it
de
nl
en
fr
Don’t we all sometimes wish for a little more time for ourselves and our loved ones and a break from everyday stress? To get out of the city, into nature and enjoy the tranquility that comes with it, switch off and recharge your batteries?
We like to talk about the other, still largely unknown Sardinia, which is not just sun, sand and sea. Places that are off the beaten track and where traditions are preserved, perfect for hiking, cycling and exploring, and where everyday routines become secondary.
Sardinia is an island that of course has a fantastic sea and breathtaking sandy beaches, but whose original history and true roots are more likely to be found in the interior of the island.
If you want to get to know the authentic Sardinia in autumn and on a round trip and immerse yourself in its gastronomic diversity and varied past, then we recommend the following 5 places on the island for a real and authentic relaxing holiday in the countryside Sardinia.
Fluminimaggiore, between spectacular beaches and country walks
The municipality of Fluminimaggiore is located in the southwest of the island and is a small town with a good 2,600 inhabitants. Even if we didn’t really want to talk about beaches this time, the sea around Fluminimaggiore is different, more wildly romantic and less crowded (even in the summer months).
Here, between abandoned mines and mines, are impressive cork oak forests and wind-sculpted landscapes, the hidden Temple of Antas and the fascinating caves of Su Mannau, among the oldest in the world.
Here are the best places to stay near Fluminimaggiore
Gesturi, a stone’s throw from the Giara plateau
Gesturi, north of Caglilari and in the province of Medio Campidano, is an authentic pearl of Marmilla surrounded by greenery. The biggest attraction nearby is the Giara di Gesturi plateau, because here you have the opportunity to see the famous little Giara horses, which are among the last European wild horses in Europe.
And very close by you can admire the only Sardinian Unesco World Heritage Site: the fascinating prehistoric Nuraghe Su Nuraxi near Barumini!
Overnight accommodation near Gesturi
Mamoiada, the capital of the Barbagia Carnival
Mamoiada is away from the tourist bustle in the interior of the island in the heart of the Barbagia and only a few kilometers away from the city of Nuoro. A place that has preserved its history and originality over the centuries. Hospitality here is genuine and comes from the heart.
Staying in Mamoiada and in the surrounding towns, such as Orgosolo, Gavoi and Fonni, which can be reached by winding roads through dense cork oak forests and wild mountain landscapes, you can visit the Museum of Mediterranean Masks, stroll through unique nuraghi such as those of Su Dovaru and Sa de Melas and the discover local vineyards that produce the ruby red, full-bodied Cannonau, one of Sardinia’s finest wines.
Especially during Carnival in Sardinia, Mamoiada is a popular destination all over the island: on Shrove Sunday and Shrove Tuesday, the rope-swinging Issohadores, clad in white, smooth masks, drive the terrifying Mamuthones with their grotesque wooden masks, dark sheepskins and pounding bells all at once mysterious dance through the place. Also in other towns of the Barbagia, such as Orotelli and Ottana, carnival processions take place, which are strongly based on peasant rites and archaic traditions.
Carnevale di Mamoiada
Sorgono, the city of Mandrolisai wine
Sorgono is literally in the center of the island, completely surrounded by woods and an exceptional landscape. Let yourself be carried away by the charm of the historic capital of Mandrolisai: a place rich in culture, art and history in the province of Nuoro.
One of the main attractions is certainly the Archaeological Park of Biru’e Concas in the hills west of Sorgono. This park is known for its nearly 200 standing stones and rows of stones, the origin of which is believed to date back to the Neolithic Age (3300-2700 BC). Two nuraghi, a giant tomb and a dolmen can also be admired on a nearby hill.
Sorgono is located at an altitude of 700 meters on the west slope of the Gennargentu, the mountain massif of Sardinia. If you like hiking, you should remember this place and perhaps climb Punta la Marmora, the highest peak in Sardinia, on one of the classic Gennargentu paths during your next active holiday.
Dorgali, between sea-view excursions and traditions
Dorgali is a town in the province of Nuoro, on the east coast of Sardinia: a small town that will amaze you with its history, art, archeology and landscapes. The city borders to the south with the aforementioned Orgosolo, famous for its murals, and to the north with Orosei, a popular holiday resort in Sardinia.
Around Dorgali you will find the famous Supramonte mountains and fantastic forests, which will bring you into contact with an almost untouched and diverse nature. For example, in Dorgali you can spend a day at the S’Abba Frisca Ethnographic Museum Park, the largest private museum in Sardinia, or visit the Ispinigoli Cave.
Recommended and especially popular with motorcyclists is the panoramic road that meanders through the mountains from Dorgali via the pass Ghenna ‘e Silana and Baunei to Santa Maria Navarrese. The hiking trails through the Gola di Gorropu gorge and to the nuragic village of Tiscali and the trekking trails that lead to the breathtaking dream bay of Cala Goloritzé start along this route.
