Central Sardinia

Oliena

The quaint historic centre of Oliena (about 4 miles from Su Gologone), amid cobblestone streets and ancient houses, you will easily meet elderly ladies who still wear the su hustumene, the traditional garb. Dorgali is fervent with tourism and craftsmanship: do pay a visit to the leather ateliers and the goldsmiths workshops, famous for manufacturing filigree.

Visit the hamlet of Tiscali, hidden inside a cave in the rugged mountains between Oliena and Orgosolo, the Corbeddu cave, where the pristine skeleton of a 5,000-year-old Queen was found.

Between Oliena and Urzulei, Su Gorropu is the biggest canyon in Europe: the Flumineddu river runs through it, among walls reaching the height of 500 metres (1,640 feet). Simply unmissable.

The country seat of Barbagia, nearby Nuoro was called the “Athens of Sardinia” because of the many intellectuals (poets, writers, sculptors, musicians and legal experts) who livened it up, wanting to promote the redemption of the island after centuries of colonial subordination. Visit many of the museums in Nuoro including the outstanding Ethnographic Museum which presents the story, the traditions and the folk costumes of the entire island.