Things to see and do Sant’antioco

The museum is a little jewel that tells the story of the lagoon's aquatic flora and fauna, and recalls the memory of Sant'Antioco's naval carpentry. The other idea behind the MUMA is environmental education through workshops, excursions and educational activities. And unlike other museums, everything is modern and state-of-the-art - this place only recently opened its doors. Last but not least, you can also enjoy a coffee and breakfast here, and why not stay overnight. The initiative is truly commendable.

In this museum you can admire testimonies of the pre-nuragic, nuragic, Phoenician, Punic and Roman periods found on the island of Sant'Antioco. The museum is rather small. It exhibits the urns found at the site of the tophet that contained the charred remains of children and animals. Engraved stelae have also been discovered there that have fascinated archaeologists. Among the other pieces on display, jewellery and goldsmith's pieces are the most astonishing.

Chiara Vigo puts into practice the art that has been handed down to her, and promotes unique pieces made from bisso. This bivalve, the largest in the Mediterranean, is the source of the biocculus that transforms into sea silk. Her creations are technical and creative marvels. Every morning, she welcomes you to her workshop and shares a few of her secrets with you. Her know-how has been handed down through the generations, and as proof of this we met Chiara's granddaughter, who has just left school and set to work.

The island's beaches are mainly located on the south and west coasts (where the sunsets are anthological!). The south of the island offers the wildest and least accessible spots by vehicle. Hiking or cycling is an excellent way to discover them.

There's achoice of "equipped" beaches with sun loungers and parasols, lifeguards, kiosks and bars, such as Coaquaddus, Le Saline and Spiaggia Grande.

Repeatedlyawarded the Blue Flag, Maladroxia is an expanse of fine white sand, with pebbled sections, bathed by a crystal-clear sea. The shallow, gently sloping seabed is ideal for families with young children. In addition, thermal waters, already used by the Romans, emerge from the seabed not far from the coast.

There are also wilder spots such as Portixeddu (our favorite beach on the island) and Torre Canai, an Aragonese tower on a small cape facing the main island, offering magnificent panoramic views in an enchanting, sparsely urbanized setting, ideal for breathtaking sunsets.

Cala Sapone is a small beach of pebbles and smooth rock, from which emerge a series of coves to explore on foot. This part of the coastline, teeming with underwater life to explore, is also recommended for underwater fishing and snorkeling. Cala della Signora is a cove enclosed by striking rock walls. Cala Grotta (named after an enormous grotto overlooking the sea) is prized by divers for its emerald-green seabed.

Nido dei Passeri is recognizable by its spiky basalt columns emerging from the waves. Is Praneddas, more difficult to reach, is a rocky arch nicknamed "arco dei baci" spanning a shallow channel that leads to a natural pool. This fantastic pool, around 5 m deep, is renowned for its wealth of caves and ravines, perfect for snorkelling.

Some areas are best reached from the sea, or on foot via often random paths, such as the Portu Sciusciau cove and its great natural arch called Grotta della Sirena.

As for the north and east coasts, they are very popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers.

The vast network carved out of the volcanic tufa that runs beneath the church is simply unique, and you can't leave the basilica without venturing into it. The discovery of the early Christian crypt, Punic and Byzantine tombs and fragments of frescoes is truly moving. You'll only visit a small part of it, though, as this maze winds its way under the entire city hill. The tour is guided and the explanations are truly fascinating.