Not only sea: 10 places not to miss in Sardinia
If you think to Sardinia, the first image that comes to mind is that of its splendid sea with its long white sandy beaches. For those who do not stop at the first impression, the island offers much more, a historical heritage of undeniable value, one of the richest food and wine traditions in Italy and unique landscapes that only a millennial land like the Sardinian one can offer. Here are 10 places (of the heart) to visit absolutely during your trip to Sardinia outside the most famous seaside tourist destinations.
1) Temple of Antas (Fluminimaggiore)
In the municipality of Fluminimaggiore, a few tens of km from Iglesias, stands a Roman-Carthaginian temple among the best preserved in the entire Mediterranean. Dedicated to the Sardinian god Sardus Pater Babai (Sid Addir for the Carthaginians), it stands in a vast archaeological site consisting of a nuragic village and necropolis, within a well-kept park.
To discover more visit the site http://startuno.it/
2) Orgosolo
In the heart of Barbagia stands one of the most typical villages of Sardinia. Cradle of archaic traditions, in the center of a territory of great attraction for trekking enthusiasts, Orgosolo is a museum town, known above all for the murals that line the streets of the town center. Scenes of everyday life, posters of political struggle and much more enrich the streets of the country attracting thousands of visitors every year.
Discover more on http://www.visitaorgosolo.it/
3) Porto Flavia (Iglesias)
Porto Flavia is one of the jewels of mining architecture that the Sulcis Iglesiente area offers. Born as a port of departure for the transport of mineral material extracted in the nearby mines, the structure overlooking the blue sea of the south-western coast of Sardinia, offers an unmissable view and a complete immersion in the mining history of Sardinia. Absolutely to visit.
To planify your visit: http://www.visitiglesias.comune.iglesias.ca.it/it/vacanza/biglietteria-online/
4) The source of Su Gologone (Oliena)
With an average flow rate of 500 liters of water per second, it is the most important source in Sardinia. In the territory of Oliena, in the province of Nuoro, the source is located within a vast park of great naturalistic and geological interest. An area in which to be able to take cool on hot summer days.
5) Su Nuraxi (Barumini)
The Nuragic village of Su Nuraxi is located in the Barumini area, in the Medio Campidano area, about 50 km from Cagliari. Unesco heritage site, it is one of the largest nuragic villages in Sardinia. Consisting of a central four-lobed nuraghe and the surrounding village, the site allows visitors to delve into the mysterious and ancient history of the Nuragic civilization.
Discover more on: http://www.fondazionebarumini.it/it/area-archelogica-su-nuraxi/
6) Nora (Pula)
The archaeological ruins of Nora arise in the tourist town of Pula, about 30 km from Cagliari. Located on a promontory overlooking the splendid south-western coast of the island, Nora was an important center first for the Punic then for the Romans. As evidence of this, the ruins of the ancient city suggest the splendor of the past, theater, spas, temples, patrician villas, all in excellent condition, in a unique location.
Website: http://nora.beniculturali.unipd.it
7) The Giara (Gesturi)
The Giara is a basaltic plateau located in the territories of the municipalities of Gesturi, Tuili, Genoni and Setzu, about 50 km from the capital. This fascinating area is home to the famous Giara horses, a unique breed found only in Sardinia. The landscape is breathtaking, dominated by cork oaks, paulis, temporary marshes that quench the thirst of the horses, and by a dense Mediterranean scrub. An essential destination for walks during every season of the year.
Website: https://www.parcodellagiara.it
8) Neptune's grotto (Alghero)
In the promontory of Capo Caccia, a few km from Alghero, we find a splendor of nature, the cave of Neptune. It is a karst formation that runs for several km underground, accessible to the public only a few hundred, where you can admire the works of nature formed over millennia. Stallatites and stalagmites create a unique natural cathedral. Access to the caves is possible by sea or through a long panoramic staircase that winds its way into the promontory.
To discover more visit the site: http://www.grottedinettuno.it/
9) Sa Spendula (Villacidro)
In the municipality of Villacidro, halfway between Oristano and Cagliari, we find Sa Spendula, a waterfall consisting of three jumps, among the most important in Sardinia. Praised by Gabriele D’Annunzio himself in the homonymous poetry that he discovered during his stay in Sardinia, Sa Spendula is the ideal destination to cool off on hot summer days, walking in his well-kept park.
Website: https://www.sardegnaturismo.it/it/esplora/sa-spendula
10) Archaeological park Santa Cristina (Paulilatino)
In the municipality of Paulilatino, in the province of Oristano, there is one of the most important archaeological complexes on the island. The site consists of two parts, the well temple, the sacred well dating back to the Nuragic era and a single tower nuraghe, some elongated stone huts of uncertain dating and a nuragic village of which only a few outcrop elements are visible . A suggestive area to immerse yourself in the past of the Nuragic civilization in a park of cork oaks and Mediterranean scrub.
Website: https://pozzosantacristina.com/