Along its 1,800 kilometers of coastline, which makes it the island with the largest coastal surface area in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is home to over 40 lighthouses.

These structures, sometimes located in inaccessible and isolated places, have played a crucial role for sailors, signaling the presence of reefs and dangerous passages and ensuring a safe reference during night navigation or in conditions of poor visibility.

The Historical Importance of the Lighthouses of Sardinia

Although Sardinia is at the center of the western Mediterranean, it is not historically linked to the major maritime traffic routes in the Mediterranean, and its lighthouses were built mainly between the 19th and 20th centuries, when this part of the Mediterranean was freed from the problem of piracy.
Before the advent of modern navigation technologies, these lighthouses were the only reliable tool for avoiding shipwrecks and orienting oneself along the coast. Even today, despite technological advances, they continue to perform both their important function in navigation safety and sometimes as historical and tourist attractions.
Exploring the lighthouses of Sardinia means taking a journey of the island from a different perspective. The lighthouses are located in open areas, with a breathtaking sea view and where nature sometimes manifests itself in its harshest form, but always at its best.

Among the most interesting are:

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Capo d’Orso Lighthouse

A short distance from Palau, the Capo d’Orso Lighthouse takes its name from the characteristic bear-shaped granite rock nearby. The 19th-century structure is located on a promontory that offers panoramic views of the La Maddalena Archipelago and the Costa Smeralda. The lighthouse is easily accessible and is an ideal stop for those who want to combine nature excursions with the discovery of historical sites.
Are you looking for a Hotel near Capo d’Orso?
The Residence Hotel Costa Serena is located in the picturesque bay of Costa Serena in Palau, with a splendid view of the Isola dei Gabbiani and the north-eastern coast of Sardinia. A few kilometers from the island of La Maddalena, the renowned surf spot of Porto Pollo and the exclusive elegance of the Costa Smeralda and Porto Raphael, it offers an ideal stay for those who want to explore the wonders of this enchanting region.

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Capo Ferro Lighthouse

Located near Porto Cervo in the municipality of Arzachena, the Capo Ferro Lighthouse is an important guide for sailors sailing the waters between Sardinia and Corsica. Built in 1858, the lighthouse stands on a cliff overlooking the sea, offering breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The surrounding area is characterized by lush Mediterranean vegetation and paths that allow you to explore the coast in all its beauty.
Looking for a hotel near Capo Ferro?
The Country Resort & Restaurant Parco degli Ulivi is just two kilometers from the center of Arzachena and becomes the ideal base for discovering the authentic beauty of Gallura, diving into the clear waters of the Costa Smeralda and enjoying moments of total tranquility. In this corner of paradise, time slows down: you can relax in the large swimming pool, savour the refined dishes of the gourmet restaurant and abandon yourself to the pleasure of every comfort, in an exclusive stay where genuine hospitality intertwines with the innovation and creativity of the services offered.

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Capo Testa Lighthouse

Capo Testa Lighthouse, located on a rocky promontory near Santa Teresa Gallura, is surrounded by unique and spectacular granite formations. Built in the 19th century, the lighthouse dominates an area of ​​extraordinary natural beauty, with hidden coves and crystal-clear waters. The area is ideal for hiking, offering trails that lead to panoramic points of incomparable beauty.
Looking for a hotel near Capo Testa Lighthouse?
Positioned in a strategic point along the coast and surrounded by lush nature, Hotel La Coluccia represents a serene escape just steps from Conca Verde beach and a short distance from Santa Teresa Gallura. Here, guests can experience moments of tranquility, enriched by enchanting views of the Maddalena Archipelago and the island of Spargi.

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Capo Figari Lighthouse

Near Golfo Aranci, the Capo Figari Lighthouse stands on a promontory that offers a panoramic view of the Gulf of Olbia and the island of Tavolara. The structure, dating back to the 19th century, is surrounded by a nature reserve rich in flora and fauna, making it a favorite destination for trekking and birdwatching enthusiasts. The lighthouse can be reached via paths that wind through the Mediterranean scrub and offer breathtaking views of the sea.
Are you looking for a hotel near the Capo Figari Lighthouse?
15 minutes from Golfo Aranci, the Hotel Felix Olbia is located a few minutes from the heart of the city and a short distance from the splendid beaches of north-eastern Sardinia.
It represents an ideal location for corporate events and private meetings, offering, thanks to its strategic position that combines the convenience of discovering the Costa Smeralda without giving up the services of a dynamic city.

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Capo San Marco Lighthouse

Located on the Sinis peninsula, the Capo San Marco Lighthouse dominates the promontory of the same name, offering a spectacular view of the ruins of the ancient city of Tharros and the Sardinian Sea. Built in 1924, the lighthouse is easily accessible and is an unmissable stop for those who want to combine historical and archaeological interest with scenic beauty. The surrounding area is rich in historical evidence and offers nature trails of great interest.
Are you looking for a hotel near the Capo San Marco Lighthouse?
The Hotel La Baja is a four-star hotel located in Santa Caterina Pittinuri, about a half-hour drive from Capo San Marco, with an enchanting view of the beach of the same name, in the heart of this charming seaside village, a few steps from the famous Is Arenas beach. From the swimming pool, the restaurant and the rooms you can admire a unique view of the bay, surrounded by the imposing rocks of the western coast of Sardinia.

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Capo Bellavista Lighthouse

Located on the famous promontory of Capo Bellavista, it was built in 1866 in Ogliastra which at the time was almost unpopulated. However, it is one of the most iconic lighthouses in eastern Sardinia and has recently been renovated. It dominates the entire Gulf of Arbatax and represents a strategic point for navigation along the eastern coast, famous for its deep waters and sheer cliffs.
Are you looking for a hotel near Capo Bellavista Lighthouse?
Surrounded by the beautiful nature of Ogliastra, Galanias Hotel & Retreat is located a few steps from the Torre di Barì beach, offering absolute peace and spectacular views. Surrounded by the tranquility of the Mediterranean scrub and enriched by a newly renovated swimming pool, it offers a perfect atmosphere to immerse yourself in the peace of nature and enjoy complete rest.

Lighthouses and Coastal Towers, two ways of seeing the sea

And yet, if an architectural element characterizes the landscape of Sardinia that overlooks the sea, these are the coastal towers. These structures (over one hundred) were erected starting from 1500 during the Aragonese period to defend the island from attacks by Saracen pirates and enemy incursions.

But while lighthouses have the function of guiding boats and signaling the coast to sailors, coastal towers served only for defensive and sighting purposes, allowing the garrisons to promptly report any incoming dangers.

The antithesis between lighthouses and coastal towers is the mirror of the history of the island and its relationship with the sea, seen in the past as a bearer of dangers, in more recent times as a vehicle for trade and exchanges with the outside world, today as an important source of income thanks to tourism.