Places in Sardinia: Centre Sardinia

The true soul of Sardinia lies in its undiscovered and somehow distant inland territory: Centre Sardinia is perceived as the wild green heart of the island.HOTEL Centre Sardinia Scattered old villages are surrounded by an almost untouched wildlife that makes this territory unique. This is true Sardinia, less popular, slightly rough and yet authentic and proud. The main towns and areas of Nuoro, Oristano and Ogliastra show three different landscapes. A mountainous landscape spreads along the province of Nuoro with a group of massifs among which is the mount of Gennargentu, peaking at Punta La Marmora (1,834 m above sea level) and including the Gennargentu and Golfo di Orosei National Park, home of some rare species of mammals like mouflons, wild boars or golden eagles. Particularly interesting is the Barbagia area where most of the traditions are proudly maintained. Its Carnival celebrations, during the months of January and February, attracting anthropologists from all over the world, fully recall the shepherd heritage with scaring parades featuring ancestral fights between man and nature and the uninterrupted cycle of life and death. Grotesque and horrid masks of still unknown origin but clearly representing oxen, sheep and goats parade in a tiresome allegoric dance succumbing to men's power and strength. Sardinian prehistoric origins are greatly testified by the Nuragic settlement of Tiscali with its megalithic edifices in the typical shape of a truncated conical tower. The shepherd traditions and roots are to be found in the many small villages of the area like Fonni, the highest Sardinian village, Tonara, Orgosolo, the latter famous as well for its mural paintings, expression of deep social discontent and isolation.HOTEL Centre Sardinia The eastern coastal area, namely the province of Ogliastra, is characterized by overhanging cliffs hiding and protecting spellbinding places like Cala Mariolu, Cala Goloritzè or Cala Luna coves. These places are to be visited and thouroughly enjoyed; access is only possible by boat from Cala Gonone or through a couple of hours trekking down to a very beautiful path. The state road SS 125 leads you to the high plain of Supramonte, starting point for great excursion itineraries. The whole area is very popular among free climbers and excursionists with the most visited spots being Perda 'e Liana or Su Gorroppu, the deepest European canyon. Also, you should not miss places like the Pedra Longa, a natural monument located eight km from Santa Maria Navarrese, a popular seaside resort. The western coastal area, namely the province of Oristano, is mainly flat with some gorgeous wet areas like the Penisola del Sinis or the lagoon of Cabras, permanent home of pink flamingos and other marshy birds. In the same area the archaeological site of Tharros, a Punic city founded in the 8th century BC. Oristano is the main city of the area, although Bosa with its typical multicoloured houses and medieval citycentre is certainly a spot not to be missed.