Investigate a network of cliff tunnels, see huge mining machines and walk coastal paths to learn about Sardinia's mining heritage.

Port Flavia is a fascinating harbor on the west coast of Sardinia that is home to a former mining complex. The extraordinary location of the abandoned mines, carved into limestone cliffs right above the sea, draws many visitors to the area.

The region has been mined for centuries, but it wasn’t until 1923 that the sea harbor was established. It takes its name from the daughter of the architect who designed the locale, Cesare Vecelli. Porto Flavia prospered in the early 20th century due to the mass extraction of coal, sulfur and minerals. However, during the 1990s, the mines closed because of a slump in the industry.

Walk through mine’s tunnels on a guided a tour and appreciate the ingenuity that went into their making. Although they are conducted in Italian, you will still find much of interest here if you can’t speak the language. See pieces of equipment and photographs of the old mining operations. Dioramas of miners at work help you to imagine what it was like working here. Climb up the stairway attached to the cliffs for impressive views of the craggy coastline and out to the Mediterranean.

Visit the Museum of Mining Machines to see the large machines that were once used for mining. Also on display are lots of tools and other apparatus.

Then go on a short trip to look around the villages of Nebida and Masua, where many miners used to live. From Nebida, walk along the scenic coastal path that miners used to take to get to the mines.

Port Flavia lies on the west coast of Sardinia and is 12 miles (19 kilometers) west of Iglesias. Throughout the day, there are regular buses from the town to the harbor, a journey around the mountains that can take up to 1 hour.

Plan a trip to see Porto Flavia

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Miramare Cagliari Hotel Museo

Save 100% on your flight

per person

Jul 21 - Jul 27

Roundtrip flight included

London (LON) to Cagliari (CAG)

8.2/10 Very Good! (214 reviews)

The hotel is located in a convenient spot with most things in walkable distance or a quick bus ride away. They're redoing the street in front of the hotel--nothing to do with the hotel, but if you have mobility issues, it might be a problem as taxi can't come near the door. The inside itself is unique with all sorts of bric brac scattered about. The rooms were spacious and had everything you need. Worth noting that unless you have a harbour view, your windows will open into a pretty depressing indoor courtyard, with little light--it's a historic building, this isn't unusual but worth noting. The only real issue is the issue with the keys-- the doors have the original locks on them. Which is fine, except by their own admission the one for Room 4 is problematic. It was a pain to open and close and frankly the whole door didn't seem very secure anyways. You had to leave your keys at the front desk when you went out which would be fine if they a) told you that when you checked in so you didn't get a lecture later, and made sure there was always someone at the front desk or the door was unlocked. Unfortunately a number of times I was forced to wait around for someone to come back when I was heading out, so I could leave my key. If they could get this ridiculous key situation sorted I'd happily give them a 5/5, but over 3 days it became increasingly annoying.

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2024

Sighientu Resort

per person

Jul 21 - Jul 27

Roundtrip flight included

London (LON) to Cagliari (CAG)

7.2/10 Good! (29 reviews)

The private beach and the large and pleasant swimming pool are definitely a plus. Our room had an exit to a huge rooftop platform that we shared the guests in an adjoining room. Tolerable internet, great food in the buffet, easy parking.

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2022

Arbatax Park Resort - Dune

per person

Jul 21 - Jul 27

Roundtrip flight included

London (LON) to Cagliari (CAG)

7.6/10 Good! (90 reviews)

Very nice place With a few different beaches inside The room was offering privacy and quiet atmosphere Thank you

Reviewed on May 31, 2023

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