Itinerary Details
Nora-Bithia Roman Road Trail
Surely one of the most interesting trails for fans of history and unique landscapes, this trail follows the ancient Roman coastal road that connected the city of Nora to that of Bithia. Two thousand years ago, they were among the most populous and richest settlements in Sardinia.
Stretching across the municipal territories of Pula and Domus de Maria, the nearly 6 km long trail can be followed on foot and by mountain bike. The route has no particular height differences or inclines, and therefore it is suitable for everyone.
The starting point is at the Pinus Village tourist resort, a left turn at km 42 of the “Sulcitana” road (S.S. 195) coming from Cagliari. You can leave the car at the car park near the village's small beach. The walk begins on the sandy shore, and proceeds along the coast, boasting breath-taking views of cliffs overlooking the sea, surrounded by Mediterranean scrub - wild olive trees, cistus, mastic, maritime pine, holm oak and strawberry trees.
Along the trail, you can spot the remains of the ancient Roman road surface: a paving stone of worked ashlars on which, in some places, the grooves of the carts that passed here two thousand years ago are still visible.
About 3 km from the start, a small diversion leads to the summit of Monte Sa Guardia. Those willing to climb, enjoy a great viewing point opening over a long stretch of coastline as well as the high Is Cannoneris mountain ranges.
Once you join the main trail again, a gentle descent begins, running alongside the islet of Su Cardulinu, sometimes connected to the mainland by a short strip of sand. Here, the remains of an ancient Punic temple are still visible.
After a few hundred metres, you finally reach the beach of Su Portu, located at the base of a small promontory dominated by the 17th-century Torre di Chia.
Route Type:
on foot or by mountain bike
Round-Trip Duration:
6 km
Map
Discover the Attractions
Pinus Village
Pinus Village is a seaside village of holiday homes located in the southwestern end of Santa Margherita di Pula, on the island's southern coast.
Strada romana
On the coast of the territory of Domus de Maria, one can still admire a long stretch of a roadway dating back to Roman times.
Sacred area of Su Cardolinu
The islet of Su Cardolinu (in Sardinian: the mushroom) lies about 300 metres from the beach of Su Portu, around Chia (Domus de Maria).
Beach of Su Portu
The beach of Su Portu lies near Chia, within the municipal territory of Domus de Maria, at the southern tip of Sardinia.
Tower of Chia
The Tower of Chia stands at the top of a promontory between the beaches of Su Portu and Sa Colonia, where the Punic-Roman city of Bithia once rose.
Acropolis of Bithia
The remains of the acropolis of Bithia stand on top of a promontory between the beach of Su Portu and that of Sa Colonia.