Discover the charm of Portoscuso, a picturesque town with approximately 5000 inhabitants nestled along the Sulcis coast, facing the island of San Pietro.
Founded in the 17th century, Portoscuso’s origins trace back to the construction of a tuna fishery near the well-preserved Spanish tower from the 16th century. Over the decades, fishermen from various regions (Sardinia, Ponza, Sicily) settled in the area, crafting humble yet distinctive homes along the coastline.
The rapid and haphazard urban development spurred by a demographic surge post-1971 due to industrial growth in Portovesme reshaped the village’s original core, pressing it inward.
Human settlement in Portoscuso could date back to even Neolithic times with rock shelters at Crobettana. Meanwhile, Copper Age burial caves discovered in the same area and megalithic circles at Piccinu Mortu and Su Medadeddu reveal ancient roots in this region.
Besides its stunning coastline, notable landmarks include Sant’Antonio da Padova Church, deemed as the oldest in town, situated within the former tuna fishery. Additionally, there’s the Spanish Tower, built by Spaniards in the late 16th century as a defense against Barbary pirates.
