Nora and surroundings
A Phoenician city, then Carthaginian, and finally a very important Roman centre, today it is a jewel among the most popular tourist destinations in south-western Sardinia
Nora is one of the most important archaeological sites on the island, where you can take a trip back in time into Sardinian history!
The golden sandy beaches, the romantic lagoon at sunset and the buzz of Pula with its events are perfect for an all-round holiday.
The beaches of Nora
Only 100 metres from the Noha lifestyle Hotel you will find the Su Gunventeddu beach. Its fine white sandy shore is about 700 metres long, while the water is a beautiful crystal-clear emerald colour.
It is very popular with kite and wind surfers. Thanks to its position, it offers impressive views of the Torre del Coltellazzo and the islet of San Macario.
Nora beach is a three-minute bike ride from the hotel. The beach is surrounded by a fragrant pine forest and is served by our facility Il Villaggio 88.
Archaeological Park of Nora
A storm surge revealed a Phoenician-Punic cemetery and in 1889 excavations began.Â
At the entrance to the archaeological park of Nora you will find the ruins of the baths. Continuing through the paved streets you will enter the Forum Square until you reach the heart of the park: the Roman amphitheatre, which is located right in the centre.
Originally clad in marble, it had twenty tiers and a thousand seats. Today, it hosts cultural events, captivating the public with its evocative beauty, which is very dramatic in the evening light.
A little higher up, on a small rise with a wonderful view over the whole city, is the temple of Tanit, a Phoenician-Punic goddess, built in stone and leaning against a rock face.Â
The festival of Sant'Efisio
The feast of Sant’Efisio is one of the most beautiful and well-known religious festivals in Sardinia.Â
During the procession that leaves every first of May from Cagliari and returns after several stops, the statue of the Saint is carried on foot from the capital to Pula.Â
The event is eagerly anticipated by many believers. The procession is accompanied by the Launeddas, horsemen and women in Sardinian costume.Â
On arrival in Pula, a mass is celebrated in the Church of Saint John The Baptist. A mass is also celebrated in Nora in the small church of Sant’Efisio, the place where the saint was martyred.
After the mass, the saint is taken back to Pula in a beautiful torchlight procession and welcomed with fireworks.
On the morning of 4 May, Saint Efisio, still accompanied by a large number of worshippers, resumes his journey to the city of Cagliari where he arrives late in the evening.Â
