Nature
Piscinas Dunes
Arbus
Shifting dunes on the Costa Verde near Arbus — sand hills up to 60 metres across some 28 km².
Location
Arbus
Coordinates: 39.54020, 8.45050
The Piscinas coastal dune system lies on Sardinia's west coast in the municipality of Arbus and extends over about 28 square kilometres. The mistral pushes sand inland, shaping shifting dunes that in places approach 60 metres — one of Europe's largest active dune fields. Junipers, marram grass and rock roses grow between the crests; the area is habitat for Sardinian deer coming down from the interior and a stopover for migratory birds. Behind the dunes, the ruins of Ingurtosu and Naracauli recall the mining that shaped the Costa Verde into the 20th century. Access is along a long gravel track from Ingurtosu.
Highlights
- Active shifting dunes up to nearly 60 metres
- Sardinian deer among junipers and sand
- Mining ruins of Ingurtosu inland
Tips
- The access track is long and dusty — allow enough time.
- Do not walk on the dune crests; the vegetation holds the sand.
Best time
May, June and September; very hot and windy in high summer.
