Centre and South
Activities in Orosei:
The Supramonte is located just 30 kms from Orosei. It is a mountain range with sharp limestone cliffs, plateaus, gorges, steep walls, forests, caves, springs and deep canyons. Hiking is an amazing way to truly appreciate Sardinia’s natural beauty and to discover its hidden gems, such as the Gola di Su Gorroppu and the nuragic village of Tiscali.
The Gola di Su Gorroppu is the largest canyon in Europe, and can be reached by following different routes. The mountain pass of the Genna Silana, set at just 4 km away (access upon payment), is considered to be the most beautiful and suitable for inexperienced hikers too.
The wild and unspoilt environment features amazing wildlife you have probably never gotten the chance to see before, such as wild boars, mouflons, foxes, dormice, sparrow hawks, golden eagles and Eleonora’s falcon. There are routes for all levels of fitness and eagerness with unforgettable natural scenery to behold; find further information on the official website of the municipality of Urzulei: https://www.comuneurzulei.it/index.php/vivere/cultura/20
The Nuragic Village of Tiscali is located in the area of Dorgali, the heart of Supramonte. It can be reached from two different trekking paths: Scala di Surtana or Valle di Lanaittu. The latter is the most popular. It only takes a couple of hours to get to the nuragic site, although it is a steep path, which is best explored with experienced guides, that requires an appropriate equipment and water supplies. The ruins of the ancient village are located within a sinkhole whose entrance is obtained through a large breach in the wall (admission is on payment). Further information can be found on the institutional website of the municipality of Dorgali: http://www.enjoydorgali.it/en/places-to-visit/archeology/item/683-nuragic-village-of-tiscali
The marvellous natural Oasis of Bidderosa covers 860 hectares, stretching up to the northern shoreline of Berchida beach (in the area of Siniscola), where visitors can go hiking or on a guided tour to Monte Tuttavista or to the ponds of Berchida, Bidderosa and Sa Curcurica. It is also possible to rent canoes and bicycles or sun umbrellas and loungers. The access by car and motorbike is limited and subject to payment. All necessary information can be found on this website: https://www.oasibiderosa.it/
Activities in Villasimius:
Villasiumius is a maritime town that offers holidays full of history and nature. An excursion to the Monti dei Sette Fratelli is an excellent way to explore the wildest and most authentic Sardinia. The park is characterised by unspoilt nature, endemic wildlife, and centuries-old forests. Here is the link to the official website of VIllasimius: https://www.villasimius.com/i-monti-dei-sette-fratelli/
Don’t miss a boat trip to the famous Marine Protected Area of Capo Carbonara, including the island of Cavoli, the island of Serpentara and Notteri beach (pink flamingos’ habitat). Equipped with swimsuit and snorkel, discover the breathtaking seascape. The natural area can be reached by boat and the official website of Villamius suggests daily boat trips: https://www.villasimius.com/fiore-di-maggio/ and sailing trips for snorkellers: https://www.villasimius.com/matilda-ii/ Adventure-seekers can hire a boat and organise their own journey like a real sea dog: https://www.villasimius.com/villasimius-servizi-nautici-e-noleggio/.
Sardinia is an island with Christian traditions, and Villasimius hosts an important religious event: the Madonna del Naufrago, which is held on the third Saturday of July in memory of all the sailors who perished off Capo Carbonara. During the event, the statue of the Virgin Mary is carried to the port during a procession and the next morning the priest dives into the sea to pay homage to the submerged statue of the Madonna, to whom flowers are offered by all those standing on the quay. Read more about the event here: https://www.villasimius.com/madonna-del-naufrago/
It is possible to join the religious ceremony by reaching the statue of the Virgin Mary by boat and also to dive to ask for her protection: https://www.villasimius.com/la-festa-della-madonna-del-naufrago
