Ogliastra

Stories recount that this territory was an important commercial hub and that some towns, such as Triei and Baunei were founded by coastal populations who sought refuge, while Talana, Villagrande and Urzulei lay the foundations of their society on the history of the Nuragic populations.

The numerous archaeological sites testify to the strong presence of nuragics, starting with the site of “s’Ortali ‘e suMonti” in Tortolì, where you can visit a nuraghe complex, a Domus de Janas, a tomb of the giants and two Menhirs.

The penchant for collaborating with nature, which characterizes the entire region, still persists today. In fact, especially in the summer, there are many events organized in enchanting locations surrounded by nature, such as the roast sheep festival in the forest of Villagrande Strisaili, or by the sea, as in the case of Arbatax, where every year, in the famous bay of the Rocce Rosse, it is possible to attend events such as the “Rocce Rosse Blues” or the “Red Valley Festival”. Among other events, the Lanusei Cherry Fair and the Wine Festival in Jerzu, considered the capital of Cannonau, are also worth noting.

The diverse territory of Ogliastra offers a wide range of activities and experiences to be had, both by the sea and in the mountains. You can start by immersing yourself in the crystal blue sea of Ogliastra by visiting Cea with its four kilometers of beach, or by taking a walk to Baunei, an isolated town in the Supramonte mountains that offers unforgettable views and well marked nature trails for lovers of trekking and climbing. From here you can walk to some of the most beautiful coves of the Mediterranean Sea such as Cala Luna, Cala Mariolu or Cala Goloritzé, or enjoy a truly adventurous experience like that of the Selvaggio Blu, a path created twenty years ago by joining a series of existing paths. It will connects Pedra Longa to Cala Sisine, considered among the best routes by outdoor enthusiasts and with a notable international reputation, while on the Golgo plateau it is possible to visit “Su sterru“, the deepest abyss in Europe, measuring 270 meters underground. But that’s not all. Ogliastra is considered the outdoor nature activity capital of Sardinia and it is not only the regions of Baunei and Urzulei offering hundreds of opportunities for enthusiasts; every town of this historic region has nature to discover, among them waterfalls, paths, Mediterranean scrub forests and granite and limestone mountains.

Between an excursion in the mountains and a dip into the blue of this incredible sea, you may get a little hungry; you can then enjoy a dish of Culurgiones, a traditional fresh pasta filled with Ogliastra, or a prosciutto sampler from Arzana, Villagrande Strisaili or Urzulei. We are talking about naturally seasoned products – thanks to the fresh mountain air as per tradition – with a glass of Cannonau to accompany it all. Mouth-watering. 

Ogliastra is all of this. It is history, legends, nature, traditions and authentic cuisine. Could this by why it is considered one of the few blue zones in the world?