Quiet apartment, with sailing and snorkeling trip, away from crowd's perfect for nature lovers who like to explore, easy parking, wood beamed cieling, in a very quiet village, of San Benedetto, Iglesias on the southwest coast of Sardegna. Just 20 minutes from the beaches of the Sulcis. But Sardinia is not just about beaches or sea front resorts, there are many interesting things to do if you take the time to explore.
All my guests have the opportunity to join me from June to October (2 person's only)for a day sailing, snorkeling, relaxing in some of the awesome bay's around the island of San Pietro, even a cooked seafood lunch and wine is possible, but not Inc. if staying 7 days or more.
Air conditioning is available if required with a portable unit, but generally its not necessary with the thick stone walls it remains very cool even on the hottest of days.
large living area with dining table and sofa which can become a bed if a family unit. TV.
Old style country kitchen well equipped, large utility room with washing machine.
Large bathroom with shower, large bedroom with double bed, both with old style wood beamed ceiling.
Beaches just 20 minutes. Sleeps 4 persons, very spacious. Easy parking, no crowds.
San Benedetto is a small village hamlet set in the most beautiful surroundings on the edge of one of the biggest national parks in Sardinia, in the mountains above Iglesias, called Marganai. Iglesias is just 6 klms from San Benedetto, so access is very easy using the SP 126 from Iglesias, taking about 8 minutes to arrive. The trekking cottage apartment is very easy to find on google maps and great reviews from many sites.
Iglesias is a medieval City and full of surprises with its history that goes back centuries with many old remnants of the past including the old City walls of the Castle which some remains still exist. The name Iglesias derived from the fact there are so many churches, also it has a beautiful Cathedral from the 13th century. But most of all Iglesias is known for it's mining past, you will see much evidence of that. Iglesias is also known for its beautiful coast and beaches, which some are known to be the best in Europe. In the summer the town gets really going with its bars and restaurants spilling out into the streets where you will find a variety of traditional Sardinian food. There are plenty of shops, banks, supermarkets in Iglesias. So everything is on hand if required, there is even a train station with a direct link to Cagliari airport. Buses run a regular service from Iglesias to San Benedetto, with the bus stop outside the apartment.
The cottage itself is mine, which I restored for my friends and family to use when they visit me etc, but also I enjoy showing people around, offer it to outdoor lovers who want a nice relaxing holiday away from it all trekking in The mountains. Inside there is around 75sqmts so plenty of room for 2 persons, with a large double bedroom, large bathroom with shower, utility room with washing machine, old style kitchen, living room with table chairs, sofa bed, . All the windows have shutters and the walls are almost 3ft thick so it stays cool even in the hot summers.
San Benedetto is a Haven for people who enjoy outdoor recreation like trekking, mountain biking, and rock climbing, as its all here on your doorstep. You just open the door and walk along the many routes that start or lead back to San Benedetto. Taking you through some interesting landscapes where you will find unusual relics of the village mining past.
Just a few meters away starts the road to Casa Marganai and the national park and woodlands of Marganai, they boast the biggest natural oak forest in Europe, once again you will find many trails to interesting palaces. At Casa Marganai there is also a botanical garden with many rare flowers, trees, plants, typical of the area, you will also find a restaurant which serves excellent traditional food. There is one trail I do often which starts at Casa Marganai and takes you to Punta San Michele which is the summit of mount Marganai and over 3,000 ft with views as far as Cagliari and Carloforte. You will pass through dense forest and open view points, you may see deer or wild boar, but for sure you will see the goats of Marganai which will be watching your every move. From the point if you like you can descend to the Grotte di San Giovanni at Domusnovas to visit and walk through the longest cave in the world! Not to be missed.
Beaches of Iglesias. Most people come to Sardinia for the beaches because there are so many, and so beautiful, having white sun bleached sand with crystal clear sea. Getting to them is easy from San Benedetto, the nearest just 15 klms away so more or less 15 minutes by car, but the most unspoiled and beautiful for me have to be Cala Domestica or Scivu to the north and Porto Pino or Maladroxia to the south. So you are right in the middle so perfect to explore north and south. Best local beach is Masua which is just after Nebida.
Masua beach.
Whatever your reason to visit Sardinia the cottage at San Benedetto is perfect, and getting there is simple if you arrive at Cagliari airport.
Beding, linen, towels are there to make your stay more convenient, but if you prefer to bring your own.
Buggerru. Ancient mining center offering today a beautiful wild coast and a long sandy shoreline that starts from the town of San Nicolò and arrives at Portixeddu.
Going north you can reach the Costa Verde where you will find a wilderness and spectacular beaches surrounded by sand dunes such as Scivu and piscinas and the ghost mining village of Ingurtosu.
South Coast there is Punta Trettu and Porto Botte. Perfect beaches for kite surf lovers. Even if you do not practice "kite" Stop for a few minutes and admire the dozens of colorful kites in the sky.
Port de Su Trigue. Beautiful white sandy beach and turquoise waters unfortunately subject to the phenomenon of the Boulders that periodically remove or deposit the sand from time to time that will form the arena of the beach.
Porto Pino. Extremely fine white sandy beach and turquoise waters. The coast is divided into three beaches: The first, the second and the dunes. The last two are preferred as wild and less crowded.
The Famous dunes are only accessible by foot along the beach and it is strictly forbidden to cross them.
Arriving at the beautiful beaches, admire the beautiful lagoons populated by numerous bird species.
Towards Cagliari
Walking along the beautiful panoramic road towards Teulada you will encounter postcard beaches among them, Porto Tramatzu, Tuerredda and Chia with turquoise waters and breathtaking views.
Sant'Antioco. The Island is connected to the land by a bridge. The best beaches are located in the south and In the northwestern part.
The west coast is still very wild and characterized by high cliffs with jagged rocks with a chance to enjoy spectacular views.
Starting from Sant'Antioco, in the south, and by completing the circumnavigation of the Island you will find:
Maladroxia. The preferred beach for families offering many services: there are bars, kiosks and restaurants.
Coequaddus. It offers crystal clear waters and lush vegetation along the coast
Cala Sapone. Small quay between outcrops gullies and islets reachable both on foot and by swimming.
Nearby there are some restaurants that offer typical cuisine.
Cala Lunga. A characteristic creek similar to a fjord embedded in wildlife.
Spiage Grande. Great Beach. It is a long and beautiful beach (about 1600 meters) featuring soft golden sand.
The Saline. Fine white and crystal clear waters of the Saline. The name derives from the old saltwater where they made salt, now of course not in use. Next to it is a beautiful beach.
Sottotorre/ below the tower.
With white calm waters the colour of emeralds. Located in Calasetta's city center.
At the foot of the Sabauda tower of the XVIII century there is a bar / restaurant with magnificent sunsets.
Portoscuso
Portopaglietto. Golden sand and calm waters sheltered from the majestic winds. There are two restaurants Where you can enjoy seafood specialties.
La Caletta. Small cove in the historical center of the village frequented by the local families.
For nature lovers, we suggest a non-demanding trekking of (about 6 km A / R) from the small pine forest to Capo Altano the route takes you along a small dirt road overlooking the sea immersed in the Mediterranean shrub. Once you arrive you will enjoy a landscape which is enchanting which ranges from Sant'Antioco to the Tower at Cala Domestica.
North Coast
The coastal stretch between Portoscuso and Buggerru is considered one of the most fascinating of the Mediterranean. It follows the SP 108, a beautiful panoramic road linking Portoscuso to Gonnesa. Where you can find Portopaglia beach and the village of the same name, an ancient settlement used during the season of tuna fishing and today converted to a tourist residence. Going northward, the Gonnesa coast offers the beaches of Punta S'Arena and Plagemesu (Middle Beach). The beaches are equipped with some beach bars and restaurants.
Nebida is an old mining settlement that has become a must for lovers of trekking Sports climbing and water sports. Do not miss the walk along the belvedere restaurant.Which offers spectacular views of the sea, ancient mining facilities and faraglions. Portu Cauli - Masua. There are two small beaches with excellent services for tourists from which it is possible to do Boat excursions, canoes or pedalos to the discovery of the Pan di Zucchero (imposing high calcareous rock of 133m) with the beautiful coast full of wild caves and creeks.
For lovers of history not to Miss a visit to the Porto Flavia mining site at Masua
Cala Domestica. Wild beach surrounded by dunes and ancient mining ruins.
