Argentiera Beach - Sassari

Argentiera Beach is located along the rugged Nurra coast in northwestern Sardinia, within the municipal boundaries of Sassari. The town lies at the foot of a picturesque former mining village that was founded in the early 19th century and remained active until the early 1960s; its imposing wooden and stone structures overlook the sea. The beach is flanked by tall, dark cliffs covered with Mediterranean scrub and is divided by a low rocky outcrop into two crescent-shaped bays: the southern cove, which is more secluded and dominated by the buildings of the old mine, and the northern cove (Cala Onanu), which is significantly wider. Both sections feature a distinctive silvery-gray sand mixed with small, smooth, multicolored pebbles, quartz grains, and shiny flakes of schist. The sea offers crystal-clear waters in deep shades of blue and emerald, with the seabed dropping off sharply just a short distance from the shore—ideal for those who love swimming and snorkeling along the cliffs. ℹ️ Services: On the beach, there is a kiosk-bar and a rental service for umbrellas, lounge chairs, pedal boats, and canoes. Behind the beach, there is a large parking lot, while the small village features bars, a pizzeria, and restaurants. 🚗 How to get there: • From Alghero (about 38 km): Take the SP55bis north (passing Lake Baratz and the turnoff for Porto Ferro), then merge onto the SP18 toward Palmadula and follow the signs for Argentiera. • From Porto Torres and Sassari: Take the SP42 (Strada dei Due Mari) or the SP18, passing through the hamlet of Palmadula and Porto Palmas Beach, and continue along the final scenic stretch of winding road that descends directly to the seaside village. 💡 Fun fact: • Industrial archaeology and UNESCO heritage: The name "Argentiera" derives from the rich deposits of lead and silver-bearing zinc that have been mined since ancient times. Today, the village—with its famous restored pitch-pine washing house and the Podestà Well—is part of Sardinia’s Historical and Environmental Geomining Park and serves as a fascinating open-air museum. • Nearby coves: Just a few minutes’ drive north lies the beautiful sandy bay of Porto Palmas, while along the cliffs there are a series of secluded coves accessible via scenic hiking trails. • Cinematic charm: In the 1960s, the rugged coastline between the cliffs of Capo Caccia and Argentiera captivated international film crews during the shooting of the movie "The Cliff of Desires" (Boom!, 1968) starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, making the rocky silhouette of this stretch of northwestern Sardinia famous around the world. Photo: Panoramio