Environment

The dominant feature of Sardinia East Land is nature. In an area where the population density is amongst the lowest, mountain and coastal environments are welcomed, embellished by the variegated scent of myrtle and rosemary and the intense colours of the wild peonies.  It is a land of longevity, one of the very rare Blue Zones in the world. This area is traversed by gushing streams, fresh springs and placid rivers whilst being peppered inland by deep and spectacular caves. A multitude of environmental ecosystems coexist in the province of Nuoro, with its ponds, evergreen forests, pastures and steppes, canyons and sea caves. 

A large extent of the Barbagia and Ogliastra territories falls within the National Park of the Bay of Orosei and Gennargentu whilst the Nuorese and Baronia areas are largely protected as part of the Regional Natural Park of Tepilora, Sant’Anna and Rio Posada. Together with the municipalities of Montalbo, this area has become a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Reserve. This recognition emphasises the heterogeneous nature of the territories and the plant and animal species, along with their interaction with humans and the local culture in particular. Orani, Guzzurra Sos Enattos and Funtana Raminosa are sites of the Geological and Mining Park, also recognised by UNESCO.

This is a highly varied territory, characterised by peaks and plateaus in the hinterland, limestone massifs and granite peaks, typical rocky plateaus known as ‘tacchi’ in Ogliastra, along with a flat area along the coast, passing through the crevices opening up between the sea and the hills. 

Such rocks are real natural monuments from the famed Cala Goloritzè to the Scala San Giorgio in Osini, along with the Texile in Aritzo, being limestone formations in the most incredible shapes. Such wonders are to be explored on foot, trekking amongst ancient holm oak woods along pathways that meander through enchanted undergrowth, where Mediterranean scrub emits its fragrant aroma.

Along the walls that lead straight to the sea, where the climate is even warmer, is an extent of olive trees (some dating back thousands of years, such as those of Santa Maria Navarrese), mastic, juniper and carob. The Gennargentu is the largest mountain complex in Sardinia, with peaks reaching the same heights as the Punta La Marmora (1834 metres). On clear days, it is possible to see all of the coasts around the island from here! The massif constitutes the central body to which the surrounding Barbagia mountains are connected, extending over the nearby Supramonti before leading down into the sea, forming the Gulf of Orosei, the Mediterranean’s wildest stretch of coast.

The main waterways in Eastern Sardinia extend from Gennargentu and include the Cedrino to the north and the Flumendosa to the south. The first descends along streams to form splendid gorges through eroded rock; the second runs some 122 kilometres and is the second largest river in Sardinia, flowing within a canyon into the Barbagia, until reaching the coastal alluvial plain that flows into the sea. North of Bitti are the Tirso streams, traversing Sardinia from east to west.

The Supramonte in Orgosolo bears the only intact forests in Italy, replete with arbutus and juniper bushes. Here, mushrooms abound. Spring is resplendent as peonies, gentians and wild orchids all bloom. Safeguarding this incredible heritage are state-owned forests, such as the Badde Salighes in the territory of Bolotana. 

This magical environment is characterised by the impervious profiles of jagged rocks and the bold tones of the silvery-grey rocks, the green of the scrub and the turquoise of the sea. Overhead soar the majestic golden eagle, the peregrine falcon and the Eleonora’s falcon as they admire these wonders from up high. Typical birds of prey include the Sardinian goshawk and the buzzard. Smaller than their continental cousins, the wild mammals include foxes, wild boars, hares, European mouflons, European pine martens, least weasels and dormice. Quite unusual is the presence of wildcats, possibly imported by the Phoenicians. The local streams are also home to the typical trout known as the “Trota Macrostigma”.

The typically-Mediterranean climate along the coast grows increasingly cold and rainy in the hinterland. Here, at over 700 metres, it often snows during winter, with a marked difference throughout the cycle of the seasons.
The sheep feed on the green pastures, resulting in some of the tastiest cheeses in the world, including the Fiore Sardo, Pecorino Sardo and Pecorino Romano. So good is Sardinian lamb that it has been awarded IGP (being Protected Geographical Indication) recognition for its unique characteristics. Amongst the agricultural treasures are the grapes from which the Cannonau wine is obtained, the truly rare Pompia citrus fruit typical of the Siniscola zone and a Slow Food presidium, along with the Fagiolo di Tiana, a particular legume grown in the Tiana area.