Arbus

Arbus is a comune (municipality) in the southwestern part of Sardinia, Italy. It lies in the Province of South Sardinia, within the autonomous region of Sardinia. The municipality covers coastal and inland terrain along the Gulf of Oristano and extends into the interior hills.

The territory includes the Dune di Piscinas along the coast, one of Europe’s largest dune systems, and several beaches that attract visitors. The nearby mining heritage areas reflect Sardinia’s industrial past and are part of the region’s cultural landscape, with sites such as Montevecchio and Ingurtosu associated with the area’s historic mining activity.

Historically, the area has roots in Nuragic settlement, followed by periods of Punic, Roman, and medieval rule. In modern times Arbus developed around agriculture and mining and has increasingly expanded its economy to tourism, drawing visitors to its natural features and coastal sites.

Arbus is governed by a mayor and municipal council. The name Arbus is also a surname; among notable bearers is Diane Arbus (1923–1971), an American photographer renowned for portraits of marginalized individuals and communities.