Things to do in Buddusò
Things to do in Buddusò, Sardinia: Nuraghe Loelle, Ludurru necropolis, granite sculptures, plateau woodland and the springs of the Tirso.
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Buddusò is a town of around 3,500 people in the Monte Acuto, set at about 700 metres on the plateau that bears its name in north-east Sardinia, roughly an hour's drive from Olbia. This is granite country, quarried here for decades and shipped worldwide, with cork and holm oak woods and the springs of the Tirso, the island's longest river. Summers are cool and breezy, with nights that never feel muggy. It's the right place if you love nature, Nuragic archaeology, open-air art and a break from the heat of the coast.
What to see in Buddusò
Nuraghe Loelle
About 7 km from town, on the road to Bitti, stands Nuraghe Loelle, a three-lobed nuraghe with internal corridors on two levels, flanked by two small giants' tombs. It's the best-known prehistoric monument in the area.
Ludurru necropolis and domus de janas
Just 200 metres from the centre, the Ludurru necropolis groups tombs carved into a single huge granite outcrop. The area counts dozens of domus de janas (prehistoric rock-cut tombs), such as the Borucca tomb, and more than thirty nuraghi. At the Sos Muros village an ancient well is still intact.
Old town and art in granite
In town you'll find the parish church of Santa Anastasia, the Iberian-influenced church of San Quirico and the church of Sant'Ambrogio. Look out for the neo-Gothic Villa Doneddu and a few Art Nouveau and eclectic townhouses. Along the streets and in the Museum of Modern Art are granite and wood sculptures created during the Wood and Granite Symposium, which brought international artists to Buddusò from the 1980s to 2000; many façades are decorated with murals.
Things to do in Buddusò
The plateau is perfect for trekking, mountain biking and horse riding among cork oaks, holm oaks, downy oaks and scrub of rockrose, strawberry tree and heather. Hikers can head for Punta Sa Jone, the highest peak in the area at over 1,000 metres, or seek out the Tirso springs on the slopes of Punta Pianedda. The plateau roads host special stages of the Rally Italia Sardegna. Check out the experiences offered by local operators just below and book your adventure on the plateau.
History
The area has been inhabited since the Neolithic and is dense with Nuragic sites. In Roman times it was a station on the road between Karalis (Cagliari) and Olbia, and the settlement of Caput Tyrsi stood near the Tirso springs. In the Middle Ages Buddusò belonged to the Judicate of Torres, then passed to the Doria family, the Crown of Aragon and the Téllez-Girón, before the Savoy arrived in 1720. In the 20th century granite and cork quarrying drove its growth.
What to eat and buy
The cooking reflects sheep and cattle farming: sheep's cheese, meat and traditional shepherds' dishes. Buddusò is also known for woodwork and carpentry, appreciated beyond the island, and for items in cork and granite.
Festivals and traditions
- Santa Reparata, on the first Monday of September, at the country church of the same name.
- Patron saints' feasts of Sant'Ambrogio, San Quirico and Santa Anastasia, three consecutive days in September.
Nearby
- Su Romanzesu, a Nuragic village-sanctuary in Bitti's territory, less than 15 km away.
- Pattada, famous for its knives, and the Monte Lerno forest.
- Alà dei Sardi, on the same granite plateau.
- Olbia and the beaches of the north-east coast, about an hour's drive.
Getting there and when to go
The nearest airport and port are in Olbia, about an hour by car; Alghero-Fertilia airport is further away. From Olbia you head towards Monti and then climb onto the plateau. The best time is from late spring to early autumn: in summer the cool plateau is a great escape, and the main festivals fall in September.
FAQ
Is Buddusò near the sea?
No, it's an inland mountain town: the nearest beaches are around Olbia, about an hour's drive away.
How long do you need for Buddusò?
One day for the town, Loelle and Ludurru; two if you want to add Su Romanzesu and a hike on the plateau.
Is Buddusò good for families?
Yes: the cool climate, the woods and easy-to-reach nuraghi are perfect for children too.
