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Argentiera Sardinia Review
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Halfway between Stintino and Alghero, is the abandoned coastal mining town of Argentiera,
a ghost-like place standing on one of the wildest sections of Sardinia's coast.
Town
The silver mining at Argentiera dates back to the Roman era and was once the largest Sardinian
producer of this precious metal. It was only in the twentieth century that
the seams were exhausted and the mine finally ceased production in 1963. Apart from
fencing off some of the more unstable buildings, nothing has really been touched since
the closure. Shafts and workings, administration buildings, miners' quarters and chapel
all stand in an empty, eerie silence like something from the old wild-west.
However, not everyone has packed up and moved on and some of the housing at the top of the
town is still occupied. In the summer a couple of restaurants and a bar serve food and
drink to visitors most of whom are there for the good bathing.
Beaches
Immediately beyond the mine, it is possible to drive down to a large cove that contains two shingle beaches. Although the shingle itself is rather grey in colour, this sheltered
spot is a favourite with bathers and the tranquil, crystal-clear water is excellent for
swimming. The rocks at either end of the cove also give ample opportunities for snorkeling.
A small snack bar can be found on the further of the two
beaches.
Some three kilometers before Argentiera, just as the road veers away from the shore, there
is another popular spot for beach aficionados with a similar small shingle cove located
just beyond a campsite. Parking is available in the camp next to a boat park and there's
also a restaurant / pizzeria for refreshments.
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