthusiasts of all types of fishing. Beyond the main beach, where services such as a refreshment point, boat rentals, sun loungers, and umbrellas are available, to its left, there is another small beach. Even from this point, you can admire one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in Sardinia, if not the entire Mediterranean: the Pan di Zucchero.
Perhaps you didn’t know, but from Masua Beach, it is possible to visit the Grotta Azzurra, where you can admire Sardinia carved into the rock by nature. Surely, on the web, you have seen some wonderful shots. Also known as Grotta Sardegna, it is located just under half a mile northwest of Pan di Zucchero. Well sheltered, the cave is easily accessible by a small motorboat or canoe.
2) The Pan di Zucchero
Concali su Terràinu is its name in Sardinian language, the current name comes from the similarity with the famous Pão de Açúcar della baia di Rio de Janeiro. Composed of cambric limestone, it has an area of 0.03 km² and a height of 133 meters, with which it is classified as the highest stack in Italy (and not the highest in Europe as many think). A sea erosion caused the rock seraration from the mainland. A very suggestive way to reach it and have confirmation of its great beauty is by using the Kayak, as well as on board a private boat or rental.
For climbing enthusiasts, the faraglione del Pan di Zucchero is a very popular destination. Climbing on the rocky walls of the natural monument is possible with the right equipment and a specialized guide. From here, needless to say, the view is breathtaking. Well visible are his ‘younger brothers’, two said s’Agusteri and il Morto, the southernmost. While, on the rocky coast faces the back entrance of the mining site Porto Flavia.
3) Porto Flavia
Porto Flavia is a unique mine shaft in the world. Although it is a mining site it was not a mine but a port of embarkation of the material extracted from nearby mines.
It was designed by Cesare Vecelli and built in just two years, from 1922 to 1924. The mining site took the name of the designer’s firstborn and was built by digging two overlapping tunnels in the limestone mountain.
The upper gallery was used to load the silos, while the lower one was used to transport the ore that would be loaded directly into the cargo hold of the steamers and then transported to San Pietro Island.
If you are a fan of mining history you can read my article The mines in Sulcis Iglesiente: a thousand-year history.
Today, Porto Flavia has become a very popular tourist site. During the guided tour, in addition to seeing the gallery you can admire a breathtaking view that shows itself in all its beauty. The protagonist of the painting is always it: il Pan di Zucchero.
4) The Belvedere di Nebida
Once you arrive in the center of Nebida park the car and walk towards the Belvedere di Nebida. Starting from the right side you will see many houses located on the green hills overlooking the sea. Along the panoramic “Belvedere di Nebida” you can admire 5 stacks:Scoglio il Morto, Scoglio di Portu Nebida also called “il veliero”, i due faraglioni S’Agusteriand and, lastly, your Majesty Pan di Zucchero. From here I could admire the most beautiful sunsets, so I recommend you go to the belvedere at sunset.
5) The Laveria Lamarmora
In the lower part, overlooking the sea, stands the Laveria Lamarmora, built in 1897. Inside, materials such as lead and zinc were processed. The entire complex fell into disuse in the mid-1930s.
Now completely abandoned, it is also a very busy place to researchers, tourists or photographers. Before you go, however, I want to inform you that to reach the old laundry you have to go down (and then climb) about 300 steps.
I came down several times but I prefer to admire it from above! 😝
It is certain that, seen from above or from below, the lavery differs from other historic buildings for the scenery in which it is wrapped.
If you are going to visit Nebida I hope that my article has been useful to you not to miss important stages of your trip.
Once you have seen the town of Nebida, I recommend you also visit Tratalias Vecchia, Buggerru e Fluminimaggiore.
And if you are looking for a place to sleep in Sulcis-Iglesiente I recommend La Villa I Mandorli or La Residenza Su Prelau.
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