Piscinas Dunes

The Piscinas Dunes, in the territory of Arbus, are one of the most spectacular natural landscapes on the Costa Verde. Huge masses of sand extend inland among juniper and Mediterranean scrub, while a long exposed beach opens onto the western sea.

The dune system reaches impressive heights, with sand ridges rising to around 60 metres in places. Wind continually reshapes the landscape, giving Piscinas a wild, changing character far removed from developed beach resorts.

A long stretch of golden sand lies in front of the dunes. The sea on Sardinia’s west coast can be powerful, so conditions should be assessed carefully before swimming. Even when it is not suitable for a beach day, the landscape alone makes Piscinas worth visiting.

Junipers and other Mediterranean species grow along the edge of and sometimes within the sandy system. The dunes are fragile habitats, so unnecessary crossings and any behaviour that could damage stabilising vegetation should be avoided.

Piscinas lies in an area deeply shaped by mining history. Roads, old infrastructure and the nearby Montevecchio system reveal the relationship between industry and landscape. This combination of wild nature and industrial archaeology is one of the defining features of the Costa Verde.

A full day can be dedicated to Piscinas and the Costa Verde, while Montevecchio deserves separate time. Local roads are slower than the map may suggest, so the Trip Planner should treat Piscinas as a main destination rather than a quick stop between other places.