Things to do in Bultei
Things to see in Bultei, Sardinia: Fiorentini forest and the Su Tassu yew grove, Sa Fraigada park, Nuraghe Tilariga and San Saturnino church.
We are gathering the first experiences for this area. Check back soon, or tell us about an operator you know.
Bultei (Urtei in Sardinian) is a village in the Goceano, in north-central Sardinia, its houses arranged in a horseshoe on the slopes of the Rio Tortu valley, a tributary of the Tirso. Behind it lie some of the finest forests in the north of the island, such as Fiorentini and Sa Fraigada, while down on the plain are the San Saturnino hot springs. It is perfect if you love woods, hiking and nuragic archaeology.
What to see in Bultei
Fiorentini forest and Su Tassu
The Fiorentini state forest is one of the few original mountain forests left in northern Sardinia, with chestnut, holm oak, downy oak and other oaks. Next to the little church of the Madonna di Fatima a wide view opens over the valleys, and from here a trail leads to Su Tassu, a grove of yews, ancient trees that are rare on the island.
Sa Fraigada and Monte Paidorzu
Along the "road of the peaks" towards Pattada lies Sa Fraigada park, ringed by yews, with the small church of San Francesco and Santa Chiara. Reforested Monte Paidorzu is reached on easy trails.
Nuraghe Tilariga
Nuraghe Tilariga towers above the village: a central tower with a three-tower bastion, built between the 15th and 11th centuries BC. The area also has the Sas Presones giants' tomb and the Su Coveccu dolmen.
San Saturnino di Usolvisi
About 7 km from the village, the 12th-century Romanesque church of San Saturnino di Usolvisi is built of red trachyte on the foundations of a nuraghe and was given to the Camaldolese monks. Nearby are the spa and the free thermal pool of Su Anzu.
The village
The centre keeps 19th-century townhouses and several churches, including Santa Margherita, San Pietro, Sant'Antonio Abate and the Madonna dell'Altura, known as Sa Cresiedda.
Things to do in Bultei
- Hiking in Fiorentini, Su Tassu, Sa Fraigada and on Paidorzu.
- The scenic road of the peaks by car, motorbike or bike towards Pattada.
- Thermal bathing in the San Saturnino area.
- Archaeology visits to Nuraghe Tilariga and the giants' tombs.
Further down you will find the hikes offered by local operators: choose your route and book.
History
The area has been inhabited since the Neolithic and is rich in nuragic remains: a bronze votive boat with a deer's head found here is now in the National Archaeological Museum in Cagliari. The present village probably arose shortly before the year 1000; nearby stood the village of Usolvisi, with a Camaldolese convent. In the Middle Ages Bultei belonged to the Anela district in the Judicate of Torres, later passed to Arborea and, after the battle of Macomer, became a royal fief.
Food and local products
Bultei is a sheep-farming village: pecorino and lamb are the core of its cooking. Its signature craft is high-quality cork, worked by local artisans.
Festivals and traditions
Religious life revolves around the village churches and the country chapels, such as San Saturnino and the Madonna dell'Altura. Bultei is the birthplace of Francesco Bande, an important figure in Sardinian music.
Nearby
- Anela, with Forest'Anela and the Sos Furrighesos necropolis.
- Benetutti and its hot springs.
- Bono and Monte Rasu.
- Burgos, with its castle and the Museum of Sardinian Castles.
Getting there and when to go
Olbia, with airport and port, is about an hour and a half's drive away; Alghero is another option. Spring and autumn are perfect for the woods; in summer the forests offer shade and cool air.
FAQ
What is Su Tassu?
A yew grove in Fiorentini forest, reached on foot along a trail.
How long do I need for Bultei?
A day for one forest and the nuraghe; a weekend if you add the springs and nearby villages.
Is Bultei good for families?
Yes: the forests have easy trails, shady spots and plenty of nature to explore.
