Food & Culture
FOOD & CULTURE
Explore the island's unique heritage, from ancient nuragic ruins to contemporary art museums.
Discover the fascinating history of Sardinia by visiting our archaeological museum in the charming town of Sant’Antioco or indulge in some of the island’s culinary delights at our restaurant.
MUSEUMS
Archaeological
history
FOOD
Local
cuisine
Discover the Rich Culture of Sant'Antioco: Local Museums and Traditions
Discover the Fascinating Heritage and Culture of Sant'Antioco
Sant’Antioco and Carloforte are rich in history and archaeology, boasting numerous sites and museums that offer an insight into the cultural and historical heritage of the island. Here are some of the must-visit archaeological sites and museums in Sant’Antioco and Carloforte, along with information on the guided tours available.
Twenty Centuries of History to Discover
Tophet of Sant’Antioco: The Tophet is an ancient Phoenician burial ground where urns containing the ashes of children were buried. Guided tours are available to explore the site and learn about its history and significance.
Hypogeum Village of Sant’Antioco: The Hypogeum Village is an ancient underground necropolis carved out of the rock. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the chambers and learn about the fascinating history of this unique site.
Sant’Antioco Catacombs: The catacombs of Sant’Antioco are an extensive network of underground tombs that were used for burials from the 3rd to the 8th centuries. Guided tours offer an opportunity to explore this eerie and fascinating site.
Ancient Peoples with Millennial Traditions
Macc Museum of Calasetta: The Macc Museum in Calasetta is dedicated to the history and traditions of the local fishing industry. Guided tours are available to learn about the various fishing techniques used in the area and to explore the museum’s extensive collection of fishing equipment and artifacts.
Museum of Bisso: Located in Sant’Antioco, the Museum of Bisso is dedicated to the production and use of bisso, a rare and valuable silk-like fabric produced from the byssus of the Pinna Nobilis shell. Guided tours provide a glimpse into the history and production process of bisso.
Ethnographic Museum of Sant’Antioco: The Ethnographic Museum of Sant’Antioco is dedicated to the cultural and historical heritage of the island. Guided tours provide an in-depth exploration of the museum’s exhibits, which include traditional clothing, tools, and handicrafts.
Be Curious and Explore the Surroundings
Calasetta overlooks the island of Carloforte, which was founded by Tabarchins.
Museum of Casa Lussu: Located in Carloforte, the Museum of Casa Lussu is a traditional Sardinian house that has been preserved to showcase the customs and traditions of the island. Guided tours offer an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the area.
Visit the Torre del Pozzo: This 16th-century tower was built to defend the island from pirate attacks and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Carloforte.
Attend a Local Festival: Carloforte is known for its lively festivals and celebrations, which take place throughout the year. From the traditional Girotonno to the colorful Carnival, there’s always something to see and experience in this vibrant town.
Local food experiences in Sant'Antioco and Calasetta
Discover unique flavors of an ancient culinary tradition
Visitors to Sant’Antioco and Calasetta can experience the local cuisine in the many restaurants and trattorias scattered throughout the towns.
Typical Sardinian Food
Pilau from Calasetta is a typical specialty of Sardinian cuisine from the town of Calasetta in the province of Cagliari. The dish consists of fregola cooked in lobster or sea goat sauce, a large crab that lives in the depths of the island.
One of the most famous dishes of the Sardinian island of Carloforte is couscous alla carlofortina. Also known as CascĂ a Tabarkin, this dish bears the imprint of the Arab cuisine of Tabarca, where the Ligurians who later settled in Carloforte moved to.
Tonno alla carlofortina is a typical fish dish from Carloforte, a town located in the south of Sardinia. It’s a dish made with fresh tuna, particularly with the fried tuna collar.
Special Dishes and Sweets
Focaccia genovese is a typical leavened bread of the city of Genoa, also passed down to Calasetta and Carloforte, which is soft and crunchy, fragrant, and with pleasant savory notes. Served warm or cold, perhaps filled with cold cuts or cheese and accompanied by a glass of wine, it makes for a great appetizer.
The canestrello is the sweet symbol of conviviality in Carloforte: it is a kind of biscuit covered with “cappa” (glaze) that is enjoyed at the end of a meal with a good glass of “muscatello” (dessert wine).
“Pe de porcu” are traditional Sardinian sweets typical of Carloforte and the name comes from their shape that resembles pig’s feet.