There are over ten thousand megalithic structures in Sardinia, each with a tower between 33 and 66 feet tall. They are the remains of ancient civilizations that existed between the 18th and 11th centuries BC. We call them Sardinian “nuraghi".
What does nuraghe mean?
Nuraghi are among the most impressive archaeological finds from Sardinian civilizations that existed between 1800 and 1000 BC. These are megalithic structures with up to 66-foot towers and 33-foot diameters. Nuraghi were built to serve as watchtowers to protect the villages of the ancient Nuragic civilization that stood around them; thus they were built on high ground from which the area can be easily seen.
There are numerous remains of these ancient megalithic buildings: it is estimated that there are over 10,000 nuraghi on the island, roughly one every 2 square miles.
There isn't a single corner of Sardinia that doesn't have at least one nuraghe.
However, some areas of the island are particularly dense: dozens of them can be seen in the Nuraghi Valley, the Logudoro-Meilogu region, or the Trexenta and Marmilla areas.
Top 3 most famous nuraghi worth visiting
We recommend three of the island's most important and distinctive nuraghi as part of a tour that explores the island's architectural, naturalistic, and folkloric beauty.
Su Nuraxi di Barumini
The archaeological site of Su Nuraxi, in the Sardinian hinterland, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The original structure, which dates back to the second millennium BC, featured a single 18-meter-high tower. This was later expanded and incorporated into a larger structure composed of four towers connected by a stone wall, transforming the nuraghe into a true fortified village.
The Nuragic Complex of Barumini is in Viale Su Nuraxi, 09021 Barumini SU. To reach the site, take state road 131 from Cagliari or Oristano to Sanluri, then state road 197 to your destination.
Visitors to the site must be accompanied by a tour guide. The ticket costs €14 for adults and €7 for children and is available online.
Nuraghe Losa
Nuraghe Losa can be found near Oristano in the Abbasanta area.
Narughe Losa is a massive structure with a triangular base and a 62-foot-tall central tower flanked by three smaller towers. This nuraghe is regarded as one of the most beautiful and harmonious architectural structures.
Nuraghe Losa is in State Road 131 Carlo Felice, 09071 Abbasanta, OR. To get there, take State Road 131 and then watch for signs that say "Nuarghe Losa" along the way.
The entrance fee to the nuraghe is €6. Online ticket sales are also available.
Nuraghe Arrubiu
As the Sardinian word "arrubiu" suggests, the Nuraghe Arrubiu is a reddish megalithic structure. Of all the nuraghi, its structure is the most impressive because it is the only one with five towers. Additionally, there are spacious courtyards, hallways, and even stairs on the inside.
The site is located in Su Pranu, Orroli SU, 09061. As a result, we recommend that you begin your journey in Orroli; from there, you can either drive along the SP10 or take the 9119 bus.
A ticket to the site costs €5 for adults and €3 for children, with group discounts available.