In the AD seventh century, the inhabitants of nearby Tharros repelled invasion after invasion until a band of merciless Moorish pirates forced them to abandon their homes. With the pirates cleared out, the coast is clear for tramping through the ruins of ancient city and gazing at the sea, dotted with seagulls and commercial boats instead of pirate ships. After their abrupt displacement, the residents of Tharros set up camp around modern-day Oristano (oh-rees-TA-no; pop. 35,000), which soon became an independent commercial port protected by Eleanora of Arborea, one of Sardinia’s most important saints. The cheery, pastel-colored centro storico is a great place to stay while exploring the nearby Sinis Peninsula’s Phoenician and Roman ruins at Tharros and the beaches of Is Aruttas and San Giovanni di Sinis. Visiting the town in February is a real treat, as tourists will be able to experience the delightful and unique “Sartiglia,” Oristano’s special commemoration of carnevale featuring traditional costumes, masks, and impressive horseback acrobatics.
Trains: In P. Ungheria (☎ 0783 89 20 21), 1km from the centro. Ticket counter open 6:20am-8:15pm. Luggage storage available. To Cagliari (1-2hr., 27 per day 4:49am-9:26pm, €5.15), Macomer (1hr. ...more
To get to the centro from the train station, follow Via Vittorio Veneto, the street farthest to the right, to Piazza Mariano. Then take Via Mazzini to Piazza Roma, the heart of the city. Walk down Corso ...more
Oristano caters primarily to beach-bound travelers, but low competition makes for high prices. Because B&Bs have lower prices, they are a good alternative to hotels but have very limited numbers ...more
The Euro-Drink market, P. Roma 22, sells inexpensive basics and local products like mirto (myrtle liqueur) and sebadas, a special type of Sardinian dessert. (Open M-Sa 8am-2pm and 5-9pm. MC/V.) A Sisa ...more
The whimsical Chiesa di San Francesco, in P. Eleonora d’Arborea at the end of V. de Castro, complete with two small, brightly tiled domes, is the largest duomo in Sardinia. First built in 1250, it ...more
The Sinis peninsula is best reached by bus from Oristano (5 per day from the ARST station; only runs during the summer months). Ask for ticket to San Giovanni di Sinis for the beach (8:25am-6:30pm, ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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