Archaeological Site of Tharros

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Tharros archeological site was founded by the Phoenecians in the 8th century BC before becoming a Carthaginian naval base and later, Roman settlement before being abandoned around the 11th century. Scattered across the archaeological site are relics from every era of habitation. After following the Roman road from the ticket office, you’ll first encounter the castellum aquae, the city’s main water reserve, before reaching the main thoroughfare, which was laid in in the 2nd or 3rd century. You can follow this up a small rise to a Carthaginian acropolis and tophet (sacred burial ground for children), and the remains of the original nuraghic settlement. Meanwhile, the Decumano runs down to the sea, leading you to the remains of a Punic temple and the Roman-era Tempio Tetrastilo. Elsewhere, you’ll find two sets of Roman baths, and a palaeo-Christian baptistry. For a great view of the site and coast, head up to the late-16th-century Torre di San Giovanni watchtower.