Torre di Carcangiolas
A medieval coastal defense ruin, Torre di Carcangiolas stands majestically half-submerged in the sea off Poetto Beach, Sardinia.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Torre di Carcangiolas
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A medieval coastal defense ruin, Torre di Carcangiolas stands majestically half-submerged in the sea off Poetto Beach, Sardinia.
"A poignant historical ruin on a beautiful beach, offering dramatic coastal views and a glimpse into Sardinia's past."
🌅 Golden Hour Photography
Capture the tower's silhouette against stunning sunrises and sunsets for epic shots.
🌊 Check the Tides
Low tide offers a better perspective and closer access to the tower ruins.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ruined Tower
Poetto Beach
A striking medieval coastal defense, now a picturesque ruin half-submerged in the sea.
Poetto Beach
Quartu Sant'Elena
Enjoy a walk along this beautiful beach, with the ancient tower as a unique backdrop.
Coastal Views
Along the shoreline
Experience breathtaking sea vistas and the dramatic interplay of history and nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respect the Ruins
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Golden Hour Photography
Capture the tower's silhouette against stunning sunrises and sunsets for epic shots. 
🌊 Check the Tides
Low tide offers a better perspective and closer access to the tower ruins.
🚶♀️ Beachside Stroll
Enjoy a relaxing walk along Poetto beach with the historic tower as your companion.
⚠️ Respect the Ruins
The tower is a fragile historical site; admire it from a safe distance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Golden Hour Photography
Capture the tower's silhouette against stunning sunrises and sunsets for epic shots.
🌊 Check the Tides
Low tide offers a better perspective and closer access to the tower ruins.
🚶♀️ Beachside Stroll
Enjoy a relaxing walk along Poetto beach with the historic tower as your companion.
⚠️ Respect the Ruins
The tower is a fragile historical site; admire it from a safe distance.
🐦 Cormorant Spotting
Keep an eye out for cormorants often seen perched on the tower ruins.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Torre di Carcangiolas to be a visually striking and historically interesting ruin on the beautiful Poetto Beach. Its unique setting in the sea and the dramatic coastal views are frequently praised. However, some note its state of decay and the ongoing erosion by the sea, which adds to its poignant charm.
"Nice place for visiting"
Izabela Smyczynska
"Nice beach"
R SLI
"The Carcangiolas tower is what remains of a medieval coastal defensive structure located in the territory of Quartu Sant’Elena. Currently, unfortunately forgotten and abandoned, it is now a ruin and lies half destroyed at Poetto, along the beach, completely surrounded by water.
The structure, in limestone and granite, was a truncated cone shape. The remains of the tower, collapsed and poured into the sea, stand a short distance from the shoreline.
The Carcangiolas tower communicated with that of Sant’Andrea (now disappeared), that of Mortorio in the locality of Is Mortorius (ruin) and that of Foxi. From the position of the Carcangiolas tower you can see, to the west, the towers of Mezza Spiaggia, Poetto, Sant’Elia and, to the east, that of Cala Regina. At the time the tower was several dozen meters from the sea.
Until the 1970s, the Torre di Carcangiolas was still standing on the Quartu coast of Poetto, and was stormed by expert climbers and fearless divers of times gone by."
Luca Cicilloni
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Torre di Carcangiolas is located on Poetto Beach in Quartu Sant'Elena. You can reach Poetto by car, bus, or even by bike from Cagliari. Parking is available along the beach road, though it can be busy during peak season.
Yes, several bus lines connect Cagliari to Poetto beach, making it accessible via public transport. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
While a long walk, it's possible to cycle or walk from Cagliari to Poetto beach. The promenade offers scenic views along the way.
The tower is situated in the sea, a short distance from the shore. During low tide, you can walk closer to the ruins.
There are parking areas along the Lungomare Poetto, but they can fill up quickly, especially during summer. Consider arriving early or using public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Torre di Carcangiolas is an outdoor historical ruin on a public beach, so there are no tickets or entry fees required.
The beach and surrounding area are accessible at all times. However, for the best experience and photography, visiting during daylight hours, especially sunrise or sunset, is recommended.
Poetto Beach is a public beach and does not have an admission fee. You can enjoy the scenery and the tower freely.
While the beach is accessible at night, visiting the tower ruins in the dark is not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of lighting.
Official guided tours specifically for the tower are not widely advertised. However, local guides might offer tours of the Poetto area that include historical insights.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, around sunrise and sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for photographing the tower and the sea.
You can capture stunning shots of the ancient ruin against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, especially during different tide levels and weather conditions.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and tower. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light photography.
During low tide, you can get relatively close to the tower. However, always be mindful of the sea and avoid getting too close to unstable parts of the ruin.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
The main activity is admiring the historical ruin and enjoying the scenic Poetto Beach. It's a great spot for a relaxing walk, photography, and appreciating the coastal landscape.
The tower itself is in the sea and not accessible. The beach path is generally flat, but can be sandy, which may pose challenges for some mobility devices.
Poetto Beach has numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants along the promenade, as well as public restrooms.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the beach. Bring swimwear if you plan to swim, and sun protection like a hat and sunscreen.
Swimming is generally safe on Poetto Beach, but always be aware of currents and conditions. Avoid swimming too close to the tower ruins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the tower itself is a ruin in the sea and not directly accessible for play, its presence adds an element of historical intrigue for curious young minds. The promenade offers plenty of space for strollers, and the numerous cafes provide convenient spots for snacks and breaks. Consider visiting during the day when the beach is livelier and safer for children.
📸 Photographers
+1Experiment with different tide levels; low tide allows for closer shots, while high tide can create a more mystical, submerged effect. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the scale of the beach and tower, while telephoto lenses can highlight the textures of the stone and the surrounding marine life, like the resident cormorants.
🚶♀️ Beachcombers & History Buffs
Take a leisurely walk along Poetto Beach, imagining the tower in its prime. The surrounding area also holds historical significance, with remnants of wartime defenses visible. It's a place to reflect on history, nature, and the passage of time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History and Significance
Interestingly, some accounts suggest it wasn't solely a watchtower but also served as a defensive bunker for the Royal Army, anticipating potential Anglo-American landings during wartime. While the tower was still intact in the 1970s, it was a popular spot for climbers and divers. Today, it's a poignant reminder of Sardinia's historical defenses, slowly succumbing to the relentless sea.
The erosion caused by the rising sea levels means the tower is now half-submerged, creating a unique and melancholic landscape. It's a stark visual representation of the impact of climate change on historical sites.
Experiencing Poetto Beach
+1During spring, the beach is particularly beautiful, with pleasant temperatures perfect for outdoor activities.
Visitors often enjoy the panoramic views of the coastline, with the ancient tower adding a historical dimension to the natural beauty. The presence of cormorants on the tower ruins is a unique wildlife sighting that adds to the charm of the location. Whether you're a history enthusiast drawn to the tower or simply seeking a beautiful beach experience, Poetto offers a delightful combination. The proximity to Cagliari makes it an easily accessible destination for a day trip or a relaxing afternoon.
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