Oristano
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Latest page update: 19 August 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Oristano
Oristano, on the central-western coast of Sardinia, offers a small number of established hotels that provide a base for exploring both the historic centre and the nearby Sinis Peninsula. Most options are located within the town itself, combining convenience with comfortable facilities.
Mariano IV Palace Hotel is a long-standing property in the centre, featuring spacious rooms, on-site dining and good guest feedback for service (€€). Also centrally located, Hotel Duomo offers boutique-style accommodation in a historic building, with positive reviews for its character and proximity to the main sights (€€). For a larger option, Mistral2 Hotel provides a pool, restaurant and modern rooms, regularly praised for its facilities and convenient position (€€).
Mariano IV Palace Hotel is a long-standing property in the centre, featuring spacious rooms, on-site dining and good guest feedback for service (€€). Also centrally located, Hotel Duomo offers boutique-style accommodation in a historic building, with positive reviews for its character and proximity to the main sights (€€). For a larger option, Mistral2 Hotel provides a pool, restaurant and modern rooms, regularly praised for its facilities and convenient position (€€).
Where is
Where is Oristano?
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The city of Oristano is the capital city of the Province of Oristano with a population of 31,709 inhabitants.
Standing at an elevation of 10 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 85 km² and lies 98 kilometres north west of Cagliari, the regional capital of Sardinia. Situated just a few kilometres inland of Sardinia's western coast, Oristano is home to one of the island's most colourful events: the Sa Sartiglia, a mixture of jousting and horseback acrobatics. |
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The Sa Sartiglia takes place between late February and early March each year, at which point the city is flooded with visitors. Outside of those times it's a very laid-back city where you can eat, shop and enjoy some historic monuments.
Most prominent of the sights is the Torre Mariano II, a 28 metre high medieval tower built in 1290, which greets you as you enter the city on Piazza Roma. This same square is fringed with bars and restaurants, some of which lead into the main shopping street: Via Umberto I.
A short walk along Via Umberto I brings you to the most attractive square in the city: Piazza Eleonora d'Arborea. Here you'll find an occasional antiques market while just a short walk away is Oristano Cathedral, and another church, the Chiesa di San Francesco.
The best museum in Oristano is the Antiquarium Arborense with its collection of ancient artefacts, pointing to the city's Nuraghic, Phoenician, Greek and Roman history.
Most prominent of the sights is the Torre Mariano II, a 28 metre high medieval tower built in 1290, which greets you as you enter the city on Piazza Roma. This same square is fringed with bars and restaurants, some of which lead into the main shopping street: Via Umberto I.
A short walk along Via Umberto I brings you to the most attractive square in the city: Piazza Eleonora d'Arborea. Here you'll find an occasional antiques market while just a short walk away is Oristano Cathedral, and another church, the Chiesa di San Francesco.
The best museum in Oristano is the Antiquarium Arborense with its collection of ancient artefacts, pointing to the city's Nuraghic, Phoenician, Greek and Roman history.
Comune di Oristano
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Province: Oristano
Region: Sardinia Population: 30,273 (in 2024 - source) Size: 85 km² Elevation: 10 metres Highlights: Torre Mariano II, Cathedral, Antiquarium Arborense Water quality: Blue Flag Beach 2024 - 2025 Close by: Sinis Peninsula, Tharros, Nuraghe Losa, Bosa, Putzu Idu |
What People Ask About Oristano
Is Oristano worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in Oristano?
How do I get to Oristano?
What can you do in Oristano?
When is the best time to visit Oristano?
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Discover
Discover Oristano
Oristano is a historic city in the Province of Oristano, set on the western plains of Sardinia near the Gulf of Oristano and the wetlands that surround the lower course of the Tirso River. The city developed on flat terrain and has a spacious, orderly layout, with elegant piazzas, wide streets, and a historic centre marked by traditional stone and stucco buildings. Its proximity to lagoons, farmland, and open coastline gives Oristano a strong connection to both inland landscapes and the nearby sea.
Cultural and religious traditions define much of its identity, reflected in landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the medieval Torre di Mariano II. The city is also known for the Sartiglia, an equestrian festival with medieval origins that remains one of Sardinia’s most famous events. Positioned between Cabras and the routes that cross the Campidano plain, Oristano forms a central hub on the island’s western side, linking historic settlements, coastal wetlands, and archaeological areas with the wider landscapes of western Sardinia.
Cultural and religious traditions define much of its identity, reflected in landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the medieval Torre di Mariano II. The city is also known for the Sartiglia, an equestrian festival with medieval origins that remains one of Sardinia’s most famous events. Positioned between Cabras and the routes that cross the Campidano plain, Oristano forms a central hub on the island’s western side, linking historic settlements, coastal wetlands, and archaeological areas with the wider landscapes of western Sardinia.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Oristano
- Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta stands on the site of a former Byzantine church and features Baroque interiors with a tall bell tower. The current structure dates mostly from the 18th century and contains religious artworks and historic tombs. It is located in the centre of Piazza Duomo.
- Antiquarium Arborense is Oristano’s main archaeological museum, with artefacts from the Nuragic, Phoenician and Roman periods. Highlights include statues, ceramics and items from the nearby site of Tharros. The museum is housed in a restored palace close to the cathedral.
- Torre di Mariano II is a medieval tower built in the 13th century as part of the city’s defences. Constructed from sandstone, it once formed a gateway into the historic centre. It remains one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city and can be viewed from Piazza Roma.
- The Sartiglia festival in February is one of Sardinia’s most famous traditional events, featuring masked horsemen and equestrian games. Riders dressed in medieval costume attempt to spear a suspended star at full gallop. The event includes parades, music and historical reenactments.
- Trips to the Sinis Peninsula and Tharros offer beaches, wetlands and ancient ruins within 30 minutes’ drive. Tharros is an open-air archaeological site with Punic and Roman remains, while the nearby beaches of San Giovanni and Is Arutas are known for their unique quartz sand.
Tours and Activities
Oristano Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Oristano
- Ristorante Cocco e Dessì: Set in the historic centre of Oristano, this refined restaurant is known for its elegant presentation and creative approach to Sardinian cuisine. Dishes often highlight seafood and seasonal produce, with options such as tuna tartare, fregola with clams, and slow-cooked meats. The refined interior makes it suitable for a special evening. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Trattoria Portixedda: Tucked away in a small street off the main square, this cosy trattoria serves traditional local dishes in a warm, informal atmosphere. Highlights include malloreddus with sausage, roast suckling pig, and homemade desserts. Friendly service and a focus on authenticity make it a popular choice. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Da Leonardo: Located slightly outside the centre but still within walking distance, this restaurant combines regional and Mediterranean flavours in a welcoming setting. The menu includes pasta with seafood, grilled fish, and seasonal vegetables, with a good wine selection and professional service. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Agriturismo Archelao: Situated in the countryside around 5 km from the centre of Oristano, this family-run agriturismo offers fixed menus based on homegrown produce and traditional recipes. Meals are served in a rustic dining room and typically include multiple courses with generous portions. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Pizzeria Marlin: A casual spot near the town’s main shopping area, Marlin is known for its thin-crust pizzas, quick service, and good value. A large selection of toppings and classic Italian starters makes it a convenient option for an easy dinner. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
Photo Gallery
Oristano Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Oristano
Oristano is a great base from which to discover the local area. Highlights include the Sinis Peninsula with the stunning location of Tharros and its archaeological site. The protected marine area is also home to beaches such as Putzu Idu, Sa Mesa Longa and Is Arutas.
Inland from Oristano is the Nuraghe Losa, one of the island's best Nuraghe sites, around 3,000 years old, while further up the coast lies the unmissable town of Bosa with its multicoloured houses.
Inland from Oristano is the Nuraghe Losa, one of the island's best Nuraghe sites, around 3,000 years old, while further up the coast lies the unmissable town of Bosa with its multicoloured houses.
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 Oristano
Oristano's train station is situated to the east of the city centre, a 12 minute walk (1.2 km) from Piazza Roma. Trains run south to Cagliari with a journey time of an hour and 22 minutes, stopping just before the city at Cagliari Elmas Airport (1 hour 15 minutes). Heading in the opposite direction, it's a 2 hour 26 minute journey north to Sassari.
The most convenient airport for Oristano is Cagliari Elmas Airport which is an hour's drive down the motorway (88 km). Sardinia's other two airports, Alghero Fertilia Airport (1 hour 43 minutes/151 km), and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (1 hour 54 minutes/179 km) are less convenient.
The most convenient airport for Oristano is Cagliari Elmas Airport which is an hour's drive down the motorway (88 km). Sardinia's other two airports, Alghero Fertilia Airport (1 hour 43 minutes/151 km), and Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (1 hour 54 minutes/179 km) are less convenient.
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Public transport: Central train station, local buses
By train: Cagliari - 1 hour 22 minutes, Sassari - 2 hours 26 minutes |
By car: Nuoro - 59 minutes (87 km), Cagliari - 1 hour 3 mins (93 km)
Fly to: Cagliari Elmas Airport - 1 hour by car (88 km) |
Private Transfers
Oristano Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a simple and reliable way to reach Oristano or continue your journey from the town. You’ll be picked up at a time that suits you and driven directly to your destination, avoiding the need for car hire or public transport connections.
From Oristano, the journey to Cagliari Elmas Airport takes around 1 hour 20 minutes (approx. 100 kilometres), making it the most commonly used hub for air travel. Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is roughly 2 hours 30 minutes away (approx. 180 kilometres), while Alghero Fertilia Airport can be reached in around 2 hours (approx. 150 kilometres). Shorter journeys to places such as Bosa, Cabras, or Santa Giusta take between 15 and 45 minutes depending on the route.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below.
From Oristano, the journey to Cagliari Elmas Airport takes around 1 hour 20 minutes (approx. 100 kilometres), making it the most commonly used hub for air travel. Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is roughly 2 hours 30 minutes away (approx. 180 kilometres), while Alghero Fertilia Airport can be reached in around 2 hours (approx. 150 kilometres). Shorter journeys to places such as Bosa, Cabras, or Santa Giusta take between 15 and 45 minutes depending on the route.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below.
