Spiaggia di Funtanazza

Spiaggia di Funtanazza is a truly unique destination located along the wild Costa Verde in south-western Sardinia. What sets this beach apart is the striking, surreal backdrop of the Colonia Marina Francesco Sartori. This is an abandoned mid-20th-century holiday camp built for the children of the local Montevecchio miners. Today, the massive structure stands in stark contrast to the pristine natural beauty of the area, creating a fascinating, slightly melancholic, and deeply atmospheric landscape.

The beach itself features beautiful golden sand that gently curves along a wide bay, bordered by rugged, dark volcanic rocks and backed by dense Mediterranean scrub and pine trees further inland. The waters are crystalline, ranging in color from emerald green to deep blue.

Because of its remote feel and lack of major commercial development, Funtanazza offers a deeply peaceful, uncrowded experience even during the busier summer months. It is a haven for those who appreciate history, photography, and the raw, untamed beauty of Sardinia's western coast, where the mistral winds often bring refreshing breezes.

Practical info

Beach typesandy

WaterClear, crystalline water with a sandy and slightly rocky bottom. It deepens gradually, though caution is needed during windy days when waves are strong.

Getting thereEasily accessible by car via a paved, winding road that descends from the hills directly to the coast.

ParkingThere is a large, unpaved parking area near the abandoned building, usually free of charge.

EntranceAccess to the beach is completely free.

LifeguardThere is typically no regular lifeguard service, so swimming is at your own risk.

ShadeThere is no natural shade on the sand, so bringing your own umbrella is highly recommended.

Best timeJune and September offer the best balance of warm weather, calm seas, and extreme tranquility.

NearbyThe nearest towns are Marina di Arbus and Torre dei Corsari. Don't miss the famous high sand dunes of Piscinas, located just a bit further south.

Family-friendly & For kids

Once a children's summer camp, the wide sandy spaces make it good for families seeking a quiet spot, though facilities are extremely limited.

Kids love exploring the large sandy areas and looking at the impressive ruin from a safe distance, but there are no specific playgrounds or animations.

Food & drink

Malloreddus alla Campidanese — Typical Sardinian pasta, available in nearby agriturismi around Arbus.
Porceddu — Roasted suckling pig, a must-try in the inland restaurants of Costa Verde.
Seafood Fritto Misto — Fried fresh seafood, usually found in the seaside restaurants of Torre dei Corsari.

Facilities

seasonal kiosk
basic bar
garbage bins
no toilets
unorganized beach

Events nearby

Festa di Sant'Antonio di Santadi annually mid-June (2026: 13-16 June) · annual
Religious feast where the statue of Sant'Antonio is carried from Arbus by an ox-drawn cart to the Sant'Antonio di Santadi hamlet, in one of the longest processions in Europe, with field blessings, street food and fireworks. Source
Festa di San Sebastiano Martire annually 20 January (bonfires the eve before) · annual
Patron-saint celebration in Arbus; on the eve, bonfires are lit in the town's main neighbourhoods and local products are shared among the community. Source
Sagra della Pecora Nera di Arbus annually late July / early August · annual
Food festival celebrating Arbus's black sheep, with tastings of locally raised sheep meat cooked according to traditional methods. Source
Festa di San Lussorio Martire annually around 21 August (locally 'sa festa manna') · annual
The feast in honour of San Lussorio Martire, formerly the town's patron saint, is Arbus's biggest annual celebration, held around the saint's liturgical day in late August. Source