Tharros
4.5
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Located on the northern promontory of the Gulf of Oristano are the ruins of Tharros, a Phoenician-Roman port city that was abandoned in the year 1000 AD.
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11 within 3 miles
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24 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
746 reviews
Excellent
406
Very good
240
Average
76
Poor
17
Terrible
7
Federico B
London, UK50 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
The archeological site is a must-see in Sardinia, as it encompasses a long historical period: from the nuragic settlement, to the Phoenician-Carthagenean domination and finally the Roman occupation.
You can still see the great skills of the romans in building thermal spas, paved roads or sewage channels.
You can download a practical audio guide, included in the ticket.
We tried following the guided tour (also included) but we ended up with Francesca, a tour guide that couldn’t read the participants. She gave a comprehensive lecture of history, keeping us for almost 40 minutes under the sun. We finally decided to go on our own, as it was too much information. Her detailed description were appropriate for a university class, more than a group of tourists. Hopefully she will be able to adapt her skills to the tourist crowd in the future.
You can still see the great skills of the romans in building thermal spas, paved roads or sewage channels.
You can download a practical audio guide, included in the ticket.
We tried following the guided tour (also included) but we ended up with Francesca, a tour guide that couldn’t read the participants. She gave a comprehensive lecture of history, keeping us for almost 40 minutes under the sun. We finally decided to go on our own, as it was too much information. Her detailed description were appropriate for a university class, more than a group of tourists. Hopefully she will be able to adapt her skills to the tourist crowd in the future.
Written August 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eleanoramusa
Ann Arbor, Michigan7 contributions
My first visit to Tharros was in 2000. I have friends in Cabras that I stay with, which is about 7 minutes from Tharros. Tharros is one of those historical places that still has the energy left from its creators...the Phoenicians and the Romans. You can just feel their presence while on the site. Sting, the musician, wanted to give a concert at Tharros, but the Italian Government denied his request.
Also, bring your bathing suit....I took some great photos on some rocks in the water on the beach. You can go swimming while you are there....It's absolutely AMAZING!!! It's also important to note...that the place is quite deserted..you would think there would be a lot of tourists visiting...but there was probably 3 or 4 people while I was there....it is still an undiscovered treasure...as all of Sardinia is....
Also, bring your bathing suit....I took some great photos on some rocks in the water on the beach. You can go swimming while you are there....It's absolutely AMAZING!!! It's also important to note...that the place is quite deserted..you would think there would be a lot of tourists visiting...but there was probably 3 or 4 people while I was there....it is still an undiscovered treasure...as all of Sardinia is....
Written September 30, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Radim S
London, UK281 contributions
Oct 2013 • Solo
I agree with many reviews below saying Tharros ruins are good but not so special, especially if you have already seen some of more famous ruins around the globe.
However, in my opinion Tharros is worth a visit, can imagine it may get very interesting with a guide that can provide you with plenty of information about the site (was not my case unfortunately).
What makes this site good is proximity of other interesting places. Tharros is situated on Capo San Marco that offers some spectacular views, you can walk around more than an hour or more, I liked Capo itself more than The Ruins.
Next to the road leading to Tharros is Chiesa di San Giovanni in Sinis - the second oldest church in Sardinia, just amazing.
Historical town Oristano is situated around 20 km from Tharros - worth a visit as well, esp. Duomo (The Cathedral) and city centre.
Between Oristano and Tharros is abandoned film western city San Salvatore and around 7 km to north from Tharros lies unique quartz beach.
I visited all places above in one day (as a part of my cycling trip) and can honestly say that was one of my best days in Sardinia!
P.S.
I spent two weeks travelling along Sardinian western cost using public transport (bus, train) and bike only, in case you would be planning anything like that, feel free to drop me a mail, I am more than happy to help out about getting around.
However, in my opinion Tharros is worth a visit, can imagine it may get very interesting with a guide that can provide you with plenty of information about the site (was not my case unfortunately).
What makes this site good is proximity of other interesting places. Tharros is situated on Capo San Marco that offers some spectacular views, you can walk around more than an hour or more, I liked Capo itself more than The Ruins.
Next to the road leading to Tharros is Chiesa di San Giovanni in Sinis - the second oldest church in Sardinia, just amazing.
Historical town Oristano is situated around 20 km from Tharros - worth a visit as well, esp. Duomo (The Cathedral) and city centre.
Between Oristano and Tharros is abandoned film western city San Salvatore and around 7 km to north from Tharros lies unique quartz beach.
I visited all places above in one day (as a part of my cycling trip) and can honestly say that was one of my best days in Sardinia!
P.S.
I spent two weeks travelling along Sardinian western cost using public transport (bus, train) and bike only, in case you would be planning anything like that, feel free to drop me a mail, I am more than happy to help out about getting around.
Written October 21, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ukiwil1
UK166 contributions
Jun 2022
Almost every information board was missing. One of its highlight temples is now completely overgrown.
Dont trust what you read online, we just turned up and bought tickets on the day, at 1.5 euros cheaper than online!
Not worth travelling a long way for, but ok if you’re near.
Dont trust what you read online, we just turned up and bought tickets on the day, at 1.5 euros cheaper than online!
Not worth travelling a long way for, but ok if you’re near.
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daisy
Ljubljana, Slovenia96 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
We were here in low season, so I understand the service is down-scaled, but still... There are practically NO information about the site itself. You buy the tickets, they give you a poor map of the site (which is really less than basic) and this is it. There are no boards (with any information) along the path, they don't offer you a guide when you buy the tickets... nothing. The site itself is however beautiful and the location is impressive. Keep in mind that during windy days, the tower is closed.
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peoplepower
Manchester21 contributions
The setting is the best thing about Tharros. The ruins sweep up from a sheltered bay near the end of a peninsula. The other side of the peninsula is battered by crashing waves.
You get best view when you climb the spanish tower, very inspirational.
However, we had a 9 year old boy to entertain and because of the lack of info on the place it was hard to keep him interested in the ruins. Being from the UK we probably rely too much on the interactive displays we are so well catered for in the museums.Perhaps if you plan to go you should get informtion beforehand so you can tell the story properly to any children.
Overall, not the best ruined city by far but you could probably travel the world and still not find a more stunning location.
You get best view when you climb the spanish tower, very inspirational.
However, we had a 9 year old boy to entertain and because of the lack of info on the place it was hard to keep him interested in the ruins. Being from the UK we probably rely too much on the interactive displays we are so well catered for in the museums.Perhaps if you plan to go you should get informtion beforehand so you can tell the story properly to any children.
Overall, not the best ruined city by far but you could probably travel the world and still not find a more stunning location.
Written October 19, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Customer London
London, UK148 contributions
Sep 2019
Tharros is a wonderfully romantic site, with very easy access. An extensive site, there is a lot to take in and worth taking a guide if available. Stunning location, tumbling into the sea. We visited late September and it was extremely easy to wander around and it's hot but bearable. High summer, I'd recommend early morning or end of day. Close paid parking, and although you could probably do it in an hour, it's worth giving yourself two hours to just enjoy the location; there was a parking attendant on hand who had change but I don't know if they are there all the time so worth having a small bag of Euros. If there are tour buses, it's a big enough site that you can easily avoid the crowds. Coffee bar / restaurant was fairly busy but there was shade and quite a few seating areas, there are loos, a small gift shop. Very nearby, within walking distance is a very nice sandy beach which can be accessed near the entrance to the site. Also in the drive through to the area there are salt flats with numerous birds
Written October 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cromagnon53
Hove, UK60 contributions
Sep 2018 • Friends
This is really many different settlements and temples in one place, separated by quite a walk. It is best seen on a cool day, when it is not too hot. The sites are on a peninsula which has some rocky promontories, and you need a map to orientate yourself to the best things to see. I think the best parts are those at the far end, where there is the foundation of a Phoenician temple of the 4th century BC, perhaps older. There is extensive car parking, bars, cafes, restaurants and toilets which cater or all tastes and needs.
Written September 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CocoaBelle
London, UK111 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
There are multiple parking options - don't get stuck in the large car-park just because you think thats the parking. There is some closer to the site but to be honest there is a little bit of walking involved wherever you park - but there is a strange car-train that comes along every once in a while. No idea how much it costs though.
It was a pretty impressive site and it had amazing mobile recpetion (unlike the rest of Sardinia!). It is pretty exposed though so you will need hats/sunglasses and plenty of sun-cream. It was fascinating walking round - even drenched in sweat! - but the Italian government could really make more of the site. It was very basic in terms of information and giving a sense of history. Still, the place has an atmposhpere and energy all of its own. It was very calm and peaceful and I would encourage you to find time in your schedule to visit. There is also a beach - with several bars attached so you could def. spend a day here.
It was a pretty impressive site and it had amazing mobile recpetion (unlike the rest of Sardinia!). It is pretty exposed though so you will need hats/sunglasses and plenty of sun-cream. It was fascinating walking round - even drenched in sweat! - but the Italian government could really make more of the site. It was very basic in terms of information and giving a sense of history. Still, the place has an atmposhpere and energy all of its own. It was very calm and peaceful and I would encourage you to find time in your schedule to visit. There is also a beach - with several bars attached so you could def. spend a day here.
Written July 16, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HaNosseah
Basel, Switzerland251 contributions
Oct 2019
Tharros really has it all. The ancient site has a nuraghe and a much later Phoenician-Punic town that was subsequently settled by the Romans. Archaeological excavation is still going on so not everything is open at all times, but there's more than enough to see (some of the explanatory signs need to be repaired, however!). The views from the town out to the sea are breath-taking. We decided to hike up the lower path to the lighthouse (make sure you have a pair of stout walking boots or shoes because the path can be steep and narrow) and then down the main road back to the archaeological site. Probably not more than 60-90 minutes in all.
Written October 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Possibile mangiare sul posto ? Grazie
Marta C
Madrid, Spain5 contributions
Yes! There is a little pub near the tour
MartaGM65
59 contributions
Hay visitas guiadas en español?
Marta C
Madrid, Spain5 contributions
Hola! Cuando yo estuve no habÃa en castellano, unicamente en inglés y en italiano, pero mientras que traducÃa en esos dos idiomas, teniendo un poco de control sobre el inglés y entendiendo el italiano, te enterabas del 99% de lo que decÃa!
Sonia p
59 contributions
ciao!saro' in quella zona dal 15/08(!) le visite vanno prenotate?visto il periodo conviene andarci nel tardo pomeriggio?grazie!
Angela C
14 contributions
Generalmente non è necessario prenotare, ma le consiglierei di fare una telefonata per verificare gli orari esatti di inizio delle visite guidate.
2zapatak
Europe71 contributions
Buongiorno e Buona Pasqua. Visto che è stato di recente a Tharros, volevo avere due informazioni. Quanto tempo ci vuole per la visita? Io e la mia famiglia abbiamo in previsione una visita a maggio. Non essendo sardi, sicuramente prendiamo una guida, leggo che Lei ha visitato il sito con il Sig, Franco. Lo ha contattato prima di arrivare o una volta al sito è facile trovare una guida? Grazie. Anna - Verona
PierPaolo C
Sardinia, Italy521 contributions
Una volta al sito è facile trovare una guida. Per la visita del sito consiglio almeno due ore.
srpoyares
Florianopolis, SC1 contribution
quero saber a distância entre Barumini e Tharros e como chegar.Não estamos de carro.
Andrea M
Cabras, Italy475 contributions
Ciao la distanza e di circa 60 km e i 2 siti sono collegati molto bene dalla strada statale 131. Ma se non avete una macchina purtroppo non è facile. In quanto non esistono linee di trasporto pubbliche dirette ma solo con scalo. Unica alternativa è usare un taxi o u ncc (noleggio con conducente)
MartinezD
Province of Barcelona, Spain264 contributions
Hola Miriam,
somos de Barcelona también y queremos ir a Cerdeña este mes de agosto, solo tenemos 5 dÃas para visitar lo más tranquilo y bonito que podamos.
Hemos estado dando una ojeada a la isla, y creemos que nos gustarÃa más la zona norte y suroeste de la isla. Vemos que has visitado Tharros, uno de nuestros sitios favoritos para visitar.
Nos podrÃas ayudar? Te alojaste en este lado de la isla o ibas haciendo turismo?
Nosotros llevamos el coche en Grimaldi.
Nos podrÃas recomendar alguna playa?
Gracias por tu ayuda
Tharros (Cabras) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Tharros
- Tharros is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- We recommend booking Tharros tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Tharros tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Tharros:
- (0.08 mi) B&B Tharros
- (0.54 mi) Villa Isabella San Giovanni di Sinis
- (6.10 mi) Torremana
- (6.48 mi) B&B sa reposada
- (5.64 mi) Bed & Breakfast Gi & Giò
- Restaurants near Tharros:
- (0.10 mi) Bar Ristorante Tharros
- (0.41 mi) Ristorante bar da Marina
- (0.54 mi) Le Dune
- (0.52 mi) Bar Trattoria Tequila
- (0.71 mi) Vento Maestro Lido - Bar - Trattoria
- Attractions near Tharros:
- (0.02 mi) Area Archeologica Tharros
- (0.10 mi) Penisola del Sinis - Isola di Mal di Ventre
- (0.23 mi) Spiaggia Di Capo San Marco
- (0.63 mi) Church of Saint John Baptist di Sinis
- (0.86 mi) Capo San Marco
Tharros Information
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