Sant'Antioco Island

Sant’Antioco Island is located in southeast Sardinia and is connected to the main island via an artificial isthmus that was originally a Roman bridge. It’s located in the region of Sulcis and is named after the Christian martyr whose celebration is the longest running in Sardinia. 2014 will be the 655th edition!

Sant'Antioco is a beautiful island and makes for a lovely and enchanting visit. From the beaches of Coaquaddus and Sottotorre to the ancient ruins of the Punic-Phoenician city of Sulky to the excavated catacombs and necropolis of Sant'Antiogu to the Tophet and the archeological museum where they store the famous bronze archer statue that was recovered from the Cleveland Museum (which had acquired it illegally).

The Italian island of Sant'Antioco comes in fourth, after Sardinia, Sicily and Elbe. You can get there by a road on an artificial strip of sand that has actually existed since Carthaginian times. According to local legend, the road was a gift to Saint Antiochus in thanks for a healing he performed. The island has two major port-cities: Calasetta and Sant'Antioco. Calasetta is the main seaside town and that’s where you can catch the ferry to San Pietro. All in all, Sant'Antioco is a quiet island where the beaches are not crowded and you can explore at your leisure.