The Abandoned Mines Of North Sardinia: History, Mystery And Sustainable Travel 0 Comments

by Daniela Toti

Have you ever imagined Sardinia beyond its famous beaches and turquoise sea? In the northern part of the island, far from the tourist trails, lies a different kind of heritage: the Abandoned Mines, powerful symbols of a forgotten industrial age that are now finding new life as cultural landmarks, awakening the curiosity of the most attentive travellers.

An underground legacy

Sardinia has a long history of mineral extraction, dating back to Roman times. While the southern mines of Iglesias and Carbonia are better known, northern Sardinia also played a key role, offering granite, silver galena, and iron.

During the 19th century’s Industrial Revolution, these areas were transformed into bustling mining villages, full of life, effort, and human stories.

Two iconic mines: L’Argentiera and Sos Enattos 

- L’Argentiera – Nurra (1h59 min / 157 km from Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites)
One of Europe’s most striking sites of industrial archaeology. The remains of the mining village rise above the sea, mixing ruins and restored structures, creating an atmosphere both melancholic and magnificent.

- Sos Enattos – Galtellì (1h21 min / 109 km from Gabbiano Azzurro Hotel & Suites)
The last active mine in the Nuoro region, closed in 1996. Now carefully preserved, it offers a unique journey through time: shafts, washhouses, and mining paths surrounded by Mediterranean flora and the majestic Monte Albo. Sos Enattos is also a proposed site for the Einstein Telescope, which would bring together past, present, and future in one incredible location. 

Industrial tourism: a new path for Sardinia

The Abandoned Mines are now central to a growing trend: industrial tourism — a more thoughtful and sustainable form of travel.

• Perfect for cultural excursions

• Ideal for eco-conscious travellers

• Support for local heritage and development

Exploring these sites means rediscovering a chapter of Sardinia’s story that goes beyond sun and sand. 

The human side—and the mystery

Behind every mine lies a tale of sacrifice, hardship and resilience. Miners faced long shifts, risky conditions, and isolation. Entire villages once depended on the rhythm of extraction and transport. Today, those places are often deserted, but still speak through the walls, tools, and stories left behind. And yes, legends abound, whispers of miners’ ghosts, echoes in tunnels, chills on the skin, folk tales that lend an eerie charm to these abandoned places.

Planning your visit to the northern mines

If you're curious to explore, here are a few simple tips:

• Always go with an experienced guide

• Wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight

• Take your camera—the landscape is unforgettable

Some local associations organize visits that combine history, geology, and storytelling, making the experience both safe and deeply engaging.

“Genius is the gold in the mine, talent is the miner who works and brings it out.” (Marguerite Gardiner)

Have you ever explored an abandoned mine? Share your experience or discover more hidden gems of Sardinia on our blog.