In summer there are those who prefer to visit the most fashionable tourist resorts and those who prefer a special trip off the beaten track. If you belong to this second group of people, read on to discover a Sardinia very different from the one made up only of sea and fun. An authentic, simple Sardinia made of wild nature and real people. A Sardinia that we are sure will remain in your heart.
Visit the Marghine: between archaeological sites, street art and authentic villages
The Marghine is definitely a destination off the usual tourist routes that holds many attractions suitable for those who want to get to know unique territories. Lei, a small village of about 600 inhabitants, nestled in a wilderness, is rich in numerous testimonies of Neolithic, Nuragic, Punic, Roman and medieval origin, including two Domus de Janas in the locality of Su Ferrighesu, six nuraghi, including the protonuraghe Ozzastros and the nuraghe Pattada, and three Giants’ tombs. In recent years, ancient objects such as hatchets, axes, daggers and statuettes have also been found in Lei and are now preserved in the island’s major archaeological museums. Bortigali, an authentic Sardinian village, is an agricultural centre that encapsulates all the simplicity of Sardinian village life. Walk aimlessly through the streets of the centre to catch a glimpse of its many facets, admire the numerous carved lintels of doors and windows, the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli with its pink walls, and the small church of Sant’Antonio almost entirely carved into the rock. Don’t forget to taste one of the many delicious cheeses that are produced here thanks to the social dairy cooperative. Finally, if you love street art, head to Dualchi, a small town in the Media Valle del Tirso, which has made murals its historical memory. The façades of the houses and walls in fact tell of everyday gestures such as elderly gentlemen sitting in the piazzetta or women in black dresses engaged in household chores. The entire historic centre is also decorated with small artistic details reminiscent of Spanish art.
Explore the mining heart of central Sardinia
In Lula, a small municipality in the Nuoro area, there is the Sos Enattos Mine, which since 1868 was engaged in the extraction of silver and galena minerals of which these territories were rich. It experienced many vicissitudes during the years it was open, so much so that it was the last mine in the Nuoro area to close in 1996. Today it is a splendid jewel for fans of industrial archaeology and is part of the Parco Geominerario della Sardegna, sponsored by UNESCO. Immersed in the beautiful natural landscape of Montalbo, wells, laverie and other structures that were used during the activity are still well preserved at Sos Enattos. Not far from here are two other mines, Guzzurra and Argentaria, and their respective villages. Sos Enattos is such a quiet place that in 2019 a research laboratory was inaugurated, which will be able to house the Einstein Telescope, a facility created to investigate the origin of the Universe. To learn more about industrial architecture and combine it with the pleasure of outdoor activities, visit the Funtana Raminosa area of Gadoni, between the Barbagia di Belvì and Seui, an important mining site set in a stunning natural environment.
Discover the secrets of longevity in Ogliastra’s Blue Zone
The term Blue Zone is used to indicate territories in the world that are particularly long-lived; there are five zones worldwide and only one in Italy: the areas in Sardinia that correspond to Ogliastra, some towns in Barbagia, such as Fonni and Oliena, and Seulo in Southern Sardinia. In Ogliastra, the Blue Zone villages are Perdasdefogu, Villagrande Strisaili, Arzana, Talana, Baunei, Urzulei and Ulassai. What do all these villages have in common? An unspoilt, wild nature perfect for exploring and breathing ‘good’ air every day and a delicious gastronomy characterised by genuine, local ingredients such as olive oil, pecorino cheese, good red wine, little meat and local vegetables. Visit these villages to take a slow journey away from the hustle and bustle of the island’s most famous towns and seaside resorts. Here you will spend most of your time in contact with nature and the locals, who you can ask what they think is the secret of longevity.
