Surrounding

 Driving along the SP 19 from Cuglieri to Santu Lussurgiu you can explore the natural and unspoiled landscapes of Montiferru area. Through hairpin bends and altitudes you will reach a path that leads to the ruins of an Old Castle (Casteddu Etzu): from here you will enjoy a breathtaking view over the valley to the Alghero coast of Capo Caccia.

Driving through a holm and oaks forest, direction to S. Lussurgiu village (about 6 km) you will reach the park of Saint Leonardo of Siete Fuentes, famous for its seven sources of fresh water flowing into an oasis of peace and silence. In this small village located at 700 mt above sea level there is a Romanesque church belonging to the order of Knights of Malta and all around you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the time flowing and the slow rhythms of nature.

Driving straight down the SP 15 to Bonarcado, the waterfall “Sos Molinos” (The Mills) can be reached by a short walk along an old stone path surrounded by greenery. In the middle of a suggestive gorge and surrounded by a naturalistic environment, the waterfall takes its name from the presence of numerous hydraulic mills that were located along its course. From a height of 30 mt the Molinos river flows at great speed creating a natural collections of water surrounded by orchids, daisies and wild cyclamen.

What about an immersion in local culture and traditions by visiting the small villages of the Montiferru area?
Driving along the SS 292 (Occidentale Sarda) you will reach the enchanting medieval village of Bosa dominated by the majestic Castle of Malaspina. The colourful houses surrounding the Castle characterize the oldest part of the town famous for coral fishing and craftsmanship as well as for its textile handcraft: fine tablecloths, curtains and embroidered bedspreads.
Walking in the narrow streets of the town you will find many jewelry and ceramics shops and buy typical souvenirs. Don’t miss a nice walk along the Temo river which is the only navigable river in Sardinia. Along the river banks you can admire the old Tanneries symbol of the wealth and culture of the past still surviving today in the homonymous Museum.

Driving 20 minutes south from S’ Archittu towards Cabras you cross the Sinis peninsula which looks like a strip of sand joining the land to the sea. It was here that all began: starting from the Nuragic to the Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman civilizations that can be traced in the ruins of Tharros (ancient Roman colony) and the archaeological remains of Mont’e Prama site. This last site is the discovering place of the famous statues of Giants collected and exhibited in the Civic Museum of Cabras.
A journey inside Sardinian history discovered through the ashes of its ancestors.   

Driving to the north from S’Archittu to Abbasanta, at about 30 km you will reach the magical and mysterious archaeological area of Santa Cristina with its Nuragic village and its holy Well.
An architectural masterpiece whose steps lead the visitors down to the belly of the earth.
A place of religious rites and pilgrimages related to the cult of water but also an astronomical observation site: Santa Cristina’s Well is full of positive magnetic fields that attract many visitors especially during the equinoxes when the sun and moon perfectly illuminate water in the bottom reflecting the shadows turned upside down on the wall.

An unforgettable experience to get in touch with Sardinian culture is to let yourself be carried by the scents of the land and the flavours of its food.
This geographic area is rich of many culinary specialities and organic products: the extra virgin oil from Seneghe for example, awarded as a national excellence, or the precious red Ox meat that you can taste always in Seneghe. Bottarga (the Mullet roe) is another excellence of this area, also called the Cabras Gold because is fished in its ponds; the oranges from Zerfaliu, the thorny artichokes grown around the Oristano land (DOP brand), the artisan bread from Villaurbana, the typical Mostaccioli (soft sweet bread) from Oristano etc…
Among the excellences in the wine field stands out the famous Vernaccia wine from Oristano (DOC brand), a white wine aged for at least 5 years in chestnut and oak barrels that give it an amber colour; Malvasia wine (DOC brand) from Bosa, a dry white wine that goes well with desserts and aperitifs.