Marritza: Beach, Coastal Paths and History by the Sea

Marritza between Beach and History

Marritza is a long beach with light grey sand. In the final section, the sand becomes darker and transitions into a pebbly area. The coast of Marritza is also home to the Santa Filitica archaeological site and the remains of the Tonnara di Perdas de Fogu.

Coast, Accesses to the Sea and Paths

The continuous coastal beach of Sorso stretches from Platamona to Marritza. The coastal strip extending to Marritza is accompanied by the S.P. 81; from there, nine accesses to the sea lead through pine and juniper trees. The coastal route runs along the coastal road and its accesses to the sea, known as „Pettini“.

The coastal section to Marritza can be covered by bicycle or on foot. Along the route, broad sandy beaches alternate with Mediterranean vegetation as well as extensive pine forests and juniper groves. From the town centre, you can use the cycle path along the provincial road in the Sorso–Marina di Sorso section and then continue along the entire coastal road. Those travelling on foot follow the coastal section through the sandy beaches, Mediterranean vegetation, pine forests and juniper groves. When choosing between bicycle and walking, the described coastal area to Marritza remains the same, while the means of transport changes.

Archaeological Traces on the Coast

The Santa Filitica archaeological site lies on the coast of Marritza, on a strip of land slightly higher than the beach, approximately 700 metres south of the municipal boundary between Sorso and Castelsardo. Santa Filitica comprises the remains of a Roman villa from the imperial period, a Byzantine settlement and numerous traces of continuous habitation at the site from the 3rd to the 9th century AD. The archaeological sequence therefore extends from the Roman villa through the Byzantine settlement to further traces of habitation at Santa Filitica.

The excavations carried out at Santa Filitica in 1980 uncovered polychrome floor mosaics. They depict fish, birds, fruit and a woman’s head.

Tonnara di Perdas de Fogu

The remains of the Tonnara di Perdas de Fogu lie on the coast of Marritza beside a small pebble beach. This small pebble beach therefore differs from Marritza’s long light grey sandy beach. Today, only an exposed section approximately 40 metres long remains visible of the tonnara. It was used for tuna fishing during the seasonal migrations of the tuna.

Wine and Tasting

The Cru of Marritza is a vineyard at sea level, approximately 200 metres from the coastline, where Cannonau vines are grown. At the AKitchen restaurant, chef Mirko Pinna has created a tasting menu. The menu’s composition varies depending on product availability; it is paired with wines from Tenuta Asinara.

Other Places

Tottubella, Ossi, Benetutti, Perfugas, Padria, Viddalba, Sassari and Campanedda.

To the higher-level travel overview: Sassari.