Cagliari: Conti Vecchi Salt Flats Train and Tour

4.495298 out of 5 stars
4.5
4.495298 out of 5 stars
319 reviews
Cagliari: Conti Vecchi Salt Flats Train and Tour
4.495298 out of 5 stars
4.5
4.495298 out of 5 stars
319 reviews
Likely to sell out

Visit the Conti Vecchi Saltworks in Cagliari, a vast wilderness and industrial archaeology site. Discover salt pans, towering “white gold” mountains, and vibrant wildlife along the way.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Duration 2 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
Italian
Wheelchair accessible

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

C
Corrine – United Kingdom

I really enjoyed the tour, it was interesting to learn about salt harvesting and the techniques used, we watched both short clips about the history of the salt, it was very interesting, nice afternoon out

S
Steve – United Kingdom

Really great to visit the Conti Vecchi salt flats. Fascinating history and how it relates to the history of the area. Train ride was a great opportunity to see at close range how the salt process works with the added benefit of seeing the wide life that habits the area and the bonus of seeing many flamingos. Well worth a visit and very reasonably priced.

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Highlights

  • Feast your eyes on bright pink flamingos against the stark white salt mountains
  • Learn about the historic value of "white gold" and daily life of a salt worker
  • Discover historical artifacts from the saltworks including documents and tools
  • Understand how engineers like Luigi Conti Vecchi drove the region's development
  • Take a train ride into Santa Gilla Basin to visit the salt flats and salt pans

Full description

Discover the "white gold" of the Saline Conti Vecchi on a self-guided walking tour and scenic train ride through the vast salt flats of the Santa Gilla Basin. Learn about Luigi Conti Vecchi’s pivotal role in the region's economic development, spot flamingos in their natural habitat, and explore Macchiareddu, a historic salt-mining village.

Start your journey with a visit to a fully operational salt plant and museum. Hear your guide share the stories of the salt workers and how the industry's success brought economic prosperity to Cagliari. Explore historical documents, a vintage workshop, and a restored chemical lab.

Next, board the train to the Santa Gilla Basin, Sardinia’s most important wetland. Keep an eye out for pink flamingos, admire the towering mountains of white salt, and wander through the saltpans while learning about life in the historic village of Macchiareddu. Don’t forget to capture a few photos before returning to the museum to conclude your visit.

Includes

  • Guide
  • Entry ticket to the Conti Vecchi Salt Flats
  • Visit old buildings and two videos
  • 1-hour train ride inside the salt flats and naturalistic area
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting point

The saltworks are located in the industrial area of Cagliari called Assemini / Macchiareddu. You will enter in an industrial area inside a parking (free of charge). Leave your car there and then walk to the bookshop at the main entrance.

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Important information

Know before you go

  • The train is wheelchair accessible
  • The old building is wheelchair accessible on the first floor

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 319 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.3/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5

Customer photos

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C
Corrine – United KingdomJune 8, 2025 – Verified booking
I really enjoyed the tour, it was interesting to learn about salt harvesting and the techniques used, we watched both short clips about the history of the salt, it was very interesting, nice afternoon out
S
Steve – United KingdomJune 5, 2025 – Verified booking
Really great to visit the Conti Vecchi salt flats. Fascinating history and how it relates to the history of the area. Train ride was a great opportunity to see at close range how the salt process works with the added benefit of seeing the wide life that habits the area and the bonus of seeing many flamingos. Well worth a visit and very reasonably priced.
J
Joyce – United KingdomMarch 1, 2025 – Verified booking
Absolutely not to be missed. So much to learn and admire about Luigi Conti Vecchi and the work of the people of Sardinia. We also saw a variety of beauty birds. Elena was a fantastic, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable guide. Highly recommend.

Product ID: 427924

Activity provider:FAI - Fondo Ambiente Italiano

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