Porto Foxi is virtually unknown, as it is located in one of the outlying villages of the Province of Cagliari, on the coast of Sardinia. The village is Sarroch, which overlooks the Gulf of the Angels. At first glance, it might be mistaken for a scene from the inland countryside, especially given its distinctly rural appearance. The vegetation is lush, and its architectural structures are very old, reminiscent of mountainous provinces. But don’t let this appearance fool you.
In fact, Sarroch was once a key port of call for many almost legendary civilizations. For this reason, the place has a rich historical identity and is often the subject of research. Indeed, the numerous archaeological sites scattered throughout the area are famous. Obviously, this historical background further justifies the presence of a port, which historians maintain served primarily as a hub for trade and cultural exchange.
It is believed that this is why, within Sardinia’s seascape, Foxi Harbor stands as a clear testament to the coast’s heritage from the Nuragic era, a period that deeply defines the island’s history. The harbor is decidedly distinctive, resembling a wide tongue jutting out from a mountain cliff that plunges into the sea. At its base stands a watchtower that still retains features dating back millennia. Boats used to dock directly on the land lapped by the open sea, as the area offers ample space for maneuvering, albeit in a very basic setting. Pier structures were added only later and now consist of two long piers.
The port has retained its identity as a docking facility for commercial and industrial trade. In fact, despite its size, many vessels use the port for work or service, thanks in part to the ability to maneuver at sea, which is unobstructed by any gulf embankments. The facility provides water, electricity, a slipway, cranes, a travel lift, restrooms, fire safety services, weather services, engine repairs, and electrical repairs. This wide range of services allows the facility to be known as Cagliari’s oil port. In fact, its two piers provide berthing for recreational vessels and mooring for tankers.
Porto Foxi is thus the evolution of a port that has not lost its identity throughout its millennia-long history, from the Nuragic civilizations to the present day. While preserving much of its heritage, it is now structured to fulfill all the industrial and commercial functions required by the modern world and by the Province of Cagliari.
