Sardinia between Nuraghi, Museums and Nature Parks

Nuraghi and Museums

Su Nuraxi di Barumini is considered Sardinia’s best-known example of a Bronze Age defensive complex of the Nuraghe type. Its settlement dates from the construction of the Nuraghe in the 2nd millennium BC to the 3rd century AD. The Nuraghe Nolza is also one of the largest and best-preserved prehistoric monuments in central Sardinia. Its central tower is now about 13 metres high and overlooks a village settlement covering two and a half hectares. So the focus here is not only on individual structures, but also on the scale of a settlement.

In Cagliari, the National Archaeological Museum displays more than 4,000 objects spanning almost 7,000 years, from prehistory to the Early Middle Ages. The Cittadella dei Musei, the largest museum complex in Cagliari and Sardinia, offers a different perspective on architectural history. Its exhibition spaces incorporate Roman cisterns, Spanish fortifications and Piedmontese prisons. The two museums have distinct focuses: the National Archaeological Museum’s collection spans a wide period, while the Cittadella incorporates historic architectural features into its spaces.

Weaving Traditions and Mining History

Samugheo, in Mandrolisai in the Province of Oristano, is a Sardinian centre for carpets, tapestries and traditional clothing. The weaving tradition has been passed down there for centuries. The Murats regional museum displays textile works from across Sardinia. Every year, Tessingiu showcases Samugheo’s textile tradition with a specialist exhibition and trade fair. Local food products are also part of the town’s character: Samugheo is known for pecorino, good wine and breadmaking; in October, a folk festival celebrates bread. Before your trip, check the current dates for the annual Tessingiu specialist exhibition and trade fair, as well as the bread festival.

Porto Flavia reveals another side of the island’s history. The system consists of tunnels cut into the mountain, one above another. Minerals were transported through them from the shafts to ships anchored off the Pan di Zucchero roadstead. Today, a visitor route explores the history of mining technology. In north-western Sardinia, Open Mar – Miniera Argentiera also focuses on mining: the open-air museum is set among decommissioned facilities, an uninhabited village and the sea.

Trails, Forests and Wildlife Watching

The Tepilora Regional Nature Park covers almost 8,000 hectares of forests, trails and waterways, stretching from the mountains of Barbagia to the coastal wetlands. The Torpè–Monte Nurres route ends at a trail accessible only on foot and equipped for wildlife watching; from there, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Monte Tepilora, the Rio Posada valley, the Siniscola plain and the sea. The Rio Posada has a meandering course unique in Sardinia and is used by canoeists and birdwatchers.

The National Park of the Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu brings together peaks, pastures, plateaus, gorges, ancient forests, sea cliffs, caves and beaches. Trails in the park offer opportunities for trekking and mountain biking. The Rete Escursionistica della Sardegna also offers trails suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced hikers. The trail at Punta Giglio offers another perspective: nine multilingual information panels and a Braille panel explain the vegetation, history, wildlife and geomorphology.

Islands and Coast

A public sea connection to Asinara Island is operated by Compagnia di Navigazione Delcomar on the Porto Torres–Cala Reale route; schedules vary by season. Visitors arriving by ferry at Cala Reale can get information there from guides and visitor centres about possible activities and visits in the national park. In Zone B of the marine protected area, diving, swimming, sailing or rowing, snorkelling, authorised commercial fishing and fishing tourism are permitted. Check the current regulations for this zone before your visit.

The La Maddalena Archipelago National Park covers more than 20,000 hectares of land and sea, with 180 kilometres of coastline and more than 60 islands; its seabeds offer opportunities for diving. At Cala Brandinchi, the water remains very shallow for several dozen metres. There are also rocky areas with marine fauna and opportunities for snorkelling. If you’re looking for a hotel in Sardinia, it’s best to first decide whether you want to focus your trip mainly on museums and archaeological sites, hiking trails or coastal activities. This lets you choose a base for your trip according to the experiences that matter to you.

Discover more destinations: Cagliari, Carbonia-Iglesias, Medio Campidano, Nuoro, Ogliastra, Olbia-Tempio, Oristano, Sassari

For the full travel overview: Italy.