Argentiera
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Latest page update: 3 September 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Argentiera
Argentiera has no real hotel infrastructure, as the village is small and largely centred on its historic mining site and dramatic coastline. Travellers seeking established hotels with fuller facilities and a strong volume of guest reviews generally stay elsewhere in north-west Sardinia and visit Argentiera for the beaches, views and walking routes.
In Alghero, Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa is one of the most prestigious options in the area, appreciated for its private peninsula setting, elegant interiors and consistently polished service (€€€€). Also in Alghero, Hotel Calabona provides a well-reviewed alternative with sea-view terraces, a pool area and welcoming hospitality close to the coastal walkway (€€€). For those wanting a peaceful base on the coast to the north, Cala di Lepre Park Hotel & Spa near Palau offers extensive outdoor areas, panoramic views and resort-style facilities (€€€).
In Alghero, Villa Las Tronas Hotel & Spa is one of the most prestigious options in the area, appreciated for its private peninsula setting, elegant interiors and consistently polished service (€€€€). Also in Alghero, Hotel Calabona provides a well-reviewed alternative with sea-view terraces, a pool area and welcoming hospitality close to the coastal walkway (€€€). For those wanting a peaceful base on the coast to the north, Cala di Lepre Park Hotel & Spa near Palau offers extensive outdoor areas, panoramic views and resort-style facilities (€€€).
Where is
Where is Argentiera?
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The mining town of Argentiera is situated within the Sassari Province of Sardinia and has a population of around 70 residents. It's located on the coastline and can boast a couple of beaches.
Places of interest nearby include Stintino, La Pelosa Beach, Porto Torres and the island of Asinara while the recommended accommodation is the El Faro Hotel & Spa close to Alghero. |
Argentiera - frazione di Sassari
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Comune: Sassari
Province: Sassari Region: Sardinia Elevation: 30 metres Highlights: abandoned mines, Spiaggia Piccola, Cala Argentiera Close by: Stintino, La Pelosa Beach, Porto Torres, Asinara Recommended accommodation: El Faro Hotel & Spa (31 km) |
What People Ask About Argentiera
Where is Argentiera located?
Argentiera is located in northwestern Sardinia, in the province of Sassari. It sits on the coast about 40 km northwest of the city of Sassari, within the Porto Conte Regional Natural Park area.
Why is Argentiera abandoned?
Argentiera was gradually abandoned after its silver mine closed in the 1960s. The town had developed around mining activity, and once operations ended, the population declined and many buildings fell into disuse.
Can you visit Argentiera?
Yes, Argentiera can be visited and is part of the Sardinian mining heritage network. Visitors can explore the remains of mining buildings, walk along the coast, and learn about the area’s history through the open-air museum and signage.
What is Argentiera known for?
Argentiera is known for its former silver mine and ghost town setting. It’s also known for its dramatic coastal landscape, film and photography appeal, and for being part of Sardinia’s Geomineral Park, recognised by UNESCO.
How do you get to Argentiera?
Argentiera is best reached by car. It’s around a 50-minute drive from Sassari and about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Alghero. There is limited public transport, so driving is the most practical option for visiting the site.
Related links
Discover
Discover Argentiera
Argentiera is a coastal hamlet in the Province of Sassari, set on the northwestern shore of Sardinia along the Mediterranean Sea. It lies in a rugged bay of cliffs, rocky slopes, and dark sands, with the settlement gathered at the base of steep hills that descend sharply to the water. The surrounding landscape is marked by Mediterranean scrub, abandoned terraces, and winding coastal tracks, giving Argentiera a remote and dramatic atmosphere on one of Sardinia’s wildest stretches of coast.
Its identity is rooted in its mining heritage, once an important centre for silver extraction—reflected in the very name of the village. The remains of mining structures, workers’ buildings, and old industrial routes recall this past and form part of the area’s distinctive character. Positioned between Stintino and the coastal road leading towards Alghero, Argentiera sits within the Parco Geominerario Storico e Ambientale della Sardegna, offering a blend of maritime scenery, industrial archaeology, and untamed coastal landscape.
Its identity is rooted in its mining heritage, once an important centre for silver extraction—reflected in the very name of the village. The remains of mining structures, workers’ buildings, and old industrial routes recall this past and form part of the area’s distinctive character. Positioned between Stintino and the coastal road leading towards Alghero, Argentiera sits within the Parco Geominerario Storico e Ambientale della Sardegna, offering a blend of maritime scenery, industrial archaeology, and untamed coastal landscape.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Argentiera
- Former Mining Village is the heart of Argentiera, with abandoned buildings and industrial ruins set into the hillside. Once a major centre for silver extraction, the mine closed in the 1960s. Many of the original structures have been stabilised for visitors to explore. The site gives a strong sense of the town’s industrial past and dramatic decline.
- Laveria and Processing Plants are among the most prominent ruins, with tall stone walls and machinery remnants. These buildings were used to crush and wash the silver ore before smelting. Elevated walkways and viewing points allow visitors to observe the layout. Information panels explain the role of each structure in the extraction process.
- Mining Museum (Porta d'Argento) offers a compact exhibition on the history of Argentiera and its workers. Housed in a restored building, the museum includes tools, photographs and documentary footage. It forms part of the larger Geomineral Historical and Environmental Park of Sardinia. Entry is often combined with walking routes around the ruins.
- Walking routes along the coast connect the village with nearby cliffs and panoramic viewpoints. Paths follow the line of former rail tracks and mine roads, with sea views and signs of old infrastructure. The terrain is uneven in parts but accessible with suitable footwear. Wildflowers and seabirds are common in spring and early summer.
- Secluded beaches and coves lie just below the village, offering calm waters and a backdrop of industrial ruins. The main beach is pebbled and quiet, with clear water suitable for swimming. A short walk leads to smaller coves used by locals and occasional kayakers. These spots are rarely crowded, even in high season.
Tours and Activities
Argentiera Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Argentiera
Eating out in Argentiera is limited, with just a handful of small trattorie and seaside bars open mainly during the summer months. Seafood features strongly on the menus, with simple dishes such as grilled fish, pasta with shellfish, and salads made with local produce. Cafés and snack points provide lighter options for visitors spending time by the coast.
For a greater selection, Palmadula nearby has a few additional trattorie and pizzerias, while the city of Alghero offers a much broader dining scene. There you’ll find everything from traditional Sardinian kitchens specialising in seafood to modern restaurants with more varied menus.
For a greater selection, Palmadula nearby has a few additional trattorie and pizzerias, while the city of Alghero offers a much broader dining scene. There you’ll find everything from traditional Sardinian kitchens specialising in seafood to modern restaurants with more varied menus.
Photo Gallery
Argentiera Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Argentiera
- Palmadula (approx. 8 km southeast of Argentiera): A small rural village in the Nurra area, Palmadula has agricultural roots and serves as a quiet base surrounded by fields and hills. Its location makes it a stopping point on the road towards Stintino and Alghero.
- Stintino (approx. 25 km north of Argentiera): A fishing village turned holiday destination, Stintino is renowned for La Pelosa beach, one of the most famous in Sardinia. The town also has a small harbour and access to boat trips towards Asinara Island.
- Porto Torres (approx. 30 km east of Argentiera): A major port town, Porto Torres has Roman remains including a bridge and baths, as well as the Basilica of San Gavino. It is an important hub for ferries connecting Sardinia with the Italian mainland and beyond.
- Sassari (approx. 25 km southeast of Argentiera): The second-largest city in Sardinia, Sassari combines a medieval centre with wide boulevards. Landmarks include the Cathedral of San Nicola, museums, and historic palaces, reflecting its long history.
- Alghero (approx. 35 km southwest of Argentiera): Known as “Little Barcelona” for its Catalan heritage, Alghero has a walled old town with cobbled streets and Gothic churches. The coastline nearby includes beaches, coves, and the Neptune’s Grotto sea cave.
Sardinia Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Sardinia
1. Bosa
2. La Maddalena Archipelago
3. Alghero
4. Su Nuraxi di Barumini
5. Santa Teresa Gallura
6. Asinara
7. Gulf of Orosei
8. La Pelosa Beach
9. Gennargentu National Park
10. Tavolara
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sardinia
1. Bosa
2. La Maddalena Archipelago
3. Alghero
4. Su Nuraxi di Barumini
5. Santa Teresa Gallura
6. Asinara
7. Gulf of Orosei
8. La Pelosa Beach
9. Gennargentu National Park
10. Tavolara
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Sardinia
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Argentiera
By Rail: Argentiera does not have its own train station. The closest major station is in Sassari, located about 40 kilometres to the southeast. Sassari is served by regional trains operated by Trenitalia and ARST, with connections to Porto Torres, Olbia, and Cagliari. From Sassari, Argentiera can be reached by car in around 50 minutes. Public transport options are limited, so driving is recommended.
By Road: Argentiera is situated on the northwestern coast of Sardinia, roughly 40 kilometres from Sassari and about 60 kilometres from Alghero. The drive from Sassari takes around 50 minutes via the SP18, while the journey from Alghero takes just over 1 hour. There is roadside parking near the entrance to the village and its beach.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Argentiera is situated on the northwestern coast of Sardinia, roughly 40 kilometres from Sassari and about 60 kilometres from Alghero. The drive from Sassari takes around 50 minutes via the SP18, while the journey from Alghero takes just over 1 hour. There is roadside parking near the entrance to the village and its beach.
Nearest International Airports:
- Alghero–Fertilia Airport: Located approximately 55 kilometres away, with a driving time of about 1 hour via the SP42 and coastal roads.
- Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport: Around 145 kilometres to the east, reachable in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by car.
- Cagliari Elmas Airport: Roughly 240 kilometres to the south, with a journey time of about 3 hours and 30 minutes by road.
Private Transfers
Argentiera Private Transfers
A private transfer is the most convenient option for reaching Argentiera, especially given its isolated coastal location in north-west Sardinia. You’ll be picked up from your selected point and driven directly by a professional local driver—no waiting, no changes, and no need to hire a car.
The closest major airport is Alghero Fertilia Airport, located about 45 kilometres away, with a journey time of around 50 minutes. Transfers from Sassari take about 40 minutes by car (approx. 35 kilometres), while the journey from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport takes around 2 hours 30 minutes (approx. 145 kilometres). Private transfers are also available from Cagliari Elmas Airport, with a journey time of approximately 3 hours (over 230 kilometres).
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
The closest major airport is Alghero Fertilia Airport, located about 45 kilometres away, with a journey time of around 50 minutes. Transfers from Sassari take about 40 minutes by car (approx. 35 kilometres), while the journey from Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport takes around 2 hours 30 minutes (approx. 145 kilometres). Private transfers are also available from Cagliari Elmas Airport, with a journey time of approximately 3 hours (over 230 kilometres).
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

