LIGHTHOUSES: IL SEMAFORO (SU SEMAFURU) - MANGIABARCHE

Sant'Antioco: on the top of a hill named in ancient times "Sa Guardia de su Turcu" (Guardia dei mori) (Guardian against Turkish piracy) is located an ancient lighthouse, il Semaforo (Su Semafuru) now out of service, and in ruins. It is really in bad state of repair, full of debris: it may be dangerous to get in. Built in nineteen century, used during the war and occupied by Luftwaffe, it was a very important place for communications and sightings.

Despite its conditions, the views are superb and the old building is fascinating. Right at the southern end of Sant'Antioco island this cliff affords a superb panoramic view in the direction of the Golfo di Palmas with its little volcanic islands further away: Vacca, Vitello and Toro. In clear weather you can make out the coast of Africa. On the other side, a stunning view over San Pietro Island. This place is particularly romantic at sunset: the colours, the seas, the skies, always different, the atmospheres are really amazing. You can get here following the road to Cannai (direction beaches), and then turn on your right up the hill. You arrive by car to "Casa del Capo", an old ruin that till 1957 was the local Commander's Royal Marine residence.

There stop your car and follow an easy road (500 meters) on foot to the top of the hill. From here a narrow, steep path leads to Porto Sciusciau, a hidden, peaceful place, but you need trekking equipment to get there. Sant'Antioco, municipality of Calasetta: Mangiabarche lighthouse rises on a cliff not far from the coast by Punta Mangiabarche, along the western road on the island toward Calasetta. "Mangiabarche" means "boat eater": the place is really dangerous for sailing ships, and the lighthouse is still working to avoid boats crashing into the rocks rising out of the water. All white and a bit dilapidated it stands in the sea, a single door and a single window overlooking the coastline, warning boats of dangerous, underwater rocks. Many find Mangiabarche lighthouse, seen from "Nido dei Passeri" vertical cliff, which plunge into the sea, devastatingly romantic.

In stormy seas, sitting down and watching the powerful waves breaking on its little island, as well as during some peaceful sunsets, will offer you a relaxing time and help serious thinking. It is one of Calasetta's most photographed features as it is an amazingly photogenic landscape in all light and weather conditions. At sunset the sky stands in rosy contrast. Its waters are of a changing blue due to the plays of light created by the sun reflecting off the sea bed. You can visit in on a dinghy, and swim around it.