Nora

About

Founded by the Phoenecians on an even older indigenous settlement around the 8th century BC, Nora is said to be the first city in Sardinia. Under Punic, and later, Roman rule, it was a thriving trade town, being both the start of all roads on the island and the first stop on the sea route to Carthage. However, following the Muslim conquest of Carthage in 698, it lost its importance and was abandoned within a century. Today, the archaeological site is one of the most important in Sardinia, and it won’t pull you too far from the beach. In fact, the ancient Punic cemetery is right on the shore, partially submerged. You’ll also find the remains of four Roman thermal bathhouses, aqueducts, private houses, an amphitheater, and theatre, with a healthy smattering of mosaics. And with a large part of the city now underwater, you can even arrange for a snorkel tour!