Things to do in Sinnai

Sinnai is a sizeable town in the Campidano plain, about 15 kilometres from Cagliari, sitting at the foot of Monte Serpeddì and the Sette Fratelli ("Seven Brothers") mountains. It has two sides: an old centre of traditional Campidanese courtyard houses, historic churches and a strong craft heritage, and a huge territory that runs all the way to the sea at Solanas, on the scenic coast road to Villasimius. It suits hikers looking for wild nature close to the city, lovers of crafts and village festivals, and anyone after a quiet base between Cagliari and the south-east coast.

What to see in Sinnai

The old town

The centre is a web of narrow lanes lined with Campidanese houses, built around inner courtyards with large arched gateways. Look out for the 19th-century town hall and the old cavalry barracks, now home to the town museum. The town's coat of arms recalls the old square of Funtana 'e olia, the "olive-tree fountain".

The churches

The parish church of Santa Barbara, in Catalan Gothic style, holds marble altars, wooden statues, silverware and an altarpiece by the painter Giovanni Angelo Puxeddu. The former parish church of Santa Vittoria is even older, mentioned in a document from 1141. Sant'Isidoro, San Bartolomeo and Sant'Elena are also worth a look.

The Sinnai museum

Housed in the former cavalry barracks, the museum combines an art gallery, with works from the 16th century to the present, and an archaeology section spanning the Neolithic to the Middle Ages. Finds include objects from the Santa Itroxia nuraghe (a Bronze Age stone tower), the small Nuragic temple of Bruncu Mògumu and Phoenician-Punic pieces such as a figurine of the god Bes.

The Pineta and the Sette Fratelli

Just outside town lies the Pineta di Sinnai, a large conifer forest that locals have used for walks and picnics since the early 20th century. Further east the land climbs into the Sette Fratelli–Monte Genis park, with peaks over 1,000 metres, holm-oak and cork-oak woods and the Corongiu lake.

Things to do in Sinnai

Sinnai is one of the easiest gateways to the mountains of south-east Sardinia, and the best experiences happen outdoors:

• Hiking and mountain biking in the Sette Fratelli and the Mont'e Paulis and Minniminni forests, where you have a good chance of spotting Sardinian red deer, golden eagles and peregrine falcons.
• Family walks in the shady Pineta, pleasant even in summer.
• Sea days at Solanas: swimming, snorkelling along the rocks, and boat or kayak trips along the coast towards Villasimius.
• Crafts: Sinnai is known for baskets woven from rush, gold filigree jewellery and richly decorated women's costumes.

Right below this guide you'll find the hikes, boat trips and other experiences offered by local operators in and around Sinnai: pick the one that suits you and book it directly.

Beaches of Sinnai

Sinnai's coast is over 30 kilometres from the town, at the seaside village of Solanas on the coast road from Cagliari to Villasimius.

Solanas beach

A long stretch of golden sand between two headlands, with water shading from green to blue. The centre slopes gently, so it works well for families, while the rocks at either end attract snorkellers. Behind the beach stands the small church of Santa Barbara di Solanas.

History

People have lived here since the Neolithic: the area has around fifty nuraghi and several Bronze Age villages, plus 7th-century BC Phoenician traces at Bruncu Mògumu. The village first appears in records in 1089, when the ruler of the Giudicato (medieval Sardinian kingdom) of Cagliari gave land to monks from Marseille; Benedictine and Camaldolese monks later introduced new farming methods. After Pisan rule, Sinnai passed to the Aragonese in 1324 and became a fief within the county, later marquisate, of Quirra. Depopulation, taxes and plague weighed on it for centuries, until feudalism ended in 1839 and it became a self-governing town. In the 20th century Sinnai grew into one of the largest towns around Cagliari.

What to eat and buy

The food is classic Campidano fare: malloreddus (small semolina dumplings), stewed mutton, home-baked bread, pecorino cheese and almond sweets. The countryside grows grapes, olives and almonds, so olive oil, wine and honey make good souvenirs. The most typical keepsake, though, is a hand-woven basket, the symbol of Sinnai's craftsmanship, or a piece of filigree jewellery.

Festivals and traditions

• Santa Vittoria, in the second half of June: a procession through the old town with the local band and, during the festival, the sa tundidroxia fair celebrating sheep shearing, with tastings of local dishes.
• Santa Barbara, the patron saint, in early December, with religious rites and shows in the square.

Sinnai's traditional women's costumes, rich in fine fabrics and jewellery, appear at the main parades and processions.

Nearby

• Cagliari, about 20 minutes away: the Castello quarter, Poetto beach and the flamingos of Molentargius.
• Villasimius, about 20 minutes from Solanas: Capo Carbonara and some of the south's most famous beaches.
• Burcei, a mountain village in the Sette Fratelli, reached by the scenic San Gregorio road.

Getting there and when to go

The nearest airport is Cagliari-Elmas, about 25 minutes by car, and Cagliari port is about 20 minutes away. The town is easy to reach from the city via Quartucciu, while Solanas lies on the coast road to Villasimius. Spring and autumn are perfect for hiking in the Sette Fratelli, with mild weather and green woods; summer is the season for the beach at Solanas and village festivals, starting with Santa Vittoria in June.

Frequently asked questions

Does Sinnai have a beach?

Yes: the municipality reaches the coast at Solanas, over 30 kilometres from the town, on the road to Villasimius.

How many days do you need for Sinnai?

Half a day covers the old town and museum; add a day for a hike in the Sette Fratelli and an afternoon at Solanas beach.

Is Sinnai good for families?

Yes: the Pineta is great for walks and picnics with children, and Solanas beach has shallow sections with fine sand.