Terme di Fordongianus

About Terme di Fordongianus

Fordongianus is a village in central-western Sardinia, in the province of Oristano, built of red stone along the banks of the Tirso river. In Roman times it was called Forum Traiani and was an important spa town: you can still visit the remains of the great Roman baths, with the pool into which the hot water flows. Next to the archaeological site, the thermal water also feeds a few spots where you can bathe.

The springs are among the hottest on the island: sources mention over 50 °C, around 54. The water is too hot to bathe in right at the source, but along the river and in the outdoor pools it cools enough to get in. It's worth knowing, though, that bathing is not allowed in the archaeological area of the Roman baths.

There are two ways to bathe. The equipped pools along the river are run by the Forum Traiani cooperative and cost a few euros, with sessions of about half an hour and seasonal opening times. Several sources report, on the other hand, that bathing in the Tirso, where the thermal water mixes with the river, is free. That's why we have classified it as "small fee" and "regulated".

The best time is autumn or winter, when the contrast between the cool air and the hot water is most pleasant. Because of the high water temperature, it's not a place for small children. Bring a towel and some cash.

A visit to the Roman baths, which charges an entry fee, is absolutely worthwhile, as is a stroll around the village and a stop at the Casa Aragonese, a splendid example of red trachyte architecture. Oristano, the Sinis peninsula and the beaches of Is Arutas are less than an hour's drive away.

A tip for unhurried travellers: out of season the village is quiet, the air is fresh and the steam rising from the hot water on cold mornings creates a truly evocative atmosphere. It's the ideal time to combine a soak with a crowd-free visit to the archaeological site and the red-stone old town.