Cagliari and South-East · Città metropolitana di Cagliari

Things to do in Burcei

Things to do in Burcei, Sardinia's cherry village: hiking in the Sette Fratelli park, nuraghi, goat cheese, festivals and travel tips.

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We are gathering the first experiences for this area. Check back soon, or tell us about an operator you know.

Burcei is a mountain village in south-east Sardinia, perched at over 600 metres on the eastern slope of Monte Serpeddì, in the heart of the Sette Fratelli massif. From the village you can see all the way to Cagliari and Poetto beach, yet it still feels like a shepherds' hamlet. Known as the "village of cherries", it's perfect if you love forests, hiking, honest food and peace and quiet.

What to see in Burcei

The old village

Burcei grew around the spring of sa Mitza de su Salixi, the centre of community life until the late 20th century. Traditional houses cluster around three small squares.

Parish church of Nostra Signora di Monserrato

Built in 1886 to a design by Cagliari architect Gaetano Cima, it has an unusual octagonal plan, a neoclassical façade and a slender bell tower that rises above the rooftops.

Nuraghi

People have lived here since the Bronze Age. The nuraghi (Bronze Age stone towers) scattered across the hills include Bruncu su Entosu, Bruncu sa Moddizzi, de su Attu, Dom'e s'Orcu, sa Serra and su Nuraxi.

Things to do in Burcei

Burcei is a natural gateway to the Sette Fratelli park, one of Sardinia's largest forests and home to Sardinian red deer and mouflon. The best experiences are outdoors:

Hiking in the Brabaisu valley among holm oaks and alders, and in the ancient Tuviois woods.
Walks to the Rio Cannas gorge, with waterfalls, granite walls and oleanders.
Wildlife watching and nature photography, especially at dawn and dusk.
Farm visits to taste goat's and sheep's cheeses.

Browse the activities offered by local operators just below: guides, excursions and tastings.

History

The hills around Burcei were already inhabited in the Nuragic age. In the Middle Ages the area belonged to the Giudicato (medieval kingdom) of Cagliari; after 1258 it passed to Pisa and in the 14th century to the Aragonese, who granted it as a fief to the Carroz and later the Osorio families. The present village, however, was founded in the late 17th century by shepherd families who came mainly from Sinnai, Settimo San Pietro and Villasalto. The name probably comes from the Sardinian burrei, "herd of oxen". Feudal rule ended in 1839.

Food and local products

Burcei's cherries are famous across the island. Don't miss the goat's and sheep's cheeses, cured meats and semolina bread baked in wood-fired ovens. Herding is still the backbone of the local economy, and goat is the star of the local table.

Festivals and traditions

Cherry festival: in June, at the height of the harvest.
Santa Barbara: feast in early June.
Sagra de sa pezza de craba: in August, dedicated to goat meat.
Nostra Signora di Monserrato: the patron saint's feast on 8 September.

The village is also known for the San Gregorio-Burcei hill-climb car race.

Nearby

Sette Fratelli park: forests, trails and wildlife.
Sinnai: known for rush basket weaving and a gateway to the park.
Dolianova: the Romanesque cathedral of San Pantaleo.
Villasimius and the south-east coast: the nearest beaches, about an hour's drive.

Getting there and when to go

Burcei is less than an hour's drive from Cagliari, via Sinnai or San Gregorio. Cagliari-Elmas airport and the port of Cagliari are the closest gateways. The best time is May to June, when the woods are green and the cherries ripe; autumn is great for hiking too. In summer the village stays cooler than the coast.