Torre di Su Puttu

Torre di Su Puttu is a Spanish watchtower perched on a rocky headland at Torre del Pozzo, a small coastal settlement within the municipality of Cuglieri, on Sardinia's western coast in the province of Oristano.

What is this tower?

Built in the 16th century, the tower was part of a chain of coastal fortifications erected to spot and defend against pirate raids along the Sardinian shoreline. It rises about 18 metres above sea level on the headland that closes the bay of S'Archittu to the south. From here you can pick out the neighbouring watchtowers of Capo Mannu, Sca'e Sai and Pittinuri, evidence that these structures once formed a coordinated visual-signalling network along the coast.

Why is it called "Su Puttu"?

The name means "the well" in Sardinian, and it refers to a natural feature beneath the headland: erosion has carved a vertical shaft and corridor through the rock that connects the surface directly to the open sea. This underwater tunnel is accessible to divers and is one of the more unusual geological features along this stretch of coast.

What is there to see nearby?

Right beside the tower lies Spiaggia della Balena, a compact beach roughly 100 metres long, made up of coarse, bronze-toned sand mixed with pebbles and gravel. It takes its name from a nearby rock formation shaped like a whale. About a kilometre further on sits the village of S'Archittu, famous for its natural rock arch and golden sandy beach, reached from the village by a paved seafront path running north of the houses. Within a short drive, the broad sandy beaches of the Sinis peninsula are also within reach.

How do you get there?

From Cuglieri, follow the SS292 road toward Torre del Pozzo — about 15 kilometres — and S'Archittu is just beyond it. Coming from Oristano, take the SS292 north; after passing through Riola Sardo the road leads straight to Torre del Pozzo, with S'Archittu about a kilometre further. The ARST bus line 703, running between Bosa and Oristano, stops at S'Archittu, from where the tower is an easy walk. The site sits roughly 20 kilometres from Oristano.

When should you visit?

Late spring and early autumn offer the mildest weather and far fewer crowds than the peak summer months. In summer the surrounding beaches draw plenty of visitors, so it's worth timing a walk out to the tower for the morning before the heat sets in.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the tower? The tower today mainly serves as a scenic viewpoint over the coast — the surrounding headland is freely accessible, and the view takes in the chain of neighbouring watchtowers along the shoreline.

What exactly is the "Su Puttu" well? It's a natural opening carved by erosion that forms an underwater corridor linking the headland to the open sea. The spot is popular with divers exploring the local rock formations.

Are there swimmable beaches close by? Yes — Spiaggia della Balena sits right next to the tower, and about a kilometre away is the sandy S'Archittu beach with its well-known natural rock arch.

What's the best way to get there without a car? Take the ARST bus line 703 between Bosa and Oristano to the S'Archittu stop, then walk the short distance to Torre del Pozzo.