The area around Arzachena is home to several Nuragic and pre-Nuragic sites, but if you only have time for a short archaeological stop, two places stand out: Nuraghe La Prisgiona and the Giants’ Grave of Coddu Vecchiu.
In our opinion, these two sites are among the most worthwhile to visit in the area, not only because they are individually interesting, but because they complement each other so well. La Prisgiona gives you a closer look at a Nuragic village and tower complex, while Coddu Vecchiu shows a very different side of ancient Sardinia through one of the island’s famous giants’ tombs.
In this guide, we focus on how to visit Nuraghe La Prisgiona and Coddu Vecchiu together and what to expect at each site. Both sites are also easy to combine when visiting the area around Arzachena : they are located close to each other, can be visited with a combined ticket, and are linked by a short, relatively easy walking trail.
Nuraghe La Prisgiona & Coddu Vecchiu – At a Glance
Location
Nuraghe La Prisgiona and the Giants’ Grave of Coddu Vecchiu are located in the Arzachena countryside, in northern Sardinia, a short drive from Arzachena and within easy reach of Costa Smeralda.
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit is by car. Both sites are close to each other and have parking areas nearby. You can visit them separately by driving between the two, or combine them on foot via a short walking nature trail that connects the sites.
Good to know
– Nuraghe La Prisgiona is the larger and more complex of the two sites
– Coddu Vecchiu is smaller, but visually striking and quick to visit
– The combined ticket offers a small discount compared to buying separate tickets
-The sites are mostly exposed, so bring sun protection if visiting during the warmer months
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Nuraghe La Prisgiona & Coddu Vecchiu: Location, Map, and How to Get There
Nuraghe La Prisgiona and the Giants’ Grave of Coddu Vecchiu are located in the countryside near Arzachena, in northern Sardinia. The two archaeological sites sit very close to each other, making them easy to combine in a single visit.
This part of Sardinia is best explored by car, and driving is by far the most practical way to reach the sites. Public transit is limited and not especially useful for visiting these archaeological sites.
Typical driving times:
From Arzachena: 10 minutes (5 km)
From Palau: 20 minutes (20 minutes)
From Costa Smeralda: 20-30 minutes (depending on where you are staying)
From Olbia: 35 minutes (30 minutes)
From Santa Teresa Gallura: 45 minutes (40 km)
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Nuraghe La Prisgiona & Coddu Vecchiu: Entrance Fees and Opening Hours
Entrance Fee
Nuraghe La Prisgiona and the Giants’ Grave of Coddu Vecchiu are both part of the local archaeological network known as the Riviera Nuragica.
Tickets can be purchased individually or as part of a combined ticket if you plan to visit more than one site. Current pricing (2026) is as follows:
- 1 site: €4
- 2 sites: €7
- 3 sites: €10
Since La Prisgiona and Coddu Vecchiu are located so close to each other and complement each other well, the 2-site combined ticket makes the most sense, unless you want to visit some of the other sites around Arzachena as well.
Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Riviera Nuragica website, but in our experience, this was not really necessary. Neither site felt especially crowded compared to some of the more visited archaeological sites in Sardinia, and buying tickets on arrival was straightforward.
Operating Hours
Both Nuraghe La Prisgiona and Coddu Vecchiu are typically open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
That said, opening hours can vary by season or management schedule, so it is always worth checking the official Riviera Nuragica website before visiting, especially if you are traveling outside the main season.
Facilities
Outdoor toilets are available near the parking areas at both sites. Facilities are otherwise limited.
Good to Know
The parking lot at Nuraghe La Prisgiona is a dirt parking area with an uneven surface and trees scattered throughout. It is perfectly usable, but we recommend driving slowly and carefully when looking for a spot.
The sites are mostly exposed, so sun protection is useful during summer. If you plan to visit both on foot, wear comfortable shoes, as the connecting trail is short and relatively easy but still involves walking through open countryside.
Nuraghe La Prisgiona & Coddu Vecchiu – A quick history
Nuraghe La Prisgiona and the Giants’ Grave of Coddu Vecchiu both date to Sardinia’s Nuragic period, a prehistoric civilization that developed on the island beginning around 1800 BCE, nearly 4,000 years ago. Together, the two sites offer a useful glimpse into different sides of Nuragic life: on the one hand settlement, defense, community organization, and on the other funerary traditions.
Nuraghe La Prisgiona
Nuraghe La Prisgiona is a large Nuragic complex built around a central stone tower, with additional towers, defensive walls, and the remains of a surrounding village. The site was not just a single monument, but part of a wider settlement where people lived, worked, stored goods, and organized daily life.
What makes La Prisgiona especially interesting is the combination of its imposing tower and the surrounding village remains. Walking through the site gives you a sense of both the engineering skill behind the nuraghe itself and the broader community that developed around it.
Giants’ Grave of Coddu Vecchiu
The Giants’ Grave of Coddu Vecchiu is a very different type of Nuragic monument. Rather than a village or tower complex, it is a collective burial site, built with a long funerary chamber and a striking curved stone façade.
These “giants’ graves” were used for communal burials and are among the most recognizable prehistoric monuments in Sardinia. Coddu Vecchiu is one of the best-known examples in the Arzachena area.
Nuraghe La Prisgiona & Coddu Vecchiu – What to Expect during your Visit
Nuraghe La Prisgiona
Nuraghe La Prisgiona is the larger and more complex of the two sites. From the parking area, it takes only a short 2–3 minute walk to reach the entrance area and ticket office.
Once inside, the site feels a bit like an open-air archaeological museum. You can wander along ancient paved walkways through the remains of a sprawling Nuragic village, with nearly 100 circular stone huts spread around the central tower complex.
The main focus is the central tower, or keep, which you can enter. Inside, you’ll see the nuraghe’s false dome, rising more than 6 meters high, along with three interior niches built into the stone walls. This is the most impressive part of the visit and gives you a much stronger sense of the engineering behind Nuragic tower construction.
The site is also home to a well more than 7 meters deep, which still holds water today. At the bottom of the well, archaeologists uncovered many ceramic artifacts, suggesting that it played an important role in the life of the settlement.
The Nature Trail Between the Two Sites
You can drive between Nuraghe La Prisgiona and Coddu Vecchiu, but we found that walking between the two was part of the fun.
The trail connecting the sites is about 800 meters long and takes around 10–12 minutes each way. It is somewhat rustic and not especially manicured, but it is fairly wide for most of the route and not overly difficult. There are a few mildly rocky sections, but no significant elevation change.
Alternatively, you can walk along the quiet road between the sites, though this route is longer and less pleasant than the trail. Driving between the two is also possible if you prefer to avoid the walk altogether.
Giants’ Grave of Coddu Vecchiu
The Giants’ Grave of Coddu Vecchiu is smaller and quicker to visit than La Prisgiona, but it is still one of the most visually striking prehistoric monuments in the Arzachena area. From its own parking area and ticket office (where the the walking path between the sites ends), it also takes only about 2–3 minutes to walk to the site.
Coddu Vecchiu is a megalithic communal burial site. The main feature is the large central stele, a carved granite slab standing about 4 meters high. It is flanked by smaller upright stones arranged in a curved exedra, a crescent-shaped façade often interpreted as symbolically resembling a bull’s horns.
At the base of the central stone, you’ll notice a small, low opening. This was not a doorway for people, but a symbolic entrance connected to the funerary function of the tomb and the passage of the dead.
The site is well preserved, but signage is minimal, so it helps to have a little background before visiting. You do not need a long time here, but the monument is easy to appreciate visually, even without much explanation on site.
The setting also adds to the experience. Coddu Vecchiu sits low on a gentle hillside, bordering the Capichera winery estates. Behind the tomb, rows of grapevines, Mediterranean scrub, olive trees, and large granite boulders create a very scenic backdrop, making this one of the more memorable giants’ graves to visit in northern Sardinia.
Nuraghe La Prisgiona & Coddu Vecchiu – Are they Worth it?
Yes, we think Nuraghe La Prisgiona and Coddu Vecchiu are worth visiting, especially if you are staying near Arzachena, Costa Smeralda, Palau, or Santa Teresa Gallura and want to add a short a fun architectural stop to your northern Sardinia itinerary.
Why You Might Enjoy Them:
– Easy to combine in one visit with a short walking trail between the two sites
– La Prisgiona offers both a central nuraghe tower and surrounding village remains
– Coddu Vecchiu is one of the most visually striking giants’ graves in the Arzachena area
Why They Might Not Be for You:
– Neither site is as large or immersive as places like Serra Orrios or Romanzesu (see further below)
– Coddu Vecchiu is a very short visit, so it may feel underwhelming on its own
Bottom line: Combined, Nuraghe La Prisgiona and Coddu Vecchiu make one of the easiest and most rewarding Nuragic stops in the Arzachena and Costa Smeralda area.
How Long Do You Need to visit Nuraghe La Prisgiona & Coddu Vecchiu
You should plan on about 1 hour to 1h15 total to visit both Nuraghe La Prisgiona and the Giants’ Grave of Coddu Vecchiu, including the walk between the two sites.
-20–30 minutes for Nuraghe La Prisgiona
-10-15 minutes for Coddu Vecchiu
-25 minutes (total) for the outgoing and return walk between sites
Best Time to Visit Nuraghe La Prisgiona & Coddu Vecchiu
Best Time of Year
Both sites can be visited at any time of year. That said, summer visits can feel hot, there’s very little shade throughout the sites.
Best Time of Day
We recommend early morning or late afternoon visits, primarily to avoid the heat. At those times, they’re will also be fewer other people around making for a more intimate visit.
Other Nuragic Sites You Might Want to Visit
If you are interested in exploring more of Sardinia’s Nuragic history, Serra Orrios is one of our favorites. Located further south near Dorgali and Cala Gonone, Serra Orrios feels like an open Nuragic village, surrounded by dense Mediterranean scrub, with wild olive trees, and low vegetation growing throughout the site.
Nuragic Complex Romanzesu is one of the most atmospheric sites we visited. It is somewhat more remote and more off the beaten path than Serra Orrios, but that is part of its appeal. The ruins are scattered through an enchanting forest setting, with temples, stone structures, and ritual areas that makes the visit feel quiet, immersive, and very different from more heavily visited archaeological sites.
Nuraghe Santu Antine offers a completely different experience. Instead of a spread-out village-sanctuary, the highlight here is an imposing central nuraghe tower, one of the most impressive in Sardinia. Inside, you can explore stone corridors, stairways, chambers, and a tunnel-like network that gives a much stronger sense of the engineering skill behind these ancient structures.
Other Places to Visit Near Nuraghe La Prisgiona & Coddu Vecchiu
Arzachena
Arzachena is the nearest town and makes an easy short stop if you are passing through the area. Its main draw is the colorful staircase in the town center, where painted steps create one of the more photogenic corners of town. Beyond that, Arzachena has cafés, restaurants, shops, and local services, making it useful for lunch, coffee, or a quick break.
Santa Teresa Gallura
Santa Teresa Gallura is a more scenic coastal option farther north, known for its seaside setting, granite landscapes, and easy access to nearby beaches and viewpoints. The town itself is pleasant for a walk, but the main appeal is its proximity to places like Capo Testa, where wind-shaped granite rocks and coastal views make it one of the most memorable stops in northern Sardinia.
Nuraghe La Prisgiona & Coddu Vecchiu Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Nuraghe La Prisgiona and Coddu Vecchiu worth visiting?
Yes, we think they are worth visiting together, especially if you are staying near Arzachena, Costa Smeralda, Palau, or Santa Teresa Gallura. La Prisgiona gives you a Nuragic village-and-tower experience, while Coddu Vecchiu offers a very different look at Sardinia’s prehistoric funerary monuments.
Can you visit Nuraghe La Prisgiona and Coddu Vecchiu together?
Yes. The two sites are located close to each other and can easily be combined in one visit. You can either drive between them or walk along the short trail that connects the two.
Do you need to buy tickets in advance?
In our experience, buying tickets in advance was not necessary. Both sites were easy to visit on arrival and did not feel especially crowded compared to some other archaeological sites in Sardinia. That said, you can buy tickets online through the Riviera Nuragica website if you prefer.
Is there a walking trail between Nuraghe La Prisgiona and Coddu Vecchiu?
Yes. A short countryside trail connects the two sites. It is about 800 meters each way and takes around 10–12 minutes to walk in one direction. The trail is somewhat rustic but not difficult, with only a few mildly rocky sections and no significant elevation change.
Which site should you visit first?
We would start with Nuraghe La Prisgiona, since it is the larger and more complex site. From there, you can walk to Coddu Vecchiu, which is smaller and quicker to visit.
Is Nuraghe La Prisgiona suitable for kids?
Yes, for most families. The site is open-air, relatively easy to explore, and the central tower adds some variety. Just keep in mind that the ground can be uneven in places, and the sites are exposed in hot weather.
Are there facilities at the sites?
Outdoor toilets are available near the parking areas at both sites. Other facilities are limited, so it is a good idea to bring water, especially if visiting in summer or walking between the two sites.
Photography Gear
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Camera Body – Nikon Z 6ii Fx-series Mirrorless Body
Main Lens – NIKON 24-120mm F/4G ED VR AF-S
Zoom Lens – Sigma 745-306 150-600mm f/5-6.3
Polarizing filters – Urth Circular Polarizing (CPL)
Camera Tripod – K&F Concept 64-inch Camera Tripod
Mini-tripod – Lammcou Flexible Camera Tripod
Camera/hiking backpack – Vanguard Alta Rise 48 Backpack
Universal Travel Adapter – VYLEE Universal International Power Travel Plug
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Well, that wraps it up! We hope you enjoyed our Nuraghe La Prisgiona & Coddu Vecchiu Guide and that it will prove useful for planning your trip to Sardinia.
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